Barn Critters
Who lives in a barn? It’s not just the usual farm animals! Small wild animals also use the Nature Center’s big barn. Meet real farm animals and learn about their favorite foods. Pet our gentle pony, furry bunny and a goofy goat. Then explore the area in search of the wild animals that find food and shelter in various nooks and crannies. Ages 4-7.
Oregon Trail & Its Wild Wonders
Students will choose which possessions to take in the limited space of a covered wagon. They will experience walking a dusty prairie trail and have the thrill of encountering new plants and animals. A team building game will help them cross an imaginary river.
Ages 6-10.
Fossil Hike
Fossil seashells and corals in Michigan? You bet! Learn how fossils are formed and why we find them here. Hike to the Nature Center’s gravel pit and search for these buried
treasures from ancient times. Ages 6-10.
Wonderful Wetlands
Hike to a marsh or river bottomland and learn about some fascinating wetland plants and animals. Then catch some amazing critters from a pond or stream and observe their
adaptations to a watery world. Ages 6 and up.
Pioneer Chores and Child’s Play
Life on a 19th century Michigan farm was hard work, but children did have time to play! Youngsters will do chores at a log cabin and explore an old farm house. Then they can test their wits with some old fashioned puzzles and try their big muscle skills with hoops and stilts. Ages 6-10.
Survival Skills
If your children were lost in the woods, would they know what to do? We’ll help your kids learn basic “lost proofing” skills, including how to make a shelter and how to lay a fire. We’ll also practice basic map and compass reading. Ages 8-12.
Incredible Insects
They live underwater, inside logs, and on top of leaves. They pollinate our favorite flowers, and they even make yummy treats! Some use blood for food, others prefer nectar. Watch them up close and learn why insects are great to have around! All ages.
Forest Family Album
Meet some giant trees, then look for the secret hiding places of the small creatures that live in our wonderful forest. Learn how animals use trees in all stages of a tree’s life. Ages 6-10.
Nature Games
Active games with a nature theme provide engaging learning experiences. Topics include birds, water, trees, and more. Available for groups of 50+. Ages 8-12.
Birds of Prey: X-Men of the Wild, Super Heroes of the Sky
Explore the super powers of birds of prey and learn how they survive in the wild. Meet a live bird of prey! All ages. Check out our web site for other programs with live birds of prey!