History of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center
The Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center (SNC) had its beginnings over 30 years ago when the City of Troy and the Parks and Recreation Department purchased land for a nature center. Since that beginning, the nature center has undergone several changes and improvements.
The center originally was called the Lloyd A. Stage Outdoor Education Center and named in honor of Lloyd A. Stage Sr. a long time chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. He was instrumental in the decision to set aside the land as a natural area and as an educational facility.
The center had over 28,000 visitors last year. The center’s programs emphasize education and scientific studies, and with the completion of the new facility in 2002, the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center has become one of the premier centers in Oakland County.
The center is open year round and includes a 70-acre nature preserve and a 30-acre historic farm located off South Boulevard. The preserve has two miles of walking trails through upland forest, meadows, wetlands, and cattail marsh. The trails include benches, boardwalks and a marsh tower. The Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center is a great place to come in contact with nature. Over 145 wildlife species have been identified on site and is a place where water testing, birds, bats, and amphibian monitoring occur each year.
The headwaters of the Rouge River flow through the property and the nature center is a great place for families, individuals, and school children to learn about the importance of the environment in today’s society. Some of the premier programs that run each year are the Junior Naturalist Club, Maple Syrup Program, guided nature walks, Little Acorns, and Deer Santa. Please consult the program fliers for complete details.
The 8,200-square foot center boasts climbing boulders in front of the building, an American Mastodon dig site, children’s nature area, and an aqua wall which houses several reptile and amphibian species. Inside the center are two multi-purpose classrooms for teaching or renting out to area groups, a public research library, a beehive viewing area, a wildlife viewing area, exhibition lobby, the Cattail Cove gift shop and an office area.
The Troy Farm, located off South Boulevard, has two houses, a two level storage barn, a horse barn, and a teaching classroom that are all used for programming throughout the year.
Starting in July 2011, the Troy Nature Society (TNS), a Michigan non-profit 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt corporation, proposes to assume operational control of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. This will be a new and exciting chapter in the center’s history. If you wish more information on any of our programs or to donate to the TNS, please write us at the above address or call 248-688-9703.
