Photo Walks by TNS Photo Club

Saturdays, June 7, July 5, Aug 2, Sep 6, 8-10 am
Ages: All
TNS Member: Free, Non-Member: $2 (No refunds for these programs)
Guided hikes through the SNC. Meet in the parking lot by 8 am. Bring your camera. Dress for the weather.
Click here to register for June 7
Click here to register for July 5
Click here to register for Aug 2
Click here to register for Sep 6

Little Acorns

Ages: 2-4
Tues, June 10, 11 am – 12 pm
Sat, Aug 16, 11 am – 12 pm
TNS Member: $4, Non-Member: $6
Let your child explore the sights and sounds of nature through outdoor activities. This program will take place outside, except in the event of inclement weather. You may choose to bring children in strollers or sleds that are sturdy enough for a wood chipped trail. The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Click here to register for June 10
Click here to register for Aug 16

Knee-high Naturalists

10-11:30 am
Ages: 2-4
TNS Member: $12, Non-Member: $15
Children with a free adult partner, can attend one or more of the following programs. Each session includes a nature story, hike, activities, craft, and a snack. In June, learn about new Animal Babies born in early summer. In July, discover the Dragons & Damsels of the insect world. And in August, explore and find out about the Wild Dogs of our area – fox and coyote.

Click here to register for Animal Babies on Thur, June 12
Click here to register for Animal Babies on Fri, June 13
Click here to register for Dragons & Damsels on Thur, July 17
Click here to register for Dragons & Damsels on Fri, July 18
Click here to register for Wild Dogs on Thur, Aug 14
Click here to register for Wild Dogs on Fri, Aug 15

Nature Explorers: Fireflies

Sat, July 26, 8:30 – 10 pm
Ages: All (best for 5 & up)
TNS Member: $5, Non-Member: $7
Enjoy some screen-free time while exploring the natural world! Together we will participate in hands-on, outdoor experiences to investigate different nature-related topics. Join us in July as we explore one of summer’s fascinating natural light shows: fireflies! We will discover what makes them light up, participate in acting out their glowing dance, and look for them on the trails of the Stage Nature Center.
Click here to register

Walk with a Naturalist

Sat, June 14, 10:30-11:30 am
Sat, Aug 2, 10:30-11:30 am
Ages: 3-Adult
Fee: $3 (No refunds for this program)
Take a relaxing walk on the SNC trails through various natural communities. Get answers to your nature questions. Pre-register online. Adults should remain with their children. Each person participating should enroll and pay the fee.
Click here to register for June 14
Click here to register for Aug 2

Owl Encounters

Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $5
Join us on one of these tours to visit the rehabilitated owls that call the Stage Nature Center home. This tour gives you a chance to learn more about the different owl species, reasons why they each live in captivity, explore their different personalities, and get your owl questions answered. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Space is limited. Registrations may fill before the day of the program.
Click here to register for Fri, June 13, 6 – 7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, July 26, 3 – 4 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Aug 29, 6 – 7pm

Critter Encounter

Sat, July 19, 2 – 3 pm
Ages: 5 – Adult
Fee: $5
Join us to meet some of the animal ambassadors that call the Stage Nature Center home. You will learn more about the different species and get your questions answered. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Space is limited. Registrations may fill before the day of the program.
Click here to register

Story Time at Stage

Saturdays, June 14 & July 19, 10:30 am
Ages: Recommended for ages 2-6
Fee: $2/child
Come join a naturalist and enjoy a nature-themed story time and craft. Program will run approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Click here to register for June 14
Click here to register for July 19

Bat Walks

Fri, June 27, 8:30-10 pm
Fri, July 18, 8:30-10 pm
Sat, Aug 16, 8-9:30 pm
Ages: 5-Adult
TNS Member: $5, Non-member: $7
Join us to step into the world of some of Michigan’s bug busters. Discover the importance of bats as we search for them living on the grounds of the Stage Nature Center. Just one bat can consume 2,000 to 5,000 insects in one night! We will watch these acrobatic creatures swoop through the air catching insects and listen to their echolocation with a bat detector. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for June 27
Click here to register for July 18
Click here to register for Aug 16

Outdoor Yoga at Stage

Wednesdays, 6-7 pm
July 9, 16, 23 & 30, Aug 6 & 27
Ages: 12-Adult
Fee per Session: TNS Member: $4, Non-member: $6
Join us for some summer outdoor yoga at the Stage Nature Center. Whether you are an experienced yogi wanting a change of scenery or a first timer testing the yoga waters, all skill levels are welcome. Classes will be approximately one-hour slow flow with an occasional touch of Yin. Indoor space will be available in the case of inclement weather. Please bring towel, water, yoga mat, and insect repellent. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for July 9
Click here to register for July 16
Click here to register for July 30
Click here to register for Aug 6
Click here to register for Aug 27

Chair Yoga at Stage

Thursdays, June 26, July 10, 17, 31 & Aug 14, 10 – 11 am
Ages: 12-Adult
Fee per Session: TNS Member: $4, Non-member: $6
Ease into yogic flows, postures, and breathing for increased flexibility, strength, and energy. Chair yoga is a modified, gentle form of yoga that is performed either sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support. This class is ideal for you if you prefer to practice without getting down to floor level, people in wheelchairs welcome. Please bring a towel, water, and insect repellent. You are also welcome to bring ankle/wrist weights or small dumbbells if you like. Classes will be conducted either in the covered pavilion (outdoors but with a concrete floor) or indoors.
Click here to register for June 26
Click here to register for July 10
Click here to register for July 17
Click here to register for July 31
Click here to register for Aug 14

“Minecraft” Meets Nature Camp

Fri, Jul 11, 9 am-4 pm
6th-8th grades
TNS Member: $30, Non-Member: $35
Spawn into teams to craft and learn some building blocks of the natural world inspired by Minecraft’s forest biome! In this middle school program, you’ll explore real-world techniques like using natural dyes, navigating with compasses, and building shelters, all while drawing connections to the Minecraft world. Bring a sack lunch—beverages and an afternoon snack will be provided.
Click here to register

Stargazing at Stage

Sat, Aug 2, 9-10:30 pm
Ages: 8 – Adult
TNS Member: $6, Non-Member: $8
Join a member of the Oakland Astronomy Club to explore the summer night sky. We will search for summer constellations and deep space objects. Telescopes will be provided; however, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own. This program will occur regardless of the sky conditions. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Click here to register

Introduction to Native Plants & Natural Landscaping

Sat, Sep 6, 9 – 10 am
Ages: 12-Adult
TNS Member: $4, Non-Member: $5
Angela Nelson, Horticulturist at East Michigan Native Plants, LLC, will hold a workshop before the Native Plant Sale to assist you in making your native plant selections! The workshop will provide an introduction to native plants and natural landscaping concepts, discuss environmental and planning considerations, and delve into maintenance techniques, as well as take a look at some of Michigan’s most valuable wildflower and grass species.
Click here to register

Fall Native Plant Sale

Sat, Sep 6, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Fall is a GREAT time to plant!! Butterflies, bees, and birds will flock to your landscape with the addition of some of Michigan’s most-loved native plant species! Angela Nelson from East Michigan Native Plants, LLC will be bringing over 80 species of Michigan native perennial wildflowers and grasses for you to select from. Bring your pictures and plans for personal help and advice with your selections! Native Plant species information can be found at: eastmichnatives.com.

Sounds of Summer Nights

Fri, Sep 5, 7:30 – 9 pm
Ages: 5 – Adult
TNS Member: $5, Non-Member: $7
Join us to discover the different sounds made by nighttime wildlife. From singing frogs to chirping crickets, we will listen to the forest come alive at night and learn about different ways nocturnal animals communicate with each other while hiking the SNC trails.
Click here to register