Click here to view the program calendar
Pre-registration is required for all programs (including free programs). For safety during this time, please have your face covering and consider bringing hand sanitizer when you attend the program.
Owl Encounters
Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $5
Join us on one of these encounters 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 an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for Fri, June 9, 6-7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, June 24, 2-3 pm
Click here to register for Sat, July 15, 10:30-11:30 am
Click here to register for Fri, July 28, 6-7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Aug 5, 11 am-12 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Aug 26, 4-5 pm
Knee-high Naturalists
10-11:30 am
Ages: 2-4
TNS Member: $11.50 | Non-Member: $14.50
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.
Wild Dogs: And in August, explore and find out about the Wild Dogs of our area – fox and coyote.
Click here to register for Wild Dogs on Thur, Aug 24
Click here to register for Wild Dogs on Fri, Aug 25
Nature Explorers
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Sounds of Summer Nights on Fri, Aug 25, 8:30-10 pm CANCELLED
Outdoor Yoga at Stage
Wednesdays, 6-7 pm
Aug 16, 23 & 30
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 a towel, water, yoga mat, and insect repellent. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for Aug 16
Click here to register for Aug 23
Click here to register for Aug 30
Work with teammates to solve puzzles and find codes that unlock the mysteries of nature in this escape-room style outdoor adventure. This program, for students heading into 6th-8th grades, will include two different mysteries to be solved, reviewing concepts of food webs and renewable/non-renewable energy.
Introduction to Rain Gardens
Tue, Aug 22, 7-8 pm
Ages: 14-Adult
TNS Member: $4 | Non-Member: $5
Join Louise Sloan, Master Gardener, to explore rain gardens. Learn what rain gardens are and why they are important to the environment. She will provide resources to help you plan your own rain garden.
Introduction to Native Plants & Natural Landscaping
Sat, Aug 26, 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.
August Native Plant Sale
Sat, Aug 26, 10:30 am–2:30 pm
Fall is an excellent 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, (formerly Designs By Nature East, 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. To see the Native Plant Sale list with additional information including scientific name and growing conditions for each plant, please visit here: https://troynaturesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-Fall-Native-plant-sale-plant-list.pdf.
TAKING ORDERS NOW! All Pre-sale Orders must be completed by 11:59 pm on Friday, August 18th. All orders must be picked up at the Native Plant Sale on Saturday, August 26th, between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm at the Stage Nature Center, 6685 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, MI, 48098
Versiti Blood Drive
Tuesday, September 5, 2 pm-6:30 pm
Save lives in your community by donating blood at the Versiti Blood Drive.
Photo Walks by TNS Photo Club
Saturdays, Sept 2, Oct 7 & Nov 4, 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 Sept 2
Click here to register for Oct 7
Click here to register for Nov 4
Outdoor Yoga at Stage
Wednesdays, Sept 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6-7 pm
Ages: 12-Adult
Fee per Session: TNS Member: $4 | Non-member: $6
Join us for some early fall 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 Sept 6
Click here to register for Sept 13
Click here to register for Sept 20
Click here to register for Sept 27
Little Acorns
Thurs, Sep 14 & Sat, Nov 4, 11 am-12 pm
Ages: 2-4
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. Bring children in strollers 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 Thurs, Sep 14
Click here to register for Sat, Nov 4
Owl Encounters
Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $5 for all participants
Join us on one of these encounters 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 an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for Fri, Sep 8, 6-7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Sep 23, 3-4 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Oct 6, 6-7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Oct 28, 11 am-12 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Nov 11, 3-4 pm
Walk with a Naturalist
Sat, Oct 21 & Sat, Nov 11, 10:30-11:30 am
Ages: 3-Adult
Fee: $3 (No refunds)
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 Sat, Oct 21
Click here to register for Sat, Nov 11
Knee-high Naturalists
Ages: 2-4
TNS Member: $11.50 | Non-Member: $14.50
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. Discover the exciting lives of reptiles in September. Explore the colors and happenings of the autumn harvest season in October. Learn all about white-tailed deer in November.
Click here to register for Reptiles on Thur, Sept 21, 10-11:30 am
Click here to register for Reptiles on Fri, Sept 22, 10-11:30 am
Click here to register for Colors on Thur, Oct 19, 10-11:30 am
Click here to register for Colors on Fri, Oct 20, 10-11:30 am
Click here to register for Deer on Thur, Nov 9, 10-11:30 am
Click here to register for Deer on Fri, Nov 10, 10-11:30 am
Monarch Madness
Sat, Sept 9, 10-11 am or 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Ages: 6-Adult
TNS Member: $5.50 | Non-Member: $7.50
The monarch butterflies of North America travel up to 3,000 miles during their unique two-way migration every year. September is when many of Michigan’s monarchs are beginning their journey to Mexico. We will tag and release live monarchs to further research about this fascinating butterfly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for 10-11 am
Click here to register for 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Homeschool Nature Classes
Ages: 5-10
TNS Member: $7/child | Non-Member: $9/child
For homeschool children and a free parent partner.
Animal Life Cycles – Join us as we look at the various changes different animals go through as they grow. Some young look very much like the adults while others look and act differently. We will hike the trails looking for animals in various life cycle stages.
Click here to register for Animal Life Cycle on Wed, Sept 6, 10 am-12 pm
Pumpkin Science – We will observe and explore pumpkins with some interactive science experiments. Do they float? How far does one roll? We will determine which parts of a pumpkin have the most density, compare pumpkin weights, make some pumpkin catapults and much more. Come dressed to get messy!
Click here to register for Pumpkin Science on Wed, Oct 18, 10 am-12 pm
Bird Marvels – Learn about this unique vertebrate group and the adaptations they have to help them survive. What are the specific characteristics shared by all birds? How do species of birds differ from each other? On the trail, we will observe birds using their built-in adaptations.
Click here to register for Bird Marvels on Wed, Nov 15, 10 am-12 pm
Nature Explorers
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
Click here to register for Fall Migration on Sat, Sep 16, 8-9:30 am
Click here to register for Nature’s Harvest on Sat, Oct 14, 1:30-3 pm
Click here to register for Terrific Turkeys on Sat, Nov 4, 1:30-3 pm
Fall Clean Up Day
Sat, Sept 23, 9 am-12 pm
Ages: 14-Adult
Fee: Free
We are seeking volunteers to help us preserve our native flora by eradicating invasive non-native plants. We will also work to improve the nature trails and clean up the grounds. Work gloves, old clothes, and “old fashioned elbow grease” are recommended. Bring a kneeling pad, if desired. Check the website, www.stagenaturecenter.org, or call 248.688.9703 for more information.
Owl Prowl – Meet a Live Owl
Sat, Nov 18, 4:30-6:30 pm
Ages: 5-Adult
TNS Member: $10 | Non-Member: $12
Have you heard the trill and whinny of the Eastern Screech-Owl or the deep, soft hoot of the Great Horned Owl? On each Prowl, we will immerse ourselves into the nighttime world of the owl and discover what makes them so unique. We will first meet one of our resident owls up close and personal. Then we will prowl the trails to listen and look for these elusive raptors that call the grounds of the Stage Nature Center home. Be sure to dress for the weather. This is a family program; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Trick or Treat Among the Trees: A Parent and Child Autumn Adventure
Sun, Oct 29, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm
Ages: 3-9
TNS Member: $11.50/child | Non-Member: $14.50/child
Halloween doesn’t have to be ghastly and frightening; it can be a fun and friendly outdoor celebration! Put on your costume and come out to hike the self-guided woodland trail. Children will learn some secrets of the forest, receive treats, meet costumed characters and much more. Dress for the weather! For children with an adult. The free adult partner must accompany children throughout the program. Families will hike the trail on their own and not with a guided group. Please attend at your assigned start time.
Click here to register for 1:30 pm
Click here to register for 2:00 pm
Click here to register for 2:30 pm
Click here to register for 3:00 pm
Scout It Out! Girl Scouts
Scouts: come and complete your nature-related badge or achievement! All or most requirements are met; however, the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout, den, pack or troop. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Fee: $11/scout
Click here to register for Daisy-Outdoor Art Maker on Sat, Oct 7, 10 am-12 pm
Click here to register for Brownie-Outdoor Art Creator on Sat, Oct 7, 1:30-4 pm
Scout It Out! Cub Scouts
Scouts: come and complete your nature-related badge or achievement! All or most requirements are met; however, the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout, den, pack or troop. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Fee: $11/scout
Click here to register for Webelos-Into the Woods on Sat, Oct 14, 9:30 am-12 pm
Click here to register for Bears-Fur, Feather & Ferns on Sat, Nov 18, 9:30 am-12 pm
Click here to register for Wolf-Digging in the Past on Sat, Dec 16, 9:30 am-12 pm
Indigenous Arts using Plant and Animal Mediums
Tues, Oct 17, 6:30-8:00 pm
Ages: 16-Adult
TNS Member: $8 | Non-Member: $10
Learn about Indigenous arts using plant and animal mediums such as hair and hide, fish skin, porcupine quills, birch bark, corn husks, and bone. View examples of work and try a project of your own! Presented by Sage Hegdal, citizen of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation.
Honey & Apples
Sat, Sept 16, 10 am -12 pm
Ages: 6-Adult
TNS Member: $7 | Non-Member: $9
Nothing says autumn like the taste of honey and apples! Discover some facts about our native Michigan bees, honeybees, and other local insect pollinators. Find out what exactly insects are and how bees make honey. Learn how beekeepers care for bees and extract honey from their hives. Use our antique cider press to make some apple cider and enjoy some cider and donuts while we make a beeswax candle. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees apply to all participants.
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!