Click here to view the program calendar
Pre-registration is required for all programs (including free programs).
Mindfulness at Stage Teen & Adult Workshops
Ages: 11 and over (participants ages 11 to 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult)
Fee: Free (These program offerings will be available at no cost to participants, made possible through the generosity of local funders, contingent upon continued funding.)
Come develop your mindfulness practice with mindfulness facilitators from Corewell Health and Henry Ford Health along with naturalists from the Troy Nature Society. Each workshop is designed to cultivate mindfulness exercises by bringing your attention to the natural world. The workshops will take place mostly outside—please dress for the weather and walking on trails.
Click here to register for April 13
Click here to register for May 4
Photo Walks by TNS Photo Club
Saturdays, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 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 Mar 7
Click here to register for Apr 4
Click here to register for May 2
Click here to register for Jun 6
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. Bird Beaks – discover the amazing things birds do with their beaks. Sensing Spring – learn about our senses by searching for signs of spring like flowers, new leaves and animals waking up from their winter sleep. Froggy Adventure – come wearing sturdy boots as we will be searching for frogs, fish, and other creatures in the water.
Click here to register for Bird Beaks on Thur, Mar 19
Click here to register for Bird Beaks on Fri, Mar 20
Click here to register for Sensing Spring on Thur, Apr 16
Click here to register for Sensing Spring on Fri, Apr 17
Click here to register for Froggy Adventure on Thur, May 14
Click here to register for Froggy Adventure on Fri, May 15
Little Acorns
Ages: 2-4
Wed, Mar 25, 11 am – 12 pm
Sat, May 2, 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 Wed, Mar 25
Click here to register for Sat, May 2
Nature Explorers: Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sat, May 2, 1:30 – 3 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. In May we will use our senses to search for wildlife and signs of the changing seasons as we participate in a scavenger hunt. Join us to discover the sights, sounds and smells of spring out on the trails of the Stage Nature Center. Dress for the weather. Adults must register and remain with their children.
Click here to register for Sat, May 2
Walk with a Naturalist
Sat, May 16, 2 – 3 pm
Ages: 3-Adult
Fee: $3 (No refunds for this program)
Enjoy a guided hike with one of our naturalists through the peaceful winter forest! Experience the quiet beauty of nature as we explore frosted trees and animal tracks. Step into spring on a relaxed, guided hike with one of our naturalists. As wildflowers emerge and birdsong fills the air, we will explore spring happenings at the nature center. Pre-register online. Adults should remain with their children. Each person participating should enroll and pay the fee.
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, Mar 27, 6 – 7 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Apr 24, 6 – 7 pm
Click here to register for Sat, May 9, 3 – 4 pm
Critter Encounter
Sat, Apr 18, 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.
Story Time at Stage
Saturdays, Apr 18 & May 16, 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 Apr 18
Click here to register for May 16
Pilates at Stage
Tuesdays, Mar 10, Apr 14, & May 12, 2 – 3 pm
Ages: 14-Adult
Fee: Free; donations are appreciated
Pilates is for everyBODY! Join an instructor from Club Pilates Troy for a refreshing monthly mat class designed to strengthen, lengthen, and energize your body using simple yet powerful Pilates movements. All levels are welcome-no experience needed, just bring yourself and a mat! Classes will be conducted indoors.
Click here to register for Mar 10
Click here to register for Apr 14
Click here to register for May 12
Early Birds & Coffee
Sat, May 9, 8 – 10 am
Ages 14 – Adult
Fee: $5
Join the flock for a delightful morning where nature lovers and coffee enthusiasts come together to enjoy two of life’s simple pleasures—birdwatching and sipping freshly brewed coffee. We will venture into the great outdoors, coffee cups in hand, to search for local bird species in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-timer, this gathering offers a relaxing and engaging experience, combining the serenity of birdwatching with the warmth of good coffee and great company. Come for the birds, stay for the brew! We will provide coffee and pastries. Bring your own binoculars or borrow one of ours.
Woodcock Walk
Fri, Apr 10, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri, Apr 17, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Ages 7-Adult
TNS Member: $5, Non-Member: $7
A sure sign of spring is the wonderful and slightly wacky courtship display of the American Woodcock. Join us for a sunset stroll to their display area at the SNC to marvel at the dance and bizarre flights of these amazing birds. Dress in layers for warmth and wear boots for wet and muddy trails. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
Click here to register for Apr 10
Click here to register for Apr 17
Invasive Plant Removal & Spring Clean Up Days
Sat, Apr 25, 9 am – 12 pm
Ages 14 – Adult
We are seeking volunteers (age 14-adult) to help us preserve our native flora by eradicating invasive non-native plants. We’ll 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. Help us observe Earth Day by participating on this date!
Saving Songbirds
Sat, Apr 25, 3 – 4 pm
Ages 5 – Adult
TNS Member: $8, Non-Member: $10
The Bird Center of Michigan will present a hands-on educational program featuring biofacts, interactive activities, and their songbird ambassador, Martha the Mourning Dove. Participants will learn about songbird life stages, bird nests from several Michigan species, and the important work of wildlife rehabilitation. The program also covers the most common reasons birds are admitted to their center, such as window collisions, cat attacks, and nest disruptions, and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned bird. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
Introduction to Native Plants & Natural Landscaping
Sat, May 30, 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.
Native Plant Sale
Sat, May 30, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Spring 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.
2026 Run for Nature Fundraiser – Sun, June 7 at Troy Farm
Stage Nature Center 2026 Summer Camps
Due to licensing requirements at the state level, we are no longer able to accommodate full day camps and have switched to half days.
All camps are held rain or shine. Please note that the grade levels shown are for children entering into those grades the next school year.
Summer Ecology Days
Fee: $100, TNS Member Fee: $90
Give your child a special opportunity to explore the science of ecology – the study of the interrelationships between living things and their environment. Every adventure filled day will include fun interactive activities and crafts. Children will sweep for insects in the meadow, explore the forest, look for signs of wildlife along the trail and much more!
Grades: 1st – 2nd
Tues-Fri, June 16 – 19, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Tues-Fri, June 16 – 19, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Nature Adventure Camp
Fee: $100, TNS Member Fee: $90
Children will explore animals, including insects, wildflowers, and other wonders of nature. Catching and observing insects, hiking the trails, watching birds and other animals, and making crafts with a nature theme are some of the activities that will take place. Each child will take home a tool for investigating nature, such as a “bug” box or magnifying lens.
Ages: 4-5
Tues-Fri, July 21 – 24, 9:30-11:30 am
Stirring Up Science
Fee: $100, TNS Member Fee: $90
Captivate your child’s creativity this summer with our camps full of science surprises! Children will dive-in “hands first” to amazing science projects that incorporate STEM educational practices. Do not miss out on the chance to discover simple yet startling science phenomena – sign up now!
Grades: 1st – 2nd
Tues-Fri, Aug 11 – 14, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grades: 3rd – 5th
Tues-Fri, Aug 11 – 14, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Scout It Out: Cub Scouts
Fee: $11/scout
Complete your nature-related achievement! All or most requirements are met; however, the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout, den or pack. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Click here to register for Arrow of Light: Into the Wild on Sat, Feb 7, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Click here to register for Wolf: Digging in the Past on Sat, Apr 11, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Scout It Out: Girl Scouts
Fee: $11/scout
Complete your nature-related badge. All or most requirements are met; however the badge itself is not included. Register as an individual scout or troop. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. No refunds for these programs.
Click here to register for Junior GS: Animal Habitats on Sat, Feb 7, 2 – 4:30 pm
Click here to register for Daisy GS: Clover Petal on Sat, Apr 11, 2 – 4 p
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!