Click here to view the program calendar
Pre-registration is required for all programs (including free programs).
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
Mindfulness at Stage – Teen & Adult Workshop
Mon, Jun 29, 10 am – 12 pm
Ages: 11 and over (Participants ages 11 to 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult)
The Teen & Adult Workshop is designed to cultivate mindfulness exercises by bringing your attention to the natural world. During the workshop, participants will focus on nature, connect with their senses, and practice self-care in order to support mental wellbeing. This program is not intended as therapy or treatment. The workshops will take place partly outside, weather permitting – please dress for the weather and for walking on trails.
Click here to register
SCOUTS AND HOMESCHOOLS: Book your own program!
The Stage Nature Center offers a variety of programs tailored to homeschool groups and scout groups. Scouts can book a program to complete your nature-related badge or achievement. Homeschool groups can book a program to support your curriculum. To book your group’s program, call 248.688.9703 or email sarah@troynaturesociety.org.
Photo Walks by TNS Photo Club
Saturdays, Jun 6, Jul 4, Aug 1, 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 Jun 6
Click here to register for Jul 4
Click here to register for Aug 1
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. Learn what makes fish so special and play fish games in June. Butterflies – July is the perfect time of year to see and learn about these graceful insects. Animals live in different places. Find out what kind of animal homes we have at the nature center through a hike on the trails in August.
Click here to register for Fish on Thur, June 11
Click here to register for Fish on Fri, June 12
Click here to register for Butterflies on Thur, July 16
Click here to register for Butterflies on Fri, July 17
Click here to register for Animal Homes on Thur, Aug 20
Click here to register for Animal Homes on Fri, Aug 21
Little Acorns
Ages: 2-4
Tues, June 9, 11 am – 12 pm
Sat, Aug 1, 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 9
Click here to register for Aug 1
Nature Explorers: Owl Pellet Dissection & Meet a live owl!
Sat, Jul 11, 1:30 – 3 pm
Ages: All (best for 5 & up)
TNS Member: $8, Non-Member: $10
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 learn about owls and their adaptations for predation while meeting a live owl! We will get up close and personal with their feeding habits by dissecting owl pellets to discover which animals they eat. Each person will dissect an owl pellet and can take home the bones found in them. Time permitting, we will venture out to explore owl habitat on a short hike. Dress for the weather. Adults must register and remain with their children.
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 Sat, June 27, 3 – 4 pm
Click here to register for Fri, July 31, 5 – 6 pm
Click here to register for Sat, Aug 15, 4 – 5 pm
Critter Encounter
Sat, Jul 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
Wednesdays, June 10 & 24, July 15 & 29, 10 am
Ages: Recommended for ages 2-6
Fee: $5/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 10
Click here to register for June 24
Click here to register for July 15
Click here to register for July 29
Pilates at Stage
Tuesdays, June 9, July 7
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 June 9
Click here to register for July 7
Bat Walks
Sat, June 20, 8:30-10 pm
Fri, July 17, 8:30-10 pm
Fri, Aug 7, 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 20
Click here to register for July 17
Click here to register for Aug 7
Stargazing at Stage
Sat, Aug 15, 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. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Introduction to Native Plants & Natural Landscaping
Sat, Aug 29, 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
Native Plant Sale
Sat, Aug 29, 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.
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!