Important Notice: Our exhibit hall is open during building hours with implementation of health and safety guidelines. Click here for details.
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.
Maple Syrup Time
Take a guided hike through the sugar bush of the Stage Nature Center! Discover how maple trees make sugar and people through the ages have harvested it. This outdoor, interactive program highlights natural and local history of our region. Learn how people processed maple sugar in the past and see similarities in the collecting, boiling and drawing off maple syrup today. New this year, to maintain social distancing and follow pandemic guidelines, small groups will be guided along the trail and participate in activities to learn more about maple syrup making. This will be an all-outdoor program. There will be maple syrup and maple cream to sample and a “take-home” children’s craft. Shop for Michigan-made maple syrup, cream, and more sold by the Troy Historic Village.
Tours last approximately 1 hour and start every quarter hour between 9 am and 3 pm.
Children under 4 are free
Children ages 4-12 years: $6
Teen & Adults: $9
TNS & THS Members: $6
Photo Walks
Troy Nature Society Photo Club volunteers will lead a guided tour through the Stage Nature Center. Meet in the parking lot at the nature center by 8 am and bring your camera. All ages are invited. Dress for the weather as the walk takes place entirely outdoors.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
Ages: All
Fee: $2; TNS Member Fee: Free
Click here to register for Mar 6
Click here to register for Apr 3
Little Acorns
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 wish to bring children in strollers or sleds sturdy enough for a wood chipped trail.
Ages: 2-4 years
Fee: $5/child; TNS member Fee: $3/child
The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Homeschool & School Enrichment Nature Class
For homeschool children and a free parent partner. Or, as science enrichment for children attending school (virtually or in-person) and a free parent partner.
Ages: 5-10 years
Fee: $8.50/child; TNS Member Fee: $6.50/child
Maple Syrup
Follow the path from summer sunshine to sweet syrup and discover how nature’s food factories (leaves) produce sugar through photosynthesis. Students will also participate in several trail side demonstrations while learning about the basics of sugar bush operation and forest ecology.
Click here to register for Maple Syrup on Mar 11
Log Life
Discover the life cycle of a tree. Peer into the hidden and mysterious life of a log and discover the wide variety of critters that live there. Insects, sow bugs and slugs are just a few of the many residents we will search for and observe using bug boxes as we hike!
Click here to register for Log Life on Apr 13
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. For example, a young frog is mostly an herbivore while the adult is a carnivore. Spring is a time many animals are born so we will hike the trails looking for animals in various life cycle stages.
Knee High Naturalists
Each Knee-High Naturalist session includes a nature story, hike, activities, craft and a snack. They will take a look at spring weather in April and discover new flowers growing in May.
Ages:2-4
Fee: $14/child; TNS member Fee: $11/child
Adult Partner is Free – only one adult per registered child is allowed to attend.
Terrific Trees
Children, ages 2-4, with a parent/grandparent partner will enjoy this March program that explores all the amazing things trees provide for people and wildlife. On the hike, they will look for animals using trees, discover the differences between trees and observe sap being collected to make maple syrup.
Click here to register for Terrific Trees on Mar 18
Click here to register for Terrific Trees on Mar 19
April Showers
Children, ages 2-4, with a parent/grandparent partner will enjoy this April program as they discover how changing weather affects spring happenings. On the hike, they will look for evidence of new life in spring.
Click here to register for April Showers on Apr 15
Click here to register for April Showers on Apr 16
May Flowers
Children, ages 2-4, with a parent/grandparent partner will enjoy this May program as they learn about the wildflowers that are growing on the forest floor. On the hike, they will search for new flowers and leaves starting to grow.
Scout it Out! Girl Scouts
Register as an individual scout or troop. While most badge requirements are met, the badge itself is not included. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts as per GSA policy. Due to possible continuing COVID-19 restrictions, we may not be able to allow an adult for each child attending. No refunds for this program.
Fee: $10/Scout
Cadette: Night Owl on Mar 27, 7-9:30pm
Celebrate the nighttime as you work on this badge. Meet one of Stage Nature Center’s resident owls as we discover fun facts about a nocturnal animal. Explore a nature trail both before and after dark to sense how things appear differently in the dark. Examine the night sky and learn more about stars and constellations.
Click here to register for Cadette: Night Owl on Mar 27
Brownie: Bugs on May 1, 9:30am-12pm
Brownies will learn about insects and other small invertebrates and ways they are important in the natural world. They will go on a “bug hunt” using insect nets and magnifiers and make an insect craft.
Click here to register for Brownie: Bugs on May 1
Daisy: Clover Petal on May 8, 10am-12pm
After hearing Clover’s Story, Daisy scouts will have a chance to learn more about honeybees as they play a game about them. They will make a collage craft re-using old pictures, learn about ways to use resources wisely and make a snack using honey.
Scout it Out! Boy Scouts: Tigers – My Tiger Jungle Adv.
Tigers will take a walk at the nature center to discover the sights and sounds of nature. They will learn about some of the birds in this area. Each Tiger will build a birdhouse to hang up at home.
Register as an individual scout, den or pack. While the adventure requirements are met, the badge itself is not included. Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and need to remain with their scouts. Due to possible continuing COVID-19 restrictions, we may not be able to allow an adult for each child attending. No refunds for this program.
Fee: $20/Tiger Cub (includes birdhouse kit)
“Egg”stravaganza
Celebrate Spring and the new life that is upon us! Learn about the many animals that hatch from eggs. Discover how eggs protect them as they grow. To maintain social distancing, families will take a short spring hike on their own and not with a guided group. At stops along the way, participate in egg games and activities. Dress for the weather. Free adult partners must accompany children.
After registering, each family will be assigned a specific start time a few minutes apart from each other within your session to maintain social distancing. Please attend at your assigned start time.
Ages: 4-10
1 pm Session – 1 pm – ~2:15 pm
Fee: $13/child; TNS Member Fee: $10/child
Click here to register for 1pm
Click here to register for 1:30pm
Spring Break Hike
Staying home for spring break and looking for things to do? How about a spring walk at the Stage Nature Center? It is a great family activity. We will search for early wildflowers, new tree growth, birds, squirrels, and other critters large and small. Dress for the weather – the plants and animals will be out rain or shine! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
Ages: 3-Adult
Fee: $6; TNS member Fee: $4
Walk with a Naturalist
Check out spring happenings as you take a relaxing walk through the various natural communities at the Stage Nature Center. Exploring our 100 acre preserve with a naturalist will give you an opportunity to discover things that you may not have noticed before! Along the way, the naturalist will answer your nature questions and introduce you to fun facts about the plants and wildlife sighted.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages: 3- Adult
Fee: Free; DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Nature Explorers
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.
Age: Recommended for Ages 5 & up; All ages welcome
Adults must remain with their children. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
TNS Member Fee: $4; Non-Member Fee: $6
Spring Migration
Join us in April to discover the variety of animals that migrate. From birds to bats and butterflies, we will explore what causes animals to move from one place to another as we hike the trails in search of migrating wildlife.
Click here to register for Spring Migration
Wildlife Babies
Join us in May as we discover the lives of wildlife babies born in late spring. On the hike, we will search for nests, burrows and other evidence of new life. We may even spot some baby animals!
Woodcock Walk
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 Stage Nature Center 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.
Ages: 7-Adult
Fee: $7; TNS Member Fee: $5
Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day with us by discovering ways you can help our world! There will be a series of activities, projects, information, and games to learn about recycling, pollution, native plants, and helping wildlife. To maintain social distancing, families and small “bubble” groups will move through activities on their own and not with a large group. Dress for the weather as most activities will be outside. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
After registering, each family or “bubble” group will be assigned a specific start time a few minutes apart from each other within your session to maintain social distancing. Please attend at your assigned start time.
Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $9; TNS Member Fee: $7
Click here to register for 1:30pm
Click here to register for 2pm
Invasive Plant Removal & Spring Clean Up Day
We are seeking volunteers (ages 14-adult) 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.
Groups welcome to participate.
Ages: 14-adult
Check our website, or call the SNC office at 248.688.9703 for more information.
Herb Walk
Herbalist Lea Pfeifer will take you on a walk to explore edible and medicinal plants found on the SNC grounds. She will give tips on how to identify the plants and ways they can be useful to people. Bring your notebook, sketchbook and/or camera if you’d like.
Age: All
Adults must register and remain with their children.
TNS Member Fee: $4; Non-Member Fee: $6; Under 10 years: Free
Spring Bird Hike
Spring migration is in its peak and brings with it a spectacular opportunity to see several amazing birds. Some of the birds will be summer residents; others will be just passing through on their trip north. Join us as we hike the trails and look for our migrating feathered friends. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. All experience levels welcome.
Age: All
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each participant must enroll and pay the fee.
TNS Member Fee: $4; Non-Member Fee: $6
Intro to Geocaching
Learn the history and rules of geocaching, how to use the app, tools of the trade and what to look for. Discover what you need to know to get started on the world’s most popular hide-and-seek game. We will head out for one cache at the nature center. Download the free geocaching® app to your smart phone and create a username (generally an alias) or bring your handheld GPS unit to the program to look for more. This is a great introduction for scouts working on geocaching badges.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages: ALL
Fee: Free; DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Native Plant Sale
Plan to help support a healthy ecosystem by planting natives! Brendan Nolan of Plants for Ecology, www.plantsforecology.com, a producer of locally sourced native plants, will have a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and plants available for purchase. Watch for details in the summer issue of Troy Today and on our website.
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!