Important Notice: Our exhibit hall is open with implementation of health and safety guidelines. Click here for details.
Please note that Coolidge Highway will be closed to through traffic between Square Lake Road and South Boulevard between January 18, 2021 and January 31, 2021.
Click here to view the program calendar
Click here to download the Winter Programs brochure
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.
Rent-a-Maple
When you help support our sugar bush by “leasing” a maple tree your name will hang on a tree during the syrup season.
You have the choice of “leasing” a maple tree that will be tapped by your group of up to 5 participants ($50), one that that will be tapped by staff members ($40), or one that will not be tapped ($35). All tree leases include a Rent-a-Maple package that will be available for pick-up at the SNC starting on February 27. Groups tapping their own trees will be scheduled to tap on either February 27 or February 28.
Leases must be purchased by January 29. Holiday gift leases must be purchased by December 16.
Versiti Blood Drive at SNC
Local patients need you. Please make an appointment to donate blood at the Stage Nature Center on Thursday, December 3rd and help us impact lives in our community.
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 a registered adult.
Ages: All
Fee: $2; TNS Member Fee: Free
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount pricing.
Click here to register for Dec 5
Click here to register for Jan 2
Santa Visits the SNC
Santa loves to visit you at the nature center but knows that we all need to practice social distancing this year. He and Mrs. Claus will be here for a scheduled long-distance chat with each child. Bring your letter with a return address for Santa to take with him to the North Pole. He will send a letter back to you! At the visit, each child will receive the materials and directions for a special craft to make at home and a special gift bag from Santa.
New this year, to maintain social distancing, upon registering each family will be contacted and assigned a specific time to visit Santa during this session. Please attend at the time assigned. Please dress for the weather as we are planning the visit to happen outside at the nature center pavilion.
Adult partners are free and must stay with children throughout the visit.
Ages: 3-8
Fee: $12/child; TNS Member Fee: $10/child
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount
When social distancing is not possible or in nature center building, face coverings are required.
*All morning slots are sold out!*
1 pm SOLD OUT
Click here to register for 1:30 pm
Owl Prowl – Meet a live owl!
Have you heard the trill and whinny of the Eastern Screech-Owl or the deep, soft hoot of the Great Horned Owl? Join us as we 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 brave the cold and 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.
Ages: 5-Adult
Fee: $12; TNS Member Fee: $10
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount
Little Acorns for Ages 2-4
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 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.
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount pricing.
Homeschool Nature Classes
For homeschool children and a free parent partner.
Fee: $8.50/child; TNS Member Fee: $6.50/child
Birds for Ages 5 – 10
Thu, Dec 10, 10 am – 12 pm
Learn about this unique vertebrate group. What are the specific characteristics shared by all birds? How do species of birds differ from each other? Each child attending will make a bird feeder.
Click here to register
What’s the Weather? for Ages 5 – 10
Tues, Jan 12, 10 am – 12 pm
What ingredients are needed to make weather happen? There will be lots of hands-on activities and demonstrations. Students will use real scientific tools to measure weather data. Each child will make a simple weather tool.
Click here to register
Geology: Can You Dig It? for Ages 5 – 10
Wed, Feb 10, 1 – 3 pm
We will examine rocks, minerals, fossils, sand, and soil to learn how they are formed and what roles they play in our daily lives. The outdoor hike offers an opportunity to see natural forces at work.
Click here to register
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount
Walk with a Naturalist
Check out winter 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
Knee-High Naturalists for Ages 2-4
Children, ages 2-4, with an adult partner.
Each Knee-high Naturalist session includes a nature story, hike, activities, craft and a snack. In January, we will take a closer look at winter sleepers and hibernators. They will observe wildlife using the feeders in February.
Fee: $14/child; TNS member Fee: $11/child
Adult Partner is Free – only one adult per registered child is allowed to attend.
Ready for Winter
Take a look at how nature is getting ready for winter. They will talk about upcoming changes like snow and colder temperatures. They will discover some ways animals respond to these changes – storing food, growing thicker coats, going away, sleeping, etc. On the hike, they will look for animals getting ready for the cold.
Click here to register for Thur, Dec 17
Click here to register for Fri, Dec 18
Winter Sleepers
Take a look at the difference between hibernators and mammals that just sleep more than in the summer. On the hike, they will look for evidence of animals that are active throughout the winter.
Click here to register for Thur, Jan 14
Click here to register for Fri, Jan 15
Wildlife at The Feeders
Take a look at the variety of birds and mammals using the feeders at the nature center. On the hike, they will look for further evidence, like footprints of animals that are visiting the feeders.
Click here to register for Thur, Feb 18
Click here to register for Fri, Feb 19
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount pricing.
Virtual Meet The Owls
Meet the rehabilitated owls that live at the Stage Nature Center from the comfort and safety of your home. You will learn about the different owl species, reasons why they each live in captivity, explore their different personalities, and get your owl questions answered. This program will be held through Zoom. Upon registration, you will receive information on how to join the Zoom demonstration.
Each household must register for the program.
Ages: All
Fee: $5; TNS Member Fee: $4 (Fee is per household)
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER21 for discount
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 register and remain with their children.
TNS Member Fee: $4; Non-Member Fee: $6
Wildlife Tracking
Sat, Dec 19, 1:30 – 3 pm
Join us in December as we explore the trails for signs of wildlife. We will learn how to track wildlife by looking for footprints, scat, feathers, and other signs that they may have left behind. Each participant will also get to make and take home a track mold of their choosing! Dress for the weather.
Click here to register
Snow Exploration
Sat, Jan 9, 1:30 – 3 pm
Join us in January as we discover the winter wonderland on the trails of our nature preserve. Even in freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, life still goes on! We will explore life in the snow and how animals adapt to survive. This program will occur with or without snow. Dress for the weather.
Click here to register
Owl Pellet Dissection with Live Owl
Sat, Feb 20, 1:30 – 3 pm
Join us in February 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 have the opportunity to take home the bones found in them. We will then venture out to explore owl habitat on a short hike.
Click here to register
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER20 for discount
This is a family program. Each person participating must register and pay the fee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Scout It Out : Cub Scouts
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.
Wolf : Digging In The Past
Sat, Dec 19, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Wolves will discover ways that paleontologists learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals and plants. Real and replica fossils will be on hand for their exploration. They will make a fossil cast, play dinosaur games, explore replica digs, put together and enjoy a snack of edible “fossil” layers!
Fee: $10/Wolf Cub Scout
Click here to register
Webelos : Earth Rocks
Sat, Jan 23, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Webelos Cub Scouts will explore the work, training and tools of a geologist. Scouts will participate in a geology “lab” where they will identify rocks and minerals and complete their own small rock collection. They will learn how rocks, minerals, mountains and fossils are formed and how we use geology in our lives.
Fee: $10/Webelos Scout
Click here to register
Tiger : My Tiger Jungle
Sat, Apr 17, 10 am – 12 pm
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.
Fee: $20/Tiger Cub (includes birdhouse kit)
Click here to register
Winter Toddler Time
New this year, to follow pandemic guidelines, pre-registration is required.
A weekly gathering of parents/caring adults and children for some relaxed winter fun! Each themed session includes indoor activities for toddlers with games, crafts, puzzles, books, and children’s music. Take a self-guided hike on the SNC trails. Tea for parents & hot chocolate for the toddlers. The theme this session is fish.
Fee: $3/child
Adult Partner is Free – only one adult per registered child is allowed to attend.
Click here to register for Jan 6
Click here to register for Jan 13
Click here to register for Jan 20
Click here to register for Jan 27
Click here to register for Feb 3
Click here to register for Feb 10
Stargazing at Stage
Join Warren Astronomical Society member Marty Kunz as he leads you on a journey deep into the winter night sky. We will explore winter constellations, deep space objects and other astronomical phenoma. In an effort to keep everyone safe during this time, we are requesting you bring your own telescope. We will not be providing telescopes at this time. Marty will help you learn the ins and outs of your telescope. This program will occur regardless of the sky conditions. Dress for the winter weather.
This is a family program; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Ages: 8-Adult
Fee: $8; TNS Member Fee: $6
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER21 for discount
This is a family program. Each person participating must register and pay the fee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Live Owl Tours
Join us on this tour to visit the 5 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.
Ages: Recommended for ages 3- Adult
Fee: $3
Space is limited. Registrations may fill quickly.
Tour begins promptly at 2:00 pm. There is no admittance after the tour begins. Refunds and exchanges are not available.
Click here to register for Jan 23
Click here to register for Feb 20
This is a family program. Each person participating must register and pay the fee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Scout It Out: Girl Scouts
Register as an individual scout or troop. While the 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/Junior Girl Scout
Junior GS: Animal Habitats
Sat, Feb 6, 9:30 am – 12 pm
A habitat is the place where an animal finds what it needs to survive. Juniors will explore the wild animal habitats in our area, learn more about endangered habitats and find out how people can help to improve the places wild animals live.
Click here to register
Cadette GS: Night Owl
Sat, Mar 27, 7 – 9:30 pm
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
Brownie GS: Bugs
Sat, May 1, 9:30 am – 12 pm
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
Daisy GS: Clover Petal
Sat, May 8, 10 am-12 pm
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 reusing old pictures, learn about ways to use resources wisely and make a snack using honey.
Click here to register
Winter Wonders Walk
What’s an herbalist to do in winter? Join Lea Pfeifer to hike the yard and trails, identify food and medicines to harvest right now, and talk about the herbalist’s apothecary in winter. 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
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER21 for discount
This is a family program. Each person participating must register and pay the fee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Love in the Animal World
Why not spend some of your Valentine’s Day discovering how animals attract others of their species? Do they sing a special song? Flash a signal? Display a specific color? Dance? Fluff out feathers? Attract with a scent? Pick a great homesite? After we look at a variety of the ways that animals attract each other, we will go for a relaxing walk on our trails. We will also share a valentine’s snack. As a special treat, meet some of the nature center’s live animals. Dress for the winter weather.
Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each person participating must enroll and pay the fee.
Ages: 10-Adult
Fee: $8; TNS Member Fee: $6
TNS Members: Use Promo Code MEMBER21 for discount
This is a family program. Each person participating must register and pay the fee. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Maple Syrup Time
Plan on taking a hike through the sugar bush of the Stage Nature Center on one of these three days! Discover how maple trees make sugar and people harvest it.
This family-friendly program highlights the natural and local history of our region. Tour includes activities to learn more about syrup making.
This year’s program will be adapted to meet guidelines necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic. Please find further information about program registration at stagenaturecenter.org and in the Spring issue of Troy Today.
Saturdays, March 6, 13 and 20
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!