Important Notice: You are welcome to visit our exhibit hall during building hours. Click here for details.
To view our upcoming programs please visit our Calendar.
For our free online nature program series Virtual Nature Explorers please click here.
LIVE OWL TOURS
Pre-registration is required.
Visit the five rehabilitated owls that call SNC home. Learn about the different owl species, reasons why they each live in captivity, their different personalities, and get your owl questions answered. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Space is limited. Register early as spots may fill before the day of the program.
Ages: 3 – Adult
$3 for all participants
Fri, Sep 4, 6 – 7 pm,
Fri, Sep 18, 6 – 7 pm,
Fri, Oct 9, 5:30 – 6:30 pm,
Sat, Oct 17, 4 – 5 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Sep 4, 6 – 7 pm
Click here to register for Fri, Sep 18, 6 – 7 pm
PHOTO WALKS WITH PHOTO CLUB
Pre-registration is required.
Guided hikes with TNS Photo Club. Meet in the parking lot. Bring your camera and dress for the weather.
Ages: All
TNS Member: Free | Non-Member: $2
Saturdays, Sep 5, Oct 3 & Nov 7, 8 am – 10 am
Click here to register for Sep 5
HOMESCHOOL NATURE CLASSES
Pre-registration is required.
For homeschool children and a free parent partner. Fee is per child.
TNS Member: $6.50 | Non-Member: $8.50
Animal Adaptations for Ages 5 – 10 on Wed, Sep 9, 10 am – 12 pm
Each animal has unique built-in tools to help it survive. These adaptations allow wildlife to thrive in their niche or “get the job done”. Compare some of their adaptations with tools people use for survival, meet a couple of the nature center’s live animals, and look for animal and plant adaptations on a trail hike.
Click here to register
Animal Homes for Ages 5 – 10 on Tues, Sep 22, 10 am – 12 pm
All wild animals require food, water, shelter, and space to survive. We will focus on the importance of shelter for wildlife. Many kinds of animal homes will be explored both with indoor examples and observations on the trail..
Click here to register
Tree Identification for Ages 5 – 10 on Thur, Oct 15, 10 am – 12 pm
Learn some tricks to tell one tree from another. Deciduous or evergreen? Broad or needle leaved? Find out how trees are used by people and wildlife. As a special treat, each participant will receive a mini-plant press and learn how to preserve leaves.
Click here to register
Nature & Math for Ages 5 – 7 on Wed, Nov 11, 10 am – 12 pm
What shape are the cells of a beehive? What is the most common color of fallen leaves? Can you measure the circumference of a tree? Math is the language of science and it can be used to discover and explore nature.
Click here to register
Nature & Math for Ages 8 – 10 on Wed, Nov 11, 10 am – 12 pm
What shape are the cells of a beehive? How do you estimate the number of deer in an area? Can you measure the diameter of a tree? Math is the language of science and it can be used to discover and explore nature.
Click here to register
MONARCH MADNESS
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 6 – Adult
TNS Member: $5 | Non-Member: $7
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. Participants will assist staff in the tagging and release of live monarchs to further research about this fascinating butterfly. Adults must register and remain with their children for the duration of the program.
FIRE CIDER – ZOOM DEMONSTRATION
Pre-registration is required.
Fire cider is a delicious, spicy brew of nourishing herbs in apple cider vinegar, usually sweetened with honey. The idea is to include herbs that nourish the immune system and fight pathogens, and that are just plain tasty. Join us from the comfort of your own kitchen while we prepare a batch of fire cider together. Pick up the herbs of your choosing and join in the fun, or just follow along and take notes to make your own brew in the future. Herbalist Lea Pfeifer will teach about the basics of fire cider, variations on the theme, the history of the recipe and the recent controversy around the name. Upon registration, you will receive a materials list and information on how to join the Zoom demonstration.
Ages: Adult
Fee: $5; TNS Member Fee: $4
Click here to register
BLOOD DRIVE AT SNC
Local patients need you. Please make an appointment to donate blood on Wednesday, September 16th and help us impact over 100 lives in our community. COVID Antibody Testing will be performed on all successful donations.
WALK WITH A NATURALIST
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 3 – Adult
Free Admission (Donations Appreciated)
Take a relaxing walk on the SNC trails through various natural communities. Get answers to your nature questions. Adults should remain with their children.
WHICH WAY IS NORTH
Pre-registration is required.
Join us as we explore tools to help you navigate through the outdoors. We will discover how to use topographic maps and compasses to keep us from getting lost, play compass games, and use compass skills on a special course. Dress for the weather. Adults must register and remain with their children for the duration of the program.
Ages: 9 – Adult
TNS Member: $5 | Non-Member: $7
KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS
Pre-registration is required.
Each session includes a nature story, hike, activities, craft & snack.
Ages: 2 – 4
TNS Member: $11 | Non-Member: $14
(Adult partner and babes in arms are free)
What Lives Under A Log
Thur, Sep 24 & Fri, Sep 25, 10 – 11:30 am
Enjoy this September program that explores Log Life. Let’s hike through the woods and find out what lives under a log. We will roll over some logs to explore the life that exists there. Bug boxes will be used to collect some of the animals. Children will have an opportunity to take an up-close look at worms and other small animals that live under the logs.
Click here to register for Thur, Sep 24
Click here to register for Fri, Sep 25
Squirrels
Thur, Oct 22 & Fri, Oct 23, 10 – 11:30 am
Enjoy this October program that explores squirrels and all they are doing to get ready for winter. Our naturalists will discuss squirrels with the class and take children out to the trails to observe some of their busy activities.
Click here to register for Thur, Oct 22
Click here to register for Fri, Oct 23
Turkeys
Thur, Nov 19 | Fri, Nov 20, 10 – 11:30 am
Enjoy this November program that explores turkeys. They are not only good to eat but fun to learn about! On a hike, children will hunt for the well-camouflaged turkeys along the trails.
Click here to register for Thur, Nov 19
Click here to register for Fri, Nov 20
SCOUT IT OUT
Pre-registration is required.
Fee: $10 per scout
Scouts: come and complete your nature-related badge or adventure at SNC! You can register as an individual scout, den, pack or troop. All or most requirements are met (the badge itself is not included). Please dress for the weather. Leaders or chaperones are free and must remain for the program as per BSA and GSA policy. Please note that refunds are not available for these programs.
Daisy : Eco Learner
Sat, Sep 26, 10 am – 12 pm
Scouts will play a wildlife game. They will take a hike and do some close up nature observations and participate in a “What Does Not Belong” activity to learn about trash damage.
Click here to register
Webelos : Into the Wild
Sat, Oct 17, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Webelos are invited to complete this nature-related adventure! They will observe four or more wild animals along the trails and describe their locations and behaviors. Webelos will explore migration and bird flyways. They will learn about the Kirtland’s Warbler – a bird with very specific nesting requirements, study food chains and the importance of aquatic ecosystems.
Click here to register
Brownie : Home Scientist
Sat, Nov 14, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Brownies will use simple items to conduct a variety of science experiments. The exciting results will help them discover the fun of science.
Click here to register
Bear : Fur, Feathers & Ferns
Sat, Nov 21, 9:30 am – 12 pm
While hiking one mile, Bear Cub Scouts will search for six signs of animals and plants, observe wildlife and use a magnifying glass to examine plants. They will discover facts about endangered and extinct animals and learn about composting.
Click here to register
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!.
Click here to register
LITTLE ACORNS
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 2 – 4
TNS Member: $3 | Non-Member: $5
Children will explore the sights and sounds of nature through outdoor activities. This program takes place outside, except in the event of inclement weather. Bring strollers that are sturdy enough for a wood-chip trail. The adult partner is free and must accompany the child throughout the program.
Wed, Sep 30, 11 am – 12 pm
Click here to register
Sat, Nov 7, 11 am – 12 pm
Click here to register
VOLUNTEER FOR CLEANUP DAY
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 14 – Adult
Fee: Free
Sat, Oct 3, 9 am – 12 pm
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. Check the website, www.stagenaturecenter.org, or call 248.688.9703 for more information.
NATURE EXPLORERS
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: All (best for 5 & up)
TNS Member: $4 | Non-Member: $6
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. Adults must register and remain with their children.
Fall Scavenger Hunt
Sat, Oct 17, 1:30 – 3 pm
In October, 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 fall out on the trails of the Stage Nature Center. Dress for the weather.
Click here to register
Friday the 13th Night Hike
Fri, Nov 13, 6:30 – 8 pm
In November, we will explore Friday the 13th which is a day people have had superstitions about in the past. There are also many superstitions concerning nighttime and nature. Join us to discover some of these and learn the real truth about natural happenings at night as we hike the nature center trails. We will also gain information about wild animals associated with night. Dress for the weather.
Click here to register
TRICK OR TREAT AMONG THE TREES
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 3 – 9 (Fee is per child)
TNS Member: $10.50 | Non-Member: $13.50
Sun, Oct 18, 2 pm, 2:30 pm, 3 pm & 3:30 pm (Please attend at your assigned start time)
Halloween doesn’t have to be ghastly and frightening; it can be a fun and friendly celebration! Put on your costume and come out to hike the woodland pumpkin trail. Children will learn some secrets of the forest, receive treats, meet costumed characters and much more. Dress for the weather! The free adult partner must accompany children throughout the program.
NOTE: New this year, to maintain social distancing, families will hike the trail on their own and not with a guided group.
Click here to register for 1 pm
Click here to register for 1:30 pm
Click here to register for 2 pm
Click here to register for 2:30 pm
PUMPKIN SCIENCE
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 8 – 11
TNS Member: $10 | Non-Member: $13
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!
OWL PROWL – MEET A LIVE OWL
Pre-registration is required.
Ages: 5 – Adult
TNS Member: $10 | Non-Member: $12
Sat, Nov 21, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Have you heard the trill and whinny of the Eastern Screech-Owl or the deep, soft hoot of the Great Horned Owl? On the 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.
WATCH THIS SPACE – MORE NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS COMING SOON!