Seven Ponds Nature Center

North America’s largest rodent is alive and well, and living happily in the Detroit area. After being trapped relentlessly in the 1800’s, Castor canadensis has made a remarkable comeback. Gordon Lonie, retired Sterling Heights naturalist,…

Caryle Spence takes us on an adventure to the Galapagos Archipelago National Park and Marine Reserve. She will take us on a tour of some of the many islands, and share with us the unique…

From Late November to early February, the early French settlers of the Great Lakes Region had to find ways to entertain themselves. The celebration of the “veillee” was a popular way in which communities broke…

This first spring bird walk will take us along the center’s own trails in search of year-round resident birds and those which have already come back from the south, including sandhill cranes, ducks, swallows, eastern…

Join us for the first trip of the season out onto the ponds by canoe. We never know what we will find on our explorations, but we always have a great time. Dress warm as…

This is a wonderful time to wander the trails when the forest is green and lush and the animals are busy courting and raising young. We will explore the night as the frogs and toads…

Gather up the kids and let us take you on an underwater adventure as we scoop critters from the ponds into pans for a close-up look.

Join us for a lovely morning on the ponds by canoe. We never know what we will find on our explorations, but we always have a great time. Dress warm as it tends to be…

The summer sun draws forth the medicinal virtues of many plants that grow in field and thicket. Join herbalist Jim McDonald to explore the medicinal virtues, identification, folklore, and preparation of many of the beauteous…

Gather up the kids and let us take you on an underwater adventure as we scoop critters from the ponds into pans for a close-up look.

Late summer is a great time to poke around the ponds to see what is hopping. Migratory birds are making their way south as we look for turtles, frogs and other wildlife. Fall blooming flowers…

Some are beautiful, some will kill, and some move along on their own… We never know which mushrooms will be out but we will discover as many as we can as we walk the trails.

Come out to our tall grass prairie to learn all about the prairie and its plants while collecting seeds for your own yard or garden. Bring some paper bags and a bucket if you plan…

Come out to our tall grass prairie to learn all about the prairie and its plants while collecting seeds for your own yard or garden. Bring some paper bags and a bucket if you plan…

We will take a brisk walk around the perimeter of the North 80 to burn off some of those holiday calories.

If you would like to help count birds at Seven Ponds and Jonathan Woods for the annual bird count, please contact the nature center. Join us for the entire day or just a half day.…

Let’s meander through the fresh fallen snow on snowshoes. You can bring your own or borrow a pair from the nature center. Pre-register by calling the nature center and letting us know if you need…

Let’s take a walk to see what animals are active on this wintery afternoon.

Let’s meander through the fresh fallen snow on snowshoes. You can bring your own or borrow a pair from the nature center. Pre-register by calling the nature center and letting us know if you need…

Everyone knows about the Monarch Butterfly and its need for milkweed plants in order to survive. But many other insects and some non-insects also make their home in the milkweed community. Join naturalist and photographer…

This afternoon will be full of nature mysteries. We will learn all about tracking from; scat, tracks, and other clues. We will also make tracks to take home. This will be fun for all ages.…

We may find some elusive spring wildflowers this afternoon. We will search high and low for these beauties.

Come help us ready the Woodland Wildflower Area for the beautiful array of blossoms that will be coming our way soon. Fulfill Master Gardener Hours.

This is a wonderful time to wander the trails when the forest is green and lush and the animals are busy courting and raising young. We will explore the night as the frogs and toads…

This will be a wonderful morning spent on the water. We will see animals and flowers from our canoe vantage point. Dress for the weather. Fee: $5 per person ($3 for members) Minimum 5 years…

Day and night are equal, let’s see how plants and animals are using these photo cues.

This is your opportunity to purchase and learn about Michigan’s native plants.  There will be a large selection of woodland and prairie wildflowers along with trees and shrubs.  Knowledgeable staff will be available to answer…

There will be a variety of activities from crafts, paper making, pond exploration, insect investigations, building bird houses, trail mix station, owl pellet dissection, an Awesome Bake Sale, a Friends of Herbs’ Herb Sale, an…

This is your opportunity to purchase and learn about Michigan’s native plants.  There will be a large selection of woodland and prairie wildflowers along with trees and shrubs.  Knowledgeable staff will be available to answer…

There will be a variety of activities from crafts, paper making, pond exploration, insect investigations, building bird houses, trail mix station, owl pellet dissection, an Awesome Bake Sale, a Friends of Herbs’ Herb Sale, an…

Come out for an evening on the water. Let’s see what excitements take place as the sun is setting. Please call to preregister. Fee: $5 per person ($3 for members) Minimum 5 years old, 10…

Early morning is one of the best times to view wildlife on the lakes. Dress for the weather. Fee: $5 per person ($3 for members) Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old…

Explore the trails and wildflower area to see what’s blooming.

Come experience Seven Ponds like never before, on a Stand Up Paddle Board. This SUP class will be packed with information for beginners through advanced paddlers. Our class will begin on land learning the proper…

Come experience Seven Ponds like never before, on a Stand Up Paddle Board. This SUP class will be packed with information for beginners through advanced paddlers. Our class will begin on land learning the proper…

Come experience Seven Ponds like never before, on a Stand Up Paddle Board. This SUP class will be packed with information for beginners through advanced paddlers. Our class will begin on land learning the proper…

Learn how to sketch a detailed pencil piece by studying natural items with Naturalist Katie. Art supplies will be provided and space is limited. Cost: $5.

Reptiles are a truly misunderstood group of animals! Come join us as Tim Muxlow of Muxlow Exotics takes us across the world on a reptile discovery in this interactive, live animal presentation. Be prepared to…

Michigan is home to nine different species of bats, and they all have an interesting story. Join Chief Naturalist, Carrie Spencer, as she explores what makes a bat a bat, how they make their living,…

Have you ever picked up a rock on one of Michigan’s beaches and wondered what it was? Randy Kursinsky, president of Mid-Michigan Rock Club, offers a program that will help the everyday beachcomber discover what it…

Are you a pro at getting the perfect shot for your Instagram? Come test out your skills with other young adults ages 14-17 in a photo taking competition. The winner will receive a prize and…

The black-capped chickadee, what’s so special about it? This common feeder bird is fascinating on many levels, from their social behavior to their body language to mating. Come take a deeper look at this familiar bird.

Grab your favorite pen and a cup of coffee before you head out to immerse yourself in nature. This time will be used to rejuvenate the mind and body.

Come celebrate the coming of spring with a season themed craft or two. Fun for the whole family.

Early morning is one of the best times to view wildlife on the lakes. Dress for the weather. Fee: $5 per person ($3 for members) Minimum 5 years old to ride and 10 years old…

What does an awakened Earth hold for us? Join a Naturalist on an interpretive walk around the ponds.

Come help manage Seven Ponds property as they control non-native invasive plants. Every little bit helps to stop the spread of these invaders. This is also a great opportunity for master garden hours or for…

Ever wonder where Seven Ponds get all their stuff? What goes into creating a scientific collection? Join them as they open the doors to their collections and see things not usually on display.

Seven Ponds is partnering up again with The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail to offer this unique experience of “seeing” the Polly Ann Trail through our other senses and not just through our eyes…

Are you bored with life? Looking for something exciting to post about? Well, grab a friend or two and come out to Adventure Gang. This group will have the opportunity to do things like canoeing,…

Come help manage Seven Ponds property as they control non-native invasive plants. Every little bit helps to stop the spread of these invaders. This is also a great opportunity for master garden hours or for…

Seven Ponds in the evening is an awesome experience, especially on the water. The nocturnal animals and the setting sun make for a wondrous time. Fee: $5 per person ($3 for members) Minimum 5 years…

Golf cart tours are great for people with mobility issues who wish to see Seven Ponds. Join a Naturalist on an interpretive ride through the trails. Space is limited to 3 people per ride. Please…

Show the Earth some love. Activities include owl pellet dissecting, chalk murals, aquatic critters from the ponds, microscope investigation, and trail mix making station. Crafts include seed bombs, build your own bird house, make your…

Show the Earth some love. Activities include owl pellet dissecting, chalk murals, aquatic critters from the ponds, microscope investigation, and trail mix making station. Crafts include seed bombs, build your own bird house, make your…

Let the little ones stay up late to enjoy a walk around Seven Ponds as the fireflies light up the path. There will be games before the hike to learn a little more about these…

You will spend our time working on non-native invasive plants. These days are great opportunities for community service hours and Master Gardener hours. Bring gloves and water. Call 810-796-3200 or go to sevenponds.org to register.

You will spend our time working on non-native invasive plants. These days are great opportunities for community service hours and Master Gardener hours. Bring gloves and water. Call 810-796-3200 or go to sevenponds.org to register.

Join Seven Pond's naturalists for their annual count for the North American Butterfly Association. You will visit many of the center’s habitats in search of the variety of butterflies found at Seven Ponds. Bring your…

Physically impaired nature lovers can join a naturalist for a tour on a golf cart. You will visit several natural communities and discover the beauty of Seven Ponds. Three time slots available: 10 a.m., 1…

You will spend our time working on non-native invasive plants. These days are great opportunities for community service hours and Master Gardener hours. Bring gloves and water. Call 810-796-3200 or go to sevenponds.org to register.

You will spend our time working on non-native invasive plants. These days are great opportunities for community service hours and Master Gardener hours. Bring gloves and water. Call 810-796-3200 or go to sevenponds.org to register.

Have you ever wondered what lives under the water? There is a lot more down there besides fish. Join one of the Naturalists and pond dip for aquatic invertebrates down on the dock.

Early morning is one of the best times to view wildlife on the ponds. Dress for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle.