Trails Day Saturday, June 2, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Hit the trail – Learn proper techniques of hiking, including gear, first aid must-haves and food selection. Then, take a leisurely guided hike with a naturalist through all the trails of Friendship Woods to learn about common plants and wildlife in southeast Michigan – including a poison ivy identification lesson and quiz. Make trail mix and take home healthy energy bar recipes. $4/person.

Legends in the Sky Saturday, June 9, 2:30-4 p.m. Have you ever gazed up into the sky on a clear night and wondered what pictures the stars made? Many of those ‘pictures’ or constellations are steeped in myths and legends. Discover these constellations in StarLab, a portable, inflatable planetarium. A snack and craft will round out the afternoon. ATTENTION SCOUT LEADERS: This program fulfills some astronomy merit requirements. $5/person.

Gardens for Monarchs and More Saturday, June 16, 4-5:30 p.m.Discover how to incorporate milkweed plants into your yard to help create habitat for monarch butterflies and a host of other wildlife. Monarch Watch Education Specialist, Debbie Jackson, will share information about these beautiful butterflies that are now declining. Learn about efforts across the country to help monarch butterflies and how to create a waystation for monarchs. $5/person.

Egg-Cellent Eggs Saturday, March 24, 2-4 p.m. Come celebrate spring – Dye eggs using natural materials, view different kinds of bird nests, and learn about slimy and scaly critters that also build nests. Discover which animals in nature lay eggs by meeting live animals that are experts at egg laying. Bring four hard boiled eggs per person for dyeing. An egg-cellent snack will be included. $5/person.

Caring for Planet Earth Saturday, April 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.Continue the legacy of Earth Day by learning how you can help the environment in your own backyard. Drop in for a compost demonstration and make “seed balls” for pollinators.

Take a hike to learn about stewardship activities at Friendship Woods. Dirt Doctors will be on-site with a hands-on demonstration, and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash will display his electric car and renewable energy technology.

Many thanks to Pure Oakland Water for sponsoring this FREE event.

Morning Munchkins Fridays - April 6, May 4, and June 1, 10:30-11:15 a.m.Join us for this new and exciting series just for preschoolers. Bring your munchkin to the nature center for a favorite story and a related hands-on, nature-based discovery activity. This series will be offered the first Friday of each month. $1/person.

April - Stellaluna May - We’re Going on a Bear HuntJune - Butterfly Park

Nature Education Programs

Great Parks for Great People

RED OAKS COUNTY PARK30300 Hales StreetMadison Heights, MI 48071248-585-0100Pre-registration with payment required. Call 248-858-0916 weekdays or Red Oaks Nature Center on Saturdays.

Discover where you live - Explore all of nature’s gifts, treasures and health benefits at your Oakland County Parks!

Spring 2018

Smitten with the Mitten Saturday, May 5, 2-3:30 p.m.Did you know that standing anywhere in the state of Michigan, a person is no more than 85 miles away from one of the Great Lakes? During this afternoon of Michigan knowledge, take a look at Michigan history, fun facts and other aspects that help to make Michigan grand. A Michigan-themed craft and cherry-inspired snack are included. $5/person.

Feather Fest Saturday, May 12, 1-4 p.m.Meet at Lakepoint Picnic Pavilion Have feathery fun during a bird hike to see how many birds you can find, or try your hand at bird-related games and crafts. Bring binoculars if you have them! This family-fun event is free. Park entry fee applies.

Amphibian Amble Saturday, May 19, 7-8:45 p.m.Spring is the time for frogs, toads and salamanders to amble down to the ponds for breeding and egg-laying. Male frogs sing a nightly chorus to attract a mate. During this family program, join a naturalist indoors to learn how to identify different types of frogs based on their calls and enjoy a game. Then, head outdoors at dusk to hike and listen for frogs and other sounds of spring. Suitable for school-aged children and adults. $4/person.

Camp “Ology”Tuesday & Wednesday April 3-4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.Spend spring break at the nature center as we talk about multiple “ology” topics. We will study rocks and fossils with geology, look at animal droppings with scatology and maybe make up our own “ology.” Each day will be a new adventure with talks, activities, crafts and more. All supplies and snacks are included. This is a kids-only event, suitable for ages 5 and older. A signed release form is required with registration. $12/child/day; $21/child if attending both days.

The Vanishing Ponds of Spring Saturday, April 7, 2-4 p.m.Did you know that some ponds contain water only during certain times of the year? Vernal ponds create a unique home for many amazing creatures. Join us in the classroom and woods as we explore myriad macroinvertebrates and others that call this temporary water “home.”

Dip nets and microscopes will be available for use in a guided pond-dipping experience. Learn about citizen scientist opportunities in Oakland County to better understand the vernal ponds right in your neighborhood. Warm beverages will be served. Appropriate for school-aged children through adults. Dress for the weather. Muck boots or other waterproof footwear is recommended. $4/person.

Pottery Workshop - Mini Succulent GardenSunday, April 8, 10-11:30 a.m. OR 2-3:30 p.m.Using oven-bake clay, create two mini pots with step-by-step instructions. Choose from the provided succulents, and bake the pots at home, then create your own mini succulent garden. All materials, tools and plants provided. Beginner to advanced potters welcome. Suitable for school-aged children and adults. $15/person.

A Pirate’s Life For Me! - Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-Noon Ahoy there, Matey! Did you know that pirates once sailed the Great Lakes? It be true. Come and learn about the piracy that took place on our Great Lakes. Then head out onto the trail and put your pirate skills to the test. Follow the clues for a Pirate Scavenger Hunt. Back inside we will have a snack and make a craft. Come in ye Best Pirate Wear if you dare. $17/person.

NatureFit: “Hearty” River Hike Saturday, April 21, 11-12:30 p.m. Meet at Camp Wilderness parking area. Bring the family for a heart- healthy hike and explore the glory of the spring season at the park. Exercise your body and celebrate Earth Day weekend as a naturalist enlightens you to nature discoveries. Trail snacks and water will be provided. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Rain or shine, we will hike. $4/person.

NatureFit: Spring Photography HikeSunday, April 29, 2-3:30 p.m.Grab your smartphone or DSLR and explore elements of photography including perspective and composition. Capture the color, beauty and texture provided by nature during a hike on some of the prettiest trails in Oakland County. A Facebook event page will be created to share your best shots. Trail snacks and water are provided. All ages welcome. $5/person.

INDEPENDENCE OAKS COUNTY PARK9501 Sashabaw RoadClarkston, MI 48348248-625-6473Pre-registration with payment required. Call 248-858-0916 weekdays or Wint Nature Center on Saturdays.

Growing the Green Minds of Tomorrow

OaklandCountyParks.com

SCOUT BADGE DAYS Both nature centers offer Scout Badge Days -- interactive sessions designed specifically for Girl and Cub Scouts of all ages and ranks. Scouts complete all requirements to earn their badge (badges are not supplied by the nature center).

Each session includes hands-on activities and snack. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Cost is $7/scout; $3/adult. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Park entry fee is waived if registered by end of business day prior to event. For a full schedule, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.

UPCOMING DATES

Naturalists can bring interactive nature talks to your classroom, library, senior center, day camp and preschool. Call the nature centers for details.

April 14Jr. Girl Scouts: Geocacher 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-4:30 p.m.

May 5Jr. Girl Scouts: Flowers

May 12Webelos: Into the Woods

March 31Webelos: Walkabout

April 14Daisies: Clover

April 28Tigers: Backyard Jungle

RED OAKSNATURE CENTER

WINTNATURE CENTER