Spring Programs from Seven Ponds
February
Historic Barns of Lapeer County
Wendy Lange
Sunday, February 19, 2:00 p.m.
We will spend a winter afternoon exploring the barns found in Lapeer County from the comfort of the nature center. Through a full photo slide show, we will learn about barn construction, the materials used, and the stories of some of the families who built and used the barns. Wendy Lange will also have her book for sale of the barns in Lapeer County. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children and free to our members.
Family Nature Day
Saturday, February 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This morning will feature three winter nature activities for the family; tracking, winter birds and snowshoeing. The program is free for all members and non-members.
Tracks on Trails and T-shirts
Tuesday, February 21, 2:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Grab your hat, coat, boots, and a clean t-shirt or sweatshirt and come on out to explore the world of tracking. We will learn the ways of animal tracks outside, then come in to warm up by making casts of animal prints and printing on your shirts. Open to children 8 to 12 years of age. Fee: $5.00 (members $4.00) Please call (810) 796-3200 to pre-register.
Winter Bird Walk #3
Wednesday, February 22, 8:00 a.m.
By this date, days are getting longer and year-around resident birds such as chickadees, titmice, and cardinals are singing on sunny days. There may also be enough open water for ducks and possibly the first wave of blackbirds. Today we will begin our watching inside, enjoying hot beverages while we watch for winter finches and other feeder birds. We will then take a late winter walk in search of a variety of species. Bring binoculars and field guide, and dress for the weather. Fee: $3.00 (no charge member).
Boy Scout Merit Badge – Bird Study
Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts will complete this merit badge by learning all about birds. They will learn how to use a field guide and binoculars, and also make a bird feeder. The boys will identify at least 20 birds and five birds by call. This will be a fun-filled day of bird watching. Fee: $12.00 per scout. Limit is 15 scouts. Please call (810) 796-3200 to pre-register.
The Mysterious World of Meat-Eating Plants
Ron Dudek
Sunday, February 26, 2:00 p.m.
Plants are normally thought of as immobile victims waiting for their inevitable fate: to be eaten. There are some plants, though, that do not abide to these rules, and have the ability to lure, capture, kill, and digest animals. In this interactive, informative, and humorous presentation, Ron Dudek, lecturer and carnivorous plant hobbyist of more than 45 years, will demonstrate where these plants grow, and how they accomplish their menacing feats. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children and free to our members.
March
Why We Need this Windy Weather
Sunday, March 4, 2:00 p.m.
The windy weather is certainly fun for kites but it is vitally important for the health of certain ecosystems.
Spring Awakenings?
Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m.
On this walk we will search out any early signs of spring as we venture into the forests and wetlands.
Field School Sign-up
Thursday, March 15, 9:00 a.m.
This is the day for early registration for summer field school programs. The sign-up starts at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Please do not call before 9:00 a.m.
Let’s Look at Buds
Sunday, March 18, 2:00 p.m.
We take a look at many varieties of buds and see how they are all so different and unique.
Invasive Plant Workday #1
Sunday, March 25, 1:00 p.m.
We will spend the afternoon working on removing dame’s rocket. This is a great opportunity for community service hours and master gardener hours. Bring gloves and water.
Used Nature Book Sale
Saturday & Sunday, March 31 & April 1,
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Look for more information in the newsletter.
Botanical Easter Eggs
Saturday, March 31, 10:00 a.m.
Sign up to learn this old-fashioned way of coloring Easter eggs. Wrapped in greens and soaked in a natural dye, these beautiful eggs are sure to become a yearly tradition in your house. Pre-registration is required. Ages 12 and up. Fee: $5.00 (members $2.00).
April
Spring has Sprung
Sunday, April 1, 2:00 p.m.
With the crazy weather this winter, will spring be happening faster? Let’s go investigate this wonderful time of the year.
Saginaw Bay Birding
Wednesday, April 4, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Today we will head north to Fish Point and other areas on Saginaw Bay in search of tundra swans, ducks and geese, raptors, and other early migrating birds. We’ll make a day of it, stopping for lunch along the way. Some participants may be required to drive. Bring binoculars, field guide, snacks, and spotting scope if you have one. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10.00 ($7.00 member).
Seven Ponds Annual Meeting
Saturday, April 7, 9:00 a.m.
All Seven Ponds members are welcome as we review the center’s activities for the past year, honor outgoing board members, elect new board members and officers, and vote on changes to the bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
Invasive Plant Workday #2
Sunday, April 8, 1:00 p.m.
We will spend the afternoon working on removing dame’s rocket and garlic mustard. This is a great opportunity for community service hours and master gardener hours. Bring gloves and water.
Curious Canoers of Seven Ponds
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 a.m.
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 it tends to be chillier on the water. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members) Minimum five years old, ten years old to paddle.
Salamander Forey
Saturday and Sunday, April 14 & 15, 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a salamander day of discovery at Jonathan Woods. We will be looking for many examples of the six species that reside in the rich woods while learning about their natural history and conservation. Meet at Seven Ponds and carpool to the site. Limit 12 at each session. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $3.00 per adult, $1.00 per child (members free).
Drawing From Nature
Beginner’s Graphite Class
Friday, April 20, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 22, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
If you have ever desired to capture the beauty of the world around you, this class is a great place to start. Certified botanical illustrator, Ann Cunningham, will teach you about materials and a step by step method to create your own pencil illustrations. All materials will be supplied, just bring a sack lunch. Limit 10 participants. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $238.50 includes all supplies and 15 hours of instruction. Check out the drawing class page here.
Jonathan Woods Frog Walk
Sunday, April 22, 2:00 p.m.
Join a naturalist to walk the trails at Jonathan Woods amidst the cacophony of frog songs.
Spring Bird Walk #1
Wednesday, April 25, 8:00 a.m.
This first spring bird walk will take us along the center’s own trails in search of year-around resident birds and those which have already come back from the south, including sandhill cranes, ducks, swallows, eastern bluebirds, eastern towhees, blackbirds, and others. All bird watching levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, field guide, and dress for the weather. Fee: $3.00 (no charge for members).
Drawing From Nature
Intermediate Graphite Class
Friday, April 27, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 28, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 29, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This class is for participants that have had some experience with using graphite pencils for illustration. Certified botanical illustrator, Ann Cunningham, will teach many techniques on rendering, texture, highlight and shadow using natural objects as inspiration. All materials will be supplied, just bring a sack lunch. Limit 10 participants. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $238.50 includes all supplies and 15 hours of instruction. Check out the drawing class page here.
Brownie Tea Party
Saturday, April 28, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Brownies will get started on WOW! (Wonders of Water), by earning the Journey Award Love Water and Skill-building Badges Household Elf and Hiker. This will be a fun afternoon of learning about the water cycle and how important water is to us and the planet through a tea party and hike. Limit of 20 brownies. Pre-registration is required, please call by April 25. Fee: $5.00 per person and no charge for leaders.
Great Lakes Photo Tour Photo Excursion
Sunday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This very special one-day Eco-Photo workshop is for beginner and advanced amateur photo-enthusiasts. There will be excellent classroom instruction along with tutored, “in-the-field” photography sessions. Take charge of your camera controls and exposure while improving your photographic composition skills. The instructors for this class are Naturalist photographer Mark S. Carlson and Digital Expert Bob Grzesiak of Great Lakes Photo. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $79.00 per person. See this page for more details.
May
Owl Prowl
Thursday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
Our owl prowl will begin indoors with a short talk about the owls of Michigan. We’ll then hike along the trails in hopes of calling in one or more of the center’s resident owls. Bring a flashlight. This program is limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $5.00 ($3.00 member).
NatureFest and Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
See this page insert for details.
Invasive Plant Workday #3 and Wildflower Walk
Sunday, May 6, 1:00 p.m.
We will spend the afternoon working on removing dame’s rocket and garlic mustard. This is a great opportunity for community service hours and master gardener hours. Bring gloves and water.
Spring Bird Walk #2
Wednesday, May 9, 8:00 a.m.
For our second spring bird walk we’ll take a short trip by car to the other side of the Seven Ponds to look for birds on the 18 acres of property added to the center at the end of 2011. Likely sightings include migrating warblers, Baltimore oriole, bobolink, eastern meadowlark, and purple martin. All birdwatching levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, field guide, and dress for the weather. Fee: $3.00 (no charge for members).
Family Nature Day
Saturday, May 12, 9:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In conjunction with Kingsbury Country Day School, join us for a free admission day to the center for birdwatching, pond dipping, and a wildflower walk.
Birds and Blooms
Sunday, May 13, 2:00 p.m.
This is the time of year that is busy with migrating birds and spring wildflowers. Join us for a delightful spring walk along the trails.
Spring Bird Walk #3
Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 a.m.
Today we will travel to Wetzel State Park in northern Macomb County where we will search the grasslands and wetlands of this area for such birds as sora, Virginia rail, American bittern, bobolink, and a variety of sparrows. Note starting time, meet at the center and we will carpool to the site. We will plan to return by noon. Bring binoculars, field guide, a snack, and dress for the weather. Fee $3.00 (no charge for members).
Evening Paddle on the Ponds
Friday, May 18, 6:00 p.m.
Evening is the best time for wildlife viewing 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 chillier on the water. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members) Minimum age five years old, ten years old to paddle.
Invasive Plant Work Day #4
Sunday, May 20, 1:00 p.m.
We will spend the afternoon working on removing dame’s rocket and garlic mustard. This is a great opportunity for community service hours and master gardener hours. Bring gloves and water.
Seven Pond Sketchers
Saturday, May 26, 2:00 p.m.
Join Naturalist Lois Rheaume for an afternoon of pencil sketching as we wander the trails in search of beautiful things to draw. Bring a blanket to sit on. If weather is bad we will draw inside. Fee $3.00 (members free).
Peering into a Pond
Sunday, May 27, 2:00 p.m.
Join a naturalist as we dip some nets into a pond to find mysterious creatures living under the water.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 28, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We will be open on this Holiday for you to come out with your picnic lunch and tour the grounds.
Spring Bird Walk #4
Wednesday, June 6, 7:30 a.m.
Our fourth spring bird walk will take us to a portion of the Lapeer State Game Area. Here we will visit a variety of habitats in search of nesting species, especially warblers. Possible sightings include blue-winged, golden-winged, chestnut-sided, cerulean, and hooded warblers, as well as ovenbird, common yellowthroat, and northern waterthrush. Meet at the center and we will carpool to the site. Note starting time, we will plan on returning to the center by noon. Bring binoculars, field guide, a snack, and dress for the weather. Fee: $3.00 (no charge for members).