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Seven Ponds Nature Center is a nature sanctuary and environmental education facility of 468 acres. Over six miles of trails lead visitors by deep, glacial lakes and through rich wetlands, a tallgrass prairie, mature oak-maple woods, and a stream with an active beaver colony. It is an area of rich diversity where every season and every visit bring new sightings and new insights.
What we offer for children
Children are fascinated by nature yet many have little direct contact with it. This makes Seven Ponds an ideal outdoor classroom where children can experience nature first hand. Our experienced staff and well trained volunteer naturalists guide visitors toward a greater understanding of their natural environment and humankind's inseparable role in it. We share our appreciation of the natural world and encourage a sense of responsibility toward it.
Complement your curriculum
Complementing the state science objectives, we offer a sequential kindergarten through sixth curriculum, each grade focusing on a specific ecological concept. We illustrate classroom lessons and reinforce the work students are doing at school. To encourage individual participation on the trail, classes are divided into groups of about 15 students.
Registration information
When teachers reserve a date, they will be sent a confirmation letter, pre- and post- trip materials, and a map. In addition to programs at the center, we have a Traveling Naturalist Program that operates from December through March, special teacher training workshops, classroom teacher kits, and educational publications. For more information and for scheduling programs, call the nature center at (810) 796-3200.
Seasonal Walks
Seasonal Walks are informal and open-ended, emphasizing the changes in nature throughout the year. Each season, indeed each day, has its own fascinating mysteries for eager students to discover along our trails. Much of the walk is spontaneous with topics chosen from interesting events encountered on the trail. How plants and animals live and interact, the natural laws they follow, and our ancestor’s close relationship with nature are some of the many themes that may be covered. Seasonal walks are available for any organized group from pre-school through adult.
Time: 1 1/2 hours; Fee: $3.00 per person
Pond Exploration Grades K-6
We will “dive” into the under water world of our lakes and ponds. Through pictures and water investigations students will learn all about the critters that make the water their home. K-1 will do pond critter observation and G2-6 will dip the ponds with nets.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00
Explorer Programs
Explorer
Programs, for grades K through 6, use exciting natural history topics
to teach important ecological concepts. These interesting programs
promote greater awareness and appreciation of our surroundings, often
using hands-on-activities, specimens, slide shows, and nature walks.Time: 2 hours; Fee: $4.00 per person
Kindergarten: Living and Nonliving Things
Sensing the Forest Children will use their senses to explore the beautiful forest of Seven Ponds, using simple tools to learn about the natural world. They will discover sights, sounds, and smells, from tiny mushrooms on rotting logs to the sounds of birds singing from the treetops. The children will have plenty of hands-on experiences while looking at and touching many kinds of plants and animals, learning about the basic needs of these organisms in the process. L.LO.00.11, L.LO.00.12, S.IP.00.11–15, S.IA.00.12–14, S.RS.0011
The World of the Beaver Beavers are builders and loggers, and their work stands out at Seven Ponds! With the beaver’s help, young learners will discover the differences between living and nonliving things. We will become beaver detectives and use our senses and detecting tools to find clues that will lead us to the beaver’s home. Along the way, children will see many kinds of plants and animals and learn what these living things need to survive.
L.LO.00.11–12, S.IP.00.11–15, S.IA.00.12–14, S.RS.0011
Grade 1: Animal Lifecycles
From Tadpole to Frog The nature center’s lakes and ponds abound with animals of all shapes and sizes, with a variety of lifecycle types. We will discover how these animals begin their life in the pond, which young animals live in the water, and which animals leave the water as adults. Through pond exploration and nature investigation, the children learn how animals live and grow in the wild. L.OL.01.13, L.OL.01.21, S.IP.01.11–15, S.IA.01.12–14, S.RS.01.11–12, L.HE.01.11–12
Grasshoppers to Groundhogs The forests and fields at Seven Ponds are teeming with animal life, including insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Using nets, magnifying lenses, and animal specimens, we will learn about the lifecycles of these animals, and discover how animals ranging from insects to mammals spend their days from birth to adulthood in the wild. Suggested Fall program. L.OL.01.13, L.OL.01.21, E.ES.01.11–12, S.IP.01.11–15, S.IA.01.12–14, S.RS.01.11–12
Grade 2: Plant Lifecycles
The Secret Life of the Prairie The tallgrass prairie at Seven Ponds contains a variety of amazing plants that sprout, grow, flower, and produce seed each year. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children will learn about the lifecycle of prairie plants, how the prairie provides the needs for these plants, and the many ways that these plants survive in an adverse environment. Students will even collect seeds from selected plants to take back to the classroom for a planting project! Suggested Fall program. S.IP.02.11–15, S.IA.02.12–14, S.RS.02.11, L.OL.02.14, L.OL.02.22, L.HE.02.13
Green Planet Green plants are all around us, in the forest, prairie, fields, and wetlands. Students will get the opportunity to explore this green natural world. Thorough applied investigations and discussion, students will learn about the amazing life cycles of many plants, as well as the interesting relationships between plants and animals. S.IP.02.11–16, S.IA.02.12–14, S.RS.02.11, L.OL.02.14, L.OL.02.22
Grade 2: The Water Cycle
A World of Water The Earth is a water planet and Seven Ponds has plenty of it. Students will understand that water is a natural resource and through hands-on activities will discover all of the different places water is found at the nature center—in the ground, in the air, and in a variety of wetland communities which include lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and marshes. Students will compare plant and animal life in several locations to gain an understanding of the habitat requirements of a variety of organisms. S.IP.02.11–16, S.IA.02.12–14, S.RS.02.11, L.OL.02.13-14, E.FE.02.11-14, E.FE.02.13, E.FE.02.21. E.FE.02.22
Grade 3: Natural Resources and Human Impact
Forest Home of the Woodland Indians Michigan’s once vast forests were a giant supermarket to the Woodland Indians. This habitat provided everything needed for survival. Today, we purchase most of our needs from supermarkets and department stores. Through activities and hands-on nature study, students will learn how natural resources were used by the Woodland Indians, how we use them today, and the impact of each on our natural environment. S.IP.03.11–S.IP.03.13, S.IP.03.16, E.ES.03.41–43, E.ES.03.51–52
Grade 3: Adaptations of Living Things
Cattails to Crayfish Adaptations are everywhere in the natural world, and there is no better place to investigate this than in the water. Students will explore the pond life looking for the many different plant and animal groups found there and what adaptations they use to survive in their watery environment. S.IP.03.11 – S.IP.03.13, S.IP.03.16, S.IA.03.12–13, S.RS.03.11, S.RS.03.18, L.OL.03.31–32, L.OL.03.41–42, L.EV.03.11–12
Grade 4: Plant and Animal Relationships
Native Americans and the Web of Life Have you ever eaten sunlight? Do you have plants and animals in your lunch? What is the origin of your food, clothing and shelter? We will explore the nature center from the perspective of the Indians who used this land in the past, and consider our relationship with the land today. Slides, specimens, and a walk get students thinking about their significant connections to the natural environment. S.IP.04.11–12, S.IP.04.14, S.IA.04.13, S.RS.04.11, S.RS.04.18, L.OL.04.15–16, L.EV.04.21–22, L.EC.04.11, L.EC.04.21
The Wetland Connection This program will take us on an adventure through the wetlands found at Seven Ponds. We will investigate the complex interactions of the plants and animals found in these wet worlds through pond dipping and observation, exploring such topic as producers, consumers, food chains, food webs, and predator/prey relationships. Inside, we will have time to take a close-up look at plants and animals using hand lenses and microscopes. S.IP.04.11–12, S.IP.04.14, S.IA.04.13, S.RS.04.11, S.RS.04.18, L.OL.04.15–16, L.EC.04.11, L.EC.04.21
Grade 5: Animals Relating to their Environment
Amazing Animals (Survival of the Fittest) Bring your class out to Seven Ponds and discover the incredible array of adaptations animals have for surviving the seasonal changes of the natural world. The great diversity found at the nature center will allow us to explore a variety of habitats and learn the many ways animals have become linked to their environment. Students will observe the shapes and sizes of animals and behavior, and gain an understanding of the adaptations animals have to help them survive Michigan’s seasonal changes. S.IP.05.11–14, S.RS.05.15, S.RS.05.17, L.OL.05.42, L.HE.05.11–12, L.EV.05.11–12
Wetland Adaptations Lakes, ponds, and streams present a variety of challenges for the organisms residing in them. Plants and animals have many structural and behavioral adaptations for life in these wetland environments. Indoors we will take a close-up look at a variety of these adaptations by examining prepared specimens and a PowerPoint presentation. Then we will hike down to the pond for a pond dipping session which will give students a first-hand look at many pond organisms and an understanding of what it takes to survive in the water. S.IP.05.11, S.IP.05.13–14, S.RS.05.15, L.OL.05.42, L.HE.05.11–12, L.EV.05.11–12
Grade 6: Ecosystems
Life in the Prairie Students will explore the striking ecosystem of a tall grass prairie. They will discover a world woven together within the tall grasses. Through discussion, activities, and hikes students will understand the ecological role many of the plants and animals play in the prairie community. They will also learn of the loss of much of the tallgrass prairie because of past human activity, and what people are doing to restore and reconstruct this magnificent ecosystem today. S.IP.06.11, S.IP.06.13–14, S.IA.06.13, S.RS.06.15, S.RS.06.17, L.OL.06.51–52, L.EC.06.11, L.EC.06.21––23, L.EC.06.31–32, L.EC.06.41–42
Exploring Ecosystems Seven Ponds is one of the few places in southeastern Michigan where students can observe a range of distinct ecosystems that include forests, wetlands, fields, and prairie. Along the trail, they will be able to compare such abiotic components as soil type and water availability, as well as the plant and animal communities which are unique to each of these ecosystems. Students will gain an understanding of some of the complex relationships in each natural community, including predator/prey, competition, symbiosis, and parasitism. S.IP.06.11, S.IP.06.13–14, S.IA.06.13, S.RS.06.15, S.RS.06.17, L.OL.06.51–52, L.EC.06.11, L.EC.06.21–23, L.EC.06.31–32, L.EC.06.41–42
Traveling Naturalist Programs
programs are presented in a way which is appropriate for
each grade level and includes important concepts relative to the
state’s science expectations. Each classroom session provides students
with a hands-on experience which will complement their studies of the
natural world.Programs are offered all year, though January through March are best for scheduling. For more information and to schedule a program, call the nature center at (810) 796-3200.
Time: 1 hour average Fee: $2.00 per student
(Mileage is also charged if your school is over 25 miles from the nature center.)
Wildlife Wonders of Michigan
Grades: Pre-school – 6
Concept: Michigan Animals
Description: Learn about the variety of animals that live in Michigan including amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles. These animals provide exciting lessons relative to the expectations for each grade level. See and touch study skins, pelts, and live animals.
Expectations: vary according to grade level.
Field & Forest Friends
Grade: Pre-school & K
Concept: Senses
Description: Live animals and stuffed specimens provide an opportunity for sensory exploration. Children will learn about many animals in our area—what they eat, where they live, and how they can be enjoyed.
Expectations grade K: SLIP.00.11, S.IP.00.12, S.IA.00.12
Animals Alive
Grades: K & 1
Concept: Needs of Living Things
Description: Through a story and game, students will be introduced to what makes something living and non-living. Then, students will get to see and touch some of the living and once living creatures that can be found in their backyards. The class will also learn about the special characteristics these animals have.
Expectations grade K: S.IP.00.11, S.IP.00.12, S.IP.00.14, S.IA.00.12, L.OL.E.1, L.OL.00.11, L.OL.00.12, E.SE.E.1, E.SE.00.11
Expectations grade 1: S.IP.01.11, S.IP.01.14, S.IA.01.12, L.OL.E.1, L.OL.01.13
Animal Life Cycles
Grades: 1 & 2
Concept: Animal Life Cycles
Description: Meet some of the creatures that live at Seven Ponds and learn about their life cycles with an interactive game. We will also be looking at the animals’ physical characteristics throughout its’ life and how those characteristics are helpful at each stage. A special live animal will visit us to conclude the program.
Expectations grade 1: S.IP.01.11, S.IP.01.13, S.IP.01.14, L.OL.E.1, L.OL.01.13, L.OL.E.2, L.OL.01.21, L.HE.E.1, L.HE.01.11, L.HE.01.12
Expectations grade 2: S.IP.02.11, S.IP.02.13, S.IP.02.14, L.OL.E.1
Exploring Michigan Animals
Grades: 2 & 3
Concept: Animal Classification (mammal, reptile…)
Description: Discover which animals do or do not have backbones, the different animal groups, and some of the animals’ special characteristics that help it survive. This class is full of great animal mounts and pelts, neat props, and even a live animal.
Expectations grade 2: S.IP.02.11, S.IA.02.12
Expectations grade 3: S.IP.03.11, S.IA.03.12, L.OL.03.32, L.OL.03.42. L.EV.03.12
Native Americans and the Land
Grade: 3
Concept: Habitats
Description: Michigan’s once vast forests were a giant supermarket to the Woodland Indians. This habitat provided everything they needed for survival. Today, we purchase most of our needs from supermarkets and department stores. Through activities and hands-on nature study, students will learn how natural resources were used by the Woodland Indians, how we use them today, and the impact of each on our natural environment.
Expectations grade 3: S.IP.03.11, S.IP.03.12, S.IP.03.13, S.IA.03.12, S.RS.03.18, S.RS.03.19, L.OL.03.41, L.OL.03.42
Wildlife Discovery: Predator vs. Prey
Grades: 3 – 5
Concept: Adaptations
Description: A mystery animals leads students through the important concepts of adaptations, predator-prey relationships, and the balance in nature between populations of living things. An activity allows each student to become a predator.
Expectations grade 3: S.IP.03.11, S.IP.03.12, S.RS.03.18, L.OL.E.3, L.EV.03.12
Expectations grade 4: L.EV.O4.22, L.EC.04.11
Expectations grade 5: L.EV.M.1, L.EV.05.11, L.EV.05.12, L.EV.05.21
Mysteries in the Animal Kingdom
Grades: 3 – 5
Concept: Adaptations
Description: This class will explore adaptations by studying tracks and other clues in nature. Through solving track mysteries and identifying signs animals leave behind, students will become more aware of the adaptations present in their environment.
Expectations grade 3: S.IP.03.11, S.IP.03.12, S.IP.03.13, S.IA.03.12, S.RS.03.18, L.OL.03.41, L.OL.03.42
Expectations grade 4: S.IP.04.11, S.IP.04.12, S.IP.04.13, S.IA.04.12, S.RS.04.18, L.EV.E.2, L.EV.04.21, L.EV.04.22. L.EC.04.11
Mystery in the Forest
Grades: 4
Concept: Food Chains, Survival
Description: Students explore the interrelationships of plants and animals in the forest by solving a mystery. Students visit the scene of the crime to look for clues, interview witnesses, analyze the evidence, and then develop a theory of “whodunit.”
Expectations grande 4: S.IP.04.11, S.IP.04.12, S.IA.04.12, S.RS.04.18, L.OL.04.15, L.EV.E.2, L.EV.04.21, L.EV.04.22, L.EC.E.1, L.EC.04.11, L.EC.E.2, L.EC.O4.21
Food Chains and the Web of Life
Grades: 4 – 6
Concept: Food Chains
Description: Plant and animal relationships are the focus in this program. Every living thing is a link in the food chain. We will demonstrate how the sun’s energy is transferred from plants to herbivores, from herbivores to carnivores, and from all living things to decomposers. The concluding activity will connect all of the students in the web of life. Pelts and live animals included.
Expectations grade 4: S.IP.04.11, S.IA.04.12, S.RS.04.18, L.OL.E.1, L.OL.04.15, L.OL.04.16, L.EC.E.1, L.EC.04.11, L.EC.E.2, L.EC.O4.21
Expectations grade 5: S.RS.05.17
Expectations grade 6: S.RS.06.17, L.OL.M.5, L.OL.06.51, L.OL.06.52, L.EC.06.32, L.EC.M.4, L.EC.06.41, L.EC.06.42
Our World’s Disappearing Wildlife
Grades: 5 & 6
Concept: Human Influence on Animal Populations
Description: Students discover the endangered plants and animals of Michigan and around the world. Using unique specimens confiscated by the government, students will work together in small groups to explore the reasons species become endangered and the ways they can help.
Expectations grade 5: S.RS.05.17
Expectations grade 6: S.IP.06.11, S.RS.06.17, L.EC.M.4, L.EC.06.41. L.EC.06.42
Programs for Scouts
Seven Ponds offers a variety of badge work, from Brownies through Seniors, from Cub Scouts through Boy Scouts. The children will not only learn the requirements for the badges, but will also gain insight and respect for our natural world. By learning responsibility for nature, the children will gain an appreciation that will enable them to become stewards of the land.
Leaders are sent a confirmation letter, and a map when they reserve a date for a program. Due to time and effort we can only cover one badge achievement per session. For more information and for scheduling programs, call the nature center at (810) 796-3200.
Seasonal Walks
Seasonal Walks are informal and open-ended, emphasizing the changes in nature throughout the year. Each season, indeed each day, has its own fascinating mysteries for eager scouts to discover along our trails. Much of the walk is spontaneous with topics chosen from interesting events encountered on the trail. How plants and animals live and interact, the natural laws they follow, and our ancestors’ close relationship with nature are some of the many themes that may be covered. Seasonal walks are for any organized group from preschool to adult.
Time: 1 1/2 hours Fee: $3.00 per person
Boy Scout Programs
Cub, Wolf & Bear Scouts Programs
Scouts will have their elective and achievement requirements fulfilled with a seasonal walk customized to their specific needs. These programs will also create a greater awareness and appreciation for our surroundings.
Time: 11/2 hours Fee: $3.00 per person
Weblos Programs
Forester Badge Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning to identify: different parts of trees and layers of the forest, six different trees, six different plants beneficial to wildlife, how water and minerals help trees grow, how trees use sunlight, and three different woods used for building. Weblos will also learn about wildfires.
Geologist Badge Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning about: different minerals used in products, different ways land is formed, and fossils. They will also observe many different examples of fossils and minerals, and learn methods of identifying them. The nature center's bookstore will be open to purchase a variety of rocks and minerals if desired.
Naturalist Badge Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning about and observing: what a naturalist does and where they work, birds and how they migrate south, poisonous plants and venomous animals, ecosystems and the different parts of them, and also how humans affect the ecosystem. Weblos will also receive a grand tour of the nature center.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Girl Scout Programs
Brownie Try-its
Watching Wildlife Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning about: animal architects through investigation of their homes, how animals communicate, why an animal's "wardrobe" changes from season to season, and what animals might eat by making shopping lists for them.
Animals Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning: the difference between wild and domesticated animals, how to watch wildlife safely, the many ways animals move, the different ways animals communicate, and that animals can be put into groups by the way their bodies look.
Earth and Sky Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by investigating: the soil to see what is hidden inside, how erosion affects soil, the energy the sun provides, the different kinds of clouds found in the sky, different creatures that travel through the air, and eclipses.
Eco-Explorer Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning: how to discover nature through observation, what a habitat is, what a food chain is, and what they can do to help the natural world. The girls will also get a chance to "construct" habitats for various animals.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Junior Girl Scouts
Wildlife Scouts will finish this badge by learning: about Michigan's different state symbols, how the size and shape of a bird's beak depends on what the bird eats, how animals are grouped together by their characteristics, and about different poisonous plants and animals. Also, they will become field biologists by observing creatures in their natural setting.
Finding Your Way Scouts will finish this badge by learning: about different kinds of maps, how to use a compass to find north, south, east and west, and what to do if lost without a compass and map. They will make different kinds of maps to further their understanding of maps.
Earth Connections Scouts will finish this badge by becoming ecologists for the day, and learn: how plants and animals adapt and change, how American Indians and early pioneers used the natural world, and different things that are being done to help protect the environment.
Rocks Rock Scouts will finish this badge by discovering and learning: how land is shaped, what soil is, to identify the three major categories of rocks, and how the past is preserved in fossils. Our bookstore will be open for the scouts to start their rock collections.
Frosty Fun Scouts will finish this badge by learning: how to stay safe in the cold winter season, about snow, and how no two snowflakes are alike. The girls will become detectives and discover who has been traveling through the snow.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Girl Scout Programs
Cadets
With the combination of skill builders, technology, service projects, and career exploration, cadets can earn their badges in any of the following:
Wildlife
Eco-Action
Digging Through the Past
All about Birds
Plant Life
Time: 3 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Advanced Badges
Older Scouts working on advanced awards can find service project opportunities at Seven Ponds. Call for more information.
Important Information
- All groups must make prior arrangements with the nature center before coming. Early scheduling is recommended due to the great demand for programs and may be done up to a year in advance.
- Dress for the weather and natural setting. The desire to learn rapidly fades when children are cold or wet.
- Sack lunches may be eaten in the picnic area. We have no indoor eating facilities.
- Groups have access to the trails only under the supervision of a naturalist.
- Seven Ponds is a nature sanctuary-collecting plants and animals is not permitted.
- When scheduling a program let us know about children with special needs-physical, emotional or learning. This allows us to make the appropriate arrangements prior to your arrival.
- The bookstore also carries a wide selection of nature oriented materials appropriate for students to buy as gifts and souvenirs.