SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
WINTER PROGRAMS 2026-2027
Exploring the winter world can be a wondrous experience with endless possibilities for adventure. If you are not sure what these adventures may entail, come out to Seven Ponds and we can help you out. Look over this winter's offerings of activities and make plans to join us as we explore winter's nature. Seven Ponds offers something for everyone from preschoolers and families to adults. Mark your calendars for some programs in our Winter Series, seasonal activities, or WinterFest and let the winter adventures begin! Most activities are $3.00 for members and $5.00 for adults non-members (13+) unless otherwise noted. For more information call 810-796-3200. Pre-registration is required for all programs, and registering online is quick and easy.
ALL programs require pre-registration.
REGISTRATION FOR WINTER PROGRAMS IS NOW OPEN!
Click the program title for the registration link - please register online.
WINTER SERIES 2026
Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, & the Seasonal Life (RESCHEDULED)
Gabrielle Cerberville
Author
Sunday, January 25th, 2:00 PM MARCH 1ST, 2:00 PM
Gabrielle Cerberville, also known as the “Chaotic Forager” online, is a “celebrated foraging educator, community mycologist, and climate advocate.” Her new book, Gathered, is an illustrated field guide, cookbook, and memoir combined. If you’re interested in mushrooms, foraging, and reconnecting with nature, this is the event for you! Copies of the book will be available for sale.
PRE-REGISTERED GUESTS DO NOT NEED TO RE-REGISTER
Sarah Matuszak
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Sunday, February 1st, 2:00 PM
Join Sarah Matuszak, local naturalist and licensed wildlife rehabilitator with
Happy Snapper Rescue to learn more about Michigan’s turtles, turtle rescue, and how you can help!
Dr. Allen Kurta
Biologist
Sunday, February 8th, 2:00 PM
This program will explore hibernation, why bats do it, and where in the state hibernating bats are found. Dr. Allen Kurta, one of Michigan’s leading bat experts, will discuss the overwintering behavior of the nine species of bats in Michigan and concentrate on the species that overwinter underground, in mines and caves. The presentation will include an introduction to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in eastern North America.
Madison Christol
Naturalist
Sunday, February 15th, 2:00 PM
Did you know that the world’s longest predator-prey study is happening right here in Michigan? Learn about the history of the program and find out what’s happening right now on Isle Royale!
Adrianna Allen
Naturalist
Sunday, February 22nd, 2:00 PM
Though a lawn of green, cut grass may look wonderful to us, it is essentially a dead ecosystem. Learn with a naturalist about how to make your yard not just a beautiful space for humans, but a thriving oasis full of plants and wildlife.
DECEMBER
Lapeer County Christmas Bird Count at Seven Ponds
Saturday, December XX, 9:00 AM
Do you have a passion for birds or community science? If so, please join us for the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. Come bird with a naturalist as we hike throughout Seven Ponds Nature Center’s property to contribute to over a century of data! The count occurs for most of the day, so stay as little or as long as you like, but you must arrive at 9:00 AM to attend. Binoculars will be available to borrow. This program is for those age 18+
Nature Ornaments
Saturday, December 12th, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Get ready for the holidays by creating beautiful natural ornaments! These are the perfect gift, for yourself or loved ones. This program is for those age 14+. Supplies provided. Cost: members: $5, non-members: $7
Morning Winter Story Hour
Saturday, December 19th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Join a naturalist for a cozy winter-themed story and craft. This program is best for preschool aged children and their adults.
Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter Walk
Saturday, December 20th, 3:00 - 4:00 AM
Join a naturalist as we take a stroll through forests and fields to mark the end of fall and to welcome winter. The trails are quiet, the water is still, and the views are incredible through leafless trees. Pre-registration not required.
Holiday Closures
Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
Thursday, December 31
Friday, January 1
JANUARY
First of The Year Walk
Saturday, January 3rd, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join a naturalist as we reminisce on the year behind us and look forward to the year ahead. How does nature ring in the new year? Let’s see! Pre-registration not required.
Family Craft Hour
Saturday, January 9th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Create fun nature-themed crafts with a naturalist! This is the perfect family activity for a chilly winter day. This program is best for families with children 12 and under.
Meet the Critters
Sunday, January 10th, 2:00 PM
Come meet the critters of Critter Corner! Our reptile and amphibian ambassadors have so much to teach us. We’ll feel shells and scales and talk about Michigan’s amazing animals!
Puzzle Competition: Mountains
Saturday, January 16th, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Put your puzzle assembly skills to the test in this friendly competition at Seven Ponds! Each team may have up to 5 members. If you have more in your group, consider splitting up for some extra fun competition. Teams will be given the same puzzle to complete and will get to keep the puzzle at the end! Our January puzzle will feature an artistic interpretation of a mountain. There will be prizes awarded to the first overall finishers and the first finishers with someone under 12 years old. The fee for each team is $20 and teams are welcome to bring snacks and drinks. No alcohol.
WINTERFEST
Saturday, January 23rd, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Our annual winter celebration is fun for the whole family. Activities will include pond dipping, lawn games, traditional ice cutting, ice skating on Treetop Pond (please bring your own skates!), snowman building contest, and s'mores by a hot fire! If there is not sufficient snow or ice, alternative activities will be provided.
Snowshoeing
Saturday, January 30th, 2:00 PM
Come snowshoeing with us and enjoy Seven Ponds in the winter! In the event of no snow, an interpretive walk will still take place. Snowshoes are provided.
FEBRUARY
Afternoon Winter Story Hour
Thursday, February 11th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Join a naturalist for a cozy story and craft. This program is best for preschool aged children and their adults.
Nature Wreaths
Saturday, February 13th, 2:00 pm
Bring the beauty of nature to your front door! Using natural materials, we will make and decorate wreaths for you to take home. Supplies provided. This program is for ages 14+. Cost: members: $10, non-members: $12
Plant ID Workshop
Saturday, February 20th, 10:00 AM
Do you love native plants? Have you ever wondered how to identify species and use keys? Then this class is for you! Follow along with a naturalist for an indoor presentation as we learn how to use Michigan Flora, your best resource for knowing Michigan’s plants, and practice with winter woody plants. This class is great for adult learners, no matter your knowledge level. It is recommended to bring your smartphone and pre-download the
Michigan Flora app.
WINTER 2026-2027 BIRD WALKS
Saturday, December 20th, 6:00 pm
Join us at the nature center as we learn about the owls that call Seven Ponds home! We’ll look at taxidermy and then go on a night hike. This program is intended for those age 13+.
Saturday, January 17, 9:00 am
Come spend the morning with a naturalist as we watch our feeders and learn about the birds visiting them! Coffee and tea will be provided. This program is intended for those age 13+.
Saturday, February 28, 8:00 am
Winter birding is in full swing at the nature center. Let’s hit the trails and see how many species we can find! This program is intended for those age 13+.
LITTLE HELPERS OF SEVEN PONDS
Join us for this fun volunteer opportunity! Participants aged 3-5 years old and their caregivers will help out with an age-appropriate volunteer project around the nature center, read a story, play a game, and get to meet other families with the same love of nature! These are free monthly programs, sign up for just one or all three!
Feed the Critters
Tuesday, December 8th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
It's breakfast time! Come help our naturalist feed our ambassador animals lots of yummy and nutritious food. Volunteers will also enjoy a critter-themed story and an opportunity to meet the critters.
Discovery Room Tidying
Tuesday, January 12th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Our Discovery Room can get a little messy from time to time. Let’s make sure everything has a spot! Volunteers will also enjoy a discovery-themed story and game.
Winter Birdwatching
Tuesday, February 9th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Come meet the critters of Critter Corner! Our reptile and amphibian ambassadors have so much to teach us. We’ll feel shells and scales and talk about Michigan’s amazing animals!
