August 2019
Twilight Bat Hike
They’re mysterious and spooky, but altogether helpful! Join us as we demystify the ways bats can help strengthen the community. We will start in the lab for a quick talk on what distinguishes bats from other mammals and why their ability to fly is so special. Next, we’ll move on to a twilight hike for the opportunity to search for our flighted-friends in the Environmental Discovery Center’s own backyard. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »September 2019
Invasive Shrub Removal – Indian Springs
Join us in removing invasive shrubs from Indian Springs Metropark. We will meet in the parking lot of the EDC (look for the Metroparks vehicle and blue flag). Volunteers receive free day entry to the park, just let the toll booth attendant know you are at the park for a volunteer workday.
Find out more »Family Discovery Days: Prairie Plants
The plants of the prairie have a hard life. It’s hot, dry and windy where they live, plus lots of animals want to eat them – yet they persist! We’ll hike up to the Outwash Overlook and find out how. Plan for an outdoor walk, with some rolling hills. Sunscreen, hats and water bottles are recommended. All ages. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Grandparents Day Craft & Hike
Bring a grandparent or honorary grandparent along for a nature walk. Each grandparent-child pair will get a photo taken on the trail, and then we will head back inside to create a one-of-a-kind frame for it. Dress for the weather. All ages. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Tech Enhanced Homeschool, 1 of 9: Intro for Older Students
We begin by asking the question: “What are you interested in?” This place-based class is geared toward the older student. Each participant will receive an observation notebook at the first class which will be used to record findings while we explore the park and its ecosystems using data loggers, traditional tools and technology. Each subsequent session will build off the others and the class culminates in a science fair where the students will display the results of a science project they have designed and carried out with the guidance of interpretive park staff. Ages 11 – 15. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Tech Enhanced Homeschool, 1 of 9: Intro for Younger Students
We begin by asking the question: “What are you interested in?” This place-based class is geared toward the older student. Each participant will receive an observation notebook at the first class which will be used to record findings from while we explore the park and its ecosystems. Each subsequent session will build off the others and the class culminates in a science fair where the students will display the results of a science project they have designed and carried out with the guidance of interpretive park staff. Ages 7 – 10. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Walk It! 5K Hike
Looking for a fun way to get in your steps? This 5K is an extended guided hike meant to get the blood pumping and allow you to appreciate the little things on the way. Make sure to bring your water bottle and wear comfortable shoes fit for the trails. Ages 12 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Predators of the Prairie
The prairie may seem peaceful, but many unique predators stalk these tall grasses and call it home. Join us on an educational hike through our prairie while searching for three distinct hunters: coyote, Sandhill crane, and red-tailed hawk. Ages 8 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Tech Enhanced Homeschool, 2 of 9: Scientific Method for Older Students
The second meeting of this place-based series will focus on an observational hike and data collection at different ecosystems. We will emphasize the scientific method, data loggers, units of measurement and keeping a science notebook Ages 11 – 15. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Tech Enhanced Homeschool, 2 of 9: Scientific Method for Younger Students
The second meeting of this place-based series will focus on an observational hike and comparison of different ecosystems. We will emphasize the scientific method, science tools, units of measurement and keeping a science notebook Ages 7 – 10. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Family Fall Night Hike
Come welcome Fall! We will start off in the classroom doing fun fall activities and then head out to see the colors on the trees and to collect some leaves for your leaf book! We will also see what night creatures make their presence for us as we walk along the trails. Dress for the weather, including closed-toed shoes and bring a flashlight. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Girl Scouts Seniors: Eco Explorer
We will investigate biodiversity, explore different ecosystems and the issues they face, and look closely at water quality. Dive into your own environmental project that will explore different factors that threaten our water. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »October 2019
Family Discovery Days: Fall Leaf Hike & T-shirt Painting
We’ll begin by stamping leaf prints on a t-shirt or tote bag that you bring. Next, we’ll head outside and hike through the fall colors to collect some leaves. Returning to the building, we’ll identify our finds and make a leaf collection booklet. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »10th Annual Great Pumpkin Hunt
Join us for a fun day of fall activities, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy pumpkin painting, face painting, places to explore, hay rides and food vendors. Not to mention a great pumpkin hunt. There will be prizes for all participants. This event is hosted by the Huron Valley Optimist Club.
Find out more »Girl Scout Cadettes: Eco Trekker
Interested in learning about environmental stewardship? After this program, you will walk away knowing more about your environment and what you can do to help. We will discuss how to be a responsible outdoors woman by talking about making minimal impact and bringing awareness about eco issues to your community! At the end of the program you will have met all the requirements for the Eco Trekker badge. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »Twilight Bat Hike
They’re mysterious and spooky, but altogether helpful! Join us as we demystify the ways bats can help strengthen the community. We will start in the lab for a quick talk on what distinguishes bats from other mammals and why their ability to fly is so special. Next, we’ll move on to a twilight hike for the opportunity to search for our flighted-friends. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »Trick-or-Treat Along the Trail
During this evening program, costume-clad little ones will experience Halloween-themed stops along the Nature Trails. Bring a bag or bucket to collect treats. Upon your return to the festively-decorated Metropark Office enjoy cider, donuts. Tours leave at scheduled times. Ages 2-10. Preregistration required, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »November 2019
Family Discovery Days: All About Owls
This program is for owl enthusiasts, who aren’t night-owls themselves – especially the younger crowd! We’ll look at feathers and taxidermy to see what makes owls special, listen to recordings of owl calls of local species, and then celebrate them by making some owl crafts! Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »Owl Prowl
Calling all owl and nature lovers! We will be having a short classroom discussion about our feathery friends and then head out onto the trail. While on the trail we will be looking and listening for owls while we call some. We may see and hear some along with other creatures of the night. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »Boy Scout Webelos: Into the Wild & Into the Woods
Scouts can satisfy requirements for one of both electives in one day. For Into the Woods, we’ll talk about types of trees, how they grow, what products we can use them for, and their role in local ecosystems. We’ll also hit the trails to identify some of our trees and other plant species. And for Into the Wild, we’ll use a variety of interactive approaches to learn about food chains, ecosystems, and how humans impact nature. We’ll look at some of Michigan’s native wildlife species and discover their roles within their ecosystems and how that relates to us. We’ll even put our observational skills to use and see what kind of critters we can observe around Indian Springs Metropark. Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Bring a sack lunch if you will be participating in both sessions. Please preregister, 248-625-7280. Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Find out more »December 2019
Family Discovery Days: Sustainable Holiday Ornaments
Let our classroom become your craft room. We’ll have materials and ideas for everyone to make natural or recycled ornaments that are fun to create and good for the earth! Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
Find out more »Snacks with Santa
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Make memories at the Environmental Discovery Center while you decorate a cookie, hear a holiday story, make holiday crafts and visit with Santa. Each child will receive a small gift. Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture all the special moments! Please preregister, 248-625-7280. Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Find out more »Tracking for Beginners
Winter snows not only create a beautiful backdrop, but also the perfect palette for animal tracks! Bundle up with hats and scarves and lace up your winter boots to see who’s been prowling in the winter wonderland of Indian Springs Metropark. We’ll start inside to learn about how to tell if an animal has visited, then head out to see signs of wildlife in person. Bring your own solid colored t-shirt or bandana for stamping, light colors work best. Ages 8 and up. Please preregister, 248-625-7280.
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