June 2019
Solar Science
Beat the heat and have fun with the sun this summer. We’ll learn why the sun is so important in our lives and in the lives of plants and animals around us. Participate in hands-on demonstrations and experiments to illuminate the sun’s amazing qualities. Covering everything from solar energy to our resident ectotherms, you’ll walk away with a new respect for the summer sunshine. Ages 7 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »American Girl in Nature Doll Camp
Bring your companion doll and get ready to spend the day exploring the park together. Campers will make nature crafts with their doll, do some hands-on investigation of the plants and animals that live here, and meet new friends! Ages: 6 and older.
Find out more »Invasive Shrub Removal – Indian Springs
Join us in removing invasive shrubs from Indian Springs Metropark. We will meet at the Environmental Discovery Center parking lot (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 »July 2019
Family Discovery Days: Frog Friends
Borrow a frog caller and hike through the wetlands with us in search of over a dozen different species of Michigan amphibians. Learn how to identify frogs by their calls and coloration, as well as the conservation methods we use to preserve this fragile part of our ecosystem. Dress for the weather. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Pond Dipping
What lives beneath the surface of the pond? We’ll use dip nets and some tubs to carefully catch and release some of the smallest pond creatures, and see what they can tell us about how healthy the pond is. Come dressed to be outdoors for this hands-on activity. Ages 5 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Nature Explorer’s Day Camp
Kids, explore two different Metroparks at this four day camp. Hunt for insects, experience life underwater, dip in the pond with nets, explore the prairie, jump in the mud, meet Ranger the red-tailed hawk, visit the Spray ‘n’ Play water park and ride the Island Queen pontoon boat. These are just some of the activities in this fun-filled week. Spend the first two days at the Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark and end the week with two days at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center. Ages: 7 to 12 Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - This is a 4 day camp 7/16 - 7/19
Find out more »Invasive Species Pull – Indian Springs
Join us in removing invasive spotted knapweed 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 »Fish Finders
Put on your sunscreen and hike down to the fen with us as we attempt to net some fish for an ecological pond survey. Learn about native fish, such as bluegill, yellow perch, and largemouth bass and the important roles they play in the Great Lakes area while seeing them up close. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Ecosystem Excursion
Come roam Indian Springs Metropark with us. We’ll explore with field guides and nature journals to answer questions such as “what is an ecosystem” and “how do you tell the difference between the different kinds of ecosystems” Join us to discover all the amazing variety from wetlands to woodlands. Dress for the weather. Ages 8 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Build a Fairy House
Every fairy needs a beautiful fairy house. Use your creativity to craft a unique fairy dwelling out of natural materials. This enchanted craft is perfect to put in your garden or on your front porch at home. Building materials will be provided. Ages 5 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Broomsticks & Hippogriffs Day Camp
Under logs, in bogs, on trees or flying high with bees — Indian Springs Metropark is home to an array of beasts, but to see them one must first know where to look. Channel your inner Newt Scamander as we spend the day investigating the park high and low to find evidence of the magical beasts we can find in our own backyards. We will also be spending some time indoors for potions lessons and herbology, so be ready to get a little messy at this two-day camp. Ages: 10 and up Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. - This is a 2-day camp 7/31 - 8/1
Find out more »August 2019
Family Discovery Days: Turtle Team
Come out of your shell and explore the terrific world of turtles. We will have a chance to meet a painted turtle while discussing anatomy before hiking through our wetlands in search of other native terrapins. Dress for the weather. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Prairie Painting
Always wanted to live the life of a traveling artist? Test the waters with a prairie-top hike to paint the blooming wildflowers and beautiful grasses of Indian Springs. Brushes, paint, and canvas will all be provided, but don’t forget your water and hiking boots! Ages 12 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »Pond Dipping
What lives beneath the surface of the pond? We’ll use dip nets and some tubs to carefully catch and release some of the smallest pond creatures, and see what they can tell us about how healthy the pond is. Dress to be outdoors for this hands-on activity. Ages 5 and older. 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 in the Environmental Discovery Center’s own backyard. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, (248) 625-7280.
Find out more »September 2019
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 »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 »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 »