Climate Classroom

In this five-week class, you will learn how to design your own rain garden! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. Join us to receive step-by-step instructions to create your garden, protecting your home against flooding and helping the birds and butterflies. And in the process, you will become a neighborhood expert!

Earn your certification – including a t-shirt and sign – by building your own rain garden or adopting a public rain garden. You must attend all five classes.

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Program recipients are required to participate in a pre and post survey. A unique Response ID to maintain anonymity. Survey results will help to make recommendations and improvements for future programming.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Dates: Thursdays, August 5, 12, 19, 26 and September 2
Time: Program 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Office Hours 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

Click to register.

In this four-week class, you will learn how to design your own rain garden! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. Join us to receive step-by-step instructions to create your garden, protecting your home against flooding and helping the birds and butterflies. And in the process, you will become a neighborhood expert!

Earn your certification – including a t-shirt and sign – by building your own rain garden or adopting a public rain garden. You must attend all four classes. Classes are on Thursday August 6, 13, 20 and 27.

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program. Program recipients are required to participate in a pre and post survey. A unique Response ID will be used to maintain anonymity. Survey results will help to make recommendations and improvements for future programming.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Office hours 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

Click to register.

Join us for a guided tour of the Lake Erie Metropark Rain Garden. This beautiful and functional garden effectively manages rainwater from the surrounding pavement and filters it before it reaches Lake Erie. Discover the importance of native plants and the role rain gardens can play in your space. We will share tips on enhancing your garden, supporting local wildlife, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener.

Stay after for the Native Plant Swap at the Marshlands Museum from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar

Join us for our Native Plant Swap. Have an abundance of native plants or too many of one kind? Bring your extras to our plant swap! Whether you’ve started them from seed, have leftovers from your garden, or just need to make space, this potluck-style event is a great chance to trade and discover new native varieties.

No plants to swap? No worries — you’re still welcome to come and pick up a few native plants for your garden or yard!

Join us to discover more about native plants, invasive species, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips on enhancing your garden, saving money, supporting local wildlife, and more!

Arrive early and join us for a tour of the Lake Erie Metropark Rain Garden at 9 a.m.

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

What to Expect:
This program will take place entirely outdoors. The facility is accessible, and accessible parking is available on site. This is a drop-in style program with no formal presentation. Please feel free to come and go throughout the timeframe.

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Marshlands Museum

Pre-registration is not required.

Join the Huron-Clinton Metroparks for a Native Plant Swap. Have an abundance of native plants or too many of one kind? Bring your extras to the plant swap! Whether you’ve started them from seed, have leftovers from your garden, or just need to make space, this potluck-style event is a great chance to trade and discover new native varieties.

No plants to swap? No worries — you’re still welcome to come and pick up a few native plants for your garden or yard!

Discover more about native plants, invasive species, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer tips on enhancing your garden, saving money, supporting local wildlife, and more!

This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Sherwood Forest Branch at 7117 W. 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48221.

Pre-registration is not required. For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/sherwood-forest-detroit-public-library-66587884063 or call 313-481-1840.

Calling all nonformal educators! Join us at the scenic Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center in White Lake, MI, for the Regional Nonformal Educator Climate Action Workshop. This hands-on workshop offers interactive sessions on climate change solutions, environmental justice, and practical strategies for weaving climate education into your programs. Learn from experts and fellow educators, gather ready-to-use resources, and engage in discussions that will spark meaningful conversations with your learners. This is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and leave inspired to make a real impact. Space is limited—register early! Participants will receive a pre-workshop survey to choose preferred sessions and meals.

What to Expect:
Most of this workshop will take place indoors. There may be outdoor session options throughout the day. Paths for outdoor sessions in the nature area may be dirt, grass or gravel, slightly hilly, and may include some bridges and boardwalks.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $35 per participant
Location: Indian Springs Metropark, Environmental Discovery Center

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.

Click to register.

Learn about the rain garden at Lake Erie Metropark. Join our interpretive and natural resources team to get hands-on guidance on how to gather and store native seeds sustainably. Help collect native seeds from the Lake Erie Rain Garden for the Metroparks Natural Resources Department seed bank!

We’ll supply all the tools and equipment you need, including gloves (though you’re welcome to bring your own favorites). Just come dressed to get a little dirty — think long pants, layers, closed-toe shoes, and weather-ready gear. Sunscreen, hats, and a reusable water bottle are strongly encouraged.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

Click to register.

Come get a head start on spring gardening. Get your hands dirty and your garden started! Learn how to winter sow native plant seeds by using recycled containers, like milk jugs. After a brief presentation, you’ll get to prepare, plant, and take home your own container—ready to grow with the arrival of spring. Participants will learn how to prep, maintain, and grow a variety of native plants to get a head start on their spring garden. Supplies will be provided, but please bring clean, rinsed plastic containers (such as milk or juice in gallons or half gallons or large tubs of yogurt or cottage cheese) if you have some at home.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lake Erie Metropark, Food Bar

Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.

Click to register.