YOUR METROPARKS ARE ON THE MOVE.
LEARN WITH US AT A LIBRARY OR EVENT NEAR YOU.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Metroparks at Community Events

The Metroparks want to be where you are! From neighborhoods to libraries to local events, we want to be there too. All year long, you will find the Metroparks hosting programs and engaging in the community. Our mobile learning centers and interpretive outreach staff are looking to engage deeper with Detroit residents as we build toward our first Metropark in Detroit in 2024.

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden will be the first-ever Metroparks location within the City of Detroit and will feature numerous opportunities for visitors to experience the water through winding walking paths, tranquil seating areas, educational signage and open-air classrooms where engaging programming with students and visitors will take place. Click here to read more.

January 18 - Winter Carnival at Clark Park - Detroit

Saturday, January 18

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during Winter Carnival and Art at Clark Park in Detroit. Learn about wildlife found throughout our state and especially animals found in southeast Michigan. Several 10-minute programs about our neighborhood wildlife will be presented throughout the day. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits. Learn more at https://clarkparkdetroit.com/.

January 25 - Winterfest at Rouge Park - Detroit

Saturday, January 25

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during the Winterfest at Rouge Park in Detroit. Learn about wildlife found throughout our state and especially animals found in southeast Michigan. Several 10-minute programs about our neighborhood wildlife will presented throughout the day. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits from Noon – 4 p.m. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rouge-park-winterfest-2025-tickets-1116816802119.

February 1 - Shiver on the River, Belle Isle Nature Center - Detroit

Saturday, February 1

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during the Shiver on the River at Belle Isle Nature Center in Detroit. Learn about wildlife found throughout our state and especially animals found in southeast Michigan. Several 10-minute programs about our neighborhood wildlife will presented throughout the day. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more at https://belleislenaturecenter.org/event/shiver-on-the-river/.

February 8 - Winter Festival at Eliza Howell Park - Detroit

Saturday, February 8

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during Winter Adventure and Art at Eliza Howell Park in Detroit. Learn about wildlife found throughout our state and especially animals found in southeast Michigan. Several 10-minute programs about our neighborhood wildlife will presented throughout the day. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more a https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eliza-howell-park-winter-festival-tickets-1206045246799.

April 12 & 13 - GreenFest at the Detroit Zoo

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13

Visit the Metroparks Mobile Learning Center at the Detroit Zoo during GreenFest. GreenFest is a two-day festival that teaches community members how to live sustainably through fun displays and activities. We will be showcasing the benefits of using native plants in your home gardens to enhance your surroundings and provide food and shelter for beneficial pollinators. Visit each day between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more a https://detroitzoo.org/events/greenfest/2025-04-12/.

May 3 - Kids Fishing Fest & Sturgeon Day at the Milliken State Park - Detroit

Saturday, May 3

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during Sturgeon Day at Milliken State Park on the Detroit Riverfront. It’s a day to learn about fish and fishing and aquatic wildlife found in southeast Michigan and along the Detroit River. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits. Stop by and make a fish print to take home!

July 11 - Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront - Detroit

Friday, July 11

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront at Gabriel Richard Park in Detroit. Here’s your chance to learn about all the small things found in pond water. Catch some freshwater bugs and examine them under magnifiers. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more at https://detroitriverfront.org/reading-rhythm-riverfront.

July 25 - Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront - Detroit

Friday, July 25

Visit the Metroparks’ Mobile Learning Center during Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront at Gabriel Richard Park in Detroit. Learn about wildlife found throughout our state and especially animals found in southeast Michigan. Several 10-minute programs about Michigan Reptiles will presented throughout the day, with a chance to touch some animals. The Mobile Learning Center van will be open to walk through and explore as well as outside interactive exhibits from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more at https://detroitriverfront.org/reading-rhythm-riverfront.

LIBRARIES

Metroparks at the Detroit Public Library

Your Metroparks is excited to work with the Detroit Public Library to bring programs to Detroit neighborhoods. A variety of topics will be covered across multiple library locations, with FREE programs for adults, families, and kids!

Metroparks at the Detroit Public Library: Conely Library

Master Rain Gardener Class
Thursdays, February 27 – March 27
5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

In this FREE five-week class, adults 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 instruction 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. One optional off-site field trip to an existing rain garden is included. You must attend all five classes. The class is geared towards adults 18 and up.

To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/become-a-master-rain-gardener-tickets-1229459449309?aff=ebdsoporgprofile or call (313) 481-1590.

Location: Detroit Public Library Conely Branch at 4600 Martin St., Detroit, MI 48210.

Metroparks at the Detroit Public Library: Romulus Public Library

Master Rain Gardener Class
Wednesdays, February 5 – March 5
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

In this FREE 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 instruction 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!

No registration required. You must attend all five classes. For more information please visit https://www.romuluslibrary.org/calendar/ or call 734-942-7589.

Planting Seeds for Clean Water
Saturday, April 26
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Participants will discover the world of plants by learning about different plant parts, their life cycles, and how they can help keep our water clean. They’ll visit the library’s rain garden to see these concepts in action and learn the importance of native plants in the water cycle. Each child will then plant a seed to take home, fostering a connection with nature and a hands-on understanding of environmental care. Join us for a fun and educational journey into the world of plants and water conservation!

No registration required. For more information please visit https://www.romuluslibrary.org/calendar/ or call 734-942-7589.

Ages: Fun for all ages!
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Romulus Public Library, 11121 Wayne Road Romulus, MI 48174

Metroparks at the Henry Ford Community Library

Rain Gardens 101
Thursday, April 10
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

In this is a one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden.

To register call 313-943-2330 or visit: Calendar | Dearborn Public Library (dearbornlibrary.org)

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Henry Ford Centennial Library 16301 Michigan Ave. Dearborn, MI 48126

PADDLING

Metroparks on the River

Join us for guided paddles down the Lower Rouge River and take in nature in a whole new way!

Paddle Trip: Dearborn Hills Golf Course

Saturday, June 22

Celebrate National Canoe Day with a guided paddle on the Lower Rouge River. This guided trip is geared toward experienced paddlers and will begin at Dearborn Hills Golf Course and end at Ford Field Park. The Metroparks Mobile Learning Center will also be onsite sharing information about the animals of the Rouge River. Free kayak rental to the first 25 registrants will be provided by Metroparks and Friends of the Rouge.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: FREE for first 25 registrants. $40 canoe rental after. $10 shuttle fee if bringing own vessel.
Location: Dearborn Hills Golf Course and Ford Field Park

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events for additional information and to register.

This program is presented by Friends of the Rouge, in Partnership with Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Wayne County Parks and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Paddle Trip: Friends of the Rouge Inkster Hype Athletic Paddle

Saturday, August 3

Friends of the Rouge will host a guided paddle trip beginning at Venoy Dorsey Park and ending at Inkster Park. This is a spectacular way to see the Lower Rouge River from a whole new vantage point and try a new skill. The Metroparks will be partnering with Friends of the Rouge, Hype Athletics, Camp Inspire and the Inkster Taskforce to provide free kayak rental to the first 25 event registrants.

Canoe or kayak rental is $40 for those registering after the first 25. If you are bringing your own boat, there is a $10 shuttle service fee.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE for first 25 registrants; $40 per person after. $10 shuttle fee if bringing own boat
Location: Goudy Park

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events for additional information and to register.

This program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Rouge, Camp Inspire and the Inkster Task Force, Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Wayne County Parks, City of Wayne, City of Westland, Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Paddle Trip: Birding by Canoe at Newburgh Lake

Saturday, October 5

Friends of the Rouge will host a guided paddle trip from the Newburgh Lake Boat Launch at Newburgh Lake in Hines Park. This is a wonderful way to combine two great outdoor activities – birding and being on the water! Bring your binoculars to go birding by canoe. Metroparks will be partnering with Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Black Birders Association, Detroit Bird Alliance and Wayne County Parks to provide free kayak rental to the first 25 event registrants.

Canoe or kayak rental is $40 for those registering after the first 25. If you are bringing your own boat, there is a $10 shuttle service fee.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events information and to register.

This program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Black Birders Association, Detroit Bird Alliance, Wayne County Parks, Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and the City of Wayne.