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/.

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: Sherwood Forest

Master Rain Gardener Class
Thursdays, February 27 – March 27
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!

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/o/sherwood-forest-detroit-public-library-66587884063 or call 313-481-1840.

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.

Pre-registration is required. To register please visit https://www.romuluslibrary.org/calendar/ or call 734-942-7589.

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.