Plants that Benefit Birds & Butterflies
Thursday, April 6 – 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Did you know that by selecting certain native Michigan plants, you can attract birds and butterflies to your yard? We will teach you how to create low-maintenance landscapes that bring your space to life, help water quality, and might even help solve home water problems. Join a Metroparks interpreter at the Detroit Public Library Bowen Branch for a presentation on using native plants to beautify your garden and enhance your surroundings.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: 18 and up.
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Bowen Branch, 3648 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit, MI 48216

Birds of Prey
Tuesday, June 20 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Explore the adaptations that make hawks, eagles, falcon, and owls some of the most effective predators in the Great Lakes region! Participants will use photos, video, sound recordings and taxidermy mounts to identify these birds and learn about their hunting and feeding behaviors in different habitats. Hands-on demonstrations allow everyone to discover how birds of prey live successfully in their habitats.

This program is fun for all ages!

Michigan Mammals
Friday, July 14 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

A great many mammals call Michigan home. Using skins, skulls, mounted animals and a variety of hands-on activities, students will learn how to identify Michigan’s mammals. This is a chance to explore mammal diversity and adaptations and find out how they eat and survive!

This program is for ages 5 – 12.

Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Campbell Branch, 8733 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

Pre-registration is not required.

Cold-blooded Creatures
Saturday, November 4 – 3 p.m.

This up-close look at Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians is sure to satisfy the most curious budding herpetologist (one who studies reptiles and amphibians)! Participants will learn to categorize creatures as reptiles or amphibians by observing physical features and life cycles. We will also explore reptile and amphibian habitats, populations, diets, and adaptations for survival in this hands-on program.

Ages: Children ages 3 – 8.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Cheney Branch, 16101 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48227

Pre-registration is not required.

Shells, Scales & Pollywog Tails
Friday, June 30 – 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Children will discover frogs, toads, and salamanders through games and artifacts that illustrate their life cycles and special features. Then turtles and snakes will make their debut with further games and activities. To wrap it all up, children will meet the live animals they’ve just learned about. This program is fun for all ages!Crawling

Cuties: Bugs, Insects, Spiders and More
Friday, July 21 – 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bugs are our friends! Children will get up close and personal with insects, spiders and more as they observe the many important jobs that these clever, captivating, crawling creatures perform. We will read a buggy story and through singing and dramatic play activities, students will discover what physical features all insects have.

This program is for children 3 – 8.

We’re Fond of Ponds
Friday, August 11 – 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Check out what’s going on down at the pond! From food webs and frog calls to amphibian and insect metamorphosis, children will get a taste of all kinds of pond life as they view and touch artifacts, participate in pond-themed activities, and interact with live animals.

This program is for children 3 – 8.

Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Douglass Branch, 3666 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48208

Pre-registration is not required.

We’re Fond of Ponds
Thursday, July 27 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out what’s going on down at the pond! From food webs and frog calls to amphibian and insect metamorphosis, children will get a taste of all kinds of pond life as they view and touch artifacts, participate in pond-themed activities, and interact with live animals.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: Children ages 3 – 8.
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Jefferson Branch, 12350 E. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48234

Plants that Benefit Birds & Butterflies
Thursday, April 22 – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Did you know that by selecting certain native Michigan plants, you can attract birds and butterflies to your yard? We will teach you how to create low-maintenance landscapes that bring your space to life, help water quality, and might even help solve home water problems. Join a Metroparks interpreter at the Detroit Public Library Lincoln Branch for a presentation on using native plants to beautify your garden and enhance your surroundings.

Pre-registration is not required.

Ages: 18 and up.
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Lincoln Branch, 1221 Seven Mile E, Detroit, MI 48203

Plant Parts & Seed Dispersal
Wednesday, April 26 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
From our food to our homes to the air we breathe, where would we be without plants? Participants will discover the role each part of a plant plays as we “transform” someone into a beautiful flower. Then students will find out how plants overcome the challenge of being stuck in one place through different techniques to cast their seeds across the world during this lively, interactive presentation. Learn about plant structure, diversity, and importance all while having fun!

This program is fun for all ages!

Shells, Scales & Pollywog Tails
Friday, June 23 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Children will discover frogs, toads, and salamanders through games and artifacts that illustrate their life cycles and special features. Then turtles and snakes will make their debut with further games and activities. To wrap it all up, children will meet the live animals they’ve just learned about.

This program is fun for all ages!

The Plants We Eat
Friday, July 7 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Preschool through first grade students will have fun learning about the plants we eat and how they travel from place to place. We will act out ways that seeds are dispersed, we will discover which parts of the various plants we eat, and we will learn about the different animals and their jobs that make it all possible. Through songs, a puppet show, and other engaging activities, students will be left with a greater understanding of the food chain, as well as how our food makes it to us from the farm to the table.

This program is for children ages 3 – 8.

Mammals Are Marvelous
Friday, July 14 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Younger children will delight in learning what features make mammals unique by comparing themselves to other animals “born alive and well.” Join us to discover which Michigan mammals are carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.

This program is for children ages 3 – 8.

Birds of Prey
Friday, July 21 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Explore the adaptations that make hawks, eagles, falcon, and owls some of the most effective predators in the Great Lakes region! Participants will use photos, video, sound recordings and taxidermy mounts to identify these birds and learn about their hunting and feeding behaviors in different habitats. Hands-on demonstrations allow everyone to discover how birds of prey live successfully in their habitats.

This program is fun for all ages!

Cold-blooded Creatures
Friday, July 28 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
This up-close look at Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians is sure to satisfy the most curious budding herpetologist (one who studies reptiles and amphibians)! Participants will learn to categorize creatures as reptiles or amphibians by observing physical features and life cycles. We will also explore reptile and amphibian habitats, populations, diets, and adaptations for survival in this hands-on program.

This program is for children ages 3 – 8.

Crawling Cuties: Bugs, Insects, Spiders and More
Saturday, October 28 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Bugs are our friends! Children will get up close and personal with insects, spiders and more as they observe the many important jobs that these clever, captivating, crawling creatures perform. We will read a buggy story and through singing and dramatic play activities, students will discover what physical features all insects have. This program is for children ages 3 – 8.

Life When It’s Snowy
Wednesday, December 6 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Michigan winters may be cold and snowy, but these animals have special ways to survive! Children will investigate the different methods animals use to survive the cold while they compare and contrast using hands-on animal artifacts.

This program is for children ages 3 – 8.

Cost: Free!
Location: Detroit Public Library Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48219

Pre-registration is not required.

2023 Lower Rouge River Water National Canoe Day Paddle Trip
Saturday, June 24

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 proved 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 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 https://forms.gle/vJXcom2sRRZxBB9X7 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.

2023 Lower Rouge River Water Trail Summer Madness Demo Day – Inkster
Saturday, August 12

Are you new to paddling? Join the Friends of the Rouge for a guided a paddle trip on the Lower Rouge River.

The trip will begin at Colonial Park and end at Inkster Park. This is a great opportunity for beginner paddlers to try a canoe or kayak for free and learn a few key paddling basics! Metroparks Interpreters will also be onsite sharing information about the animals of the Rouge River.

Free kayak rental to the first 40 event registrants will be provided by the Metroparks, Friends of the Rouge and The Inkster Task Force.

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

Preregistration is required. Please visit https://forms.gle/g5ijS7vM5v4hZXUq7 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.

2023 Lower Rouge River Water Trail Hype Athletics Paddle Trip
Saturday, August 19

Friends of the Rouge will host a guided paddle trip beginning at Goudy Park, in Wayne and ending at Venoy Dorsey Park, in Westland. This is a spectacular way to see the Lower Rouge River from a whole new vantage point and try a new skill. Metroparks will be partnering with Friends of the Rouge and Hype Athletics 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 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 https://forms.gle/nsZgMrmKRWEkLnxeA for additional information and to register.

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