Did you know that an apple blossom is Michigan’s state flower? We’ll read a story about how apple trees grow and how they can be made into some tasty fall treats. Sample some delicious Michigan-grown apples and use a cider press to make apple cider. We’ll even make some apple-themed art. The Little Critters Nature Hour presents a new nature program every month geared towards young children and their families. Ages 3-5. Please preregister, (810) 227-8917

Patterns in nature are not only beautiful, but beneficial as well. Let’s take a fun look at the role “stripes” play in the natural world. Please preregister, 734-782-3956.

Get out and see what you can do with the plants you find outside. We’ll go for a walk to ID plants you can use to dye with. Then we’ll collect some plant samples and go through the whole process of dyeing, so you can go home and begin your new projects. Materials will be provided. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, 586-463-4332.

Imagine walking outdoors in five years and never seeing a Monarch.  This beautiful butterfly is in serious trouble!  Discover their life history and learn how to help these butterflies recover from the brink of extinction.  Ages 5 and up.  Please preregister, 586-781-9113. 

Discover our closest celestial neighbor, as we watch the Harvest Moon rise! We will look for the nocturnal wildlife of Hudson Mills Metropark. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. All ages. Please preregister, (734) 426-8211.

Stop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and learn about owls, owl pellets, and get your very own owl pellet dissection kit. Our staff will help you work through the pellet to discover what the owl had for lunch, and we will attempt to put the skeleton of the animal back together.

Come out to the farm and join our teamsters in harnessing and hitching our draft horses. Then enjoy a wagon ride through our farm fields. Ask questions and learn about these majestic equines. This program may be rescheduled due to inclement weather conditions. Please wear closed toe shoes and dress for outdoor conditions. Ages 6 and up. Please preregister, (586) 752-5932.

Bring your little one out for guided play through music, movement, sensory, and group play. This month is all about mammal- they’re colors and patterns, where they live and where they make their home. Ages 2-3 with parent. Please preregister, 586-463-4332.

Join us for a late summer bug hunt where we can scout the fields and meadows for all kinds of late summer insects. Using magnifiers, sweep nets, and field guides students will learn how to identify insect groups and how to capture and release safely.

Join us as we kick-off a great weekend of celebrating the annual fall hawk migration. The Kick-off will feature hors d' oeuvres, a silent auction, a cash bar and a live birds of prey demonstration. This event includes a weekend pass to HAWKFEST too. Preregistration required, 734-379-5020.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open Fire Cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html.

Bring your rollerblades and longboards to take a ride through the park. We’ll start at the nature center, then head out to Huron Point. We’ll look for the changing colors of fall and search for wildlife along the way. Ages 10 and up. Please preregister, 586-463-4332. Time: 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This year, we will be celebrating our 30th year of Hawkfest! Join us for a great weekend of games, crafts, guest speakers and fun. Live birds of prey will be on hand all weekend!

Journaling your experiences in nature can be an excellent way to turn them into lasting memories. Join us for a fun day on the trails sketching, writing poems and recording our memories. Please preregister, 734-782-3956.

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.

Ever wanted to feed the pigs? Help farm staff to feed the pigs, goats, cows, and more. Young farmers will learn what each animal eats and why. Space is limited and fills up fast! Ages 6 - 15. Please preregister, (248) 684-8632

This program will introduce you to the common owls of our area and how they live. You’ll also enjoy an evening stroll to search for nocturnal animals under the stars. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. All ages. Please preregister, (734) 426-8211.

This program is for teens and adults, and skill areas offered include Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Bead Working, Fiber Arts, Pioneer Life Skills, Open Fire Cooking on the open hearth, camp fire, Dutch oven and brick oven. You will complete a project to take home during the class. Located at the Kensington Living History Village, parking available at the Farm Center. Ages 14 and up. Please preregister at http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/Skills_Experience.html.

Hawkfest is a two-day event for the whole family focusing on birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls) and the annual fall hawk migration over Lake Erie Metropark. This year, we will be celebrating our 30th year of Hawkfest! Join us for a great weekend of games, crafts, guest speakers and fun. Live birds of prey will be on hand all weekend!