National Trail Day

This is the perfect time of the year to get outdoors. Everyone can benefit from the fresh air - Mom, Dad AND the kids. So why not take advantage of National Trail Day?

On Saturday, June 6, 2015 there are plenty of opportunities to participate in organized hikes locally. I will be hiking as part of the Iron Belle Trail dedication hike where 130 Scout Troops throughout the state will hike from Belle Isle to Ironwood in a single day. Of course my group only has 5.5 miles of that! Don't let that scare you though. Your hike can be as short or long as you like!

There are two local organized hikes that Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation are leading. The first begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. at the Leonard Preserve  (N Union St, Manchester, MI 48158) and the second runs 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Squires Preserve (Sylvan Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118). All ages are welcome to participate. Bring a snack, water or lunch and dress appropriately.  


If you are not able to walk tomorrow, on Sunday there is another 1-mile family friendly walk too. The Family Adventure Walk is a free event from 10:00 a.m.-noon  at Lily Park (Ellsworth and Platt). Enjoy activities sponsored by the Leslie Science Center, and Ann Arbor Hands On Museum as well as find food, fun and t-shirts! It's all about getting outdoors this weekend.

Breakfast on The Farm

If you have never been to Breakfast on the Farm, it is a great family event. My family has gone several times in the past few years, and has enjoyed visiting the farm, and eating the yummy pancake breakfast. On September 6 your family can enjoy this free event too!

The event, Breakfast on the Farm, is hosted by Uphaus Farms (14324 Pleasant Lake Rd., Manchester) from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on September 6. It will include tours of the farm and great food - In past years we have even gotten to step into and check out some of the big farm machinery, which of course was a hit with my kids! Tickets will be available after August 6 at these locations throughout the Ann Arbor area. More locations are available for other Washtenaw County locations.

ANN ARBOR
Ann Arbor Downtown Home and Garden
GreenStone Farm Credit Services
Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center
Nicola’s Books
Washtenaw Co. Farm Bureau
Washtenaw Co. MSU Extension

CANTON
Wayne Co. Farm Bureau

CHELSEA
Chelsea District Library

DEXTER
Dexter Mill

MANCHESTER
Linda’s Diner
Manchester District Library
Wacker Oil & Propane

MILAN
Milan Public Library

SALINE
Saline District

YPSILANTI
Ypsilanti District Library Locations

This free event is one for the entire family, so be sure to bring, mom, dad, the kids and even the grandparents. It will be a fun time you don’t want to miss!

April Morning Bird Walk

Spring has sprung, or perhaps it is still springing, regardless though, families should take the opportunity to get out and about for the April Morning Bird Walk. On Sunday, April 27, 8:00-10:00  a.m. at the Leonard Preserve (N Union St, Manchester, MI 48158)  to explore habitats including open field, wetlands, deciduous and conifer forests in search of the birds. If possible bring binoculars and a field guide for your exploration. Families and beginning birders welcome to attend this free event led by Faye Stoner, a naturalist at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

For more information, visit parks.ewashtenaw.org, or call 971- 6337.

Weekend Event Round-up: Sept 6-8

Hello Ann Arbor families - It's going to be a beautiful weekend! I can't wait to get out there. I'm hoping the weather allows for some outdoor play, perhaps even a bike ride or hike! I'll certainly be foraging a bit and preserving some of the goods from my garden, however with the weather we are supposed to have, who wants to be tied to the kitchen? I want to find a great activity for my kids to enjoy. What about you? Do you have any activities or events in mind this weekend in Ann Arbor with the kids?

Here's hoping this weekend's event round-up will spark an idea for you...

Friday, September 6:

• Tonight spend a Fun Friday Night At the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave.Ann Arbor). From 5:30-9:00 p.m. families can wander the museum, participate in fun hands-on activities, see the dinosaurs, take guided tours, participate storytime and watch a planetarium show (for $3).

Saturday, September 7:

• Get outside and explore - Perhaps a trip to play disc golf at Rolling Hills, the end of summer hike at Hudson Mills (Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center) at 8:00-11:00 a.m., or even a tree hike with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation! Families wanting to know more about trees should plan to attend the Burns-Stokes Trees of Washtenaw County program held at Park Lyndon at 10:00 a.m.-noon. (This would make an exceptional scout event too!) The kids will learn about many of the tree species found in our part of Michigan. Pre-register at 971-6337 x334 or stonerf@ewashtenaw.org.
• What about a free movie to start the weekend? This weekend's free movie at the Quality 16 is epic. Catch it at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m.
• Your preschooler might really enjoy storytime so be sure to check out the new Saturday stroytime at the Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum at 10:30 a.m.
• Want to learn about one of natures most important insects? Then the Festival of the Honey Bee at YDL-Michigan is the place to bee. From 1:00-5:00 p.m. create bee-related crafts, taste honey, do the waggle dance, and learn about pollination and the bee life-cycle. There is even an open-mic performance time for bee-related songs, poetry and essays. 
• Take your wee scientist to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum for Sciencefest for hands-on activities from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. there is even a special pre-school month playtime for the tots happening. Experience even more science fun at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and of course don't forget the free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• Teach the kids more about where their food comes from at the Sixth Annual HomeGrown Festival. It happens at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor) from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 8:

• You have a second chance to catch the free movie epic at the Quality 16 at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m. 
• There is also a second chance for the ScienceFest preschool playtime today from noon-4:00 p.m.
• Storytime is at the Kerrytown Bookfest at 3:00 p.m.
• There are two fun fall activities happening at historic locations. Families could head over to Sharon Mills (5701 Sharon Hollow Rd, Manchester) for an open house at 1:00-4:00 p.m.to participate in a docent guided tour to learn about the mill and its hydroelectric generator. Want to stay closer to Ann Arbor? Then plan to tour an 1870's pioneer grist mill at Parker Mill (4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor). Families will learn how water power was used to grind corn and wheat. Formal tours are given at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
• Don't forget the science fun happening at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 3:00 p.m. and free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• I posted the other day about the Dawn Farm Jamboree. It's a great way to support a local Ypsilanti cause while spending a fun day out with the kids.

So there you have it folks. Many great activities and events happening throughout town. What will you choose to do?

Meet The Animals at SASHA

This Sunday would be the perfect time to meet the animals at SASHA Farm (17901 Mahrle Rd.,
Manchester),during their Spring Social. From noon-4:00 p.m. tour the farm, meet the many animals is residence, visit with adoptable animals, enjoy vegetarian refreshments and kid's activities. This special event is free for kids under age 5 and only $10 for other family members. Proceeds help support the animal sanctuary.

Week 14 - Weekend Events Round-up: April 5-7

I'm glad and sad that the kids will be back in school Monday. Spring break has been nice, but at the same time, having time to get things done, without their fights, will be really nice too. Anyone else happy about spring break coming to an end?

This weekend will be a busy one for my family  One kid will be at a sleepover then bowling for a birthday party for a friend, the other is having a meeting for his Washtenaw County Science Olympiad Team and I will be at the Skywarn Spotter Training tomorrow for the county. There are however a couple of noteworthy weekend events happening in AnnArbor including FestiFools and the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. Families are always welcome to check out the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and all it has to offer, including a new planetarium show called Larry the Cat.

What are your weekend plans? Have anything special on your weekend event planner??? Check out a few of these opportunities for the kids.

Saturday, April 6

Saturday is "for the birds" as young builders get to build their own bird feeder at a free Home Depot Kids workshop from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This free event has never required registration, however I did notice on the website that registration is now encouraged. Click the kids workshop tab in the Home Depot Workshops for more information and to register for the kids building clinic.

Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop at Michael's Crafts. For only $2 your child can make a cute Earth Day celebration craft - Sessions happen every half hour from 10:00-11:30 a.m. allowing lots of time for mom to shop.

Get a jump start in celebrating Earth Day with a special story-time at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor) at 10:00 a.m. Children ages 1-5 will learn how they can care for the planet and plant some seeds in recycled items. Admission for the event is $2/child. Children do not need to pre-register.

The day should warm to the mid-50's which makes getting out into nature a MUST. Explore the landscapes of the River Raisin at the Leonard Preserve (Manchester Twp.) with a Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation naturalist at 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Families can learn about this unique habitat that supports a diverse array of plant and animal species. For more information visit www.stewardshipnetwork/rc. Light refreshments will be served after the program.

Want another opportunity to get outdoors Saturday? Then be sure to take the family to check out the Dance of the Timberdoodle 7:30 to 9 p.m. Independence Lake (Webster Twp.) Families will learn about the spring rituals of the woodcock. Plan to meet at the Boat Launch, near the park’s gatehouse for the trip outdoors.

Photo shared on Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page
courtesy of  Myra Klarman photography

Sunday, April 7

There is one more opportunity to get outdoors Sunday 2:00-4:00 p.m. As an added bonus families can learn about the beneficial uses of Garlic Mustard as we weed it from where we don’t want it to grow at County Farm Park (Meet at the Medford Road entrance). You will learn to make raw pesto, spring greens smoothies, and Greens Vichyssoise too!!!

One of these days I am going to attend Festifools - if you're planning to take the family though, there is costume-building workshop at 826 Michigan (115 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor) at 2:00-3:30 p.m. It was featured earlier this week on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page - Be sure to stop by and let the kiddo's create a crafty robot.

Exploring the Sharon Short Hills Preserve

Fall back with your clocks, but don't forget to head out for a wonderful fall hike exploring the Sharon Short Hills natural area at Sharon Short Hills Preserve on Sunday November 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Explore the wetlands and forested hills with a naturalist from Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation seeing some late fall colors, woodland creatures and maybe even a bird or two. This is a free event for the whole family!

Celebrate The Harvest Season

To help the family understand how foods were processed 100 years ago, or to understand where electricity got started, taking a mill tour may be just what you need! There are two such mills in Washtenaw County where families can learn such things. At Parker Mill, families will learn how the Parker family used waterpower to grind flour, turn a lathe, and run other machines. While the Sharon Mill, part of the Ford legacy offers a better understanding of how electrical power was produced.

Both Parker and Sharon Mills will be running free programs at several times throughout September and October. Take your family, child's class or scout troop - It's fun and free education for all! Take a picnic lunch and your camera, both places offer exceptional scenery to enjoy as well.


A free Parker Mill grist mill tour is a
great way to understand how food
was processed.

Parker Mill Tours
(4650 Geddes Rd., Ann Arbor)
Open 1:00-5:00 p.m. with formal tours at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
September 11, 18, & 25
October 2, 9, 16, & 23

Sharon Mills
(4650 Geddes Rd., Ann Arbor)
Open 1:00-4:00 p.m.
September 11 & 18
October 9 & 23
Group tours are also available by appointment May through October (734) 971-6337 x 334.

Free Guided Bird Walk to Get The Kids Out in Nature

The weather may be wet, but it is finally getting warmer in the Ann Arbor area, and for that reason, it's time to get outside! This Sunday, May 1 is the First Day in May Bird Walk at the Leonard Preserve. bring your camera, binoculars (and possibly rain boots!) for a 9:00-11:00 a.m. romp throughout the preserve looking for many feathered friends. This is a free guided walk and beginner friendly!

Directions: From I-94: Exit #159 (M-52), southbound.  Take M-52 approximately 10.5 miles, turn right onto Main Street.  Turn right on Union Street.  The preserve entrance is at the end of Union Street, off Main Street/Austin Road in the Village of Manchester (west of the Manchester downtown area).  Head north on Union Street, when the street bears left and turns to gravel you will see the preserve entry sign. Keep going, parking area on the right.