Nature Fun For Kids 2015

The naturalists at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation have an awesome opportunity for Ann Arbor families looking for a great outdoor experience. "Nature Fun For Kids!" happens throughout the summer at various locations at 10:30 a.m. on a variety of topics. Are your kids interested in nature and science? The perhaps they would appreciate learning about clouds, what is swimming in the pond, or local wildflowers! Whatever their interest, the park naturalists can address your needs.

June 13: Cloudspotting
June 18: Dipping the pond
June 27: Hiking
July 2:P Living like a pioneer
July 11: Monarch butterflies
July 16: Wading the stream
July 25: Fishing fun
July 30: Wildflower bouquet
August 8: Skull hunt
Aug 13: Spiders

Just be sure to pre-register for their free program as it is limited to 15-participants. Register by calling 734-971-6337 x334.

Nature Fun on Thursdays at County Farm Park

There are a lot of great things to say about Nature Fun Thursday's with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation. My kids have participated many times throughout the past few summers in the free program, and have always asked for more!

The one-hour program happens the following dates,J uly 11, July 18 and July 25, from at 10:30-11:30 a.m. and features outdoor science, nature and fun. For programs at County Farm Park, you are always conveniently located near an indoor bathroom, covered picnic shelter, play-scape and nature trails for your enjoyment after. Rolling Hills also offers many of these amenities with the addition of a small fishing pond, the water park and many paved trails!

Children ages 5-8 are invited to participate in the free program, however per-registration at 734- 971-6337 X334 is required. For programs at Rolling Hills, a vehicle entry fee also applies.

So be sure to join naturalists Faye Stoner and Kelsey Bolda. for these wonderful and exciting events!

• July 11 - Fun in the Field (County Farm Park, Platt Rd. entrance) with insects, wildflowers, a camouflage game 
• July 18 - Geo-cache Mini-Adventure (Rolling Hills)! 
• July 25 - Flowers and Pollinators (County Farm Park, Platt Rd. entrance) exploring flower shapes, bees and butterfly's

Free Nature Fun on Thursdays: Kids Ages 5-8

There are two times this month for your kids (ages 5-8) to get outdoors and enjoy nature during some fun (and free) programs sponsored by the Washtenaw County Parks and Rec. On Thursdays August 16 and 23 at 10:30 a.m., your child will enjoy checking out all that Mother Nature has to offer.

The first program, Nature Art and Science, will have your kids getting messy as they make play dough, water color paints, and a science toy. The second program will explore creepy crawly insects. Each participant will make their own insect, play a game with them, and then head out to go on a hunt looking for real insects!

Pre-registration for these free events is required by calling 734-971-6337 X334. Both programs will start near the pavilion.

Butterfly Walk This Weekend

This Sunday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. there is a fantastic opportunity for your family to learn all about butterflies with Washtenaw County Parks & Rec naturalist Ron Gamble. The free event, happening at the Leonard Preserve (off of Union St., Manchester), being led by Ron Gamble will have the family out on a butterfly walk AND learning lots of great information.

 Ron helped me with a Cub Scout Fun Day this past spring, and I've also participated in a sky watch event during a camp-out with him. He's a very knowledgeable naturalist, and great with kids! You really won't want to miss this event.

May Brings Birds & Flowers Through The Month

The Hudson Mills Metropark (4800 Dexter Pinckney Rd., Dexter) is offering several wonderful programs to families throughout May. Families can enjoy guided hikes, searching for wildflowers and even birdwatching and then stay to explore the great outdoors in over 1,549 user-friendly acres.

Guided nature programs are some of the best ways to
teach the kids about the outdoors!

Stay for a family picnic, bring the bikes, hike in the woods or simply sit and soak in all that life has to offer. All of the events do require pre-registration 734-426-8211, however they only cost $3 plus the vehicle entry fee for the park. Buy the yearly Metropark Pass though if you are considering several visits!

May Nature Programs at Hudson Mills:

May 12: Bird Hike. - 7:30 a.m.
Bring the family and bring your binoculars to observe bird species seen in the park. The group will record dates, locations, and trends from year to year to see what has changed. It might be a good idea to bring any field guides you have available as well. Wear appropriate clothing too, as you will explore a variety of habitats throughout the park.

May 13: Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike - 1:00 p.m.
Bring mom flowers in a different way by taking her on this beautiful hike. Join an interpreter for this  guided hike to discover what spring wildflowers are blooming. This is a free event for mom.

May 19:  Birding By Ear - 8:00 a.m.
Explore the way the many bird species sound  as an interpreter helps you and the family to explore bird songs for beginners. This program will be indoors and outdoors, so dress appropriately.

May 26: Birding for Beginners - 7:30 a.m.
Bring the kids to explore a bird’s physical aspects, and use the field marks as an easier way to identify your feathered friends. This program will be indoors and outdoors so dress appropriately.

Check out the Spring Flowers This Weekend

After a walk in the woods today it's apparent that many spring flowers are "spring-ing" forth much earlier than they normally do. So this Sunday, April 29, would be a perfect day to view many of them along the Saline River during a free nature program by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

From 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve participants will search for the many wild flowers that bloom in the floodplain forest area and nearby woods. Families will find Blue cohosh, Solomon’s seal, trilliums, Dutchman’s britches and many more species.

The ground may be wet though, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes/boots than can get  wet and muddy.

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.