2024 summer outdoor education
What could be more fun than adventuring in northern Michigan’s great outdoors! Thanks to donor support, there is no cost for these programs. However, attendance is limited and registration is required for these highly popular outings.
Also take a look at our seasonal community field trips here.
To register, click the appropriate link below. Please feel free to call our office with any questions.
Knee High Naturalists (ages 3-5)
ALL KNEE HIGH NATURALISTS PROGRAMS ARE FULL!!
These fun and interactive sessions include a story, short hike or activity, crafts, and more. Parents are asked to stay with their children.
Programs run from July 2-August 1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 – 11:30am
Location for all programs is the Five Mile Creek School House (5533 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs), northwest of Harbor Springs
Tuesday, July 2
10–11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
They give us oxygen! They make their own food and provide
delicious snacks for us! They give us shelter on a hot summer day! Many
woodland critters call trees their home! We will begin this magical adventure
with a story and make our way outside using our 5 senses to explore the
different colors, patterns, functions, smells, and beauty trees provide for us
and the natural world around. Participants will create a tree craft to take
home.
Tuesday, July 9
10-11:30
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
On this outing your knee high naturalist will learn all about the world below their feet! The forest floor is teeming with life. We will be covering the key characteristics of a true insect are as well as investigating their habitats up close and personally. Participants will create an insect craft to take home
Thursday, July 11
10–11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
Calling all knee high naturalists to jump or sway on over to the schoolhouse to find out about our friends; the frogs, toads and salamanders of Michigan. Learn about how they grow, where they live and where these “cool “critters like to hang out! A variety of hands on activities will be provided!
Tuesday, July 16
10–11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
Flock on over to hear all about birds! We will be learning why birds have different types of beaks and how they use them through an interactive activity. Your knee high will have the opportunity to test out what it’s like to have a beak and even catch a (gummy) worm with it…and eat it, of course! A hike to follow, we’ll be looking for signs and sightings of these magnificent creatures.
Thursday, July 18
10-11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
The creek provides a home to a variety of aquatic creatures. Your knee high will be getting their feet wet while safely exploring the underwater world! We will observe some under water critters and learn some fun facts about them. All materials will be supplied for dipping.
Tuesday, July 23:
10-11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
Come create in the forest! Knee high naturalist will be using their creativity and imagination to craft magical homes on the preserve for our woodland fairies and gnomes. We will provide natural supplies for this activity.
Thursday, July 25
10-11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
Buzz on over to hear all about bees! Your knee high will learn what it means to be a pollinator and all the super powers of a bee through a variety of hands on activities. They will get to use their imagination and transform into bees and buzz around a pollination station collecting “pollen”.
Tuesday, July 30
10-11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
There is no better place to explore our senses, then being out in nature! There are endless sights, smells, sounds and textures to discover. We’ll smell, touch, taste, hear and feel our way through nature on a senses scavenger hunt! Participants will create a senses craft to take home!
Thursday, August 1
10-11:30am
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
Butterflies are enchanting creatures. They captivate us with their whimsy and beauty. We’ll explore the journey of these beautiful creatures; learn about their lifecycle and what their role is in the natural world. Participants will create a butterfly craft to take home!
Youth Explorer Series (ages 6-12)
Our YES program is intentionally designed to expose our nature-loving youth to activities and skills they can carry with them throughout their lifetime. Adventures vary in length, time, and age-appropriate topics.
Programs run from July 1- July 31. Locations, days & times will vary.
*Please note, particular programs may be geared towards specific age ranges.
Monday, July 1
10-11:30am (offered for ages 6-9)
Hailand/Helstrom Nature Preserve
Lift a log, sift through mud, and follow the buzz in search of those fascinating bugs!
This nature preserve provides the perfect variety of habitats for a wide range of insects and their kin. Your little bug lover will be sure to have a good time! Sweep nets, bug jars and I.D. books provided but feel free to bring your own!
*This program is offered to ages 6-9.
Wednesday, July 3
10-11:30am
Watson/Schott Nature Preserve
Come out, come out, wherever you are! Camouflage is an amazing adaptation that helps animals blend into their surroundings. Get ready to learn about different types of camouflage, predator and prey adaptations, and food chains as we play games and use our observation skills along the trail.
PROGRAM IS FULL!
Monday, July 8
10-11:30am (offered to ages 9-12)
Round Lake Boat Launch
You won’t want to miss this amazing opportunity to explore Round Lake via kayak! Whether beginner or experienced, this will be a fun and safe way to get out on the water and explore the Round Lake Nature Preserve from a different perspective. Life jackets are required, some kayaks and life jackets are available. Space is limited.
*This program is offered to ages 9-12.
PROGRAM IS FULL!
Wednesday, July 10
10-11:30am (offered to ages 9-12)
Offield Family Viewlands
Trout Unlimited is partnering with LTC to offer this incredible opportunity for youth! Fly fishing is a beautiful sport that can be done throughout a lifetime in some of the world’s most beautiful places. This program, will expose children to the sport of fly fishing, basics of fly tying, casting instructions, and give them the opportunity to fish. All gear is provided. Space is Limited. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. A towel and change of clothes is also recommended.
*This program is offered to ages 9-12.
Monday, July 15
10am-12pm
Wollam Famiily Nature Preserve
Located just south of Cross Village along the famed Tunnel of Trees, this spectacular piece of property is a must-see! This 62-acre preserve features rolling hills of hardwoods, mixed conifers, sensitive dune habitat and 2,450 feet of gorgeous shoreline! Come explore all of the wonders that make this place so special!
Wednesday, July 17
10am-12pm
Five Mile Creek Nature Preserve
Take a walk on the wild side of the creek! With no established trail, this preserve is for the adventurous child. Be prepared to have some fun getting muddy and wet! This walk will be different from walking a maintained trail, and will require maneuvering over logs and through branches. Dress for hiking, in clothes you won’t mind getting wet.
Monday, July 22
10-11:30am
McCune Nature Preserve
This program will focus on one of the five priorities of survival: shelter building! We will cover the importance of being prepared before venturing out into the woods, the 10 essentials, and the mindset needed in survival situations. The program includes a short hike, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Thursday, July 25
10-11:30am (offered to ages 9-12)
Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails
Mountain biking is a super fun way to get out into nature! This amazing property is home to the newest addition to our mountain bike trails and is a regional destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike. All skill levels of mountain bikers are welcome!
Bring your own mountain bike. Extra water, appropriate footwear, and helmets are required.
*This program is offered to ages 9-12.
Monday, July 29
10am-12pm
Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve
Our adventure will begin with a hike along the Pigeon River to a gorgeous lookout and one of our nation’s only nature megaphones. The hike is two miles in total. If tromping through the woods and playing along a river sounds like fun, then this is the program for you! Dress for hiking, in clothes you won’t mind getting wet.
PROGRAM IS FULL!
Wednesday, July 31
10am-12pm (designed for ages 6-9)
Offield Family Viewlands WFR
I spy with my little eye an animal with scales, gills, and fins. Can you guess what it is? A fish! Come join us for a fishing adventure where we will observe fish up close, practice casting, and then go fishing! Fishing poles will be provided but feel free to bring your own.
*This program is designed for ages 6-9.
