Upcoming Events
Listing of Upcoming Events
Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stoll Series
Whether you saunter or stroll, join a naturalist on the trails.
Coffee & warm drinks are available at 3p.
Time: 3:00p-4:30p
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free - though donations are appreciated to continue supporting programs and the welfare of the nature center.
Registration: We appreciate your pre-registration to help in us plan and it allows for your optional donation.
Night Hike: Owl Prowl
Night Hike: Owl Prowl
Join us for an enchanting Owl Prowl night hike under the twinkling canopy of the moonlit forest! Armed with a sense of adventure, we'll venture into the mysterious realm of the wise owls. Discover the magic of the night as we navigate through shadowy trails, guided by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional "who-cooks-for-you" serenade from our feathered friends. It promises to be a hootin' good time!
Great Backyard Bird Count Guided Hike
Great Backyard Bird Count Guided Hike
Great Backyard Bird Count Guided Hike
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and the joy of birding during the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). This global birding event takes place over four days and this year is on Valentine’s Day weekend. Oakland Owlets’ families and friends will be counting birds during a hike on the trails. The Johnson Nature Center is an oasis for birds including Wild Turkeys and Great-horned Owls. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. There will be a special bird feeder activity during this program. It is a good day to fall in love with birds. Perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels, this program combines nature exploration with meaningful data collection for global bird conservation efforts.
Created in partnership with the Oakland Bird Alliance and their volunteer members.
Ages: 5 yrs through adult for guided hike
Cost: $8 per person
Maple Sugaring - Sap Happy
Maple Sugaring: Sap Happy Event
Join us this maple sugaring season for a tour of our Sugarbush! Discover how to identify and tap the perfect sugar maple tree and enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the sweet syrup-making process in our Sugar Shack and Log Cabin. Self-guided tours begin every half hour from 9:30a - 12p with numerous activities available at your own pace. Explore the log cabin, experience tree tapping, work on your tree identification skills, and much more with our staff and volunteers there to engage you in the joys of the season along the way.
Enter the Visitor Center within your scheduled time slot to check in.
The price per person is $12 for the day for ages 2yr old - adult. Infants/toddlers 1yr old and younger are free.
GSSEM Girl Scouts OUTDOOR ADVENTUER: Maple Sweetness
Girl Scouts Maple Sugaring Event
Looking for a sweet way to get ready for spring? Come explore the Sugarbush (a collection of sugar maples) and learn all about how we get maple syrup!
Participants will move at their own pace through staffed stations to learn all about how maple syrup is made. Participants will discover how to identify and tap the perfect sugar maple tree and enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the sweet syrup-making process in the Sugar Shack. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the log house, experience tree tapping, and work on your tree identification skills.
Girl/Tagalong Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on programming
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills - Winter Mini Patch
* GSSEM Outdoor Skills - Nature Mini Patch
* Fun, Event Patch
Adult Registration Cost:
* 2 hours of hands-on programming
Costs:
$25.00 per girl
$25.00 per tagalong (Register as girl non member)
$12.00 per adult
PLEASE note that this is NOT a drop-off event and proper Girl Scout to Adult safety ratios MUST be met in order to participate in the event.
Register through GSSEM here.
Maple Sugaring - Sap Happy
Maple Sugaring: Sap Happy Event
Join us this maple sugaring season for a tour of our Sugarbush! Discover how to identify and tap the perfect sugar maple tree and enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the sweet syrup-making process in our Sugar Shack and Log Cabin. Self-guided tours begin every half hour from 9:30a - 12p with numerous activities available at your own pace. Explore the log cabin, experience tree tapping, work on your tree identification skills, and much more with our staff and volunteers there to engage you in the joys of the season along the way.
Enter the Visitor Center within your scheduled time slot to check in.
The price per person is $12 for the day for ages 2yr old - adult. Infants/toddlers 1yr old and younger are free.
Maple Sugaring - Sap Happy
Maple Sugaring: Sap Happy Event
Join us this maple sugaring season for a tour of our Sugarbush! Discover how to identify and tap the perfect sugar maple tree and enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of the sweet syrup-making process in our Sugar Shack and Log Cabin. Self-guided tours begin every half hour from 9:30a - 12p with numerous activities available at your own pace. Explore the log cabin, experience tree tapping, work on your tree identification skills, and much more with our staff and volunteers there to engage you in the joys of the season along the way.
Enter the Visitor Center within your scheduled time slot to check in.
The price per person is $12 for the day for ages 2yr old - adult. Infants/toddlers 1yr old and younger are free.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play: Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cost: $15 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play: Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cost: $15 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play: Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cost: $15 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
Prairie Seed Collecting
Prairie Seed Collecting
November is the perfect time to give back to nature! Join us in gathering prairie seeds that will help bring our school programs to life. As you collect these precious seeds, you'll also have the chance to take some home, giving you the opportunity to cultivate beautiful, native plants in your own yard. It's a fun, hands-on way to support our environment while creating your own mini prairie at home!
Ages 7yr - Adult
$5 per person
Diverse Learners Day
Diverse Learners Day
Come explore late fall at the nature center~ we'll explore the forest, investigate seasonal changes and look for signs that fall is ending and winter is coming!
Diverse Learners is designed to meet children with diverse learning challenges where they are with extra time, patience, and supports. Each child will need a supportive adult with them and can also bring another family member.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play (first ~30 min): Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
Girls Scouts Fall Badge-A-Palooza
Girls Scouts of Southeastern Michigan - Fall Badge-A-Palooza
Join us for a fun-filled day outdoors earning badges and exploring nature! Scouts will engage in hands-on adventures designed to connect them with the environment and build outdoor skills.
🌿 Badge & Mini Patch Options:
Daisy: Eco Learner, Trail Adventure, Shapes in Nature
Brownie: Bugs, Trail Adventure, Shapes in Nature
Junior: Animal Habitats, Trail Adventure, Fishing
Cadette: Animal Helpers, Eco Trekker, Fishing
Discover, explore, and celebrate the great outdoors — all while completing steps toward your next Girl Scout badge!
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play (first ~30 min): Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play (first ~30 min): Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play (first ~30 min): Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
Night Hike: Coyotes
Night Hike: Coyotes
Step into the night and discover the secretive world of coyotes! Join our naturalist for a guided hike as we explore coyote behavior, communication, and their important role in local ecosystems. Together, we’ll listen for night sounds, look for signs of wildlife, and learn how these clever canines thrive alongside us.
Time: 7p-8p
Ages 7 year through adult
Cost: $8 per person
You, Me & the Trees (ages 2-3)
You, Me & the Trees
Parents and caregivers are invited to explore the outdoors with their toddlers and observe the many ways nature can help us learn. Children 2-3 years old will have the opportunity to embrace the wonders of nature through their senses and engage in unique learning experiences. While we follow a laid back, flexible and child-led routine, you can expect a typical class to have the following flow:
Invitations to Play (first ~30 min): Open play in our Outdoor Classroom with a variety of hands-on materials set out by staff.
Gathering Circle: Storytime and music
Hike for the remainder of class. Hikes may include an experience/activity or be a general exploration of the forest.
Class Details:
Class Schedule: Fridays form 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20 per child & parent/guardian pair for one-day registration. You may register for as many weeks as you would like.
You must register at least 2 days in advance to ensure the program runs.
Family Friendly Fishing
Join us on select Saturday or Sunday mornings to discover what lies below the surface of our pond! Participants have the option of bringing their own equipment, or borrowing from what the Nature Center has to offer.
Up to 15 families/groups per day with up to 5 people per family/group. If you have more people than 5, select 2 groups. you can register up to 2 groups at at time here.
$10 per person.
All ages.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stoll Series
Whether you saunter or stroll, join a naturalist on the trails.
Time: 3:00p-4:30p
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free - though donations are appreciated to continue supporting programs and the welfare of the nature center.
Registration: Registration is not required to attend. However, we appreciate your pre-registration to help in us plan and it allows for your optional donation.
Family Friendly Fishing
Join us on select Saturday or Sunday mornings to discover what lies below the surface of our pond! Participants have the option of bringing their own equipment, or borrowing from what the Nature Center has to offer.
Up to 15 families/groups per day with up to 5 people per family/group. If you have more people than 5, select 2 groups. you can register up to 2 groups at at time here.
$10 per person.
All ages.
Outdoor Education Teacher Workshop
Outdoor Education Teacher Workshop
Join Us for Hands-On, Outdoor Learning!
Discover engaging, interdisciplinary ways to connect students with nature through our Project Learning Tree and Project WILD teacher workshop. Designed for K-12 educators, this hands-on professional development experience provides practical activities and resources that align with science, math, and literacy standards.
► Explore the outdoors with innovative lessons.
► Engage students in critical thinking about nature and conservation.
► Inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Cost: $66 — Includes two resource books packed with hands-on activities for immediate classroom use.
SCECHs: Earn 6 (six) State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs).
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 9:00a-3:30p
Where: Johnson Nature Center, 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills
Family Friendly Fishing
Join us on select Saturday or Sunday mornings to discover what lies below the surface of our pond! Participants have the option of bringing their own equipment, or borrowing from what the Nature Center has to offer.
Up to 15 families/groups per day with up to 5 people per family/group. If you have more people than 5, select 2 groups. you can register up to 2 groups at at time here.
$10 per person.
All ages.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stoll Series
Whether you saunter or stroll, join a naturalist on the trails.
Time: 3:00p-4:30p
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free - though donations are appreciated to continue supporting programs and the welfare of the nature center.
Registration: Registration is not required to attend. However, we appreciate your pre-registration to help in us plan and it allows for your optional donation.
Family Friendly Fishing
Join us on select Saturday or Sunday mornings to discover what lies below the surface of our pond! Participants have the option of bringing their own equipment, or borrowing from what the Nature Center has to offer.
Up to 15 families/groups per day with up to 5 people per family/group. If you have more people than 5, select 2 groups. you can register up to 2 groups at at time here.
$10 per person.
All ages.
Family Friendly Fishing
Join us on select Saturday or Sunday mornings to discover what lies below the surface of our pond! Participants have the option of bringing their own equipment, or borrowing from what the Nature Center has to offer.
Up to 15 families/groups per day with up to 5 people per family/group. If you have more people than 5, select 2 groups. you can register up to 2 groups at at time here.
$10 per person.
All ages.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stoll Series
Whether you saunter or stroll, join a naturalist on the trails.
Time: 3:00p-4:30p
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free - though donations are appreciated to continue supporting programs and the welfare of the nature center.
Registration: Registration is not required to attend. However, we appreciate your pre-registration to help in us plan and it allows for your optional donation.
Craft Series: Create a Critter
Craft Series: Create a Critter
Construct and design an animal or critter of your imagination using materials found in nature! Glue, twine and other materials will be provided to assist in construction.
Time: 1p - 3p
Ages: age 5 yr through adult
Cost: $15 per person (plus processing fees)
Register HERE
Frog Walk
Frog Walk
Explore the wetlands on a daytime frog hike, where we’ll search for these slippery amphibians basking in the sun and learn how their habitats thrive under the light of day. From spotting tadpoles to identifying adult frogs, it’s a perfect adventure for nature lovers of all ages!
Cost: $8 pp (all ages welcome)
Register HERE
Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stoll Series
Whether you saunter or stroll, join a naturalist on the trails.
Time: 3:00p-4:30p
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free - though donations are appreciated to continue supporting programs and the welfare of the nature center.
Registration: Registration is not required to attend. However, we appreciate your pre-registration to help in us plan and it allows for your optional donation.
Whimsical Woodlands event
Join us in our Forest Fairy Village for a day of Whimsy! Enjoy a magical day in the forest filled with crafts, storytelling, adventurous activities, face painting, vendors, and fairy-approved treats!
Enter the world of fairies and gnomes!
Follow the trails as you head down the streets of our Fairy Village, discovering magic around every corner! Who knows what whimsical creature you may meet next?
No Registration ~ Free Event