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 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.

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 

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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