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

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

Craft Series: Rain Sticks

Get crafty and create your own rain stick! Learn about this traditional instrument and bring the soothing sound of rain to life with your handmade masterpiece.

Ages: 3yrs +

Cost: $15 per crafter

Register HERE.