Schedule

Winter Botany and Nature Hike

Sunday, January 13, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
On this hike we will focus on “Winter Botany”, identifying plants that remain visible through the winter. We will also look for winter resident birds and signs of animal activity in the Nature Center. This is a great time to bring snowshoes if you have them. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Winter Evening Hike

Saturday, January 19, 2019 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Ever wonder what it would be like to be in the snowy woods at night? Join Naturalist Craig Elston for a walk under the waning, but nearly full moon as he leads this casual hike in the woods. It is possible to hear owls calling or see other nocturnal wildlife. But you can come just to enjoy a quiet walk in the snow seeing how the moon cast shadows of the trees in the woods. If there is enough snow, snowshoes are welcome but not necessary to traverse the trails. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Winter Nature Hike

Sunday, February 10, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
On this hike we will look at identifying trees in winter by their buds and bark. We will also look for winter resident birds and signs of animal activity in the Nature Center. This is a great time to bring snowshoes if you have them. Come enjoy the beauty of winter in the woods. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Signs of Spring

Sunday, March 17, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Walk the trails of the Nature Center looking and listening for signs of spring in the woods and fields. Some early spring wildflower plants including Skunk Cabbage may be identifiable this time of year. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Early Spring Wildflower and Nature Hike

Sunday, April 28, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Come out and look for the earliest of spring wildflowers such as Jeffersonia – Twinleaf named for Thomas Jefferson, Bloodroot, Spring Beauty, and other interesting natural features while walking the trails of the Nature Center. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Spring Wildflowers

Sunday, May 5, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Spring is one of the two most beautiful times of year in Michigan’s woods as the “Spring Ephemerals” come out in all their glory. Come view and learn about the many glorious spring wildflowers of the woodland. Trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Dutchman’s breeches, Trout Lilies, Violets, Ginger and many more will be in bloom. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Spring Wildflowers

Tuesday, May 7, 2019 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Spring is one of the two most beautiful times of year in Michigan’s woods as the “Spring Ephemerals” come out in all their glory. Come view and learn about the many glorious spring wildflowers of the woodland. Trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Dutchman’s breeches, Trout Lilies, Violets, Ginger and many more will be in bloom. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Spring Wildflowers and Birds

Thursday, May 16, 2019 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Spring is one of the two most beautiful times of year in Michigan’s woods as the “Spring Ephemerals” come out in all their glory. Come view and learn about the many glorious spring wildflowers of the woodland. Trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Dutchman’s breeches, Trout Lilies, Violets, Ginger and many more will be in bloom. We will also be on the lookout for migrating warblers and other birds of the spring woodland. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Early Summer Nature & Woodland Ecology Hike

Sunday, June 16, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
While there is much to experience as the wildflower show begins to shift form woods to field and edges, this walk will focus on the woodlands. We will look for summer wildflowers and other natural features of interest along the trails. We will also take time to stop and explore the ecology of the forest and see how many organisms work together and depend on one another. Big trees of the Hudsonville Nature Center will also be featured The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather. Long pants and shoes or hiking boots are recommended for all walks.

Prairie Flowers and Butterflies

Sunday, July 21, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
July is a great time to look for butterflies and take in the prairie as the warm season flowers and grasses begin their majestic showing. Flowers in bloom could be Leadplant, Gray-headed Coneflowers, Rosin Weed, Culver’s Root, Butterfly Milkweed and more. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as the walk will be held except in the event of threatening or severe weather. Long pants and shoes or hiking boots are recommended for all walks.

Prairie Flowers & Ecology

Sunday, August 11, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
August is the peak of many prairie and summer wildflowers with the heat spurring them on. Four different Silphiums, Sunflowers, Coneflowers, Goldenrods and more will be in bloom as well as grasses blooming and easier to identify. This walk will be held on the Prairie Path and a trip into the Prairie itself to experience what it is like walking in tall grasses over your head. We will also view the prairie from the raised observation deck. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather. Long pants and shoes or hiking boots are recommended for all walks.

Morning In The Prairie

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 9:00 am to 11:00 am
This is a time for kids to come and learn about the prairie and some of the plants that are found there. We will look at some colorful flowers, the tall grasses and hopefully see a few butterflies. This walk will be held on the Prairie Path and a trip into the Prairie itself to experience what it is like walking in tall grasses over your head. Kids should be accompanied by an adult and all participants should wear long pants and shoes. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Early Autumn and Trees

Sunday, September 22, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
At this time between the multitude of summer flowers and the colors of fall there is much to see and experience in the Nature Center. Come discover asters, goldenrods, late season prairie and edges flowers as well as look for nuts and berries that are edible and are good food for wildlife. We will also focus on trees and tree identification. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather. Long pants and shoes or hiking boots are recommended for all walks.

Fall Nature Hike

Sunday, October 20, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Participants will walk the trails looking for and learning about, late season wildflowers, trees, berries and nuts, birds and any other natural features of interest as well as fall color found in the woods, openings, wetlands and prairie of the Nature Center. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather. Long pants and shoes or hiking boots are recommended for all walks.

Night Hike & Owl Prowl

Saturday, November 9, 2019 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join in on this night hike as we seek out calling owls in the woods. Great Horned Owls begin calling in early winter and should be able to be heard if they are in the Nature Center woods. But you can also come just to enjoy a quiet walk in the woods. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.

Nature Hike

Sunday, November 10, 2019 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Early November is a time between fall color and the winter snows beginning. Winter resident birds have arrived and animals have slowed down and moved into their winter modes. With the leaves off of the trees this is a great time to look for bird nests and some signs of insect activity that may have been hidden by the leaves of summer. This is a general nature hike where we will look for birds and other items of interest and talk about what transitions are taking place in the woods and fields as winter approaches. The walk will begin from the parking area at the end of New Holland Ave., east of 32nd Ave.   Participants should for come prepared for the weather, as walks are held except in the event of threatening or severe weather.