Schedule

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.

Woodland Plants

Saturday, May 11, 2019 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
This class will be begin with an indoor talk on woodlands and their plants. We will look at different types of woodlands and look at some of plants, especially wildflower found in woodlands throughout the growing season from early spring to until freeze up in late fall. The second part of this class will be held out of doors at the Hudsonville Nature Center with a two and a half hour walk in the woods seeing and discussing many spring blooming woodland flowers as well as other plants found in the woods. You can expect to see 24 to 30 species of spring wildflowers. Contact Angela VanOrder at 616-632-7892 or vanorde7@msu.edu for more information

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.

Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants

Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
This class will cover the basics of butterfly identification, butterfly life cycles, butterfly habitat needs, the advantages of using native plants in the home landscape, how to use native plants to attract butterflies and other pollinators, how to start your own butterfly/pollinator garden and will highlight the top ten nectar/larval plants for butterflies. Presenters, Craig Elston of CDE Nature and Park Naturalist Elizabeth Tillman will use two native plantings in the park to illustrate all program topics covered. This program will include an indoor presentation and two outdoor sessions in native plantings which will give participants an opportunity to view butterflies, other insects and birds. Participants may arrive at 8:30 to sign-in, receive packets and to enjoy tea, coffee and light breakfast options. Lunch is provided and will be served at 11:30a.m.. All participants will receive a field guide and other native plant gardening materials. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, camera and notepad. Layered clothing is recommended. For more information contact the Gillette Visitor Center, 231-798-3573 or email Brockwell-Tillmane@michigan.gov. Please note: Cancellations must be made by May 28 to guarantee a full refund. Registration link coming soon.

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.

Prairies

Saturday, July 20, 2019 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
This class is sponsored by the Kent County MSU Extension. A comprehensive overview of prairie environments including historical prairie ranges, types of prairies, information on restoration and planting prairies as well as some interesting trivial tidbits are all covered. This class begins with an indoor component at the Hudsonville City Offices building and then moves to the Hudsonville Nature Center prairie for an up close and personal time in the Tall Grass prairie. Contact Angela VanOrder at 616-632-7892 or vanorde7@msu.edu for more information.

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.