Schedule

Winter Evening Hike

Saturday, January 30, 2021 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 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 Trees and Nature Hike

Sunday, February 7, 2021 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.

River City Wild Ones - Botanical Quest: Documenting Michigan’s Rare Native Flora Through Photography

Monday, February 15, 2021 6:30 pm to 7:30 am
A photographic journal of my quest for finding and photographing Michigan's rare and interesting native flora. Stories of the quest, trips and some history will be part of the presentation. This will be a virtual event with River City Wild Ones.

Signs of Spring

Sunday, March 14, 2021 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. This walk will also include a visit to a vernal pool with discussion on these interesting features in the woods. 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 25, 2021 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 2, 2021 2:00 pm to 4:30 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 11, 2021 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 13, 2021 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.

Butterfly Gardening

Friday, May 14, 2021 10:00 am to 11:00 am
A look at how the needs of butterflies in all stages of life can be meet in and attracted to your yard. Whether you have a small apartment patio or several acres, you can attract butterflies. Drawn from a life long interest in butterflies and enjoying the surprises that can come with successfully attracting them.

National Trails Day Hike

Saturday, June 5, 2021 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Come out and join others for a leisurely walk through the Nature Center. We will walk the perimeter trails encircling most of the park. We will make a few stops for items that may be of interest, but this is more of hike through walk. Distance covered will be around 2 miles. 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 13, 2021 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.

Prairie Flowers and Butterflies

Sunday, July 18, 2021 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. Long pants and shoes are highly recommended. 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.

Kids Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
This scavenger hunt is for kids who must be accompanied by at least one adult per family or small group. You will be given a list and will be given an hour to find as many items on the list as you can. We will meet at the parking area at the end of New Holland and move to the prairie area before starting you hunt. Al items on the list will be able to be found from trails in the woods and prairie. Bring your phone as you may need to take pictures of some items on the list. 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.

Prairie Flowers & Ecology

Sunday, August 8, 2021 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 plus 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. Long pants and shoes are highly recommended. 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 17, 2021 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 19, 2021 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 17, 2021 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. Kids will be encouraged to collect a few leaves of trees looked to see how many they can remember and identify at the end of the walk. 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.

Nature Hike

Sunday, November 7, 2021 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 coming 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.

Night Hike & Owl Prowl

Saturday, November 20, 2021 6:30 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.