Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21
2pm - 4pm
Independence Lake County Park
Vehicle entry fee required
We are grateful for all the exploring and learning you did with us this year and we want to say thank you. Join Naturalists Elle, Kelsey, and Shawn for a nature hike where we’ll leave a special treat for the local wildlife. We’ll also enjoy a solstice bonfire while sharing some of our favorite nature moments. Holiday treats and hot drinks will be provided. Registration required.

Each program session will target a different area of nature, and build an awareness of the natural world through direct observation. At the end of each program kids will receive a badge. Kids who attend four or more programs will receive naturalist prizes. This is a free program, but some locations do require a vehicle entry fee. Junior Naturalist is for kids 7-11 years old. SPACE IS LIMITED!! Maximum of 8 children per naturalist. One adult may accompany each child. No unregistered siblings, please.


Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21
2pm - 4pm
Independence Lake County Park
Vehicle entry fee required
We are grateful for all the exploring and learning you did with us this year and we want to say thank you. Join Naturalists Elle, Kelsey, and Shawn for a nature hike where we’ll leave a special treat for the local wildlife. We’ll also enjoy a solstice bonfire while sharing some of our favorite nature moments. Holiday treats and hot drinks will be provided.


Bobcats
Saturday, January 25
10am – 11am
County Farm Park: Medford Pavilion
The most common wildcat in North America is the bobcat, named for its short black, white-tipped tail. Despite its striking resemblance to the housecat, the bobcat is a fierce predator that ranges throughout North America, even here in Washtenaw County! Come learn all about these danger kitties with naturalist Elle Bogle, then take a short nature walk to look for bobcat prey and make a bobcat track of your own to take home.

Family Program: Winter Bouquet
Saturday, February 22
2 – 3:30pm
Dominican Meadows
Ages 2 and up
Though the petals have fallen and the colors have faded, the beauty has not. The seed heads of flowers come in stunning shapes that keep our winter landscapes full of life. We’ll hike to enjoy the different types of seeds, vines, and twigs and create a bouquet of what we find. Led by naturalist Shawn Severance. Pre-registration required for everyone attending ages 2 and older. Email [email protected] with questions.

Solstice Morning Mindfulness Hike
Saturday, December 21
10:30am – 12pm
DeVine Preserve
Ages 18+
The solstice may be the darkest day of the year, but it also signals the returning light. Celebration of the winter solstice dates to ancient times as a start to the solar year and the rebirth of the Sun, as well as marking the beginning of winter. Join naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward for a hike in the beautiful DeVine Preserve to celebrate the returning sun and the transition into winter. Sturdy boots and layers are recommended. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle. Pre-registration required. Email [email protected] with questions.


New Year Mindfulness Walk
Saturday, January 11
1pm - 2:30pm
Scio Woods Preserve
Ages 18+
Begin the new year communing with Mother Nature on the peaceful, quiet trails of Scio Woods Preserve. This meditative hike is focused on reconnecting with yourself and the natural world, which can be quite restorative during this dark time of the year. Appropriate winter attire and sturdy footwear is recommended. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle. Email [email protected] with questions.

Indoor Intro to Archery

This introductory program to archery covers safety and basic shooting skills. All archery equipment is provided, and no prior archery experience is required. Space limited to 12 people per section.

Sections for 18+ are adult only, children will not be able to participate.

All programs take place at Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

Programs led by Kelsey Dehring. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Sunday, December 15
5:30 – 7 pm (Ages 8+)
7 – 8:30 pm (Ages 18+)


Sunday, January 12
5:30 – 7 pm (Ages 8+)
7 – 8:30 pm (Ages 18+)


Sunday, February 9
5:30 – 7 pm (Ages 8+)
7 – 8:30 pm (Ages 18+)

These programs are designed for adults, 18 and up. Be sure to check in with naturalist leading program for any questions (ex: hike length or trail conditions).

Winter Birding
Saturday, December 7
8 – 10 am
West Lake Preserve
There is never a wrong time of year to experience the joy of bird watching! We’ll welcome our winter visitors, like juncos, and appreciate the locals who stay through winter, like chickadees. Led by Kelsey Dehring. All levels of birders are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars. Space limited to 15 birders. Email Kelsey at [email protected] with questions.

Sunrise Nature Hike
Tuesday, December 10
830am - 1030am
Park Lyndon South
With a diverse mix of habitats and an extensive trail system, Park Lyndon is one of Washtenaw County’s loveliest natural areas. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for a morning exploration of the Southern portion of the park. Hiking to the top of the kame may even be included. The scenery of the wooded ridges and the kettle lake are only made more spectacular by the stark beauty of the season, so bundle up and behold Lydon in her winter loveliness. Proper winter gear and binoculars are strongly recommended. Email [email protected] with questions.

Winter Field Botany
Saturday, December 14
2:00-3:30pm
Draper Houston Meadows
Enjoy the spare and lovely forms of dried seedheads in the winter fields, and the faded colors of still-remaining fruits. We will hike across the fields looking for animal signs taking in the stillness of the winter landscape. Led by naturalist Shawn Severance. Email [email protected] with questions.

New Year Birding
Saturday, January 11
8 – 10 am
Leonard Preserve
Not much is better than getting some fresh air during a time of fresh starts. Let’s start the year off by enjoying the beauty of our local birds along the charming River Raisin. Led by Kelsey Dehring. All levels of birders are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars. Space limited to 15 birders. Email Kelsey at [email protected] with questions.

Sunrise Nature Hike
Tuesday, January 14
8:30am - 10am
Parker Mill
The earth may be blanketed in winter’s quiet chill, but there is still plenty of beauty and activity to behold. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for a morning exploration of Fleming creek, the floodplain, and the forest of Parker Mill to discover the hidden treasures of the season. Email [email protected] with questions.

Winter Tree ID
Saturday, January 25
2:00-3:30
Highland Preserve
Winter is a wonderful time to appreciate the subtle beauty of the forest. We will learn to identify several trees using only bark, twigs and buds. Let the crisp winter air wake up your senses as we examine bark furrows, leaf scars, the pungent scent of dormant twigs and the surprisingly colorful buds. Warm boots recommended. Registration is limited to 12 people. Led by naturalist Shawn Severance. Email [email protected] with questions.

Sunrise Nature Hike
Tuesday, February 11
8:30am - 10am
Kosch-Headwaters Preserve
We may be deep in the heart of winter, but there is still plenty of beauty to be seen. Leaves and flowers may be absent, but the trees and roots are slumbering and dreaming of spring. Spent seed heads decorate the trails with a unique beauty and the tracks of adventurous animals can be seen in the snow. Come enjoy the brisk morning air as we wander the preserve and discover winter’s hidden wonderments. Proper winter gear and binoculars are recommended. Email [email protected] with questions.

Winter Birding
Saturday, February 22
8 – 10 am
Clark & Avis Spike Preserve
In the crisp morning air, we’ll gaze upon nuthatches foraging, a hawk soaring overhead looking for a meal, and enjoy many other daily routines of winter birds. Led by Kelsey Dehring. All levels of birders are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars. Space limited to 15 birders. Email Kelsey at [email protected] with questions.

For a full description of the program listed in the table below, click on the “description” title for the program you are interested in.


Fee is $15 per family/household, up to 4 members per family/household
Vehicle entry fee required
Explore the park on a lantern lit one-mile trail with a self-guided hike through the woods. Weather, trail type and trail conditions will dictate which trail will be lit. There will be a campfire, s’mores, and hot cocoa at our Beach Center Pavilion after your hike. Dog walkers welcome. Only one person needs to register as the fee is per family/household. Register at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. Registration # IL431310. Check in at the Beach Center Pavilion. Participants must check in by 7:30pm to complete program by 8:30pm.
Questions about programs at Indy Lake County Park? Contact Julie or Ashley at [email protected]

For a full description of the program listed in the table below, click on the “description” title for the program you are interested in.

Program fee is $10 per family/household, up to 4 members
Vehicle entry fee required
These yule logs are not the edible kind but the ones to bring the magic of winter nature into your home. A selection of greenery, pinecones, and ribbon will be available for you to create a yule log to use as a winter decoration in your home. Feel free to bring any additional items from home. Participants will be trimming greenery and hot gluing items to their logs. This activity is not recommended for children under 10yrs. Only one person needs to register as the fee is per family/household. Pre-registration is required online at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. Registration # IL461100. Check in at the Beach Center Pavilion.

Questions about programs at Indy Lake County Park? Contact Julie or Ashley at [email protected]