Mindful Nature Hike: Take a guided meditation walk through County Farm Park! Meditation Instructor Julie Woodward, will be your guide, as you experience Spring unfolding. This gentle, slow hike will be on flat, level trails. Mindfulness Nature Walks are perfect for anyone 18 and up.

Join us for a monthly hike to increase calm, presence and learn simple exercises that can be done at any time to bring about expanded awareness and connection to the peace of the present moment. Hikes vary in duration and ease to accommodate many levels of ability. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Email Elle at [email protected] with questions.


SPRING EQUINOX HIKE
Wednesday, March 20
6 - 7:30pm
Fox Science Preserve
The spring equinox is a special moment. With almost equal darkness and daylight, it heralds the changing of the seasons and a time of deep connection with the Earth. We begin to shift from the quiet and introspective focus of winter to more outward, engaged, and energetic feelings of spring. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for an evening hike to celebrate this shift and welcome the new season.


FLOWER POWER MINDFULNESS HIKE
Sunday, April 28
2 – 3:30pm
Draper-Houston Preserve
Flowers are smiles from the universe and late April is beaming. Roam the woods surrounded by spring blossoms and enjoy a guided meditation while learning a bit of botany with naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward.


MORNING MINDFULNESS HIKE
Saturday, May 18
9:30 - 11am
Miller-Smith Preserve
Spring is at its peak and Mother Nature is adorned in all her finery. Spend the morning connecting with the woods, wetlands, and all the spring flowers and discover the joy and tranquility of simple immersion in nature. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward.

Space is limited for these programs. Pre-registration is required. For questions and more information, reach out to naturalist leading that particular program.


iNATURALIST WORKSHOP
Thursday, May 16
6-8pm
County Farm Park
Learn to use iNaturalist to help you identify and report all the interesting organisms you see on your nature hikes! We will start with the basics: how to get on the app, how to explore the global database, and how to contribute valuable data. No experience is necessary; all are welcome to participate! iNaturalist is an online, crowdsourced scientific database where users from across the world can submit and corroborate data. This program led by Shawn Severance and Doug Reith in partnership with the Washtenaw County Conservation District. Space limited to 18 Community Scientists. Email Shawn at [email protected] with questions.

FREE FISHING WEEKEND
Children and adults alike are welcome to come and participate in Michigan's Free Fishing weekend. Poles, bait and instruction provided; bring your own poles if you'd like. No license needed! Bring sunscreen and a water bottle! Maximum of 15 people per session.

Contact Kelsey Dehring for more information at [email protected] or (734) 971-6337 x 330.


DAY 1
SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH
Section A: 10:00 – 11:00 am. This program is at Rolling Hills County Park and will occur near the pond, located down the hill from the Lodge. Park entry fee required.

Section B: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. This program is at Rolling Hills County Park and will occur near the pond, located down the hill from the Lodge. Park entry fee required.


DAY 2
SUNDAY JUNE 9TH
Section C: 10:00 – 11:00 am. This program is at Independence Lake County Park and will occur at the fishing dock near Beach Center. Park entry fee required.

Section D: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. This program is at Independence Lake County Park and will occur at the fishing dock near Beach Center. Park entry fee required.

Mini Naturalist programs offer a wide range of play-based outdoor experiences for young nature enthusiasts. For ages 3 – 6, with a caregiver. Programs will be held outdoors - please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, weather appropriate clothing, and sturdy shoes. Each program is roughly an hour and half long. SPACE IS LIMITED! Pre-registration is required.


RAINBOW CONNECTION
Saturday, June 8
10 – 11:30am
County Farm Park – meet at Medford Pavilion
Summer is a season seemingly painted with every color in the pallet box. In this whimsical hike, we will discover nature’s many different treasures in every color of the rainbow. We’ll learn all about the natural world around us, seek out something in every color, and even find some “souvenirs” to take home. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle. Email [email protected] with any questions.


COOKING WITH FIRE
Friday July 12
County Farm Park
6:30 – 8:30pm
Nothing says Michigan Summer like a campfire at sundown. Naturalist Shawn Severance will teach the secrets to building a foolproof campfire and all will have a chance to practice the perfect s’more. Please feel free to bring any creative finishing touch for your own custom s’more recipe. Fruit for roasting will also be on hand for those with food allergies. Led by Shawn Severance. Email [email protected] with any questions.


JUMPING SPIDERS AND FRIENDS
Friday, August 9
10 – 11:30 am
County Farm Park
Far from dangerous, Michigan spiders are immensely beautiful, varied in their colors and forms, and useful in the farm and the garden. In this outdoor experience we will hunt for the tiny hunter – the adorable Jumping Spider. With its strong legs and 8 eyes, it stalks its prey. Along the way we will meet other insects, equally curious. Led by Shawn Severance. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Join our Park Naturalists in exploring the natural areas of Washtenaw County through the Junior Naturalist Program. From honing your survival skills to understanding the world of birds, these programs embrace a science-based view of nature and will practice using naturalist tools. These programs are geared towards kids ages 7 - 11. Each program is approximately 1.5 hours long and will be held outdoors - please bring: insect repellent, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, water, and weather appropriate clothing.
SPACE IS LIMITED!! Maximum of 10 kids per program, accompanied by one adult. No unregistered siblings, please!


BIRDS OF THE SOLSTICE
Thursday, June 20
10 – 11:30am
Independence Lake County Park - Vehicle entry fee required
Celebrate the summer solstice and the season of sun by admiring the birds of summer. We’ll learn about the 6 Ss of birding, using binoculars, and explore the park identifying birds. For more information email Kelsey at [email protected] .


FIREFLY JULY
Friday July 26
Kosch Headwaters Preserve
7:30-9:30pm
Explore the world of night bioluminescence and learn about the science, folklore, myth and magic of one of Michigan’s most delightful insects. All fireflies will be released at the end of the program. Program led by Naturalist Shawn Severance. [email protected] with any questions.


BUMBLEBEE BONANZA
Wednesday, August 21
11am – 12:30pm
Northfield Woods Preserve
Michigan is home to 19 species of bumblebees. Some of them can be find all over the state, while others can only be found in specific locations. These bees may look big and sound scary, but they are gentle giants and extremely important pollinators. Join naturalist Elle Bogle to learn all about these buzzing buddies including their life cycle and how to ID them. Please bring a water bottle and bug spray. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Stargazing and Perseids
Friday, August 9
9pm - 1am
Independence Lake County Park
Vehicle entry fee required
Enjoy a night under the summer stars! Bring your blankets. We will gaze upon constellations and possibly see “shooting stars” from the Perseid Meteor Shower. Park Naturalist, Kelsey Dehring, will be walking around during the evening to point out various night sky objects. Pre-registration is required. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather; registrants will be notified. No overnight stays for this viewing. Register online at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. #841005. Contact Kelsey at [email protected] with any questions.

Join us for a monthly hike to increase calm, presence and learn simple exercises that can be done at any time to bring about expanded awareness and connection to the peace of the present moment. Hikes vary in duration and ease to accommodate many levels of ability. For ages 18+. Hikes are limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required.


MINDFULNESS HIKE & NATURE JOURNALING
Saturday, June 8
1pm – 3pm
County Farm Park Medford Pavilion
In a world that moves at a relentless pace, it’s easy to overlook the exquisite wonders that surround us: the delicate unfurling of a fern, the vibrant flash of a bird’s wing, the whisper of wind through leaves. Nature journaling is a unique way to intertwine our human narratives with the ever-unfolding stories of the natural world. By simply slowing down and observing the beauty and wonder around us, we form deep, meaningful connections with nature. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for a slow, sensory hike to observe and commune with nature, then spend some time recording your observations and connections in a journal. Please bring a blank notebook. Colored pencils, pens, journal prompts, and watercolor paints will be provided. Email [email protected] with any questions.


SUMMER EVENING MINDFULNESS HIKE
Thursday, August 1
6:30pm - 8pm
Northfield Woods Preserve
Immerse yourself in the hum of the late summer woods and prairie, allowing the deep forest greens, sun flecked flowers, and quiet bird songs to connect you to the peace of the present moment. We will hike together in quiet meditation, with pauses for reflection. This program is co-led by naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward. Please bring a water bottle and bug spray. Email [email protected] with any questions.

PLEASE REGISTER ALL ATTENDING IN GROUP

INTRO TO ARCHERY
Staebler Farm Park
This introductory program to archery covers safety and basic shooting skills. All archery equipment is provided, and no prior archery experience is required. For ages 8 and up. Adults and children can participate. Space limited to 12 people per section. Programs led by Kelsey Dehring. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Saturday June 22, 10 - 11:30am
Saturday June 22, 11:30am - 1pm

Sunday July 28, 10 - 11:30am
Sunday July 28, 11:30am - 1pm

Sunday August 4, 10 - 11:30am
Sunday August 4, 11:30am - 1pm

SUNRISE NATURE HIKE
Tuesday, June 11
8:30am – 10:30am
Leonard Preserve
The River Raisin is spectacular on its own, but summer blooms and diverse habitats make wandering Leaonard Preserve a true delight. We’ll explore the many ecosystems of while taking in the early summer beauty. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Led by naturalist Elle Bogle. Email [email protected] with any questions.

NIGHT HIKE: STRAWBERRY MOON
Friday, June 21
8:30-10:30pm
County Farm Park Medford Pavilion
The solstice marks the beginning of summer and the sun’s most northerly point in the sky. Enjoy a sunset stroll through forest and field noticing the gifts of summer. Hike ends with a campfire with s’mores. Fruit for roasting will be available for those with food allergies. Program led Shawn Severance.

BIRDS OF SUMMER
Saturday July 27
8 - 10am
Sharon Mills County Park – North Lot
With summer blooms all around it's a perfect time to take a stroll and enjoy the local birds. Meadowlarks, Buntings, and more await as we walk from field to rivers edge. All levels of birders are welcome. Bring your own binoculars. Program led by Kelsey Dehring. Space is limited to 15 birders.

SUNRISE NATURE HIKE
Tuesday, August 6
8:30am - 10am
Northfield Woods Preserve
Dizzyingly dazzling are the prairie flowers of August, especially in Northfield Woods. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for a morning stroll to drink in the beauty of summer blooms, search for dragonflies, listen for birds, and simply immerse yourself in the season. Email [email protected] with any questions.

SUMMER BIRDING
Saturday August 8
8 – 10am
Kosch-Headwaters Preserve
Summer fields and forest provide a spectacular opportunity to view the seasons favorite bird species. All levels of birders are welcome. Bring your own binoculars. Email Kelsey at [email protected] for questions.

BUMBLEBEES
Wednesday, August 21
2pm – 3:30pm
Northfield Woods Preserve
Ages 18+
Michigan is home to 19 species of bumblebees, many of which can be found here in SE Michigan. Not only are these gentle giants delightful to encounter, but they are also one of the most important pollinators in the world. Join naturalist Elle Bogle for a leisurely hike to learn all about these incredible insects, including their life cycle, how to ID them, and how you can encourage them to visit your own outdoor space. Email [email protected] with any 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.

Pay the Blue Heron Bay admission fees the day of the event. Washtenaw county resident admission fee is $4.00 per person and a non-county resident admission fee is $5.00 per person
Vehicle entry fee required
Blue Heron Bay Spray Park will be staying open exclusively for children with special needs after normal business hours and their families to experience the splash pad in a stress-free, relaxed, accepting environment. Staff will be on sight to have the slides open and gently enforce the rules to keep everyone safe on the spray pads. Concessions will stay open until 7:00pm if your family would like to purchase dinner. Blue heron Bay will be closing to the general public starting at 6:00pm. Pre-register with no fee attached online at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. Registration # IL461100.

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