Adults must accompany children.

Enjoy activities that explore the world of birds. For children, ages 3-6. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/01/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, June 4

Knee-High Naturalist: Feathered Friends

For-Mar

Enjoy activities that explore the world of birds. For children, ages 3-6. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/02/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, June 6

Over in the Meadow: A Program for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

For-Mar (DeWaters Education Center)

Discover the wonders of life in the meadow. Collect plants for “pounded plant” picture. For individuals with cognitive disabilities. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $2 per person. Pre-registration required by 6/3/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, June 6

Grow Your Own Pizza

For-Mar

Learn how to grow all the ingredients you need to make your own pizza! You’ll even plant your own “personal size” pizza garden to take home. Parent must accompany children. For youth, ages 7-12. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10 per person. Pre-registration required by 06/01/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Wednesday, June 10

Knee-High Naturalist: Wonderful Wetlands

For-Mar

Explore awesome creatures of the wetlands. Create wetland’s art project. For children, ages 3-6. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/08/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Join us in the Arboretum for an evening of festive music by musical artist Betsy Beckerman. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and listen to the lively sounds of the banjo and concertina against the backdrop of the For-Mar gardens. For families, all ages. Time: 7–8pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

Explore awesome creatures of the wetlands. Create wetland’s art project. For children, ages 3-6. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/09/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Growing plants in containers is fun and exciting. Master Gardener Volunteer Nancy Dillingham will present tips for creating beautiful container gardens.  Bring your favorite planter, up to 14 inch diameter with a drainage hole or your hypertufa trough, and we will provide the potting mix and plants.

For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $20 per person. Pre-registration required by 06/08/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Snake Scales and Turtle Tails (ages 4-6)

Visit with some of Michigan’s coolest animals and practice your reptile reactions.

 Snake Scales and Turtle Tails  (ages 7-12)

Check out the habitats and habits of Michigan’s snakes and turtles.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, June 18

Shakespeare Mid-Summer Night’s Dream (2.5 hours) 7:00 pm
Cost: FREE!

Help your child understand the plant world. Learn about the growing process and plant a tiny garden. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/16/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Animals hop, run, fly and swim to get away from predators. What about plants? We will examine adaptations plants use to outsmart critters that want to eat them! Time: 1:30-3pm. Cost: $4 per student. Pre-registration required by 6/16/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Walk through food from the ground up! Learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For youth, ages 7-12. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10 per person. Pre-registration required by 06/15/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Michigan has a history of cold and ice. Experience the Ice Age with hands activities.

Did you know our state was once covered in ice? Learn about Michigan’s landforms and experiment with glaciers.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

Dress to "play in the mud" and enjoy activities that teach about animals that love mud. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/23/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Walk through food from the ground up. Learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

Apples, pokeweed, and dumbcane. What do these plants have in common? They are all poisonous! Many of the plants that we come into contact with on a daily basis are poisonous. Find out what plants make the list; you might be surprised. For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $7 per person. Pre-registration required by 06/24/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Some animals are big stinkers. Some can live on bad smelling stuff, eat bad smelling stuff or even spray you with bad smelling stuff. Come learn about these creatures and that bad smelling stuff called poop! For youth, ages 7-12. Time: 2-3:30pm. Cost: $3.00 per person. Pre-registration required by 06/26/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Adults must accompany children.

Gather clues to help the For-Mar Naturalists solve the puzzle.

Help the For-Mar Crime Scene Investigators solve the case of the disappearing frogs.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

Animals use their feet in all kinds of ways. Help your child explore our animal’s funny feet. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 06/30/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Learn all about Dragonflies and their cousins with a For-Mar Naturalist.

Discover the interesting habits of these beautiful big eyed insects.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 North Genesee Road, Burton

Join us in the Four Seasons Garden at For-Mar as musician Betsy Beckerman performs on the Hammered Dulcimer. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of folk, modern and contemporary music. For families, all ages. Time: 7– 8pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

How many children fit in an Apatosaurus track? Learn about dinosaurs and other large animals. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 07/07/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

One of the beautiful sights of summer is the return of butterflies. Join a naturalist to study butterflies and try your hand at catching one. For youth, ages 7-12. Time: 10am-11:30am. Cost: $3.00 per person. Pre-registration required by 07/09/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Try out for the Animal Olympics and experience some of the extraordinary abilities of our animal neighbors.

Some animals have amazing abilities. Compete against real critter capabilities in the Animal Olympics.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

Ponds are teaming with life. Help your child discover creatures big and small that call our pond home. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child.

Pre-registration required by 07/14/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Discover the lives of Michigan butterflies, moths and skippers. We will go on a hike and look for them and learn about different plants they like. Students will make a butterfly bath to take home. Time: 1:30-3pm. Cost: $4.00 per student. Pre-registration required by 7/14/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

Good things come in small packages. Be amazed by seeds and their beauty.

Join a For-Mar Naturalist for an introduction to the needs of seeds. Make a beautiful seed mosaic.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

The outdoors are full of hidden treats and treasure. Bring your little ones out to collect some of the neatest parts of nature. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 07/21/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

Have you ever chased deer out of your garden? You are not alone; we do it all the time at For-Mar! Deer can quickly become a gardener’s worst nightmare. There is hope, so join us as we take a look at “deer proofing” your garden.

For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $7 per person. Pre-registration required by 07/22/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Learn to talk weather with a For-Mar Naturalist. Make a Michigan weather forecaster.

Weather happens every day. Learn how to predict weather and create your own barometer.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

Some animal babies need someone to take care of them; some don’t need any help at all. We’ll look at different animal babies and how they grow up. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 07/28/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

~ August ~

 Special Needs Audiences , children and adults with cognitive & physical disabilities

Adults must accompany children

For-Mar

Did you know you can use flowers to make fun and easy crafts? Well, you can! Pressed flowers are great for cards, bookmarks and much more. Learn how to press flowers and make your own take home flower press! For youth, ages 7 to 12. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10 per person. Pre-registration required by 07/27/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar (DeWaters Education Center)

Take a hike along our accessible trail. Meet the snapping turtle, listen to the robin and get to know the other plants and animals that are the symbols of our great state.

For individuals with cognitive disabilities. Time: 10:30am-noon. Cost: $2 per person. Pre-registration required by 07/30/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Have you ever been outside at night and seen things glowing? Learn about Nature’s glow-in-the-dark creatures and make your own glow-in-the-dark creature to take home.

For families, all ages. Time: 9-10:30pm. Cost: $3.00 per person. Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

For-Mar

 Go Fish! (ages 4-6)

Fishing is fun with a For-Mar Naturalist. Learn about Michigan’s fish and try your hand at Backyard Bass fishing.

 Go Fish! (ages 7-12)

Examine Michigan’s native fish with a For-Mar Naturalist and learn the basic skills of knot tying, casting, and setting the hook.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.

For-Mar

Many animal families work together as a team. Visit with some of our animal friends and learn about teamwork.

For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 08/04/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For-Mar

Did you attend the “Guess Who I Am?” Winter Tree ID class where you learned to identify trees without their leaves? How did you do? Now it’s time to learn to identify trees using their leaves. Bring your walking shoes and a bag lunch for this 4 hour excursion. For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am–2pm. Cost: $15 per person. Pre-registration required by 08/05/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

 Delving into Dinosaurs (ages 4-6)

A For-Mar Naturalist will talk about those long gone creatures that everybody loves.

 Delving into Dinosaurs (ages 7-12)

How did all those bones get buried? Discuss dinosaurs, where they went, and how we know so much about them.  

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Enjoy the music of Noteable Women at the For-Mar Arboretum. Watch as these ladies mix it up with the dulcimer, guitar and flute. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music in the garden.

For families, all ages. Time: 7-8pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For-Mar

Much of Michigan is covered in Forests. Discover some of the animals that call the forest their home.

For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 08/11/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton

 Water Workings (ages 4-6)

Where does it come from and where does it go? Follow the water cycle and make a splash!

 Water Workings (ages 7-12)

A For-Mar Naturalist will help you understand the water cycle and our watershed.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Sometimes, many kinds of animals share a home, food, or space. Learn how they get along and share some fun with your Knee High friends. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child.

Pre-registration required by 08/18/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Explore the world under our feet and the creatures that live there. We will go for a hike and look for signs of underground life. Students will learn about decomposition and take home a compost starter.

Time: 1:30-3pm. Cost: $4.00 per student. Pre-registration required by 8/18/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For-Mar

Preserving your homegrown vegetables is exciting. Learn how to safely preserve your favorite veggies following USDA guidelines, and experience a live canning demonstration presented by staff from the MSU Extension Office. For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am–noon. Cost: $7 per person. Pre-registration required by 08/19/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

 No Bones About It (ages 4-6)

Bones can tell you a lot about an animal. Join a naturalist to learn more about what critters and humans look like under their skin.

 No Bones About It (ages 7-12)

You can tell a lot about an animal from the inside. Join a For-Mar Naturalist for a look at vertebrates and their bones.

Time: 11am-noon. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Colors are important to both plants and animals. Experiment with nature’s colors and patterns. For children, ages 2-4. Time: 10:30-11:30am. Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 08/25/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Food from the ground up; participants will learn where food comes from, how to grow it, and how to cook with it. For individuals with special needs. Time: 3-4:30pm. Cost: FREE! Pre-registration not required.

For-Mar

Plants have been known to increase your property values by up to 15%, but did you know that plants can help you save money at home as well? Join us and learn how planting a little green can save you some green. For adults, ages 16 and older. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $7 per person. Pre-registration required by 08/26/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar

Without the sun, there would be no life on Earth. Come learn about Earth’s sun and make your own sun print to take home. For youth, ages 7-12. Time: 2-3:30pm. Cost: $3.00 per person. Pre-registration required by 08/28/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

~ September ~

 Special Needs Audiences , children and adults with cognitive & physical disabilities

Adults must accompany children

 Wednesday, September 2

Knee-High Naturalist: Over in the Meadow

For-Mar

Discover the wonders of life in the meadow.  Collect plants for a “pounded plant” picture.

For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 08/31/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, September 3

Knee-High Naturalist: Over in the Meadow

For-Mar

Discover the wonders of life in the meadow.  Collect plants for “pounded plant” picture.

For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 09/01/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, September 5

Many Ways to Use a Leaf:  A program for individuals with cognitive disabilities

For-Mar

Explore ways nature uses leaves.  Make a leaf picture.  For individuals with cognitive disabilities.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $2 per person. Pre-registration required by 09/03/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Wednesday, September 9

Knee-High Naturalist: Six-legged Wonders

For-Mar

Join us for an insect adventure.  We’ll bring collecting equipment for an up-close look!  For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/07/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, September 10

Knee-High Naturalist: Six-legged Wonders

For-Mar

Join us for an insect adventure.  We’ll bring collecting equipment for an up-close look!

For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child. Pre-registration required by 09/08/09
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, September 12

EAB Walk

For-Mar

Have you lost some of your trees to the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer?  Don’t worry, we can help.  The ash tree is only one of dozens of trees that grow in Genesee County.  Join us as we walk the arboretum and explore the many options available to you.  For adults, ages 16 and older.  Time: 10am-noon.  Cost: $7 per person.  Pre-registration required by 09/09/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, September 12

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): Knock, Knock, Who’s There?

For-Mar

Ever wonder what happens in animal homes you can’t see?  Come discover who is home and what is going on inside beaver dams, ant mounds, tree cavities, and others.  For families, all ages.  Time:  2-3:30pm. Cost: $3.00 per person.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

 Wednesday, September 16

Knee-High Naturalist: Dinosaurs!

For-Mar

Go on a dinosaur dig to learn about the creatures.  Bring a t-shirt to make a dino shirt. 

For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/14/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, September 17

Knee-High Naturalist: Dinosaurs!

For-Mar

Go on a dinosaur dig to learn about these creatures.  Bring a t-shirt to make a dino shirt. 

For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/15/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, September 17

Home School Students: Do You See What I See?

For-Mar

We will examine the different ways wildlife use camouflage.  Students will go for a hike and play a game.  For home school students.  Time: 1:30-3pm.  Cost: $4.00 per student.  Pre-registration required by 8/18/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Wednesday, September 23

Knee-High Naturalist: Hitchhikers, Droppers, and Leapers: Seeds

For-Mar

Explore how seeds travel.  Collect and plant seeds to take home.  For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/21/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, September 24

Knee-High Naturalist: Hitchhikers, Droppers, and Leapers: Seeds

For-Mar

Explore how seeds travel.  Collect and plant seeds to take home.  For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/22/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, September 26

Native Alternatives

For-Mar

Many exotic plants have been introduced into Michigan, and some of them are now considered invasive.  For every introduced species, Michigan has a native that works just as well.  Learn what natives can do for your landscape.  For adults, ages 16 and older.  Time: 10am-noon.  Cost: $7 per person.  Pre-registration required by 09/23/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Saturday, September 26

Outdoor Explorers: Crystal Creations

For-Mar

Learn what and how crystals are formed in nature. View crystals both macroscopically and microscopically and make your own crystals to take home.  For youth, ages 7-12.  Time:  2-3:30pm. Cost: $3.00 per person.  Pre-registration required by 09/24/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Wednesday, September 30

Knee-High Naturalist: Leaves, Autumn’s Painters

For-Mar

Explore fall’s colorful changes with a story, games and a craft.  For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/28/09.
Click this link to make reservations today

 Thursday, October 1

Knee-High Naturalist: Leaves, Autumn’s Painters

For-Mar

Explore fall’s colorful changes with a story, games and a craft.  For children, ages 3-6.  Time: 10:30am-noon.  Cost: $3 per child.  Pre-registration required by 09/29/09.
Click this link to make reservations today