Family and individual programs are listed in the interpretive program pages of this site. Most require advance registration by calling the specific interpretive center. Programs for organized groups are conducted by appointment throughout the year. Most group appointments are done at the park site. Outreach programs are conducted offsite on a limited basis by most centers, and the Metroparks Mobile Learning Center conducts offsite programs the year round (See description of the Mobile Learning Center below). Group appointments may be made by calling the individual centers. Teachers and group leaders may request a nature-oriented topic of their choice or have a general program that highlights nature events of the season. Interpreters are familiar with the Michigan Science Curriculum Guidelines and Benchmarks so programs conducted for school groups focus on covering these standards.
NATURE CENTERS - INDIAN SPRINGS, KENSINGTON, METRO BEACH, OAKWOODS, STONY CREEK AND LAKE ERIE
Nature Centers located at
Indian Springs,
Kensington,
Metro Beach,
Oakwoods and
Stony Creek house exhibits on the local flora and fauna. Most have live exhibits of local fish, snakes, turtles and other reptiles and amphibians. In addition to nature-related exhibits, the Marshlands Museum and Nature Center located at
Lake Erie Metropark focuses on the golden age of waterfowling through artifacts and photos featuring all phases of waterfowl hunting from boats to decoys. All centers offer family programs and walks on a variety of nature topics such as birds and birding, reptiles and amphibians, insects, and trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Many craft programs and Scout badge programs are conducted, as well.
FARM LEARNING CENTERS - KENSINGTON AND WOLCOTT MILL
Visit the farm animals such as chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses at the Farm Learning centers located in
Kensington and
Wolcott Mill Metroparks. Learn more about our agricultural heritage, learn where some of our food comes from, take a horse-drawn hayride, participate in seasonal programs such as sheep shearing. Each March, Kensington taps trees and boils the sap to make maple syrup. Wolcott Mill features a modern dairy operation, with the cows milked daily at 10 a.m.
HISTORIC GRIST MILL - WOLCOTT MILL
Wolcott's Mill, a gristmill built in 1847 and which operated until 1967, is the focus of this historical center. Come see how the grist mill operated and how important it was to the surrounding community. Much of the mill's equipment has been refurbished to working condition. A barn history museum is located on the site near the mill. Special history programs such as a Mill Civil War Muster and Heritage Holidays are conducted throughout the year. Interpreters conduct tours of the mill and on a variety of history topics. Interpreters are familiar with the Michigan Social Studies Guidelines and Benchmarks so these are incorporated into the programs.
MOBILE METROPARK LEARNING CENTER
A 48-foot exhibit trailer filled with natural and cultural history exhibits, the Mobile Learning Center is a vital part of the interpretive department's outreach program serving the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston. It is offered primarily to communities, schools and related groups that may not have the means or opportunities to visit the Metroparks. Interpreters conduct a number of themed programs with an emphasis on natural or cultural history, such as weather or Voyageurs of the Great Lakes. Interpreters encourage hands-on activities along with group participation and interactive discussions to enhance the effectiveness of the programs. Groups should call well in advance of their desired dates for programs as this unit is very popular and the appointment schedule fills quickly.
ACTIVITY CENTER - HUDSON MILLS
A limited nature interpretive program is conducted out of the Activity Center at
Hudson Mills Metropark. Several exhibits on local flora and fauna are housed in the building and a nature interpreter is stationed in the center on a part-time basis to answer questions and to conduct programs for groups and the general public. The two-mile Acorn Nature Trail also begins and ends near the building.
ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOVERY CENTER - INDIAN SPRINGS
