We’re Fond of Ponds
Thursday, August 1 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

From food webs and frog calls to amphibian and insect metamorphosis, families will get a taste of all kinds of pond life as they view and touch artifacts, participate in pond-themed activities, and interact with live animals. This program is for children ages 3 to 11.

Pre-registration is required through the Bowen Library, call: 313-481-1540 or email ceagan@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Detroit Public Library, Bowen Branch, 3648 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216

Birds of Prey
Wednesday, March 13 – Noon to 1 p.m.

Participants will learn about adaptations of birds of prey through many tactile and auditory experiences: feeling bird feathers, wings, skull, talons; and listening to sounds of owl calls. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Michigan Mammals
Wednesday, April 10 – Noon to 1 p.m.
Participants will learn about adaptations of mammals living in Michigan through many tactile experiences: feeling mammal pelts, antlers, and skulls. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Cold Blooded Creatures
Wednesday, May 8 – Noon to 1 p.m.

Participants will learn about adaptations of amphibians and reptiles through many tactile and auditory experiences: feeling turtle shells, skulls, snakeskin; and listening to sounds of frog calls.  Participants will also be able to feel a live turtle and snake. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Pre-registration is required through the Douglass Library, call 313-481-1702 or email lbph@detroitpubliclibrary.org. To learn more about the library visit, https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/douglass.

Life Cycles: When I Was a Baby
Thursday, June 20 – 11 a.m. to Noon

Kids ages 3 to 6 years old will have fun relating to how different animals grow up. Whether it’s hatching from an egg, going through a total metamorphosis, or receiving a mother’s care, children will participate in several life cycle activities. We’ll focus on the strategies of familiar animals such as birds, butterflies and opossums through counting, movement, guessing games and dress-up. This program is geared to children 3 to 6 years old.

Cold-blooded Creatures
Tuesday, July 23 – 11 a.m. – Noon

This up-close look at Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians is sure to satisfy the most curious budding herpetologist (one who studies reptiles and amphibians). Kids ages 7 – 12 will learn to categorize herps as reptiles or amphibians by observing physical features and life cycles. We will also learn about reptile and amphibian habitats, populations, diets and adaptations for survival in this hands-on program and will enjoy meeting some live animals.

Pre-registration is required through the Duffield Branch Library, call: 313-481-1714 or email krobertson@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Detroit Public Library, Duffield Branch, 2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48208

Crawling Cuties
Thursday, August 2 – 11 a.m. to Noon

Families will get up close and personal with insects, spiders and more as they observe the many important jobs that these clever, captivating, crawling creatures perform and will discover what physical features all insects have. This program is fun for all ages.

Pre-registration is required through the Elmwood Branch Library, call 313-841-1731 or email gbarnhouse@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Detroit Public Library, Elmwood Branch, 550 Chene Street Detroit, MI 48207

Rain Gardens 101
Thursday, June 13 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In this one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Pre-registration is required through the Franklin Library, call 313-481-1740. To learn more about the library visit, https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/franklin.

This class takes place at the Detroit Public Library: Franklin Branch, 13651 E. McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48205

Master Rain Gardener Class: Lincoln Park Public Library
March 5 – April 2, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In this five-week class, you will learn how to design your own rain garden! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. Join us to receive step-by-step instruction to create your garden, protecting your home against flooding and helping the birds and butterflies. And in the process, you will become a neighborhood expert!

Participants must attend all five classes, and plant or adopt an existing rain garden to earn their Master Rain Gardener certificate, sign, and t-shirt.  Classes will be held Tuesdays beginning March 5 and running through April 2 at the Lincoln Park Public Library.

After each class, there will be office hours available for 30 minutes for participants to ask questions or get extra help on their rain garden design.  There will also be a visit to a rain garden, but that is optional to attend. Each class focuses on a different aspect of designing a rain garden, and by the end of the series you will have planned out a rain garden for your own site!

Master Rain Gardener Classes at Lincoln Park Public Library will meet on the following Tuesdays: March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2. These classes are funded through a grant from EPA – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant: Protecting Lake Erie Marsh and Waters.

Ages: Adults 18 and up.
Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Location: Lincoln Park Public Library, Community Room, 1381 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park, MI 48146

To register and for questions about the Lincoln Park Public Library, please call 313-381-0374. Visit www.lincoln-parklibrary.org for information on the library.

Plant Parts & Seed Dispersal
Friday, May 3 – 4 p.m. to 5p.m.

From our food, to our homes, to the air we breathe, where would we be without plants? Families will discover the role each part of a plant plays as we transform a volunteer into a beautiful flower. Then we will find out how plants overcome the challenge of being stuck in one place through different techniques to cast their seeds across the world during this lively, interactive presentation. This program is fun for all ages!

Rain Gardens 101
Thursday, July 23 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In this one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden. This program is for adults 18 and up.

These programs take place at the Detroit Public Library: Main Branch, 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202.

To register and for questions about the library, please call 313-481-1400 or visit https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/main.

Crawling Cuties
Friday, June 21 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Families will get up close and personal with insects, spiders and more as they observe the many important jobs that these clever, captivating, crawling creatures perform and will discover what physical features all insects have. This program is geared to children ages 3 to 11.

Pre-registration is required through the following link, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crawling-cuties-tickets-851802693787?aff=oddtdtcreator

Outstanding Owls
Friday, July 26 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Families will investigate “wide-eyed owls” with all their neat features, from hooked beaks to silent wings to oh-so-sharp talons, through movement, artifacts and taxidermy. This program is for children ages 3 to 11.

Pre-registration is required through the following link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outstanding-owls-tickets-851833515977?aff=oddtdtcreator

For program questions contact the Parkman Branch Library, call 313-481-1817 or email joebl@detroitpubliclibrary.org.

Detroit Public Library, Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd, Detroit, MI 48238

Life Cycles: When I Was a Baby
Friday, July 12 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Kids ages 3 to 6 years old will have fun relating to how different animals grow up. Whether it’s hatching from an egg, going through a total metamorphosis, or receiving a mother’s care, children will participate in several life cycle activities. We’ll focus on the strategies of familiar animals such as birds, butterflies and opossums through counting, movement, guessing games and dress-up.

Pre-registration is required through the Redford Branch Library, call: 313-481-1820 or email msenay@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Detroit Public Library, Redford Branch, 21200 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI, 48219

Shells, Scales & Pollywog Tails
Thursday, June 13 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Families will discover frogs, toads, and salamanders through artifacts that illustrate their life cycles and special features. Then turtles and snakes will make their debut. To wrap it all up, families will meet the live animals they’ve just learned about. This program is fun for all ages!

Pre-registration is required by the morning of the program through the Sherwood Forest Library, call: 313-481-1840 or email cjolly@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Crawling Cuties
Thursday, June 27 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Families will get up close and personal with insects, spiders and more as they observe the many important jobs that these clever, captivating, crawling creatures perform. This program is fun for all ages.

Pre-registration is required through the Sherwood Forest Library, call: 313-481-1840 or email cjolly@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Outstanding Owls
Friday, July 26 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Families will investigate “wide-eyed owls” with all their neat features, from hooked beaks, to silent wings to oh-so-sharp talons, through movement, artifacts and taxidermy. This program is fun for all ages.

Pre-registration is required by the morning of the program through the Sherwood Forest Library, call: 313-481-1840 or email cjolly@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Rain Gardens 101
Tuesday, July 16 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In this one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden. This programs is for adults 18 and up.

This class takes place at the Detroit Public Library: Sherwood Forest Branch, 7117 W. 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48221

To register and for questions about the library, please call 313-481-1840 or visit https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/sherwood.

Outstanding Owls
Thursday, July 18 – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Families will investigate “wide-eyed owls” with all their neat features, from hooked beaks, to silent wings to oh-so-sharp talons, through movement, artifacts and taxidermy. This program is fun for all ages.

Pre-registration is required by the morning of the program through the Sherwood Forest Library, call: 313-481-1840 or email cjolly@detroitpubliclibrary.org to register.

Rain Gardens 101
Thursday, July1 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In this one-hour class we will teach you what a rain garden is and how you can solve water problems by building one. We will cover how a rain garden works and what makes it different from other gardens. We will also go over the environmental impact of runoff water. See examples of how rain gardens can add beauty and help pollinators in our communities. Rain garden resources will also be shared. This is an introduction to a five-week course that goes more in-depth and explains how to build a rain garden. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Become A Master Rain Gardener
Thursdays August 8, 15, 22, 29 and September 5 – Noon to 3 p.m.
In this five-week class, you will learn how to design your own rain garden! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. Join us to receive step-by-step instruction to create your garden, protecting your home against flooding and helping the birds and butterflies. And in the process, you will become a neighborhood expert! Earn your certification – including a t-shirt and sign – by building your own rain garden or adopting a public rain garden. One optional off-site field trip to an existing rain garden is included. You must attend all five classes. This program is for adults 18 and up.

Pre-registration is required through the Wilder Library, call 313-481-1870. To learn more about the library visit, https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations/wilder.

This class takes place at the Detroit Public Library: Wilder Branch, 7140 E. 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48234

Saturday, June 22

Celebrate National Canoe Day with a guided paddle on the Lower Rouge River. This guided trip is geared toward experienced paddlers and will begin at Dearborn Hills Golf Course and end at Ford Field Park. The Metroparks Mobile Learning Center will also be onsite sharing information about the animals of the Rouge River. Free kayak rental to the first 25 registrants will be provided by Metroparks and Friends of the Rouge.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost:  FREE for first 25 registrants. $40 canoe rental after. $10 shuttle fee if bringing own vessel.
Location: Dearborn Hills Golf Course and Ford Field Park

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events for additional information and to register.

This program is presented by Friends of the Rouge, in Partnership with Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Wayne County Parks and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Saturday, August 3

Friends of the Rouge will host a guided paddle trip beginning at Venoy Dorsey Park and ending at Inkster Park. This is a spectacular way to see the Lower Rouge River from a whole new vantage point and try a new skill. The Metroparks will be partnering with Friends of the Rouge, Hype Athletics, Camp Inspire and the Inkster Taskforce to provide free kayak rental to the first 25 event registrants.

Canoe or kayak rental is $40 for those registering after the first 25. If you are bringing your own boat, there is a $10 shuttle service fee.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost:  FREE for first 25 registrants; $40 per person after. $10 shuttle fee if bringing own boat
Location: Goudy Park

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events for additional information and to register.

This program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Rouge, Camp Inspire and the Inkster Task Force, Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Wayne County Parks, City of Wayne, City of Westland, Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

Saturday, October 5

Friends of the Rouge will host a guided paddle trip from the Newburgh Lake Boat Launch at Newburgh Lake in Hines Park. This is a wonderful way to combine two great outdoor activities – birding and being on the water! Bring your binoculars to go birding by canoe. Metroparks will be partnering with Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Black Birders Association, Detroit Bird Alliance and Wayne County Parks to provide free kayak rental to the first 25 event registrants.

Canoe or kayak rental is $40 for those registering after the first 25. If you are bringing your own boat, there is a $10 shuttle service fee.

Paddlers must be ages 12+ to command their own vessel and must paddle with a parent or guardian. Children 6+ may participate by riding with a parent or guardian.

Ages: 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost:  FREE for first 25 registrants; $40 per person after. $10 shuttle fee if bringing own boat
Location: Goudy Park

Preregistration is required. Please visit www.therouge.org/water-trail/events information and to register.

This program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Rouge, Detroit Black Birders Association, Detroit Bird Alliance, Wayne County Parks, Motor City Canoe & Kayak, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and the City of Wayne.