{"id":1821,"date":"2021-07-01T18:53:03","date_gmt":"2021-07-01T18:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/it.metroparks.com\/2021\/?page_id=1821"},"modified":"2024-04-19T07:21:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T12:21:29","slug":"stony-creek-metropark-nature-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.metroparks.com\/stony-creek-metropark\/stony-creek-metropark-nature-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1621348640278{background-color: #f2f2f2 !important;}” el_class=”rowmobile”][vc_column]
<\/div>[vc_column_text visibility=”hidden-phone”]BACK TO STONY CREEK METROPARK HOME<\/a><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text visibility=”visible-phone”]\n

BACK TO STONY CREEK METROPARK HOME<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text]

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STONY CREEK METROPARK
\nNATURE CENTER<\/span><\/div>[vc_column_text font_family=”Open Sans” font_size=”d:20PX|tp:18|pl:18|pp:18″ font_weight=”semibold” css=”.vc_custom_1647281334157{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” el_class=”hours”]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\n4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n(586) 781-9113<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nJune 19 through August 31
\n10 a.m. \u2013 5 p.m.
\nSeptember 1 through June 18
\nMonday \u2013 Friday, 1 p.m. \u2013 5 p.m.
\nSaturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. \u2013 5 p.m.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/vc_column_text]<\/span><\/span>View Park Maps<\/span><\/a>
<\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”greyline” width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text font_size=”d:20PX|tp:18|pl:18|pp:18″]Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center is situated along the Stony Creek, within the Clinton River Watershed. The watershed and its history are explored through interpretive exhibits focusing on live native animals and taxidermy examples of local wildlife. Explore trails shaped by ice sheets 10,000 years ago as you walk through wetland areas, hardwood forest, restored prairie, old fields, along ponds and Stony Creek. The Nature Center also offers self-guid<\/span>ed nature trails,\u00a0<\/span>Interpreter\u00a0<\/span>led<\/span>\u00a0programming and other unique educational opportunities,<\/span>\u00a0includ<\/span>ing<\/span>\u00a0guided hikes<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>opportunities to\u00a0<\/span>paddle<\/span>\u00a0a 34-foot Voyager canoe<\/span>, nature <\/span>investigations<\/span>\u00a0and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]
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OUR CENTER<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>[vc_column_text font_size=”d:20PX|tp:18|pl:18|pp:18″]Visit the Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center to learn about local wildlife and natural history.\u00a0 Explore trails that give you opportunities to view eagles, owls, osprey and other birds.\u00a0 Attend programs and events throughout the year too![\/vc_column_text]
<\/div>[vc_toggle title=”Our Displays” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1626955723275{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Conservation and Management<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Nature Study Area focuses on protecting and conserving a variety of habitats. Invasive species are managed through controlled burns and removal by staff and volunteers. Old fields have been transformed into native prairies. Several uncommon species are found in the Nature Study Area, including Bald Eagle, Osprey, Henslow\u2019s Sparrow, Eastern Massasauga and Large-flowered Trillium. Enclosure pens and control sites reflecting the browsing effects of the White-tail Deer are monitored to determine deer impact on woodland forbs. Stream studies assist in keeping Stony Creek healthy for future generations.<\/p>\n

History<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visitors are introduced to the rich history of Stony Creek Metropark through displays of artifacts and local First Peoples, and early Settlers. History Wagon Tours bring to life landowners who once lived in the Park. The Great Lakes Fur Trade era is reenacted on Voyageur Canoe trips where visitors experience being a French Voyageur of 300 years ago.<\/p>\n

Wildlife<\/strong><\/p>\n

Live displays of Southeast Michigan reptiles, amphibians, fish and arthropods are on exhibit for visitors to view. Fine taxidermy mounts of mammals and birds introduce visitors to local wildlife. Large windows offer excellent views of the variety of bird species that visit the feeders year-round. Just outside the Nature Center are native plant gardens, and a formal Butterfly Garden, highlighting examples of native plants as food and shelter for local wildlife.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Our Trails” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1713529152675{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Stony Creek, Reflection Pond, woods, fields, woodland edges, and small wetlands all placed in a landscape formed ages ago by glaciers provide the backdrop for the miles of trails that course through the moderately hilly terrain. Look for a variety of birds, including wild turkeys. Visitors may be fortunate to see an Eastern Massasauga on the trails, a Federally Threatened species.<\/p>\n

Click here to view park map.<\/a>[\/vc_toggle]

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PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>[vc_column_text font_size=”d:20PX|tp:18|pl:18|pp:18″]Educational programs and activities allow you to interact with nature and learn about the world around us in fun new ways. In-school programs, fields trips to the Metroparks, homeschool programs and scout programs can all be found at your Metropark interpretive centers.<\/p>\n

What topics do we cover? Wildlife, natural science, environment, ecology, climate, farm life, regional history. And that\u2019s just to start. Most Metroparks programs support the Common Core Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Math (STREAM) and Michigan Science Standards curriculum in content, methodology and technology use.<\/p>\n

Learn more about educational programs and activities by clicking on the buttons below.[\/vc_column_text]

Explore School Programs & Field Trips<\/span><\/a><\/div>
Learn About Scout Programs<\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/span><\/span>View Event Calendar <\/span><\/a><\/div>
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ACCESSIBILITY<\/span><\/div>
<\/div>[vc_column_text font_size=”d:20PX|tp:18|pl:18|pp:18″]The Metroparks are committed to removing barriers, creating and improving access, and increasing recreation opportunities for all.[\/vc_column_text]
<\/div>[vc_toggle title=”Displays” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1631716943418{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Our Nature Center displays were designed with accessibility in mind for our visitors to observe and interact. The Exhibit Room has wide spacing between exhibits, providing easy access to all nature displays. Waterhog mats, tile and hardwood floors and low pile carpeting allow for easier movement of transport chairs. Exhibits are placed at eye level for the convenience of youngsters and those in transport chairs. Accessible restrooms are available inside. Accessible van parking is available in the main parking area. A long, paved walkway leads from the parking lot down a hill to the Nature Center.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Sensory-Friendly Backpacks” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1632329751562{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center offers Sensory-Friendly Backpacks for those with sensory sensitivities. These backpacks include communication cards, noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, a liquid timer, and additional fidget items. These can be checked out and returned to the front desk.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Sensory-Friendly Facility Map” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1626956114033{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Coming soon.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Social Stories” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1626956135127{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]Coming soon.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Trails” style=”arrow” custom_font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23008290″ custom_use_theme_fonts=”yes” use_custom_heading=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1632329844511{border-bottom-width: 2px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;border-bottom-color: #008290 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”]The nature trails are comprised of areas of compact gravel, bare soil and mowed grasses. Many stretches of the trails have a marked increase in elevation with steep inclines and slopes. The trails cross over three wood bridges, and a wooden plank bridge with no side rails.<\/p>\n

EAST LAKE TRAILS – 3.5 MILES<\/strong>
\nThe East Lake Trails consist of four connected trails marked with directional arrows. They provide a less traveled, more rustic walk.<\/p>\n

REFLECTION TRAIL – .5 MILE<\/strong>
\nThis is a short picturesque trail that explores Stony Creek\u2019s valley and reveals the underwater worlds of pond and stream.<\/p>\n

LANDSCAPE TRAIL – 1 MILE<\/strong>
\nFeaturing the natural forces that shaped the character of the area, this trail will lead you over an ancient glacial landscape.<\/p>\n

HABITAT TRAIL – 2.5 MILES<\/strong>
\nAlong this winding course you will see a panorama of forest edge, broad fields, dense woods and small wetlands.<\/p>\n

Know before you go: Occasionally woodland trails may be blocked with debris such as fallen tree limbs. Nature trails are not cleared or salted in the winter and may be snow-covered, slippery or muddy. Pets, bicycles and running are not permitted on the nature trails.<\/p>\n

Click here to view park maps.<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]

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NATURE CENTER PHOTO GALLERY<\/span><\/div>