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Michigan has a history steeped in maple sweetness. Learn about the sugaring process, tap a tree in our sugar bush and hike our storybook trail to read a maple story from Michigan author Elisa Kerr. Sample some maple treats and take home maple recipes. Suitable for all ages.

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Got a sweet tooth? Join us to learn the science and history to why maple sap, syrup, and sugar are so important to this region. Tap a log with a brace and bit and sample a sweet treat while you hear about sugaring techniques through the ages. Suitable for all ages.

Please see receipt for important information and arrival details.
Got a sweet tooth? Join us to learn the science and history to why maple sap, syrup, and sugar are so important to this region. Tap a log with a brace and bit and sample a sweet treat while you hear about sugaring techniques through the ages. Suitable for all ages.

Please see receipt for important information and arrival details.
What are those leprechauns up to now? Learn the adventure of letterboxing as we solve clues to find the pot of gold in this interactive session of mischief and mayhem. Suitable for all ages

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Did you know that the state of Michigan's birthday is Jan. 26? Join us for a birthday celebration featuring Michigan history, fun facts and make a Michigan themed craft! Suitable for all ages

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Uncover who's hootin' it up at night in Friendship Woods or at Independence Oaks. Learn about our nocturnal neighbors, dissect their diets and discover
their specialized adaptations. Suitable for ages 6+

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Uncover who's hootin' it up at night at Independence Oaks. Learn about our nocturnal neighbors, dissect their diets and discover
their specialized adaptations. Suitable for ages 6+

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Grab a headlamp and join us for a night hike around vernal pools. Learn to identify different salamanders and their egg masses and to appreciate the other
creatures that call vernal pools their home. Suitable for ages 8+

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If you can't beat them, join them! Build your own squirrel feeder while exploring the nine species that call Michigan home. Our biggest, groundhogs, are
even called weather predictors! Suitable for all ages

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Transform a section of the nature center into a butterfly garden filled with nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, butterfly bush, and zinnias. Teach children about the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of pollinators while they help plant and tend to the garden. Provide butterfly identification guides and encourage children to observe and document the different butterfly species that visit the garden. Take home a native garden kit.

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Michigan’s state stone is the Petoskey stone, a fossil colonial coral. Using different sandpaper grits, and some “elbow grease,” participants will pick out and polish their own stone to take home while we talk about other local fossils and minerals. All materials provided.

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"What rare spring migratory birds will we find as we hike through Independence Oaks' diverse habitats with our partners, the Clarkston Area Backyard Birders?Come join us to find out! Suitable for ages 6 and up."

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Celebrate the beauty of one of the rarest habitats in North America. Learn about how to identify the different types of Wetlands and the flora and fauna that call them home. Discover what threatens these areas and how you can help preserve this precious resource with simple but effective everyday activism.

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"Come learn about the incredible story of humanities oldest material science: ceramics. We will talk about the technologies and practices used throughout the ages to find, prepare, use, and fire clay. Take a shot at making your own clay vessel and see how ceramics were fired before the electric kiln.

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Who says, "You can't teach an old dog a new trick!" Join us for a fun hands-on sampling of a nature hobby and form new friendships along the way. Topics may range from Window Birding, Nature Mandalas, Plant Pressing, Looming Nests for Rehabilitators, Natural Dyes, Native Seed Processing, Growing Native Plants, Citizen Science Projects, and much more! You may find your new favorite hobby to share with your loved ones.

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Did you know healing and connection is right outside your door? Learn how nature can help boost mental health while providing physical health benefits. This session will focus on simple ways to reconnect with our surroundings to help balance the stresses of everyday life. This program takes place at the Independence Oaks Boathouse (not the nature center).

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Immersed in the beauty of nature, learn simple tools you can use right away (and with practice) to calm anxious feelings and restore a sense of natural calm.

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Practice self-care at home by setting aside time to relax and enjoy the selected nature wellness book, "The Nature Fix" for your summer reading. Grab your copy at Clarkston Independence District Library or on the Libby or Hoopla apps. This program meets at the Clarkston Independence District Library which is open from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Saturdays. You can pick up your book anytime during these hours.

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Wolves, cougars and bears, OH MY! Come learn about the animals that make their homes in the Northern region of our great state.

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Leaves, pumpkins, and fun, oh my! Join us to learn what animals & plants are doing to prepare for fall, then let your creative juices flow! We'll make festive pumpkin & leaf crafts to get you in the mood for the best season!