Our youth programs are designed to give children the unique opportunity to explore plants in a variety of natural settings. Children will explore woodland, wetland and prairie ecosystems. Conservatory activities give children a chance to explore plants unique to ecosystems from around the world. Activities encourage youth to explore and enjoy nature and learn skills to become caring stewards of nature.

• Fall Discovery Saturdays

Our hands-on fall workshops make Saturday mornings special! Join us on the Saturdays listed below for more fun with plants in our Apples Peas and Pumpkin Pie Exhibit. Register on-line, in person, or by phone. (Workshops recommended for ages 6-12.)

• Build Your Own Scarecrow October 24, 10 am-noon:
  Make your old clothes come to life—create a kid-sized scarecrow from your favorite materials, then enter it in our scarecrow contest. Or keep the crows away when you take it home for your own garden decoration!
• Halloween Spooktacular! October 31, 10 am-noon:
  Scary good fun! Decorate pumpkins & gourds and discover how other vegetables make great Jack-o-Lanterns too!
• What Do We Do with All These Apples? November 14, 10 am-noon:
  There’s more than one way to eat an apple—and more to apples than Red Delicious. Taste different varieties of apples, then decide which ones you like best! Plus, make your own apple treats to take home.
• Kids are Chefs, too! November 21, 10 am-noon:
  Create a beautiful Thanksgiving bouquet from dried fruits and flowers, and try your hand at grinding wheat and corn to make breads. Decorate your own recipe booklet to use on Thanksgiving!

• After-school Thursday Evening Scout and Youth Programs; 4-5:30 pm or 6-7:30 pm

Gather your Scout or Youth group or just a group of friends and join us for Thursday evening programs. Register your group of 6 or more children for the following fun and educational activities.

• Plant Explorers in the Tropics!
  Visit the Conservatory with a guide and learn about plants from around the world. Build a terrarium and go on a scavenger hunt!
• Michigan Plant Explorers!
  Head out on a guided outdoor hike from 4-5:30 and learn how plants and animals around Willow Pond are preparing for the winter! After your outdoor adventures, warm up inside and make pine-cone bird feeders.

Please visit our Community Education page to view our upcoming education class offerings including the programs detailed above.

For further information about these projects or links, please contact us using the interactive comment form.