Request a visit from nature center staff

Programs are available by appointment year-round to schools, youth groups, preschools, scouts, seniors, church organizations, festivals and more. Traveling outreach programs include nature presentations, nature tables and the portable planetarium. Qualifying community organizations should check their Recreation Assistance Partnership Program (RAPP) eligibility for free or reduced-priced outreach services.

Nature Tables

A nature table is best suited for a large special event or an event that has multiple components in which participants move independently to explore various activities. Our naturalists will set up a table with biofacts such as taxidermized animals, pelts, bones, and more to spark conversation about our natural communities. Each nature table comes with a pre-set themed craft upon request. Topics include:

• Michigan Wildlife
  • Explore Michigan animals up close as you get your nature questions answered by a friendly naturalist. Touch animal pelts and see other biofacts up close. Stamp a bookmark with the tracks of animals you learned about during your chat.    
• Wellness in the Outdoors
  • Let nature guide you in some practices to keep your mind and body healthy. Create your own gratitude box to take home.
• Purely Michigan
  • Many Michiganders know our state bird, but what about our state soil? Take the quiz with a naturalist and see which items on the table you know, and learn the lore behind those you don’t.

Nature Table Pricing

• $150 for 2 hours; each additional hour $50
  • After hours/evening: Additional $75
  • Out of county fee: Additional $75

A nature presentation is a 45-minute naturalist-led talk on a topic of your choice. It works best at an event where participants will be arriving and leaving at the same time to hear this classroom-style talk. Venues can be indoors or outdoors. Typical group sizes are around 40, but groups may be any size. The smaller the group, the more closely they will get to see the biofacts.

Staff will use taxidermized specimens, bones, pelts, and other items to connect participants with the natural community. Topics include:

• Trail wise Summer Safety
  • Summer safety matters! Find out how to beat the heat and stay safe while on the trail. Learn the principles of Leave No Trace and how to apply them to your next outdoor adventure, whether in your backyard or in the wilds of Michigan.
• Colors in Nature
  • Nature is a kaleidoscope of color. Learn about what colors are used for warnings, which are relied on for camouflage and what colors try to trick you. Find out how the power of color affects the natural world.
• Forest Friends
  • The forest is a wildlife neighborhood. Discover which animals call it home and uncover how these animal’s unique adaptations help them survive here.

Nature Presentation Pricing

• $100 for each presentation
  • After hours/evening: Additional $75
  • Out of county fee: Additional $75

Portable Planetarium

A Portable Planetarium is a mobile, inflatable option that brings the wonder of the night sky indoors. Please contact us for more information about requirements and pricing for this service.

Ready to book or have more questions? Contact your nearest Nature Center to speak to one of our team members.

Red Oaks Nature Center  

30300 Hales St.
Madison Heights, MI 48071
248-585-0100
NatureEducation@oakgov.com

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.

Wint Nature Center 

9501 Sashabaw Road 
Clarkston, MI 48348
248-625-6473
NatureEducation@oakgov.com

Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

Memorial Day-Labor Day extended hours:

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.