Branching Out - DEC 2023

Now open the first Sunday of every month! We are closed to the public December 24, 25 and January 1.

Letter from the Staff

Events

Hello!


The holidays are upon us once again and our desire to hibernate is at an all-time high, but there is just too much work to be done. We are actively fine-tuning our winter event schedule so please anticipate plenty of fun for all ages including guided hikes, snowshoe rentals, ice fishing, nature crafts, and a nature-themed trivia night! 


Coincidentally we have tapped into our mirthful maple minds, keeping this article on our radars as we prepare for the 2024 season and beyond. It explores the future of maple sugaring in the context of climate change's impact on northern forests and its potential consequences for the production of maple syrup. One could say that we're in a sticky situation, but the industry has shown resilience and adaptability, fostering hope through increased technological innovation, adaptive forest management, and the potential for red maple to supplement production amid changing climate conditions. Look for more maple sugaring content in our February and March newsletters!


This month we will host Birmingham fourth grade and discuss Earth's geological and biological history in one marble-ous 2-hr program we call "Dynamic Earth." Our November Log Cabin Living littles thrived during their time traveling trip (say that again fast). Teacher Dianne Colby’s class at Eastover Elementary collected sticks from outside their classroom to create their very own log house. See the proof below. For more off-site excitement, please refer to The Story of the Skeleton . 


Yours in green,

The Johnson Nature Center Staff

Visit our website and social media pages (FB and Instagram) for notification of open registration. Stay tuned for added events.


Save the date for the following:

A Hike to S'more Happiness

Monday, January 1

Time: 1 - 3p

All ages

Registration required

Step into the New Year with an exclusive hike ending with a campfire and s'mores*. This event will require advanced registration as we are closed to the public.


*Begin your New Year's resolution to shed pounds on January 2. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate.

Candle Dipping

Saturday, January 27

Time: 11a - 12:30p

Ages 5+

Registration required

Enjoy time in the log cabin dipping candles to take home!

Wild Wisdom - Nature Trivia Night

Saturday, February 10

Time TBA

Registration required

Join us for an evening of nature-themed fun and facts! More info coming soon!

"

“Zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Zip-a-dee-a. My oh my it’s a cold COLD day. Plenty of trails, headed my way! Zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Zip-a-dee-a.” - Conant kindergartners from teacher Cohens’ class during our Log Cabin Living program.

StoryWalk

Have you checked out our StoryWalk yet? Every month there is a new, nature-inspired story displayed along Fox-ridge Trail. The adventure begins in front of the peregrine falcon inclosure and ends at the sugarbush. This is made possible by our supportive and growing partnership with the Bloomfield Township Library. The book for December will be Sharice's Big Voice by Sharice Davids and Nancy K. Mays with illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley.

Birthday Parties at JNC

Celebrate this special day at the Johnson Nature Center! 


Let us help you party in the great outdoors year-round! Our party program themes are designed to inspire and excite children ages 3-12.

BIRTHDAY PARTY INFO.

GIVE FOR LEARNING

Every child needs a happy place to learn! 


Plans for an outdoor classroom space features hands-on manipulatives and natural play elements that children will enjoy for years to come.  The land offers an abundance of learning opportunities for all ages and supports emotional, behavioral and intellectual development.  What better place for an outdoor classroom than at the nature center. 


Please consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Johnson Nature Center to help make our vision a reality. 

GIVE HERE.

TreeSchool

TreeSchool's first ever "Family Giving Day" was on Friday, November 17th. Family volunteers led activities which included pizza dough making (that resulted in the tastiest rolls ever!), hide and seek, obstacle course games, crafts, bubble-making, and snacks by the fire pit. Read more about this special day HERE .

Small Group and Scout Programs

Something for everyone! Scouts can earn a badge, and all groups get the chance to explore a focused topic in a hands-on environment

LEARN MORE HERE.

Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter

Wild Ones invites guests to attend their free public presentations held on the third Wednesday every month at the Johnson Nature Center. BECOME A MEMBER for access to yard tours showcasing various garden styles, "how-to" sessions for native plant care, and plant/seed sales and exchanges.


January Public Presentation:


Buzz, Hum and Hover: Insects and Native Plants

Speaker: Maud Lyon

Wednesday, January 17th

Time: 7-8:30p

Location: Johnson Nature Center

Bowers School Farm

Winter Park is back for all your outdoor family fun!   

January 5 - February 25, 2024


Plan ahead to visit our popular tubing hill, Bowers farm animal visits, a new seasonal playscape, warming fires, and weekend pop up activities


Come for the fun and stay for the food.  

Our kitchen will be serving up some classic favorites including farmhouse grilled cheese, hot cocoa and fresh donuts.


Buy tubing tickets early to secure your date! 

(we do sell out)


Ticket sales begin December 9.


* Member early sales begin December 5th *

Farm members will receive an email on December 4 with registration information.

We are excited to premier Winter Camp this February. 


Date:  February 19 - 20, 2024

Time:  9a - 4p


**Registration opens December 4 at 12pm/noon.  Spaces are limited.


Campers get to spend extended time on the farm - in the WINTER!  We'll take a winter hike through the pastures and woods, make warm and hearty stews, and enjoy hot cocoa around a cozy bonfire. We're anticipating having piglets, lambs, and maybe a new calf and goat kids to visit with. And a visit Winter Park to enjoy snow tubing too. Details here.

Friends of Johnson Nature Center

About Us

Our Vision: We envision a place where all people experience connectedness with nature in a healthy native Michigan ecosystem and are inspired to respectfully care for our planet.


Our Mission: Support the mission of the Johnson Nature Center through ecological conservation, community outreach, volunteerism, and fundraising.

Why Become A Member

As a core part of furthering the Nature Center's mission, you'll enjoy an enhanced experience while helping the property stay vibrant for generations to come.

  • member-only invitations, including early access for special events, camps, and programs

  • admission to other nature centers nationwide through the ANCA reciprocal program

  • complimentary use of equipment rental such as snowshoes, hiking poles, and interpretive bags

  • subscription to the Johnson Nature Center monthly electronic newsletter

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Friends In Action

Ecological Conservation

Community Outreach

Volunteerism

Terrain of Thought

Naturalist Notes

Should I Stay or Should I Go. Like unfallen leaves, we're sticking to what we know best. We love leaves! Oh and you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head.   

Creature Feature

Squirreled Away. As Michigan braces for winter, it's like a squirrel soap opera out there! Read about the three types of squirrels you'll find in your backyard. Stash your snacks folks.

Plant Rant

Merry Berry. You may have decked your halls and walls with its balls. Pretty isn't it? Tis the season to be jolly and learn about holly.





Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center sit on Land that was made by warm shallow seas and slow-moving glacial formations, with the most recent glaciers receding 14,000 years ago. This is the ancestral Land, Anishinaabewaki, of the Indigenous Peoples of the Ojibway/Ojibwa/Ojibwe, Odawa/Ottawa, and Potawatomi/Bodéwadmi, the Anishinabek. This Land remains the contemporary dwelling of the Anishinabek.


Symbol writing for the Anishinabek county, Anishinaabewaki.


The Johnson Nature Center sits on a forty-acre site and offers visitors a myriad of visual pleasures and learning opportunities. The Visitor Center is open 10a - 4p on the first Sunday of every month and the remaining Saturdays. The trails are open every day from 8a until dusk.

Johnson Nature Center | 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302

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