March Events at Kensington Metropark

For additional information or to register for programs at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center or Farm Center located near Milford/Brighton, please call 810-227-8910.

At the Nature Center:

“Chickadee Chowdown,” Saturday, March 2 at 2 pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunflower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. This program is for all ages.

“Bluebirds, Their Homes and You,” Saturday, March 9 at 1 pm, Nature Center. Last year Kensington was home to over 200 of these beautiful songbirds. Participants will learn more about them and how they can help them through a movie, discussion and a field trip as part of this program. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 10 and older.

“Webelos: Forester,” Saturday, March 16 at 2 pm, Nature Center.  All requirements for this badge will be met during this indoor/outdoor program. Fee: $5 per Scout. Preregistration required.

"Webelos: Naturalist,” Sunday, March 17 at 2 pm, Nature Center. All requirements for this badge will be met during this indoor/outdoor program. Fee: $5 per Scout. Preregistration required.

“Calling All Owls,” Friday, March 22 at 8 pm, Nature Center. Owls, mysterious and fascinating birds, are often misunderstood. Join an interpreter and separate fact from fiction followed by an attempt to locate resident screen owls.  Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 and older.

“Earth Hour Astronomy,” Saturday, March 23 at 8 pm, Nature Center. Celebrate international “lights out” night with an astronomy program. An indoor program will be followed by outdoor viewing. Fee: $3 per person. Preregistration required. For ages 6 and older.

“Homeschool: French Voyageurs,” Thursday, March 28 at 1:30 pm, Nature Center. Experience the Great Lakes fur trade era roughly from the mid-17ththrough the 19th century. Patrons will focus on the everyday life of Voyageurs using living history interpretation and hands-on activities featuring furs and trade goods.  Fee: $4 per student. Preregistration required.

At the Farm Center:

“Maple’s Sweet Story,” Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 and Sundays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from noon to 3 pm, Farm Center. Take a guided walk through the farm’s sugar bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, and then watch how maple trees are tapped and the sap is collected. Stop by an Algonquin winter camp to hear and see how maple sugaring techniques have changed through the years, followed by a visit to the sugar shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple syrup. Real maple syrup products will be available for sale – taste a sample at the end of the tour. Tours begin every ½ hour and last approximately 1 hour. Fee: $5 per adult/$3 per senior and children 3-12 years. Children 2 years and under are free. Also, be sure to include a visit to the Farmhouse Grille for a pancake breakfast, prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children age 7 and under.

“Fun on the Farm – Egg Hunt,” Thursday, March 28 at 10 am, Farm Center. It’s Easer at the farm! Time to have an egg scramble and get to meet the Easter Bunny. Fee: $5 per person (cash only) - children under 12 months are free.

“The Great Egg Hunt,” Saturday, March 30 at 11 am, Maple Beach. Bring the kids for an Easter egg scramble and enjoy an animal show presented by Farmer John and The Barnyard Express. Kids will get an opportunity to pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Fee: $5 per person (cash only) – children under 12 months are free.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Individuals needing assistance in order to participate in these programs should contact the interpretive center at least 72 hours prior to the program. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark which is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors, or $5 daily. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS. 

(Source: Denise H. Semion, chief of communication of Huron-Clinton Metroparks.)