May 5, Sunday,   1:00 or 3:00 pm
BAT ENCOUNTER!  
Rob Mies, TV personality, conservation biologist, bat expert, author, and Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, speaks about the benefits of bats, the need for conservation, and what can be done to help these unique mammals. Rob invites everyone to step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their benefits, habitats, and nocturnal strategies.   Rob will bring several live bats including the world’s largest bat—the Malayan flying fox with a six foot wingspan, dog-faced bat, straw–colored fruit bat, an endangered golden bat and an insect eating big brown bat.   You don’t want to miss this tremendous program, call to register 269-927-4832.   $6/adult, $2/kids, $3/members and free to member’s kids.

 

May 8, Wednesday, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
ADULTS AND NATURE
Learn   about the frogs, toads and reptiles of our area. $5/person,   $2/members. Call 269-927-4832 to register.

 

May 10, Friday,   8:30 am to 4:30 pm
EXPLORE MICHIGAN
Today’s travels will take us north to the Ross Preserve to look for pink lady slipper orchids and to Holland if the tulips are still in bloom., We’ll travel to the   tulip lanes and a tulip farm.   We could also visit Wau- Ke-Na Preserve near   Glenn and/or Jeptha Lake Fen in Van Buren County.   Fee $30/person.

 

May 15,   Wednesday
BUTTERFLY HOUSE
The butterflies are back.   We will be opening the butterfly house today and for the rest of the summer during regular business hours.   Bring your friends, neighbors and family to watch several North American species flit and flutter up close in this special exhibit.   Be sure to spend some time at the chrysalis house where you just might see a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis. Members: $2/adult, $1/child, Non-members: $6/adults (includes trails and nature center building), $2/child.

 

May 15, Wednesday, 7-9 pm
WOODSHOP CLASS
Make two kinds of wooden kitchen tongs that you will use everyday.   First, make simple toaster tongs for getting those small pieces out of your toaster.   Cut from a single piece of wood or glued from a couple of wood types these   tongs are very handy.   Then make folding wooden salad tongs.   We’ll bend the wood to put some spring in it so they can be used with one hand.   We have room for only 8 participants, so get your money in early to reserve your spot.   $20/person for adults and children age 12 and above with an adult.   For project photos check out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarettwoodshop /8577680067/in/ photostream  
and http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarettwoodshop/8631981050/in/photoststream

 

May 18 Saturday, All Day
BERRIEN COUNTY’S ANNUALBIRDATHON
Birders from all over Michigan will spend the day searching to see as many bird species as possible.   Teams from Sarett will be trying their skill and luck.   This event has become a very important fund raiser for the nature center.   Each team member finds sponsors who pledge for each species seen that day.   If you would like to sponsor a team, please call Sarett.   If you would like to join a team or form your own team, please call 269-927-4832.   Thanks for your support.

 

May 18 & 19, Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm   SARETT’S WILDFLOWER SALE
“Go Native”   and add native wildflowers, grasses and ferns to your landscape.   Native plants can be easier to care for and bring wonderful color   and wild life to your yard.   This year’s sale will feature shade tolerant woodland wildflowers including white trillium, Solomon seals, columbine and several species of ferns.   For the sunny areas of your yard there will be many prairie type plants for both sand & clay soils. Sarett naturalists can help you make the best selections for your landscape.   Shop early for the best selection.   Sarett will continue to sell   plants after the weekend during regular business hours. Call 269-927-4832 for questions.

 

May 19, Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm  
SARETT’S WILDFLOWER SALE
There is still time to get your native plants at the sale.

 

May 30-June 2
NORTHERN MICHIGAN BIRDING
Join Mindy to explore Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Whitefish Point,   Tahquamenon Falls State Park and some of the UP local birding hotspots. Call 269-927-4832 for more information.

 

June 2, Sunday, 2:00 pm   
KAYAK LESSONS
Learn the basics of kayaking at North Lake Park. Sarett will provide kayaks,   paddles and life vests.   You must call to register.   269-927-4832.   $15/person.   For teenagers and adults.

 

June 7, 8 & 9
KAYAK WEEKEND
Pere Marquette River. Call for more information.   269-927-4832.

 

June 8, Saturday, Noon to 4:00 pm
WOODSHOP CLASS- PENS
Yes, you can make a pen!   Two of them in fact.   We’ll show you how and then let you practice on some scrap wood.   With guidance you will learn how to handle a chisel on the lathe to turn a square piece of wood into a round shape even with some variations in the shape.   We have only eight lathes, so the first eight to get their money in will get a chance to experience this very fun and addicting skill.   $40/person for all ages over 10.   Pre-payment is required for this class.   Check out the project photos at:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarettwoodshop/8577680067/in/photostream

 

June 15,   Saturday, 10:00 am
KAYAK THE KALAMAZOO
Try your hand paddling from the Allegan Dam to the pipeline take out.   Pack a sack lunch, drinks and snacks. Kayak, life preserver, paddle & transportation included. $25/person,   $20/member. Call to register 269-927-4832.

 

June 20, Thursday, 3:00 pm  
TURTLES
Learn about the turtles of Sarett. $3/adult, kids and members free.

 

June 22, Saturday, 10:00 am
KAYAK THE PAW PAW RIVER
Travel from Hartford to County Line Road.   This wild stretch of the Paw Paw is great for wildlife.   Watch for beaver evidence & enjoy a peaceful paddle.     Kayaks, paddles, life vests and transportation provided. $20/person,   $15/member.   You must call to register. 269-927-4832. Bring a lunch & water & dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at Sarett.

 

June 23, Sunday, 10:00 am
FOSSIL HUNTING
Join Emily at Sarett at 10:00 am or North Lake Park at 10:30 am to explore Lake  Michigan’s shoreline for fossils.   Fee $3/person meeting at North Lake,   $5/person meeting at Sarett and riding with Emily. Please register at 269- 927-4832.

 

June 27, Thursday, 3:00 pm  
SNAKES
Learn about the snakes of Sarett. $3/adult, kids & members free.

 

June 29, Saturday, 3:00 pm  
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS!!!
Join carnivorous plant enthusiast Ron Dudek for an overview of carnivorous plants.   Learn about the plants that use sticky fly paper, pit fall traps and snap traps to obtain insects for nutrients.   Also gain tips on growing your own bug eating plants.   Fly traps will be for sale at the program.   Please call to register 269-927-4832. Fee $3/person, free to kids and Sarett members.   Program   suitable for families and adults.

 

BUTTERFLY HOUSE

The Butterfly House will be open all summer during regular business hours starting May 15.   Stroll through the new native plant butterfly garden and learn the best plants for attracting butterflies to your yard.