Betty's Spring Workbee 2024
2024-05-04 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
It is the perfect time of the year to address any maintenance that is necessary for spring and summer. This year’s Betty’s Spring Work Bee is on Saturday May 4th, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Volunteers, please join us for a short meet and greet, then assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. After the work is done we will have a complimentary Thank You picnic lunch! The staff will provide a lite-lunch and refreshments for all volunteers participating this day!
** Please complete the form below so we know how many volunteers to anticipate and provide lunch for **

What will I be doing at the Workbee?
Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. If you have an interest in something particular, let us know! Our goal is to utilize a volunteer’s individual strengths as much as possible. Here are some areas we plan to tackle:

Clear out invasive plants along the trails
Pulling invasive garlic mustard plants (easy to pull by hand)
Place wood chips on the Natural Playscape and other areas of need
Weeding around the buildings and flower gardens
Wash windows, bird feeders, and outdoor signage
Wash Maple Sugaring equipment

We welcome you to bring your own personal equipment such as rakes, shovels, garden shears, loppers, and other tools that would help assist the process.
Remember to; dress for the weather, bring your work gloves and a bottle of water!

Feel free to contact the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 0 should you have questions or concerns. Thank you kindly!

Harmony Gardeners; a free concert for all ages.
2024-07-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Cancelled due to the rain.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of music at the Dahlem Center’s pavilion! Intended for all ages – Family Friendly! Please bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert featuring The Harmony Gardeners. The event is completely free and open to the public, so be sure to invite your friends and neighbors. This is a wonderful concert for the entire family!
Come early to take a trail walk, let the kids explore the playscape, and/or visit the gift shop!

Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival
2024-08-10 09:00 - 15:00 | MI
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival is Saturday, August 10, 2024, 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Presented by Michigan Automotive Compressor Inc. and Dawn Foods

This is a FREE community event thanks to the generous support of our sponsors!
The Dahlem Conservancy is excited to announce the 16th Annual Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival this summer 2024. Environmental education organizations, presenters, and volunteers involvement will help strengthen our community’s appreciation for the natural world. Please join us, and many other organizations, for this fantastic family-friendly event!
The BBB Festival will include a wide variety of outdoor learning opportunities and activities for all ages. We are planning to offer a live birds program, Monarch & Zebra Swallowtail butterflies and caterpillars exhibit, environmental education programs (birds, blooms, butterflies, honeybees and pollinators, etc.), nature walks, native plants and bird seed sales, children’s crafts, live music, food vendors, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing you at this summer’s BBB Festival!

Presentations Schedule. Programs will be held in the large Dutcher Classroom

10:00-10:45 — Birds Blooms Butterflies: Invasive Species That Impact Them presentation by
Shikha Signh, JLW CISMA. Come learn about what pollinator species are and why they are important to the
ecosystem. We will also discuss some of the invasive species found in the area, and how they might negatively
impact our pollinator species.

11:00-12:00 — Live Birds of Prey presented by Michigan Avian Experience
Come see the American Bald Eagle!!

12:30-1:15 — Why We Need Pollinators and They Need Us presentation by Becky Green, Becky’s Birds
and Bees. Learn how pollinators help feed us all, and what we can do to protect them.

1:30-2:30 — Solar Energy presented by Ken Zebarah, Harvest Solar

Food Trucks — FFF Food Truck, Mexibillies, and Kona Ice
K105.3 Radio Station will be onsite during the morning hours
Welcome Tent – pick up a schedule and map
Visit the following booths and vendors;
Bee Quiet Honey – selling honey products and maple syrup
Dahlem’s Kids Activity Station
Golden Wings Photography – selling products
Jackson Audubon Society – caterpillars and butterflies exhibit
Jackson County Conservation District
Jackson County Master Gardeners – kids craft, Q/A
Jackson County Health Department
Jackson District Library
JLW CISMA – booth and presentation on invasive plant species
Kids ‘N’ Stuff – learn about mushrooms and kids craft
Lions Club Jackson Eyeopeners
MSUFCU – sponsor booth
Michigan Bluebird Society – education, selling items
Michigan DNR
Nature Discovery – LIVE ANIMALS booth
Sponsor Table – pick up information from our sponsors
The Perennial Connection LLC – plant sales
Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance
Williamson’s Water and Woods
Windy Rock Farm & Nursery – plant sales

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – We need your help! Please complete the Volunteer Sign Up Form and we will contact you soon to discuss and confirm your interest and availability. Thank you so much for your support and talents. We look forward to having you join us for the festival. Volunteers are needed to set up tents, tables/chairs, welcome tent, help where needed, parking lot attendants, take down at the end of the day, and etc.

THANK YOU to Our Event Sponsors for Your Support!

Sponsorship levels are available! Please contact Kelly Lagow, Development Specialist for details.

.
Is your business or organization interested in joining the festivities? Registration for a booth space is CLOSED. Thank you

Betty's Fall Workbee for Dahlem - Oct. 5, 2024
2024-10-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Betty Dahlem Desbiens is an ever faithful supporter of the John and Mary Dahlem Environmental Education Center, named for her parents. In honor of Betty’s dedication to Dahlem please join us at our fall workbee! It is the perfect time of the year to address any maintenance that is necessary after a busy summer.
Betty’s Fall Workbee for Dahlem will be held Saturday, October 5th, 2024 from 9 AM – 1 PM
Volunteers please arrive at 8:50 AM to sign in. Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. After the work is done we will provide a lite lunch for all volunteers participating on this day. Thank you for lending a helping hand!
** Please complete the form below so we know how many volunteers to anticipate and provide lunch for **

What will I be doing at Betty’s Workbee?
Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. If you have an interest in something particular, let us know! Our goal is to utilize a volunteer’s individual strengths as much as possible. Here are some areas we plan to tackle:

Clear out invasive plants in designated light-workout stations along the Nature For All Trail
Remove invasive plants… many areas throughout the arboretum
Place woodchips on the Natural Playscape
Weeding around the buildings
Put the gardens to bed for the winter
Wash windows and indoor walls (hallway and restrooms)
Wash bird feeders

We welcome you to bring your own personal equipment such as rakes, garden shears, shovels, and other tools that would help assist the process. Friendly reminder; to dress for the weather, bring your work gloves and a full bottle of water! Most participants will be working outdoors. THANK YOU for your consideration and support for Jackson’s Nature Place.
Feel free to contact the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 0 should you have questions or concerns. Thank you!

Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins
2024-10-24 10:00 - 2024-10-25 15:00 | MI
Volunteers are needed to help carve about 230 beautiful pumpkins to line the Goblin Walks event trail route. Pumpkins are generously donated and some purchased at a discounted price. Please bring your carving tools and creativity.
Your Choice is to; 1) gut pumpkins, 2) carve pre-gutted pumpkins, or 3) do the whole job from start to finish. 4) We are also requesting help placing carved pumpkins along the Goblin Walks trail route. Every volunteer is valuable and every job is important to complete!
Pumpkin seeds are available to take home. Bring your own zip-loc bag or container.
Depending on the weather, carving pumpkins will be in the Dutcher classroom or outside. Most likely, we will be indoors.
Please register to let us know to save a seat for you on Oct 24 and/or Oct 25 and approx. time you plan to be at Dahlem. This helps us with set up plans to best accommodate everyone attending. The sessions are open to come and go to fit your schedule.
Thank you, Volunteers!!
We greatly appreciate your generous community support!!

Goblin Walks 2024
2024-10-25 18:00 - 2024-10-26 21:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Two Nights
October 25, Friday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
October 26, Saturday 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee per person: $9/member, $12/non-member (free for infants)
Pre-Registration required to attend our annual Goblin Walks event. Every 15 minutes a group of twenty five people head down the trail to enjoy an evening autumn color tour, a 1/2 mile trail walk meeting larger than life critters performing entertaining educational skits. The program is about one hour in length. Photo opportunities, refreshments (cider & donuts!), and visit the gift shop. Feel free to dress in costume and be ready for the weather! The event operates rain or shine. It’s great fun for the whole family!! This event does not handout candy.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED for Dahlem members and non-members, so don’t wait – choice slots fill fast. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour walk to allow time to sign in.
Cancellation Policy: We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.
Thank You to our generous event sponsors

Registration begins in early September!

Join our Boo Crew – Volunteers Make it Happen and We Need Your Assistance!
Volunteer opportunities for this great event are available. To volunteer, contact Carrie at 517-782-3453 ext. 106 or email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org.

Cast members are needed for the fun skits on Oct. 25 evening and Oct. 26 evening. We have the skits and costumes. Give it a try! It’s so much fun, you’ll be glad you joined the cast.
Oct 24 Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm — set up the pavilion and other areas, and decorate trails
Oct 24 Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving. We supply the pumpkins, you provide the creativity. Please register online for event Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins
Oct 25 Friday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving, place carved pumpkins on the trail route. Please register online for event Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins
Oct 25 and/or Oct 26 (pick a day for a 3-hour commitment) — parking lot attendant, registration table, greeter, bonfire, floater
Oct 25 and/or Oct 26 (pick a day for a 2-hour commitment) — Costumed Trail Guide

Maple Madness Interpretive Tours - March 15, 2025
2025-03-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Maple Madness Interpretive Tours — Dahlem’s maple sugaring operation is small but an ideal site to demonstrate the science of collecting maple tree sap and making our favorite tasty maple syrup topping.
Sign up for an interpretive guided 1 1/4 hour tour at 10:00 am (sold out) or 12:30 pm (has 38 open spots) to learn about the history of sugaring, and learn through hands-on STEM activities; how to identify maple trees, drilling & tapping, the tree’s many jobs, and finally, see the sap being boiled down on the wood stove at our historic sugar shack, and where everyone gets to taste the sweet golden nectar of the sugar maple.
Fee: $6/Dahlem member; $8/non-member; $20 Member Family (same household) and $25 Non-member Family (same household). Advanced registration required. Complete the registration form below or call the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 to sign up and pay for your spot.
Cancellation Policy: minimum 24 hour notice via phone call or email . If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.
The Dahlem Conservancy, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson 49201 just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson.

Earth Day Celebration 2025
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | MI
Earth Day Celebration is Sunday, April 27th from 1-4 pm, to promote environmental protection, encouraging people to keep a clean, healthy planet. Once again, Jackson County Conservation District (JCCD) is organizing a fun and educational afternoon to celebrate Earth Day 2025.
Come join us for JCCD’s Earth Day Celebration in the Park from 1-4 pm at Sparks Foundation County Park, by the urban fishing pond.
Local vendors will be on hand with kid-friendly activities to teach about the importance of Earth Day and conservation of our natural resources.
There will be free tree seedlings and plants, live animals, live music, face painting, kayaking (weather pending), and activities for all. A great day for family-fun!
Free event, open to the public. Additional Earth Day details available here.

Betty's Spring Workbee 2025
2025-05-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
It is the perfect time of the year to address any maintenance that is necessary for spring and summer. This year’s Betty’s Spring Work Bee is on Saturday May 3rd, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Volunteers, please join us for a short meet and greet, then assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. After the work is done we will have a complimentary Thank You picnic lunch! The staff will provide a lite-lunch and refreshments for all volunteers participating this day!
** Please complete the form below so we know how many volunteers to anticipate and provide lunch for **

What will I be doing at the Workbee?
Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. If you have an interest in something particular, let us know! Our goal is to utilize a volunteer’s individual strengths as much as possible. Here are some areas we plan to tackle:

Clear out invasive plants along the trails
Pulling invasive garlic mustard plants (easy to pull by hand)
Place wood chips on the Natural Playscape and other areas of need
Weeding around the buildings and flower gardens
Wash windows, bird feeders, and outdoor signage
Wash Maple Sugaring equipment

We welcome you to bring your own personal equipment such as rakes, shovels, garden shears, loppers, and other tools that would help assist the process.
Remember to; dress for the weather, bring your work gloves and a bottle of water!

Feel free to contact the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 should you have questions or concerns. Thank you kindly!

Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival 2025
2025-08-09 09:00 - 15:00 | MI
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival
Saturday, August 9, 2025 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This is a FREE community event thanks to the generous support of our sponsors!
The Dahlem Conservancy is excited to announce the 17th Annual Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Environmental education organizations, presenters, and volunteers involvement will help strengthen our community’s appreciation for the natural world. Please join us, and many other organizations, for this fantastic family-friendly event!
The BBB Festival will include a wide variety of outdoor learning opportunities and activities for all ages. We are planning to offer a live birds program, Monarch & Zebra Swallowtail butterflies and caterpillars exhibit, environmental education programs (birds, blooms, butterflies, honeybees and pollinators, etc.), nature walks, native plants and bird seed sales, children’s crafts, live music, food vendors, and more. We’re looking forward to seeing you at this summer’s BBB Festival!

Presentations Schedule

10:00-10:45 — Benefits of protecting bird and pollinator habitats presented by Legacy Land Conservancy
Dutcher Classroom

11:00-12:00 — Live Birds of Prey presented by Michigan Avian Experience
Come see the American Bald Eagle, owl, and hawk!!
Dutcher Classroom

12:30-1:30 — musical performance by the Jacktown Ukes
Gathering Patio

1:45-2:30 —

Food Trucks — FFF Food Truck and On The Roll
Welcome Tent – pick up a schedule and map
Visit the following booths and vendors;
Bee Quiet Honey – selling products and/or giving away product samples
Dahlem’s Kids Activity Station
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan – Girl Scout cookies and more
Jackson Audubon Society – live caterpillars and butterflies exhibit
Jackson County Conservation District
Jackson County Master Gardeners – kids craft, Q/A
Jackson School of the Arts
Kids N Stuff Children’s Museum – “A-MAZE-D” exhibit and activities
Kiwanis Club of Jackson
Legacy Land Conservancy
MDHHS-Environmental Health Bureau
Michigan Bluebird Society
Michigan DNR Wildlife Division
Nature Discovery – LIVE ANIMALS booth
The Perennial Connection LLC – plants for sale
Tie Dyes by Jen – tie dyed clothing, housewares, and jewelry
Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance
Sponsor Table – pick up information from our sponsors

>> VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES << – We need your help! Please complete the Volunteer Sign Up Form and we will contact you soon to discuss and confirm your interest and availability. Thank you so much for your support and talents. We look forward to having you join us for the festival. Volunteers are needed to set up tents, tables/chairs, welcome tent, help where needed, exhibit room host, parking lot attendants, take down at the end of the day, and etc.

Thank you for your generosity! This event is proudly presented by

Thank you for your generosity Event Sponsors

Billy White Roofing LLC, Community Choice Credit Union, Emmons Service Inc., Jackson College, Jackson Glass Works Inc., Michigan DNR Wildlife Division
Sponsorship levels are available! Please contact Kelly Lagow, Development Specialist for details.

.
Booth space
Is your business or organization interested in joining the festivities? Registration closes August 5th.
Thank you for your interest to participate!

Betty's Fall Workbee for Dahlem - Oct. 4, 2025
2025-10-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Betty Dahlem Desbiens is an ever faithful supporter of the John and Mary Dahlem Environmental Education Center, named for her parents. In honor of Betty’s dedication to Dahlem please join us at our fall workbee! It is the perfect time of the year to address any maintenance that is necessary after a busy summer.
Betty’s Annual Fall Workbee for Dahlem will be held Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 9 AM – 1 PM
Volunteers please arrive at 8:50 AM to sign in. Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. After the work is done we will provide a lite lunch for all volunteers participating on this day. Thank you for lending a helping hand!
** Please complete the form below so we know how many volunteers to anticipate and provide lunch for **

What will I be doing at Betty’s Workbee?
Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. If you have an interest in something particular, let us know! Our goal is to utilize a volunteer’s individual strengths as much as possible. Here are some areas we plan to tackle:

Clear out invasive plants in designated light-workout stations along the Nature For All Trail
Remove invasive plants… many areas throughout the arboretum
Place woodchips on the Natural Playscape
Weeding around the buildings
Put the gardens to bed for the winter
Wash windows and indoor walls (hallway and restrooms)
Wash bird feeders

We welcome you to bring your own personal equipment such as rakes, garden shears, shovels, and other tools that would help assist the process. Friendly reminder; to dress for the weather, bring your work gloves and a full bottle of water! Most participants will be working outdoors. THANK YOU for your consideration and support for Jackson’s Nature Place.
Feel free to contact the office at 517-782-3453 should you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. Thank you!

Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins 2025
2025-10-23 10:00 - 2025-10-24 15:00 | MI
REGISTRATION SIGN UP IS CLOSED
Volunteers are needed to help carve about 200 beautiful pumpkins to line the Goblin Walks event trail route. Pumpkins are generously donated and some purchased at a discounted price. Please bring your carving tools and creativity.
Your Choice is to; 1) gut pumpkins, 2) carve pre-gutted pumpkins, or 3) do the whole job from start to finish. 4) We are also requesting help placing carved pumpkins along the Goblin Walks trail route. Every volunteer is valuable and every job is important to complete!
Pumpkin seeds are available to take home. Bring your own zip-loc bag or container.
Depending on the weather, carving pumpkins will be in the Dutcher classroom or outside. Most likely, we will be indoors.
Please register to let us know to save a seat for you on Oct 23 (booked/closed) and/or Oct 24 (openings available) and approx. time you plan to be at Dahlem. This helps us with preparations to best accommodate everyone attending. The sessions are open to come and go to fit your schedule.
Thank you, Volunteers!!
We greatly appreciate your generous community support!!

REGISTRATION SIGN UP IS CLOSED

Goblin Walks 2025
2025-10-24 17:00 - 2025-10-25 21:30 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Two Magical Nights!
October 24, Friday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
October 25, Saturday 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee per person: $9/member, $12/non-member (free for infants)
Pre-Registration required to attend our annual Goblin Walks event. Every 15 minutes a group of twenty five people head down the trail to enjoy an evening autumn color tour, a 1/2 mile trail walk meeting larger than life critters performing entertaining educational skits. The program is about one hour in length. Photo opportunities, refreshments (cider & donuts!), and visit the gift shop. Feel free to dress in costume and be ready for the weather! The event operates rain or shine. It’s great fun for the whole family!! This event does not handout candy.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED for Dahlem members and non-members, so don’t wait – choice slots fill fast. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour walk to allow time to sign in.
Cancellation Policy: We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.
Thank You to our generous event sponsors

Community Choice Credit Union, Emmons Service Inc, Jackson Glass Works Inc, Lomar Machine & Tool

Registration begins September 2nd!

Join our Boo Crew – Volunteers Make it Happen and We Need Your Assistance!
Volunteer opportunities for this great event are available. To volunteer, please complete the Goblin Walks Volunteer Application Form. If you have questions, please contact Carrie at 517-782-3453 ext. 106 or email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org.

Cast members are needed for the fun skits on Oct. 24 evening and Oct. 25 evening. We have the skits and costumes. Give it a try! It’s so much fun, you’ll be glad you joined the cast. Open to adults, teens (14-17 years), and children (10-13 years). Children must be supervised.
October 24 and/or October 25 (pick a task of your choice on the volunteer application form)
October 23 Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm — set up the pavilion and other areas, and decorate trails. Contact Carrie cbenham@dahlemcenter.org

Pumpkin Carving —
Please register online for event Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins. We supply the pumpkins, you provide the creativity and bring your carving tools.

Oct 23 Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving. (closed)
Oct 24 Friday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving and place carved pumpkins on the trail route. (seats available)

Volunteer Celebration - Nov. 14, 2025
2025-11-14 15:00 - 17:00 | MI
We are excited to invite you to Dahlem’s Volunteer Celebration on November 14th from 3:00-5:00 PM. We would like to thank you for your incredible efforts and dedication throughout the year. Please drop in for an afternoon of great company and a sweet treat as we celebrate everything you’ve helped us achieve!

Open House - Exhibit Room, Gift Shop, Trails
2025-11-23 10:00 - 14:00 | MI
Join us in celebrating our newly-improved exhibit room! Thanks to the Speckhard-Knight Charitable Foundation, we were able to give the room quite the update. Meet a naturalist and participate in some giveaways and raffles. Bring the whole family to check out this month’s exhibit and do some hands-on activities.

Date: Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
Time: visit between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free to attend and participate

Explore the newly-improved exhibit room, find unique items in the Nutshell Giftshop, go on a fall trail walk, and check out the natural playscape. Friendly reminder to dress for the weather!

The walking trails and playscape are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Maple's Sweet Story - March 14, 2026
2026-03-14 10:00 - 13:30 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Maple’s Sweet Story — Dahlem’s maple sugaring operation is small but an ideal site to demonstrate the science of collecting maple tree sap and making our favorite tasty maple syrup topping.
Sign up for an interpretive guided 1 1/4 hour tour at 10:00 am (spots available, walk-ins welcome) or 12:30 pm (sold out) to learn about the history of sugaring, and learn through hands-on STEM activities; how to identify maple trees, drilling & tapping, the tree’s many jobs, and finally, see the sap being boiled down on the wood stove at our historic sugar shack, and where everyone gets to taste the sweet golden nectar of the sugar maple.
Fee: $6/Dahlem member; $8/non-member; $20 Member Family (same household) and $25 Non-member Family (same household). Advanced registration required. Complete the registration form below or call the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 to sign up and pay for your spot.
Cancellation Policy: minimum 24 hour notice via phone call or email . If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.
The Dahlem Conservancy, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson 49201 just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson.

CANCELLED - The Nature Notes - Signs of Spring
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 | MI
CANCELLED – The Nature Notes – Signs of Spring
Come meet other nature lovers at the Dahlem Center and use the wilderness around you to inspire your pens. First, take a guided hike, then transfer nature to notebooks, focusing on spring’s signs. You can bring your own nature journals or utensils, journaling however you’d like, or you can use the utensils and packet provided by us! After the program, the exhibit room and gift shop will be open until 2pm.
This program is for anyone 7 years or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: March 28th, 2026
Time: 9am to 11am
Where: The trails and pavilion (Dutcher Room if it’s too cold to sit outside)
Cost: $8 for non-members / $5 for Dahlem Center members
Cancellations: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. No-shows will be charged the full amount.
What to Bring: Bring good walking shoes. The hike will be between 1/2 and 1 1/2 miles, depending on how far the group would like to go to search for inspiration. You can bring your own nature journal or use the packet we provide. We will have utensils to use, but I’m sure yours are better! Bring a jacket, just in case. The hike will obviously be out in the elements, but the nature journaling will take place under our pavilion.

American Woodcock Program & Night Walk (adult program) - April 9 SOLD OUT!
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS SOLD OUT!
The American Woodcock Program and Night Walk (adult program) will start at 7:00 pm with a short indoor presentation to learn about the woodcock that reside in Michigan, their adaptations, and then we’ll take a night walk to Dahlem’s quiet grasslands to watch and listen for American woodcocks performing their seasonal mating ritual. This is a fun night not to be missed. Make it a ‘date night’ without kids.
Fee: $6/per Dahlem member; $10/per non-member. Advanced registration is required. Limited to 24 adult participants. Complete the registration form below or call the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 to sign up and pay for your spot. Registration deadline is April 8th at 4:00 pm.
What to Bring: a small flashlight to carry in your coat pocket. Our goal is to use our night vision just as nocturnal wildlife do to venture through the night and let our other senses direct us on the trails.
Rain Date: if we have inclement weather, the postpone date TBD.
Cancellation Policy: we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.

Night of the Amphibians (family-friendly) - April 17 SOLD OUT!
2026-04-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
SOLD OUT — Registration is closed.
What better way to welcome spring than to wade in the waters of our glacial pond in search of the season’s first choristers: Spring Peepers, Chorus frogs and Wood frogs. Maybe we’ll find a Leopard frog or American toad! This is a great evening event for families to learn about, catch and release frogs! Bring your wading boots and dress for the weather. The trail walk to the Glacial Pond is approximately one mile round trip.
Fee: $6/per Dahlem member; $8/per non-member …. Member Family $20, and Non-member Family $25 (Family resides in the same household)
Advanced registration is required. Complete the registration form below or call the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 to sign up and pay for your spot. Registration deadline is April 16th at 4:00 pm.
What to Bring: a flashlight to carry in your coat pocket. Our goal is to use our night vision just as our nocturnal creatures do to venture through the night and let our other senses direct us on the trails.
Rain Date: if we have inclement weather or the temperature is too cold on April 17th, the postpone date is TBD
Cancellation Policy: we have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.

Earth Day Celebration - April 26, 2026
2026-04-26 13:00 - 16:00 | MI
Earth Day Celebration is Sunday, April 26th from 1-4 pm, to promote environmental protection, encouraging people to keep a clean, healthy planet. Once again, Jackson County Conservation District (JCCD) is organizing a fun and educational afternoon to celebrate Earth Day 2026.
Come join us for JCCD’s Earth Day Celebration in the Park from 1-4 pm at Sparks Foundation County Park, by the urban fishing pond.
Local vendors will be on hand with kid-friendly activities to teach about the importance of Earth Day and conservation of our natural resources.
There will be free tree seedlings and plants, live animals, live music, face painting, kayaking (weather pending), and activities for all. A great day for family-fun!
Free event, open to the public. Additional Earth Day details available here.

Betty's Spring Workbee - May 2, 2026
2026-05-02 09:00 - 13:00 | MI
It is the perfect time of the year to address any maintenance that is necessary for spring and summer. This year’s Betty’s Spring Work Bee is on Saturday May 2nd, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Volunteers, please join us for a short meet and greet, then assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. After the work is done we will have a complimentary Thank You picnic lunch! The staff will provide a lite-lunch and refreshments for all volunteers participating this day!
** Please complete the form below so we know how many volunteers to anticipate and provide lunch for **

What will I be doing at the Workbee?
Assignments are given out at the start of the day at 9:00 AM. If you have an interest in something particular, let us know! Our goal is to utilize a volunteer’s individual strengths as much as possible. Here are some areas we plan to tackle:

Clear out invasive plants along the trails
Pulling invasive garlic mustard plants (easy to pull by hand)
Place wood chips on the Natural Playscape and other areas of need
Weeding around the buildings and flower gardens
Wash windows, bird feeders, and outdoor signage
Wash Maple Sugaring equipment

We welcome you to bring your own personal equipment such as rakes, shovels, garden shears, loppers, and other tools that would help assist the process.
Remember to; dress for the weather, bring your work gloves and a bottle of water!

Feel free to contact the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 101 should you have questions or concerns. Thank you kindly!

Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert - June 18, 2026
2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Summer Songs outdoor concert series with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra returns on June 18!
Join the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Dahlem for a FREE outdoor concert performance! Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and sit under the trees or out in the grass and listen to a selection of summer songs performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra brass quintet.
The performance will be held outdoors June 18 at 7 pm at the Dahlem Center pavilion (7117 South Jackson Road).
Please feel free to arrive early and enjoy a walk on the trails, play at the nature playscape, or stop by the exhibit room and gift shop.
*Due to the concert being outdoors, please follow JSO and Dahlem on social media for performance updates if there is inclement weather. (In the event of inclement weather the concert will be rescheduled for June 25th.)

Summer Songs 2026 schedule:
June 18 – Brass ensemble
July 9 – Strings ensemble
July 30 – Mixed Winds ensemble

Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert - July 23, 2026
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Join the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Dahlem for a FREE outdoor concert performance, sponsored by Gary and Jann Krupa! Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and sit under the trees or out in the grass and listen to a selection of summer songs performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra strings ensemble.
The performance will be held outdoors July 23 at 7 pm at the Dahlem Center pavilion (7117 South Jackson Road).
Please feel free to arrive early and enjoy a walk on the trails, play at the nature playscape, or stop by the exhibit room and gift shop.
*Due to the concert being outdoors, please follow JSO and Dahlem on social media for performance updates if there is inclement weather.

Summer Songs 2026 schedule:
June 18 – Brass ensemble
July 9 RESCHEDULED to July 23 – Strings ensemble
July 30 – Mixed Winds ensemble

Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert - July 30, 2026
2026-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Join the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Dahlem for a FREE outdoor concert performance! Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and sit under the trees or out in the grass and listen to a selection of summer songs performed by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra mixed winds ensemble sponsored by Eaton and the Jackson Community Foundation.
The performance will be held outdoors July 30 at 7 pm at the Dahlem Center pavilion (7117 South Jackson Road).
Please feel free to arrive early and enjoy a walk on the trails, play at the nature playscape, or stop by the exhibit room and gift shop.
*Due to the concert being outdoors, please follow JSO and Dahlem on social media for performance updates if there is inclement weather. (In the event of inclement weather the concert will be rescheduled for Aug. 13th.)

Summer Songs 2026 schedule:
June 18 – Brass ensemble
July 9 – Strings ensemble
July 30 – Mixed Winds ensemble

Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival 2026
2026-08-08 09:00 - 15:00 | MI
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join us from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Dahlem’s annual Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This is a FREE family-friendly event!
This annual outdoor festival will include a wide variety of outdoor learning opportunities and activities for all ages including live animal exhibits, environmental education programs (birds, blooms, butterflies, honeybees and pollinators, etc.), nature walks, native plants, children’s crafts, live music, food vendors, and more.
Please join us for this fantastic family-friendly event!
Our Vendors:

Bee Quiet Honey
JLW CISMA
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Jackson Audubon Society
Jackson County Conservation District
Jackson County Master Gardeners
Jackson College
Jackson District Library
Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum
Kiwanis Club of Jackson
Plushie Pals
BirtleBee
Nature Discovery
Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance
Tie Dyes by Jen
Xerces Society
Soap Shed

Food Trucks/Vendors

Big Cheezy Grill Food Truck
Junkyard Dog 2 Go
J&D’s Flavorful Delights

Presenters

Michigan Avian Experience / 11am
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History / 12:30pm
Dr. Shikha Singh with JLW CISMA / 1:30pm

Performances

Jacktown Ukes / 10am

If you have questions about being a vendor, hosting an activity, or presenting on an environmental topic at this year’s festival, please contact Marissa at mpierce@dahlemcenter.org.

>> VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES <<
Please complete the Volunteer Sign Up Form and we will contact you soon to discuss and confirm your interest and availability. Thank you so much for your support and talents. We look forward to having you join us for the festival. Volunteers are needed to set up tents, tables/chairs, welcome guests, assist presenters and exhibit room guests, parking lot attendants, and take down at the end of the day.

Thank You Festival Sponsors!

Goblin Walks 2026
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-24 21:00 | MI
Registration opens in early September 2026
Two Magical Nights!
> October 23, Friday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
> October 24, Saturday 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Fee per person:
Pre-Registration required to attend our annual Goblin Walks event. Every 15 minutes a group of twenty five people head down the trail to enjoy an evening autumn color tour, a 1/2 mile trail walk meeting larger than life critters performing entertaining educational skits. The program is about one hour in length. Photo opportunities, refreshments (cider & donuts!), and visit the gift shop. Feel free to dress in costume and be ready for the weather! The event operates rain or shine. It’s great fun for the whole family!! This event does not handout candy.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED for Dahlem members and non-members, so don’t wait – choice slots fill fast. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour walk to allow time to sign in.
Cancellation Policy: We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you don’t call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.
Thank You to our generous event sponsors

Registration opens in early September 2026
[registration form]

Join our Boo Crew – Volunteers Make it Happen and We Need Your Assistance!
Registration opens in early September 2026
Volunteer opportunities for this great event are available. To volunteer, please complete the Goblin Walks Volunteer Application Form. If you have questions, please contact Carrie at 517-782-3453 ext. 106 or email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org.

Cast members are needed for the fun skits on Oct. 23 evening and Oct. 24 evening. We have the skits and costumes. Give it a try! It’s so much fun, you’ll be glad you joined the cast. Open to adults, teens (14-17 years), and children (10-13 years). Children must be supervised.
October 23 and/or October 24 (pick a task of your choice on the volunteer application form)
October 22 Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm — set up the pavilion and other areas, and decorate trails. Contact Carrie cbenham@dahlemcenter.org

Pumpkin Carving —
Registration opens in early September 2026
Please register online for event Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins. We supply the pumpkins, you provide the creativity and bring your carving tools.

Oct 22 Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving
Oct 23 Friday 10:00am-3:00pm — pumpkin carving and place carved pumpkins on the trail route
