Chocolate Sensations 2026
2026-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Gene Davis & Sons, 3575 Francis St., Jackson, MI, 49203, United States
Travel back to a 1950s soda shop for an evening brimming with sweetness and fundraising! Sample decadent treats from Jackson’s finest local chocolate vendors, sip on signature drinks, enjoy delicious small bites, and listen to lively tunes.
Featuring the dazzling music talents of Jackson’s own Marcus & Tiffany Shelton Music.
Enjoy local chocolate delicacies from ABC Bakery, Five Forks Bakery, For Goodness Cakes, Gilbert Chocolates and Vito’s Espresso.
Take part in exciting games and a silent auction, all while supporting Dahlem!
Make your reservation today so you don’t miss out on all the fun!

Live music
Signature cocktails
Hors d’oeuvres
Cash bar
Local chocolates
Silent auction
Raffles
Game

Friday, February 20, 2026
6 – 8 p.m.
Gene Davis & Sons
Thank you event sponsors!

Jackson Glassworks
Reservations are required.
Registration is now closed. Please call the office at 517-782-3453.

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.

Milky Way Madness - POSTPONED
2026-03-14 19:45 - 21:45 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Milky Way Madness, an Astrophotography and Telescopic Night Hike
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (you may call the office and cancel or you can hold onto your registration). Calling all astronomy lovers! Bring your cameras and your coats to explore the night sky from our wide-open prairie. Learn some basic astronomy and try to capture the Milky Way on camera! Don’t worry about bringing a telescope unless you want to. Ours will be set up and ready for you to explore the beautiful sky. Don’t worry if you’re not a photographer. You don’t have to be! Everything we’re doing is super basic and does not require special equipment. Many smartphones these days have an astrophotography setting, so you don’t even have to have a fancy camera. Because this hike is centered on being able to see the night sky in all its glory, this event is weather-dependent. As the date approaches, I will keep this page updated with any cancellations or date changes. If the sky is expected to be very cloudy the night of the program, expect the date to change.
This program is for anyone 16 years or older.
Date: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Time: 7:45pm to 9:45pm
Where: The Dutcher Room to the trails
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: Dress in layers. You never know what Michigan weather is going to do, so be prepared to be bundled up in a coat and gloves, or dressed down in a t-shirt. Bring good walking shoes because this hike is about a 2 to 2 1/2 mile round-trip. If you have a tripod for either your phone or your camera, I highly suggest bringing it along. If you don’t have a tripod, be prepared to set your phone or camera up against something still, like a rock. Having a remote shutter definitely helps, but is not a requirement for the astrophotography portion.

Ice in the Universe with Dr. Rebecca Robinson - March 16
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Dahlem is excited to be hosting Dr. Rebecca Robinson on Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. to share her work and experience with Ice in the Universe in partnership with Jackson College.
Did you know that water ice exists far beyond Earth? Come learn about how scientists research Earth’s grand ice systems in Greenland and Iceland, then explore extra-terrestrial icy environments on other planets like Mars!
Ice in the Universe
Dahlem Center, 7117 South Jackson Rd, Jackson MI
March 16, 2026
7 pm
Free for all to attend

Dr. Rebecca Robinson — Michigan-born, Norwegian transplant, and heliophysicist — studies the Sun’s atmosphere and serves as Outreach Lead for NASA’s Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) team. From serving as the resident astrophysicist at Badlands National Park, to drilling ice cores on glaciers in Iceland, to sailing the coast of Norway studying the Sun and aurora activity — Dr. Robinson brings extraordinary real-world experience. She has also worked with the SETI Institute in California and analyzes advanced computer simulations of the Sun’s magnetic field.

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Dr. Robinson is also presenting at Jackson College on Wednesday, March 18, about NASA’s upcoming MUSE mission.

Solar Physics, Space Weather, & NASA’s MUSE Mission – Join us for an exciting evening exploring the science of the Sun and the future of space discovery! Discover how solar physics shapes our understanding of space weather, learn about NASA’s upcoming MUSE mission, and explore how the Sun impacts Earth and beyond.

Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Jackson College Central Campus
Bert Walker Hall, Room 144 – 145
2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, MI 49201

Light refreshments | Q & A following presentation. Stick around after for a tour and night-sky observing at the Astronomical Observatory (weather permitting). Free and open to students, employees and the community.
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Getting Started in Beekeeping
2026-03-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Getting Started in Beekeeping

Discover the secret of successful beekeepers by spending a year in the life of a bee (and beekeeper). Learn what you’ll need to get started, how to establish a colony and what will make you a sustainable beekeeper. Understand bee behavior and how modern beekeeping techniques are evolving so that you can help your bees thrive and be productive year after year.

Getting Started in Beekeeping is taught by advanced beekeepers John & Kim Haynes.

Date: March 21, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Dahlem Center, Dutcher Classroom
Who: Beginner level course; open to ages 12+

Course fee: $25/member; $30/non-member

Advanced registration is required. Register to save your seat below!

Please note: We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you do not call to cancel and don’t show, you will be charged the full amount.

Registration is now closed.

Mighty Naturalist Program Series
2026-03-27 09:30 - 10:45
Programs are for ages 1-5 years old attending with an adult caregiver.
Fee per Program: $8 per child ($5 Dahlem member); free for an adult caregiver & infants. Additional children older than 5 years are charged the program fee.
Advanced Registration Required. Please register online (see below) or call 517-782-3453 ext. 101 to reserve your spot for you and your mighty naturalist(s). Payment due upon registration.
Cancellation Policy: Registered participants who did not attend program and/or give minimum 24-hour cancellation notice will not be refunded.
Share your love of nature with your young child(ren). We will explore and play with nature while developing critical early childhood skills and growing self-confidence. The Mighty Naturalist Programs are geared toward children 5 years and younger with an adult caregiver to learn about animals, winter survival, birds, tracks, and more. Each program offers a different theme and activities to give you and your mighty naturalist many program opportunities. Invite your friends to sign up, too.
Every program starts with story time in the exhibit room, followed by a short outdoor walk, and then hands-on activity-craft in the big Dutcher classroom. Please dress for the weather.
Here’s the Mighty Naturalist Program schedule;
1) December 5 — Secrets of Winter
2) December 19 — Super Squirrelly
3) January 9 — Nature’s Textures Art Class
4) January 16 — The Sleepy Owl (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
5) January 23 — Turtle, Turtle, Turtle
6) January 30 — Beaks! (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
7) February 6 – Where are the Night Animals? (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
8) February 13 — From Seed to Plant (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
9) March 6 — Maple-licious (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
10) March 27 (Spring Break) — Life Under a Log (5 SPOTS AVAIL)
Program descriptions are listed on the Mighty Naturalist Program Series page (listed under the Education Programs tab)

Register Online

CANCELLED - The Nature Notes - Signs of Spring
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00
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.

Volunteer Training for spring school programs
2026-04-01 08:30 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Volunteers needed for Spring School Programs

Volunteer Trail Leaders (new & returning) interested to lead Spring school field trips are invited to attend this informative half day training session on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 8:30 am to 11:45 am at The Dahlem Center, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson MI. Volunteering for school programs is a highly rewarding experience not to be missed. Come join the fun!
The five programs we will review include: Signs of Spring (preschool & kindergarten), Who Lives There? (kindergarten), Spring Birds (grades 1-3), Frogs & Toads (grades 1-4) and Aquatic Studies (grades 3-8). We will review lesson plans and teaching station equipment.
If you’re interested, please RSVP to naturalist educator Carrie Benham to reserve your seat by March 30, 2026. Please call 517-782-3453 ext. 106 or email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org. Please also complete the online Volunteer Form before attending the training session. Thank you!
This is a great opportunity for retirees, and any adults and college students interested to work with children and have a love for nature are welcome to become volunteer trail leaders. Training will take place both in/outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

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
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
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!

Smokey's Firewise Exhibit Open House & Gift Shop Opening
2026-06-13 11:00 - 16:00
Smokey’s Firewise Exhibit Open House & Gift Shop Opening
Come out to the Dahlem Center and talk to one of our naturalists about FIRE! You can learn about how we here at the conservancy are working to prevent wildfires and restore native flora. The strategy may not be what you’re expecting.
Check out June’s exhibit, Wildfires. Play in the monthly-rotating touch table, cozy up in the wisteria-covered book nook, or see what fire-inspired crafts we have. Also, don’t miss your chance to visit the gift shop on a Saturday!
Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026
Time: 11am to 4pm
Where: The Dahlem Conservancy / 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI. 49201

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

Forest Invaders Exhibit Open House & Gift Shop Opening
2026-07-11 10:00 - 14:00
Forest Invaders Exhibit Open House & Gift Shop Opening
There are many ways invasive species can be introduced to an environment, and there is a slew of different invasive species residing right here in Michigan. Wander around the exhibit room to check out July’s Invasive Species exhibit to learn more about these pesky invaders. After you’re done with invasive species crafts and books, make sure to check out the gift shop.
FREE TO ATTEND!
Date: Saturday, July 11th, 2026
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: The Dahlem Conservancy / 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI. 49201

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
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
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Jackson Audubon Society
Jackson County Conservation District
Jackson County Master Gardeners
Jackson District Library
Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum
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!

Food Trucks at BBB
2026-08-08 09:00 - 15:00
Food Trucks at BBB!
Don’t miss your chance to try some delicious cuisine at the Birds, Blooms, & Butterflies Festival at Dahlem. Big Cheezy Grill and Junkyard Dog 2 Go will be coming out to give you that classic and savory taste. After the savory, satisfy your sweet tooth with J&D’s Flavorful Delights!
FREE TO ATTEND FESTIVAL!
When: August 8th from 9am to 3pm (some food will be available at 10am instead of 9am)
Where: The Dahlem Center / 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201
Who:

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

Jacktown Ukes Performance
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:00
Jacktown Ukes Performance at the Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival!
Soak up the summer sunshine and tap your toes to the infectious, high-energy sounds of the Jacktown Ukes! For one spectacular hour, this dynamic local community ensemble is bringing a lively, heartwarming live performance right to the center of the festivities. Gather your family, join the crowd, and get ready for a bright, acoustic celebration packed with timeless summer classics and feel-good tunes. Don’t miss this sensational, smile-inducing soundtrack to a perfect afternoon at Dahlem!
THE EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND!
When: August 8th, 2026 from 10am to 11am
Where: 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201

Live Raptor Meet & Greet with the Michigan Avian Experience
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00
Michigan Avian Experience at Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival!
Lock eyes with a majestic eagle or a stealthy owl this August at Dahlem’s Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival! For one thrilling hour, the Michigan Avian Experience is bringing a live, up-close raptor meet-and-greet right to our grounds. You’ll come face-to-beak with at least three of Michigan’s most spectacular native birds of prey for a fiercely unforgettable personal encounter. Mark your calendars now, because this is your rare, hands-on chance to experience the breathtaking power of these apex hunters in person!
FREE TO ATTEND!
When: August 8th at 11am
Where: The Dahlem Center / 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201
Who: Michigan Avian Experience

Museum Collections Up Close with the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
2026-08-08 12:30 - 13:15
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival!
Unlock the hidden history of our local landscapes with the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History! Dive into an interactive exploration of native plants, insects, and birds to decode the complex relationships keeping our ecosystems alive. This riveting presentation reveals how real museum collections act as a biological time machine to preserve our heritage. Don’t miss this rare chance to see how tracking the past is the ultimate key to protecting Michigan’s environmental future!
FREE TO ATTEND!
When: August 8th at 12:30pm
Where: The Dahlem Center / 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201
Who: University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Invasive Species: A Galaxy Takeover with JLW CISMA
2026-08-08 13:30 - 14:30
Invasive Species with Dr. Shikha Singh (CISMA) at Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival!
Defend our local landscapes and become a frontline protector of Michigan’s native ecosystems! Join Dr. Shikha Singh, JLW CISMA Coordinator and expert biologist, for an eye-opening deep dive into the aggressive invasive species threatening our regional biodiversity. Learn to spot stealthy local invaders, uncover the massive threat they pose to our native wildlife, and master the exact steps to halt their spread in its tracks. Arm yourself with the critical field knowledge to fight back and secure a thriving, resilient future for our beautiful natural communities!
FREE TO ATTEND!
When: August 8th at 1:30pm
Where: 7117 S. Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201
Who: Dr. Shikha Singh with JLW CISMA

Stellar Day in Jackson
2026-08-12 12:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the sky on a day filled with so many astronomical wonders. The Dahlem Conservancy has teamed up with Jackson College and Ella Sharp Museum to fill the day with curiosity and fun. Check out some planetarium shows at Ella, learn about the celestial events in the astronomical observatory at the college, and participate in cool crafts and hikes at Dahlem.
THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND!
When: August 12th from 12pm to 5pm
Where: The Dahlem Center / 7117. S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI 49201
What to Bring: Your curiosity and good walking shoes!
Itinerary:
If you want to experience the event in its entirety at Dahlem, use the attached itinerary!
Schedule for Ella Sharp Museum and Jackson College Astronomical Observatory:

Ella Sharp Museum: Hurst Planetarium Shows at 12pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm.
Jackson College Astronomical Observatory: 12pm to 4pm and 9pm to 2am.

A Note on the Partial Solar Eclipse:
Peak for the partial solar eclipse will be about 1:33pm, so keep that in mind when planning your day. You can view the eclipse anywhere (WITH THE PROPER EYEWEAR ONLY), but if you want to experience it at the astronomical observatory, you may want to follow my suggested schedules below.
My Suggested Schedules for the Day:

Catch a planetarium show at Ella Sharp at 12pm
Head over to the college to see the peak partial solar eclipse at the astronomical observatory BEFORE 1:30. I suggest getting there by 1pm.
Finish the day at The Dahlem Conservancy and take your time hitting all the fun crafts and walks.

OR

Start the day at Dahlem by 12pm and do your crafts and walks.
Head over to the college to see the peak partial solar eclipse at the astronomical observatory BEFORE 1:30. I suggest getting there by 1pm.
Finish the day with a planetarium show at Ella Sharp at 3pm, 4pm, or 5pm!

Freeze! FBI! Exhibit Open House
2026-08-22 10:00 - 14:00
Freeze! FBI! Exhibit Open House & Gift Shop Exploration
Get ready to shrink down to the forest floor and discover the unsung heroes of our ecosystem! We are hosting a special open house to celebrate the invisible — and not-so-invisible — workings of our favorite cleanup crew.
Come learn all about the FBI: Fungi, Bacteria, and Invertebrates, the essential team that keeps our environment healthy and thriving.
This event is free to attend!
What’s in Store

Decomposer Discoveries: Be the first to explore our brand-new August exhibit, packed with fascinating facts about the recyclers of nature.
Get Hands-On: Create a super adorable decomposer-themed craft to take home as a souvenir. Seriously, it’s SO cute!
Meet a Naturalist: Have burning questions about forest life? Chat with one of our naturalists and get the scoop on what’s happening in the woods right now.
Cozy Up: Relax in our super cute, wisteria-covered reading nook with a specially-curated book dedicated to the wonders of the decomposer world.
Explore the Trails: Take a refreshing hike through the beautiful Dahlem landscape to see these natural processes in action.
Gift Shop Treasures: Swing by the gift shop to pick up unique nature-inspired items before you head home.

Whether you’re a budding scientist or just looking for a fun, educational day out, this is the perfect way to spend a summer day. We can’t wait to see you there!
Event Details
When: August 22nd from 10am to 2pm
Where: Dahlem Center / 7117 South Jackson Road, Jackson, MI 49201

Goblin Walks 2026
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-24 21:00
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
