Dahlem

Museum Collections Up Close with the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
2026-08-08 12:30 - 13:15 (America/Detroit)
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
