Dahlem

Earth Day Celebration 2025
2025-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
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!

Survival Myths: adult outdoor skills workshop
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00
Survival Myths and How to Not Die
Join wilderness survival skills instructor Rodney Cole at Dahlem on May 17, 2025 to learn techniques so you can be better prepared for a survival situation.
Having the knowledge and knowing the priorities can be lifesaving during an emergency. In this class you will learn skills and techniques to be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature, power outages, unrest, or other emergencies may throw at you. The knowledge you will learn will help you prioritize what to do if you are stranded in a snowstorm, lost on a hike, locked in at work, or facing multiple days without power.
Rodney Cole is an instructor of Wilderness Survival Skills and Bushcraft. As an Army Major and graduate of both Army Ranger School and Special Forces School, he has been placed into survival scenarios many times. Rodney will prepare you for what otherwise could be your most challenging days.
Come prepared to learn, take notes, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities that will help make you a survivor of your next emergency.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Survival Myths and How to Not Die workshop is for adults. This is an outdoor skills workshop and will be held outside and at the Dahlem pavilion. Please dress for the weather. The Dahlem Conservancy, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson 49201, just 15 minutes from downtown Jackson.
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.
Registration Fee: $8 per adult member, $10 per adult non-member.
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2025
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.

Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert - June 18, 2025
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:00
SUMMER SONGS: AN OUTDOOR CONCERT

Due to the stormy weather forecasted for Wednesday evening, June 18th, we will be postponing the outdoor concert with JSO. We will share a rescheduled date as soon as it is confirmed.

June 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
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 woodwinds quintet. Visit the JSO website to learn about the musicians!
The performance will be held outdoors at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center pavilion, 7117 South Jackson Road, at 7 p.m.
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: An Outdoor Concert - June 25, 2025
2025-06-25 19:00 - 20:00
Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert
June 25, 2025
7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Join the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Dahlem for a FREE outdoor concert performance sponsored by Meridian Wealth Management!
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 at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center pavilion, 7117 South Jackson Road, at 7 p.m.
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: An Outdoor Concert - July 8, 2025
2025-07-08 19:00 - 20:00
Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert
July 8, 2025
7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Join the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Dahlem for a FREE outdoor concert performance sponsored by Jann and Gary 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 string quartet.
The performance will be held outdoors at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center pavilion, 7117 South Jackson Road, at 7 p.m.
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.

Harmony Gardeners Outdoor Concert - July 21, 2025
2025-07-21 18:00 - 19:00
An outdoor concert with Harmony Gardeners!
July 21, 2025
6 – 7 p.m.
Free for all to attend – Family Friendly!
Join us for a fun-filled evening of music at the Dahlem Center’s pavilion! Please bring your own lawn chairs or picnic blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert featuring The Harmony Gardeners. This is a wonderful concert for the entire family!
Come early to take a trail walk and let the kids explore the playscape!

Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival 2025
2025-08-09 09:00 - 15:00
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.

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

Summer Songs: An Outdoor Concert - August 28, 2025
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:00
🚨Due to the forecasted rain and thunderstorms, our outdoor Summer Songs Concerts with Dahlem will return again in 2026!
To see our JSO Woodwind Quintet perform, please join us inside at the Luna Lux Lounge (128 W Michigan Ave) Thursday, August 28th at 7:00 pm
Summer Songs will return next summer at Dahlem!
August 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
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 woodwinds quintet. Visit the JSO website to learn about the musicians!
The performance will be held outdoors at the Dahlem Environmental Education Center pavilion, 7117 South Jackson Road, at 7 p.m.
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.

Volunteer Fall Training
2025-09-10 08:30 - 12:00
Volunteer Trail Leaders (new & returning) interested to lead Fall school field trips are invited to attend this informative morning training session on Wednesday, September 10th, 8:30 am to 12 noon at Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place. Training will take place both in/outdoors. To reserve your seat, please RSVP to Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham at email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org or call 517-782-3453 ext. 106.
New to volunteering at Dahlem or if you have updated contact information, please complete the online Volunteer Form
School programs are offered to preschool through elementary school classes. The fall programs for review include: Signs of Fall, Nature Prepares for Winter, Bird Beaks, Mini-beasts & Insects, Animal Homes and Habitats, and Aquatic Pond Studies.
This is a great opportunity for retirees, and any adults and college students interested to work with children and have a love for nature. Volunteering is a highly rewarding experience not to be missed!

Sign up here Volunteer Form

More than Morels - Sept. 24, 2025
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:00
More than Morels with Chris Zurn

Join the Jackson Conservation District and Dahlem to learn all about Michigan mushrooms!

Chris Zurn, member of the Michigan Mushroom Hunters Club and MDARD certified expert mushroom identifier, will share mushroom identification tips and more about the fantastic fungi that are all around us. You’ll learn about mushroom safety and which harmful mushrooms you should be aware of. Chris will share his favorite mushrooms to harvest, what they can be used for, and will also talk about the ecological roles fungi play.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dahlem Center, 7117 South Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI
Reserve your seat – Registration fee: $5 per adult. Registration form below.
This adult program is part of the Conservation Series presented by Jackson Conservation District and Dahlem Conservancy.

Forest Bathing Experience - Sept. 28
2025-09-28 14:30 - 16:30
Forest Bathing Experience with Dr. Lori Tate
Awaken your senses and join Dr. Lori Tate for a forest bathing experience at Dahlem!
The practice of forest bathing encourages you to connect with nature by taking in your surroundings through all of your senses. Fall is the perfect time to explore the forest and witness the seasonal changes through the splashes of color, smell of the leaves, and sounds of the birds.
Through this guided experience you will learn more about the practice of forest bathing, making observations with all of your senses, and the benefits of spending time in nature. You will also have the opportunity to head out on the trails to experience the benefits firsthand.
This is a family friendly experience; all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate.
Our forest bathing companion and guide, Dr. Lori Tate, is a spiritual director and teacher. Learn more about her work at SoulDig.org.
For additional information on the practice of forest bathing check out this article by Henry Ford Health: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2018/06/5-ways-forest-bathing-can-improve-your-health.

Date: Sunday, September 28
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Dahlem Center, 7117 South Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI 49203

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Members: $4 / Non-members: $6 (free for infants)
Please complete the registration below or call the office at 517-782-3453 ext. 0 to reserve your spot.
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.

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!

USDA Conservation Practices and Programs for Landowners - Oct. 8, 2025
2025-10-08 18:00 - 19:00
USDA Conservation Practices and Programs for Landowners
For almost 100 years, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working with private landowners to help promote healthy soil and water. With the motto of “helping people help the land,” they provide both technical and financial assistance to support voluntary conservation efforts across the county. Recently, Dahlem and NRCS have partnered to improve and restore local habitat. In this session, Jeff Lolkus will share the process and projects that are currently underway and resources available to landowners for conservation projects.
Jeff Lolkus has worked for the NRCS for 16 years, 9 of which have been in Jackson. He lives in southern Jackson County with his wife, daughter, dog, 2 cows, 2 goats, and 9 chickens.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dahlem Center, 7117 South Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI
Reserve your seat – Registration fee: $5 per adult. Registration form below.
This adult program is part of the Conservation Series presented by Jackson Conservation District and Dahlem Conservancy.

Volunteer to Carve Pumpkins 2025
2025-10-23 10:00 - 2025-10-24 15:00
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)

Increasing habitat for rare butterflies in MI - Nov. 5, 2025
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00
Increasing habitat for rare butterflies in Michigan
Many people are planting for pollinators in Michigan, which is wonderful for all of our bees and butterflies. However, there are some plants (and the butterflies that depend on them) that often get overlooked. In this talk we will cover a project at MSU that is looking to expand availability of local Michigan seed sources, as well as increasing the diversity in our plantings, so not all sites are using the same mixes. Come hear about how we are working with farmers to increase MI native seed production, as well as what plants to consider to support some of Michigan’s more rare pollinators.
Meghan Milbrath is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, where she is the coordinator of the Michigan Pollinator Initiative. Her appointment is split between research and extension, and she works with beekeepers, land managers, and pesticide applicators to support pollinator health in the state. She also is a beekeeper and runs The Sand Hill Bee Farm in Jackson County.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dahlem Center, 7117 South Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI
Reserve your seat – Registration fee: $5 per adult. Registration form below.
This adult program is part of the Conservation Series presented by Jackson Conservation District and Dahlem Conservancy.

Explore the Night - Nov. 13, 2025
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Let’s explore the night life as we quietly venture down the moonlit trails using our nocturnal senses. Remember, night is when many animals are most active. Who might we hear rustling nearby and calling out in the eerie silent night off in the distance? Do you have night vision, what color do you see, and what is that unique odor we smell? The cool fresh air feels energizing.
All participants are required to register in advance, and space is limited to 24 participants. Please dress for the weather, bring a small flashlight (red lens preferred) to carry in your pocket, and be ready to walk a one to two miles. Recommended for ages 12 and up. In the event of a rainy evening, tickets will be applied to a rescheduled date.

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Date: November 13, 2025 Thursday

Time: 6:00 pm
Price: Free for Members, $5 for Non-member, and $12 Non-Member Family
Maximum 24 people
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.

Explore the Night - November 13, 2025

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Volunteer Celebration - Nov. 14, 2025
2025-11-14 15:00 - 17:00
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
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.

Mighty Naturalist Program; Secrets of Winter
2025-12-05 09:30 - 10:45
Secrets of Winter Program is for ages 1-5 years old attending with an adult caregiver.
Program Description: What happens outside in winter? Explore the cold and frosty forest, and search for clues on how critters survive winter. After story time, we’ll adventure outdoors to search for critter clues. How do they cope with winter’s worst weather? After a short visit outdoors we’ll head into the classroom for hands-on activities and craft time.
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.

Register Online

Mighty Naturalist Programs 2025-2026

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December 19 -- Super Squirrely

January 9 -- Nature's Textures Art Class

January 16 -- The Sleepy Owl

January 23 -- Turtle ,Turtle, Turtle

January 30 -- Beaks!

February 6 -- Where are the Night Animals

February 13 -- From Seed to Plant

March 6 -- Maple-licous

March 27 -- Life Under a Log
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Jan. 30 Program - Non-Member*

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Feb 6 Program - Non-Member*

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Feb. 13 Program - Non-Member*

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March 6 Program - Non-Member*

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March 27 Program - Non-Member*

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Refund Policy:Refunds will only be provided if cancellations are received 24 hours (1 day) minimum prior to the selected Mighty Naturalist program.
Photograph Release:By submitting this form, I grant The Dahlem Conservancy permission to display photo(s) or video(s) of my child on posters, brochures, displays, and any other audio-visual media representing The Dahlem Conservancy and/or its programs. Displays may be in-house, at community events, broadcasts, in newspapers, or any other audio, visual media.Total

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Mighty Naturalist Program Series
2025-12-05 09:30 - 2026-03-27 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 Squirrely
3) January 9 — Nature’s Textures Art Class
4) January 16 — The Sleepy Owl
5) January 23 — Turtle, Turtle, Turtle
6) January 30 — Beaks!
7) February 6 – Where are the Night Animals?
8) February 13 — From Seed to Plant
9) March 6 — Maple-licous
10) March 27 (Spring Break) — Life Under a Log
Program descriptions are listed on the Mighty Naturalist Program Series page (listed under the Education Programs tab)

Register Online

Mighty Naturalist Programs 2025-2026

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Child's Name*

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Last

Age of Child*Mighty Naturalist Programs*If attending multiple programs, please select all programs your child will be attending. The programs listed have open seats available. When a scheduled program is not listed, it is sold out.

December 19 -- Super Squirrely

January 9 -- Nature's Textures Art Class

January 16 -- The Sleepy Owl

January 23 -- Turtle ,Turtle, Turtle

January 30 -- Beaks!

February 6 -- Where are the Night Animals

February 13 -- From Seed to Plant

March 6 -- Maple-licous

March 27 -- Life Under a Log
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Membership TypeFamily ($45)Dec. 5 Program - Member*

Price:

Dec. 5 Program – Member*

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Dec. 19 Program - Member*

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Dec. 19 Program - Member*

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Jan. 9 Program - Member*

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Jan. 9 Program - Member*

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Jan. 16 Program - Member*

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Jan. 16 Program - Member*

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Jan. 23 Program - Member*

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Jan. 23 Program - Member*

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Jan. 30 Program - Member*

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Jan. 30 Program - Member*

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Feb. 6 Program - Member*

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Feb. 6 Program - Member*

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Feb. 13 Program - Member*

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Feb. 13 Program - Member*

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March 6 Program - Member*

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March 6 Program - Member*

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March 27 Program - Member*

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March 27 Program - Member*

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Dec. 5 Program - Non-Member*

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Dec. 19 Program - Non-Member*

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Jan. 9 Program - Non-Member*

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Jan. 16 Program - Non-Member*

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Jan. 23 Program - Non-Member*

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Jan. 30 Program - Non-Member*

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Feb 6 Program - Non-Member*

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Feb. 13 Program - Non-Member*

Price:

March 6 Program - Non-Member*

Price:

March 27 Program - Non-Member*

Price:

Refund Policy:Refunds will only be provided if cancellations are received 24 hours (1 day) minimum prior to the selected Mighty Naturalist program.
Photograph Release:By submitting this form, I grant The Dahlem Conservancy permission to display photo(s) or video(s) of my child on posters, brochures, displays, and any other audio-visual media representing The Dahlem Conservancy and/or its programs. Displays may be in-house, at community events, broadcasts, in newspapers, or any other audio, visual media.Total

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Owl Prowl Program & Night Hike - January 16, 2026
2026-01-16 18:00 - 20:30 | Dahlem, Jackson’s Nature Place, 7117 S. Jackson Rd., Jackson, MI, 49201, United States
Owl Prowl Night Hike will start at 6:00 pm Friday, January 16th with a short indoor presentation to learn about the owl species that reside in Michigan, their adaptations, and then we’ll take a night hike on Dahlem’s quiet trails listening for owls and other night creatures. We will use an artificial device to call out to owls with anticipation that they answer back. In past, the Great Horned, Barred and Screech owls have replied. This is a fun night not to be missed.
The program is for adults.
Fee: $6 per Dahlem member; $10 per non-member. Advanced registration is required as spots are limited to 24 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 Thursday, January 15th.
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.
What to Bring; a small 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. Try to wear dark colored, warm clothes that don’t make noise when you move.

Owl Prowl Night Hike - 16 January 2026

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Owl Prowl Night Hike (Member)*

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Chocolate Sensations 2026
2026-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Please use the form below to reserve your seat(s)!

Chocolate Sensations 2026

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AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific
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Reservation Choice (select one):(Required)Single Reservation - $60Two Reservations - $110Group of Eight - $440Total

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Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival 2026
2026-08-08 09:00 - 15:00
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Festival
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Save the date for Dahlem’s annual Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
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.
Watch for more event details to be posted as summer approaches!
Vendors and presenters
If you are interested in being a vendor, hosting an activity, or presenting on an environmental topic at this year’s festival please let us know at contact@dahlemcenter.org. Check back for online vendor and booth registration.
Please join us for this fantastic family-friendly event!
Sponsors
Festival sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Kelly at klagow@dahlemcenter.org or 517-782-3453 ext. 104 for sponsorship information.
