Join a Sarett naturalist for a stroll through the beautiful Fred Russ Forest near Decatur, MI. We’ll explore the trails in search of trillium, trout lily, jack-in-the-pulpit, and other spring ephemerals. Meet at Sarett. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Members/ $5, Non-Members/ $8, Children/ $3.

Would you prefer to meet us there? Just let us know when you call to register. Members & Children/ FREE, Non-Members/ $5.

Come out to Sarett for a morning of caring for and maintaining the trails. We will clean up paths, add wood chips, and fix boardwalks so we are ready for a busy spring of nature-lovers on the trails. There will be tasks for all ages. After a morning of trail work, join us for soups and a hot dog roast as an appreciation for all of your hard work.

Welcome back the spring migrants with Sarett’s annual Birding Bunch. These gatherings are designed for birders of all levels. Bring your binoculars! Other meeting dates include May 2, May 9, May 23 & May 30. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Member/ $7, Non-Member/ $10.

Crayfish may be small, but they play a big role in Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems — for better or worse. In this eye-opening program, we’ll explore the fascinating world of Michigan’s native crayfish species and the growing impact of invasive varieties such as the rusty crayfish and red swamp crayfish. Afterwards we will take an optional walk to see signs of crayfish activity.

Silver Fox programs are designed for people 55 & older who like to be active and learn something new. This group meets once a month.

Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Members/ FREE, Non-members/ $5.

As winter loosens its grip, Sarett’s forests and wetlands burst back to life! Join a naturalist for a guided hike to discover the sights and sounds of spring waking up around us. We’ll search for the first wildflowers, listen for returning migratory birds, and look for frogs and other wildlife emerging after the cold months. This easy-paced walk is perfect for families and nature lovers eager to welcome the new season. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Members/ FREE, Non-Members/ $5, Children/ FREE.

Are you interested in learning more about birds? Maybe you want to start a new and exciting hobby? Look no further! Sarett’s Birding for Beginners class is for you! This introduction will cover everything you need to know whether you are wondering which birds are visiting your feeders or if you want to go far afield. We will even provide binoculars for you to use during class time. Other class meeting day is May 2.

Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $7 per class.

Please call 269-927-4832 to register.

Meet a Sarett naturalist at our other property, the Brown Sanctuary (1891 Wood St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022), for a morning of easy-paced, moderate hiking. This outdoors group is partnered with Outcenter Southwest Michigan for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. No registration necessary. Members/ FREE, Non-Members/ $5.

Are you interested in learning more about birds? Maybe you want to start a new and exciting hobby? Look no further! Sarett’s Birding for Beginners class is for you! This introduction will cover everything you need to know whether you are wondering which birds are visiting your feeders or if you want to go far afield. We will even provide binoculars for you to use during class time. Other class meeting days are April 18 and May 2.

Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $7 per class.

Please call 269-927-4832 to register.

Welcome back the spring migrants with Sarett’s annual Birding Bunch. These gatherings are designed for birders of all levels. Bring your binoculars! Other meeting dates include April 25, May 2, May 9, May 23 & May 30. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Member/ $7, Non-Member/ $10.

Please enjoy the trails from 9:00 AM to dusk. The building will be closed.

Join a Sarett naturalist for an evening walk looking and listening for the song, dance and aerial display of the American Woodcock. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Members/ $5, Non-Members/ $8, Children/ $3. Please dress for the weather!

Are you interested in learning more about birds? Maybe you want to start a new and exciting hobby? Look no further! Sarett’s Birding for Beginners class is for you! This introduction will cover everything you need to know whether you are wondering which birds are visiting your feeders or if you want to go far afield. We will even provide binoculars for you to use during class time. Other class meeting days are April 11, April 18, and May 2.

Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $7 per class.

Please call 269-927-4832 to register.

Often seen but rarely understood, the Eastern Cottontail rabbit is one of Michigan’s most familiar wild neighbors. This program takes a closer look at the life and habits of these adaptable mammals, from their breeding cycles and feeding habits to how they avoid predators in both urban and rural environments.

Silver Fox programs are designed for people 55 & older who like to be active and learn something new. This group meets once a month.

Please call (269) 927-4832 to register. Member/ FREE, Non-member/ $5.

10:00 AM-12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM-4:00 PM

Learn the art of egg dyeing known as pysanky, or Ukrainian Eggs. This delicate process uses special tools to draw on eggs with beeswax between rounds of dyeing the eggs in vibrant colors. Participants will complete one egg with a planned floral design, eggs will by available the weekend after the program, after the eggs have been sealed. This program is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please register online or call 269-927-4832 with payment. Member/ $20, Non-member/ $25.

Sign up HERE!

10:00 AM-12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM-4:00 PM

Learn the art of egg dyeing known as pysanky, or Ukrainian Eggs. This delicate process uses special tools to draw on eggs with beeswax between rounds of dyeing the eggs in vibrant colors. Participants will complete one egg with a planned floral design, eggs will by available the weekend after the program, after the eggs have been sealed. This program is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please register online or call 269-927-4832 with payment. Member/ $20, Non-member/ $25.

Sign up HERE!

Welcome back the spring migrants with Sarett’s annual Birding Bunch. These gatherings are designed for birders of all levels. Bring your binoculars! Other meeting dates include April 11, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 23 & May 30. Please call 269-927-4832 to register. Member/ $7, Non-Member/ $10.

This program is a way to experience Sarett in a whole different way. By being a nature steward you are helping Sarett but you also gain a sense of well-being. Sarett’s crew will teach you many different skills such as collecting viable seeds for future planting, how to identify invasive species from native ones, removing invasive plants, how to survey different types of animals, and much more. If you love being out in nature you will love this program! For ages 10 and older.

The Coastline Children's Film Festival will be back again this year to show the movie Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole in the great room at 7:00 PM followed by an owl prowl about 8:45 PM. No registration necessary.

Welcome early spring with a demonstration on maple sugaring. Enjoy a talk and a stroll through the woods to learn how maple syrup is made. Learn to identify maple trees, how to tap, collect the sap and how to turn that sap into the amber syrup we love. Please call to register 269-927-4832. Space is limited! Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $8, Children/ $3. Maple treats will be available for sale.

Welcome early spring with a demonstration on maple sugaring. Enjoy a talk and a stroll through the woods to learn how maple syrup is made. Learn to identify maple trees, how to tap, collect the sap and how to turn that sap into the amber syrup we love. Please call to register 269-927-4832. Space is limited! Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $8, Children/ $3. Maple treats will be available for sale.

THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. Look for our next hike on April 11!

Meet a Sarett naturalist at Fernwood Botanical Gardenin Buchanan, MI for a morning of easy-paced, moderate hiking. This outdoors group is partnered with Outcenter Southwest Michigan for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. No registration necessary. Members/ FREE with membership card, Non-Members/ $12 for entrance to Fernwood.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Join us to explore the elusive wild felines that call Michigan home. We will delve into the natural history, behavior, and current status of species such as the bobcat and the rarely seen cougar. Silver Fox programs are designed for people 55 & older who like to be active and learn something new. This group meets once a month. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register. Member/ FREE, Non-member/ $5.

Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about nest boxes for bluebirds. Join us today to learn what it takes to provide successful bluebird habitat. Then join the naturalist to make a bluebird house to take home.

Bluebird Presentation at 2:00 PM

Members/$5, Non-Members/ $8,

Children/ $3

Build a Bluebird House at 2:45 PM

Members/ $20 per box, Non-Members/ $25 per box.

Please call to register 269-927-4832. Bluebird house building is limited.

This program is a way to experience Sarett in a whole different way. By being a nature steward you are helping Sarett but you also gain a sense of well-being. Sarett’s crew will teach you many different skills such as collecting viable seeds for future planting, how to identify invasive species from native ones, removing invasive plants, how to survey different types of animals, and much more. If you love being out in nature you will love this program! For ages 10 and older.

Step into the nighttime woods and discover the mysterious world of owls! Join a naturalist for an evening adventure as we search — and listen — for Michigan’s resident owls, including the great horned owl, eastern screech-owl, and barred owl. We’ll begin with a short indoor introduction to owl calls, adaptations, and behavior. Bring a flashlight if you have one. Because space is limited registration is required. You may register online HERE or call, 269-927-4832. Space is limited! Member/ $5, Non-Member/ $8, Children/ $3.

Join Shadow & Swirl to learn the art of paper quilling. Participants will create and take home a beautiful quilled card perfect for Valentine’s Day to display or give to someone you love. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register. Member/ $22, Non-Member $25. This class is best for people 16 and older.

Join us at Sarett for a morning of easy-paced, moderate snowshoe hike to spend time with your friends and make some new ones out on the trails! There is plenty of snow, so we will be snowshoeing! This outdoors group is partnered with Outcenter Southwest Michigan for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. No registration necessary. Members/ FREE, Non-Members/ $5.

Join us for a winter bird outing to where the birds are—it could be Allegan State Game Area for eagle watching or to Muskegon for a variety of birds. Plan to make a day of it. Bring money for lunch which will be at a restaurant near the birding site. Dress for the weather. Please call to register, 269-927-4832. Member/ $15, Non-Member/ $18.