Fenner Nature Center hosts several events and programs throughout the year that draw hundreds to thousands of people from the mid-Michigan area.  By becoming a sponsor of one or more of these individual events, businesses can show their support for kids, families, education, and the environment.  If you would like to become a sponsor and support any of these programs and events, please contact us by phone at 517-483-4224 or by email at info@mynaturecenter.org. 

Apple Butter Festival

This annual two-day festival is held in October and celebrates the fall harvest.  Visitors can help make apple butter over an open fire, watch heritage crafters demonstrate their skills, interact with live animals, and play family games.  Admission is free, and the event has historically drawn up to 2,000 visitors during the weekend.  Pre-festival tours are offered to local schools the week prior to the festival itself.  Sponsorships of this event help offset the operational costs associated with it, allowing net proceeds to be collected for the Nature Center.

Maple Syrup Festival

This annual two-day festival is held in March and welcomes spring back to Michigan.  Visitors see a demonstration of pure maple syrup production, interact with nature artists, and much more.  Admission is free, and the event has typically drawn around 1,000 visitors across the weekend.  School tours are offered prior to the festival.  Sponsorships of this event help offset the operational costs associated with it, allowing net proceeds to be collected for the Nature Center.

"Live at Fenner!"

The "Live at Fenner!" series is a set of programs that focus on live animals.  Visitors can get up close (and sometimes touch) animals that they may never normally get to observe so closely in nature.  Guest presenters offer expertise beyond what can be offered by our staff, and provide exemplary programs.  Some of these programs have fees associated with them to help cover the costs of presenters.  "Live at Fenner!" programs draw between 50 and 75 people, and have resulted in standing-room only crowds.  Sponsorships of this series help offset the costs of having these exciting presenters come to Fenner, as well as provide additional income to offset some of the overhead costs associated with offering this series to the public.

Spring Break and Summer Break Nature Day Camp

Spring Break is a great time to engage kids in the outdoors.  Parents generally have to work during the day, and Fenner provides a great alternative to kids being at home alone or in a day care facility.  We have had to limit enrollment due to budget shortfalls for staffing in the past.  Additionally, parents have told us that offering before- and after-care would increase enrollment.  Again, the cost of additional staffing and supplies have prohibited us from doing this.  Sponsorships of these two programs would allow Fenner to expand and reach a wider audience and expose them to nature for a longer period of time.  Sponsors can support one or both of these programs.