Monthly Schedule

Explore educational programs, summer camps, festivals, rentals, and other activities we have year-round at Fenner.

DIRECTORY
• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

JANUARY

Join us for a public program! Interested in attending multiple events throughout the year? Become a member today to receive discounts.

Some of our winter programs include the following:

FEBRUARY

February is a great time to visit Fenner as a group. In the winter and spring, especially, our educators love to take groups out to the Maple Grove to learn all about maple sugaring as we lead up to the Maple Syrup Festival in March.

Hike the trails, learn how to identify trees in the winter or spring, gain knowledge on the maple sugaring process, and, of course, identify the trees yourself to tap! When all is done, we wouldn’t let you leave without tasting the syrup from different trees. Fenner’s Maple Syrup Program is a great way to connect with nature and discover how food gets to the table.

MARCH


Spring begins at Fenner with our beloved Maple Syrup Festival! This is also a great time to get involved as a volunteer and enjoy the return of warmer weather. Members can take advantage of early registration for summer camps before enrollment opens to the public.

APRIL


Celebrate Earth Day at Fenner with Earth Day Extravaganza and weekly Stewardship Days. Spring is one of the best times to volunteer, help care for our natural areas, and connect with the community. Summer camp registration also opens to the public this month.

MAY


Join us in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and the incredible birds that pass through Michigan each year. May is also an excellent time to volunteer, enjoy the trails, and experience the beauty of spring migration at Fenner!

JUNE

Summer at Fenner means unforgettable outdoor experiences! Through both Nature Day Camp and Adventure Camp, children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a setting that encourages creativity and a connection to nature.

Nature Day Camp offers children in grades K-5 environmental education through programs such as Aquatic Ecology, Bugs & Slugs, Wilderness Skills, Backyard Birding, Nature Scene Investigation, and more!

For older campers seeking a greater challenge, Adventure Camp offers exciting outdoor experiences. This program is for students who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade and provides outdoor experiences that are designed to foster independence, teamwork, and resilience. Activities may include kayaking, climbing (both indoors and outdoors), and other adventures that encourage campers to step outside their comfort zones. Both camps are led by experienced educators who create a safe and engaging environment where children can learn through direct experience.

From the sun soaked peaks of Yosemite, to the granite towers of Patagonia, rock climbing has gained global popularity in its ability to combine physical fitness with environmental exploration. But, rock climbing in mid-Michigan? It’s true! Numerous indoor climbing gyms, combined with one of the best outdoor climbing locations in the lower peninsula; the cliffs of Grand Ledge, offer climbers the ability to develop their skills and abilities to explore the peaks of the world. Campers will:

  • Learn proper pre-training and conditioning for safe and effective climbing
  • Train in multiple climbing styles with certified instructors
  • Collaboratively build confidence and trust while overcoming obstacles
  • Bring home your own climbing harness to start your climbing journey

JULY


Summer is one of the busiest seasons at Fenner. Enjoy special events, explore the trails, or celebrate life’s milestones with rentals for birthday parties, weddings, open houses, celebrations of life, and more!

AUGUST

Check Out Fenner Nature Preschool

Applications may be open for Fenner Nature Preschool at Sycamore Creek, and enrollment at our Maple Grove location continues on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Our nature-based preschool programs help children learn, explore, and grow through outdoor experiences.

SEPTEMBER


Autumn is beginning to arrive, and so is apple butter season. Our Apple Butter Programs offer visitors the opportunity to learn about this long-standing tradition while connecting with our community’s history and natural resources.

OCTOBER


Join us for one of Fenner’s most cherished traditions: the Apple Butter Festival! This family-friendly event celebrates fall with demonstrations, activities, vendors, food, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season outdoors.

NOVEMBER

As the year comes to a close, consider making your holiday purchases at Fenner to support our mission. Browse through our Explore Store shop to view stickers, tick socks, t-shirts, tote bags, and more! We may also have Michigan-made maple syrup products or apple butter in stock. Some of these items include maple sugar, tea, or candy. A unique gift idea could be an animal adoption, too! Adopt one of our ambassadors and receive perks like a specialized mug featuring their name and photo, plus a personal Meet & Greet or Animal Encounter with your adoptee.

DECEMBER


The end of the year is a meaningful time to support Fenner and invest in the future of nature education and conservation. Donations help provide scholarship assistance, support stewardship and habitat restoration efforts, deliver quality environmental education programs, and strengthen our mission for the year ahead.

Your donation may be impactful with:

  • General Support
  • Scholarship Assistance
  • Conservation & Stewardship Efforts
  • Quality Environmental Education