Homeschool Programs

NEW! Starting October, 2026

Fenner Nature Center is pleased to announce our 2026-27 homeschool season!

Fenner Homeschool Programs are a monthly, two hour, drop-off program for students aged 6-8 and 9-12. Each month, students will explore a different ecological topic with Fenner naturalists. We’ll hike through Fenner’s diverse habitats, learn skills like apple butter and maple syrup production, and encounter some of our animal ambassadors.

REGISTER HERE

How To Register
  • Click REGISTER HERE (the button above)
  • Select “NEW USER” to create an account, or Login if you have already created an account
  • Add Bio information for you and your camper
  • Select eligible Homeschool Program weeks
  • Complete Registration
  • If you have any questions, or are experiencing difficulty registering, please contact programs@mynaturecenter.org

Groups Size:

Each session is capped at 10 students.

When:

Homeschool Programs run from 10 am to Noon. Our ages 6-8 group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Our ages 9-12 group meets on the second Thursday of every month. Both groups will study the same topic, with content adjusted for age level.

Cost:

The cost to register is $20/student, or $15 for members (Family-level or higher)

2026-2027 Schedule and Details:

October: Apple Butter
  • October 1st (Ages 6-8)
  • October 8th (Ages 9-12)
  • Learn about this delicious, heritage apple product through the lens of plant biology, modern agriculture, and traditional cooking techniques over an open fire. You’ll test out apple farming tools and learn what it takes to create a fruitful orchard. Who knows, you might even learn to sing the apple butter stirring song!
November: Marvelous Mammals
  • November 5th (6-8)
  • November 12th (9-12)
  • Mammal biology is a fascinating subject exploring animal behavior, adaptations, and habitat selection. Discover how different species stay warm through the Michigan winter, and investigate how adaptations like teeth, horns, and fur help mammals thrive.
December: Backyard Birding
  • December 3rd (Ages 6-8)
  • December 10th Ages (9-12)
  • Have you ever sat outside and heard a beautiful song coming from the forest but didn’t know who was singing it? Or, seen a flash of color go flying by on an afternoon hike and said to yourself, “what was that?” Well, this is the chance for all of your questions to be answered and more. The Backyard Birding program teaches kids the biology of birds, how to identify them through colors and songs, as well as the tips and tricks that every birder needs to know.
January: Animal Habitats
  • January 7th (6-8)
  • January 14th (9-12)
  • Animals need a lot to survive! Explore how different animals are able to find food, water, and shelter in their habitat. Search for animal homes as we investigate the forest, prairie, and wetlands on a guided exploration.
February: Winter Exploration
  • February 4th (6-8)
  • February 11th (9-12)
  • Experience the beauty of nature in the wintertime! On a guided exploration of the grounds, bundle up to search for tracks in the snow, learn the science of snowflakes, and practice navigating the frozen grounds with map and compass.
March: Maple Sugar
  • March 4th (6-8)
  • March 11th (9-12)
  • Liquid Gold of the North! Students will learn the biology of maple trees and practice tapping a tree, then stop by our working evaporator to see the sap-to-syrup process in action. If you’ve never tapped a maple tree before, now is your chance!
April: Precious Plants
  • April 1st (6-8)
  • April 8th (9-12)
  • Join our naturalists for a journey through the forest and prairie to learn why plants are so important to all other life on Earth.  Students will learn about plant life cycles, parts of a plant, important native species, and the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystem.
May: Scales and Tails
  • May 6th (6-8)
  • May 13th (9-12)
  • From snakes to salamanders and turtles to toads, Scales and Tails introduces students to the fascinating cold-blooded world of reptiles and amphibians. Students will learn how they survive in our northern climate, the places they call home, what and especially HOW they eat, and investigate some very common misconceptions about these scaly and slimy neighbors of ours.

General Information

Dropoff and Pickup
  • Dropoff and pickup take place at the Davis Nature Pavilion. The DNP is a short walk from the main parking lot, directly south of the Visitor Center.
  • Dropoff begins at 9:45. Pickup ends at 12:15.
Food

Water bottles are encouraged. We ask that students not bring food to the program.

Weather

Homeschool Programs run rain or shine, and the majority of the program will be spent outdoors. In the event of severe weather, programs will be moved indoors.

Cancellations & Refunds
  • Fenner does not offer refunds for program registrations.
  • Reservations may be moved to a different month for a $5 fee, if space is available.
Waitlist

If a program is full, you can add your child to a waitlist on UltraCamp. When a slot reopens, those on the waitlist will be automatically alerted via email, in descending order of registration date.

Siblings and Adults

Fenner does not allow adults or younger/older siblings to participate in the program (though families are welcome to explore the park on your own!) Please reach out to us if your child requires an aide or if you would like to discuss accommodations.

Large Groups
  • I am part of a large homeschool group. Is there a way for all of us to come to Fenner?

Questions? Please reach out to programs@mynaturecenter.org