The Environmental Interpretive Center offers exciting and enjoyable natural history programs that emphasize discovery learning and reinforce fundamental concepts in science education. Program leaders have been educated in field biology and interpretation during their study at the University. All programs take place in the Environmental Study Area, a 300+ acre "island" of natural habitat in the city. Available programs are listed below. For more information, contact Rick Simek at (313) 583-6371.

SEASONAL NATURE WALK. Enjoy a discovery oriented walk in the Environmental Study Area. The program will feature events and concepts that are characteristic of the current time of year, but serendipity is the rule as we learn to appreciate the fascination of the unexpected. We recommend this program to introduce students to our natural area and encourage them to explore the world with respect and wonder.
Grade level: K-12. Availability: Year-round.

MAPLE SYRUPING. How sweet it is! Learn about the entire process of making maple syrup, beginning with a trip to our "sugar bush," an area in the floodplain where hundreds of large sugar maples grow. Tap a tree (pending availability) and see how sap is collected and boiled into 100% pure maple syrup.
Grade level: K-12. Availability: Mid-February to Mid-March.

INSECTS AND SPIDERS. They're everywhere! Our goal will be to learn more about these abundant but little-known groups of animals. Employ a variety of simple but scientific insect and spider live-collecting techniques, and learn how to identify some of the many varieties we find.
Grade level: 2-5. Availability: July-September.

PAWPRINT SIGNATURES. Our detective-like approach to animal tracking uses hands-on techniques which reveal interesting information about animal identification and behavior.
Grade level: 2-5. Availability: January-February.

PLANT IDENTIFICATION AND ECOLOGY. Our area features a rich and diverse population of plants, including trees, shrubs, vines, and wildflowers. In spring, summer, and fall, learn to recognize them by their leaf types and arrangements. In winter, focus on using bark and twig characteristics to identify common species. Concepts such as ecological inter-relationships among plants and animals, seed dispersal, and pollination will also be discussed.
Grade level: 6-12. Availability: Year-round.

ROUGE RIVER FLOODPLAIN ECOLOGY. An investigation of the Rouge River and nearby floodplain forest. Concepts explored include river hydrology, watershed management, shoreline erosion, sediment deposition, soil composition and saturation, and floodplain forest ecology. Water testing available upon request.
Grade level: 6-12. Availability: March, April, October, November. Duration: 1.5 hours.

BIRDS AND BIRD MIGRATION. Begins with a visit to the Rouge River Bird Observatory to see banded birds. Includes a discussion about how and why birds are banded, and an activity which illustrates the importance of resource availability to birds and the effects of habitat alteration on bird populations. The program also features a walk through the area to look for some of the nearly 250 species recorded here so far, and emphasizes the observation of field marks and attention to bird vocalizations.
Grade level: 2-12. Availability: Year-round; banding station open during spring and fall migration.

NATURE BY NIGHT. Our area becomes much different at dusk, especially in terms of the kinds of animals that can be observed. In summer, bats fly above the meadows, spiders build their webs, and insects make a unique type of music. We will also look for nocturnal birds, including night-herons, nighthawks, and owls.
Grade level: 1-8. Availability: Year-round.

NATURE DISCOVERY FOR TOTS. Participants are encouraged to use their senses to discover and enjoy the natural world. The children will also take part in a scavenger hunt which enhances their sense of discovery.
Availability: March-October.

BEE CONNECTED. Suit up in protective clothing and visit the campus honey bee hives to learn about honey bees and beekeeping in this hands-on honey bee biology/beekeeping experience. Activities include viewing the inside of a hive, searching for a queen bee, and learning to recognize the different castes of honey bees. Program is concluded with a taste of honey from the hives.
Level:Families and organized groups; participants must be at least 8 years old. Limit 12 participants per program.