Family Programs - Friends of Nankin Mills

Wayne County Parks
Nankin Mills Interpretive Center
Program fee: $6.00 per child, $2.00 per adult for county residents, except Native American Day is FREE!
Add $1 per person for non-Wayne county residents
Pre-registration required for all programs (except Native Day), at the Park Office, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail,
Westland, 48185. We accept Check, Cash or Charge. To charge over the phone, call 734-261-1990.
All programs are held at Nankin Mills unless otherwise noted.
Maple Sugaring at Cass Benton, Saturday, March 21, or March 28, 2015
Register for one start time: 10 am or 11:30 am. Outdoor Program, 1½ hrs.
March is maple-sugaring month in Michigan. Bundle up and join our naturalists at Cass Benton Park in
Northville, where a historic “sugar bush” still exists. We will share the history of maple sugaring and take
a short hike into the woods for a tree-tapping demonstration. Enjoy pancakes with the “real thing”
afterwards! The Park is located off of Northville Road, north of Six Mile Road. Meet at the picnic shelter.
The program is outdoors and the trails can be muddy, so dress accordingly! All ages welcome, but the
trail in the woods is not stroller friendly.
An Afternoon With Frogs
Saturday, June 6, 2015, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn about the many different species of Michigan frogs and toads and venture out to visit
wetland areas in the park to listen for their melodious calls! The pond at Nankin Mills will be
the first stop, and then we will carpool to another location a few miles away in Holliday Nature
Preserve to enjoy the spring symphony of frog romance! By the way, none of them say “ribbit”!
Indoors and outdoors, Ages 7 – Adult.
Invasive Plants
Saturday, June 13, 2015, 10 – 11:30 am
Invasive plants are non-native plants that spread aggressively in a natural area and crowd out the native plants that wildlife
depends on. Examples in our area are phragmites, buckthorn and garlic mustard. Learn about these pesky plants and how
to remove them from your own yard. We will participate in a garlic mustard removal project in Holliday Nature Preserve.
Wear a long-sleeve shirt, bring work gloves and proper foot gear. Indoors and outdoors, Ages 8 – Adult.
Butterflies of Michigan
Saturday, June 13, 2015, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Michigan is home to many beautiful species of butterflies. Learn how to recognize them
throughout their different life stages and also learn what plants you can add to your
landscape to attract them to your yard. We will visit the Butterfly Garden at Nankin Mills
after the presentation, Ages 10 – Adult.
Geocaching
Saturday, July 11, 2015, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt using global positioning systems (satellite signals) to locate hidden treasures
(geochaches). Learn more about this new pastime and participate in a search around Nankin Mills. If possible, please load
the free geocaching app from geocaching.com on your phone before the program. We will also have several receivers
available if needed. Indoor and outdoor program, Ages 8 – Adult.
Family Nature Hikes, Two Dates!
Saturdays (August 22 and September 12, 2015), 10:00 – 11:30 am
Join our naturalist for an enjoyable walk in the Holliday Nature Preserve and learn about the many plants and animals that
live there. Bug spray and good walking boots are recommended. We will meet at the Cowan entrance of the Preserve, on
Central City Parkway between Wayne and Warren Roads. Attend one or both! Ages 7 - Adult
Fall Family Fun: Leaves and Cider
Saturday, September 19, 2015, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Enjoy this beautiful time of year as we hike to see the fall colors, learn to identify
native trees and discover the reasons for the color changes. Bring a light-colored T-shirt
to create leaf prints as a memory of the season. Watch a short cider-making demonstration and
have a taste (sorry it has to be the pasteurized version) of cider and doughnuts.
Indoor and outdoor program, Ages 3 – Adult.
Native American Heritage Day
Saturday, September 26, 2015, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, FREE EVENT!
For the twelfth year since 2002, The North American Indian Association will host a special
Social Gathering on the grounds of Nankin Mills to share their culture and their heritage. The
event is now Co-sponsored by American Indian Health and Family Services. A drumming
circle will lead the dancers in beautiful regalia through the ceremony. Native American artisans
will demonstrate, display and sell their crafts. Native American food will also be available for
purchase. Bring the whole family to share in this celebration of America’s first people. Bring
your own lawn chair and umbrella for shade, as seating is limited. Outdoor event, all ages
welcome.
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Halloween Forest Fun Hike, Friday, October 16, 2015
Register for one start time: 6 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, or 7:30 pm. Program is 1½ - 2 hrs.
Take a guided night hike to meet our “not-so-scary and sort-of-silly” nature-related characters.
These costumed creatures will tell you all about themselves and share some Halloween prizes
and treats! Please arrive 15 minutes before your starting time. Hikes will be held outdoors, so
dress accordingly. Program will be moved indoors only if it’s very rainy. After a 45 minute
hike you will come inside for a live animal show to meet many amazing creatures from around
the world! Ages 4 – Adult.
White-tailed Deer Through the Seasons
Saturday, November 14, 2015, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Probably one of Michigan’s favorite mammals, white-tailed deer have a fascinating natural
history. Learn about their different activities through the four seasons in this indoor presentation
and, if time allows, we will take a short walk to look for signs of deer around Nankin Mills.
Ages 9 - Adult
Holiday Fest and Mill Lighting
Saturday, December 12, 2015, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Join us for an old-fashioned celebration of the season at historic Nankin Mills. From
4:00 – 5:15 pm families can participate in unique holiday games and make several
seasonal crafts to take home. Prizes are awarded for game participation. The second
part of the program is sponsored by the Friends of Nankin Mills and features a
community sing-a-long, Mill Lighting and special visit from St. Nick! This will be the
28th anniversary of the Friends of Nankin Mills Mill Lighting! All ages welcome, but
the building is too crowded for strollers. No charge for 3 year and under.