Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission

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The great Up-North begins here!

DISCOVERY BACKPACKS

There are hundreds of wonderful things to see and learn at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum. To help you experience everything nature has to offer, For-Mar now loans Discovery Backpacks. There are three types of Discovery Backpacks : Michigan Naturalist, Basic Birding and Insect Investigator. Each backpack offers different tools and materials that will help you and your family enrich your outdoor experience. These backpacks may be borrowed for up to two hours with a valid driver’s license from an adult, 18 years of age or older.

Please stop by the Visitor’s Center and sign out a Discovery Backpack. Backpacks are available year-round during Visitor’s Center hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

Michigan Naturalist Backpack

For the family interested in everything. This backpack features pocket guides for trees, plants, mammals and birds, as well as binoculars, activity sheets and checklists.

Basic Birding Backpack

Learn how to identify the birds of Michigan with this backpack filled with adult and child sized binoculars, beginner’s guides, an electronic bird song identiflyer, activity sheets and checklists.

Insect Investigator Backpack

This backpack contains a magnifying jar, a port-a-bug barn, pond net, easy to use identification guides, activity sheets and checklists.

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Click here to see events at "other" Genesee County Parks facilities
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Fun stuff to do at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
Events are updated frequently, remember to refresh your browser to display the most current information.
For more information about a program call the Nature Preserve at 810-789-8567 and the Arboretum at 810-789-8568. To pre-register for a program call 810-736-7100 ex. 6

All events at
For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Rd, Burton
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For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum - "Spiders" (Pre-school Program)

Register/purchase tickets with Visa, Master Card and American Express. Call 800-648-7275, ext. 6, or 810-736-7100 ext. 6, or click this link to make reservations today!

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

All events are at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton

Media Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active, Eat Smart. Play Hard. / ReCharge!, and Transformers: Smart Kids Defeating Unhealthy Choices are PE-Nut Foundations programs federally funded from the USDA’s Food Stamp program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network in a grant to Genesee Intermediate School District.

 


For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum - On The Road Ecosystem Program for Special Needs
 

 

 

 


For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum - On The Road Ecosystem Program

~ August ~

 

 Friday, August 1

Nutrition & Activity Series - Fun, food, and fitness forever!

Snacking Smart, Getting Strong, Staying Healthy – For Individuals with Special Needs

For-Mar 

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Cost:  FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Friday, August 1

Animals, Animals! : For Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

For-Mar

Enjoy live animals and interactive games while learning about awesome animals.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon. 

Cost: $2.00 per participant. Funded in part by the Frederick and Stella Loeb Charitable Trust.  Pre-registration required by 07/30/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, August 2

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): Outdoor Survival

For-Mar

Join us to discuss survival and what to do if you get lost in the woods!  At the end all participants will receive a survival souvenir.  Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

 

 Saturday, August 2

Adults Only Night Hike

For-Mar

Enjoy a quiet evening on the trails of For-Mar learning about the mysteries of the night.  Listen for nocturnal animals, find out about their night-time adaptations, and discover how humans cope in the dark.  Time: 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For adults, ages 16 and older.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead. 

 

 Wednesday, August 6

For-Mar on the Road:

Six legged Wonders (ages 4-6) Get up close and personal with the world of insects! 

Bugs Have a Social Life, Too (ages 7-10) Explore the strange social life of insects.

Creepy Crawlies (ages 11-13) Insects and arachnids; go on a creepy crawlies critter hunt. 

 For-Mar

Time: 11 a.m. – noon. 

Cost: FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. 

Click this link to make reservations today  

 

 Thursday, August 7

Knee-High Naturalist Story Hour: It’s Easy to Be Green

For-Mar

Explore the wonders of green plants and animals.  Make a mini “green space”.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 2-4.  Pre-registration required by 08/05/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Friday, August 8

Nutrition & Activity Series - Fun, food, and fitness forever!

Snacking Smart, Getting Strong, Staying Healthy – For Individuals with Special Needs

For-Mar 

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Cost:  FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, August 9

For-Mar F.A.N.s Special Event: Bats of the World

For-Mar

Presented by the Organization for Bat Conservation, this program includes live bats and a multi-media presentation on ecosystems, conservation and the use of a bat detector.  Time: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Cost: $5.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration required by 08/07/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Wednesday, August 13

For-Mar on the Road:

Rocks and Rock Collecting (ages 4-6) Different kinds of rocks and how they’re made; start your own collection!

Geologic Forces (ages 7-10) Volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics; participate in hands-on demonstrations!

Geology of Michigan (ages 11-13) Glaciers created unique Michigan landscapes.  Read a topographic map!

For-Mar

Time: 11 a.m. – noon.  Cost: FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Thursday, August 14

Knee-High Naturalist Story Hour: Insects

For-Mar

We will take a close look at insects with nets and magnifying glasses. Make an insect craft. 

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Cost: $3.00 per child. For ages 2-4.  Pre-registration required by 08/12/08.

Click this link to make reservations today  

 

 Thursday, August 14

Home School Students: Birding 101

For-Mar

Learn some key ways to identify birds in your backyard.  Students will go on a hike and look for birds on their way to study the Foote Bird Museum in our Dewaters Education Center.  Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.  Cost: $4.00 per student.  Pre-registration required by 08/12/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Friday, August 15

Nutrition & Activity Series - Fun, food, and fitness forever!

Snacking Smart, Getting Strong, Staying Healthy – For Individuals with Special Needs

For-Mar 

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Cost:  FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Saturday, August 16

Outdoor Explorers: Nature Detectives

For-Mar

Come help the For-Mar Naturalists crack another cold case file.  Learn about nature and use the clues to help solve the case.  Take home your closed case file!  Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 7-12.  Pre-registration required by 07/17/08.

Click this link to make reservations today 

                                                                                                            

 Sunday, August 17

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature) Program: Family Nature BINGO

For-Mar

Join a naturalist for a walk through the woods, fields and wetlands to look for particular natural items. Our naturalist will point out and explain things heard along the way. Everyone’s a winner!!  Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person. For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead. 

 

 Wednesday, August 20

For-Mar on the Road:

Animal Tracks and Signs (ages 4-6) Hike to discover animal tracks and signs.  Make an animal track!

The Scoop On Poop (ages 7-11) Identify different animal scat and find out why it’s important to study. 

Skulls, Teeth and More! (ages 11-13) Examine preserved skulls, teeth and other animal items. 

For-Mar

Time: 11 a.m. – noon.  Cost: FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Thursday, August 21

Knee-High Naturalist Story Hour: Forest Creatures

For-Mar

Enjoy a puppet show about forest creatures.  Learn about the forest web of life.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 2-4. Pre-registration required by 8/19/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Friday, August 22

Nutrition & Activity Series - Fun, food, and fitness forever!

Snacking Smart, Getting Strong, Staying Healthy – For Individuals with Special Needs

For-Mar 

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Cost:  FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, August 23

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature) Campfire

For-Mar

Join a Naturalist for an evening of campfire foods, singing, story-telling and star-gazing!!  Dress for the weather.  Time: 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.   

 

 Wednesday, August 27

For-Mar on the Road:

Frogs and Toads (ages 4-6) The differences between frogs and toads.  Make a take-home toad house!

Reptiles and Amphibians (ages 7-10) Go on a hike to look for reptiles and amphibians.

Zoological Discoveries (ages 11-13) Is that animal is a mammal, reptile, herbivore or carnivore? 

For-Mar

Time: 11 a.m. – noon.  Cost: FREE Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Thursday, August 28

Knee-High Naturalist Story Hour – Squirrels

For-Mar

Learn about these energetic animals with a story, craft, and interactive game.   Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6.  Pre-registration required by 08/26/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Friday, August 29

Nutrition & Activity Series - Fun, food, and fitness forever!

Snacking Smart, Getting Strong, Staying Healthy – For Individuals with Special Needs

For-Mar 

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.  Cost:  FREE!  Pre-registration suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Sunday, August 31

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): Come meet the Fun-gi of For-Mar

For-Mar

Learn about the importance of fungi to both humans and natural ecosystems.  Take a look at the diversity found within this group of organisms and enjoy a walk to look at the various fungi found at For-Mar.  Time: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

 

~ September ~

 

 Friday, September 5  

Animals Keep Moving for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities

For-Mar

Explore the many ways animals move with hands-on activities and crafts.  Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon.  Cost: $2.00 per participant. Funded in part by the Frederick and Stella Loeb Charitable Trust.  Pre-registration required by 09/03/08.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Sunday, September 7

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): Discovering Deer

For-Mar

Come out and learn about these white-tailed beauties. Join the naturalist for a walk to look for deer and deer signs!! Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

 

 Wednesday, September 10

Knee-High Naturalist:  Where does a Butterfly go in the Rain?

For-Mar

Learn how animals are affected by weather. Make a simple weather machine.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6.  Pre-registration required by 09/08/08.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Thursday, September 11

Knee-High Naturalist:  Where does a Butterfly go in the Rain?

For-Mar

Learn how animals are affected by weather. Make a simple weather machine.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6. Pre-registration required by 09/09/08

lick this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, September 13

Chainsaw Use, Care and Safety

For-Mar

Join us as we take a look at how to get the most out of your chainsaw.  Learn how to use your saw correctly, and how to properly maintain it for years to come.  Felling techniques will be demonstrated, weather permitting.  Presented by Mark Richards, Certified Arborist and owner of Richards Tree Care.  Time: 10 a.m. – noon.  Cost $7.00 per person.  For adults, ages 16 and older.  Pre-registration required by 9/10/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, September 13

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): The Buzz on Bees, Wasps and Hornets

For-Mar

Join us for a discussion about those stinging creatures that seem to be in full swing in the fall. Take a look at a hornet nest and learn what these social insects do to prepare for winter. Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

 

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum ~ Harvest Festival

 

 

 Wednesday, September 17

Knee-High Naturalist: Nature’s Natural Colors

For-Mar

Gather and use plant materials to dye and color various craft projects.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon.   Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6. Pre-registration required by 09/15/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Thursday, September 18

Knee-High Naturalist:  Nature’s Natural Colors

For-Mar

Gather and use plant materials to dye and color various craft projects.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon.   Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6. Pre-registration required by 09/16/08.

Click this link to make reservations today 

 

 Thursday, September 18

Home School Students: Dead or Alive?

For-Mar

Are trees really dead once they fall down in the forest?  We will go on a hike and study some “dead” trees up close.  This program includes making a nurse tree bingo card. Everyone’s a winner!  Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $4.00 per student.  Pre-registration required by 09/16/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, September 20

Outdoor Explorers: Slithering Snakes

For-Mar

Learn about snakes, the legless creatures that slither across the ground.  Get friendly with a live snake and take a hike to look for other snakes.  Time: 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per participant.  For ages 7-12.  Pre-registration required by 09/18/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Sunday, September 21

Autumnal Equinox Celebration

For-Mar

Bring your friends and family out to celebrate the first day of fall with the For-Mar Staff.  Enjoy a special hike, crafts and refreshments.  Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Cost: Free! For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Wednesday, September 24

Knee-High Naturalist: Winter Feeding

For-Mar

Learn about animals that stay here for winter with games and other activities.  Make a wildlife feeder.   Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon.  Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6.  Pre-registration required by 09/22/08. 

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Thursday, September 25

Knee-High Naturalist: Winter Feeding

For-Mar

Learn about animals that stay here for winter with games and other activities.  Make a wildlife feeder.  Time: 10:30 a.m. - noon.  Cost: $3.00 per child.  For ages 3-6.  Pre-registration required by 09/23/08.

Click this link to make reservations today

 

 Saturday, September 27

F.A.N.s (Family Adventures in Nature): Native American Folklore, Legends and Games

For-Mar

Celebrate Native American Day at For-Mar. Learn the folklore and legends of Michigan’s first people and create a game to play and take home!! Time: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Cost: $3.00 per person.  For families, all ages.  Pre-registration not required, but organized groups are asked to call ahead.

 

 

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Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission

For Information and Reservations call:
1-800-648-PARK or 810-736-7100
(extension 6 for reservations)
Email: Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission  Fax: 810-736-7220
We accept all major credit cards.

Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission
5045 Stanley Road    Flint, Michigan   48506


Hours, admission rates and programs are subject to change.