Explore Fenner’s trails alongside local birders, naturalists, and Fenner staff as you search for migratory and resident birds throughout the property. With over 4.5 miles of paved and unpaved trails across 134 acres of green space, each hike offers something a little different.
Perhaps you're hoping to find a new species, brush up on your birding skills, or simply enjoy a morning outdoors with others who share your interest.
All experience levels are welcome, and there’s always something new to discover along the way.
Registration is not required. All hikes will meet at the Welcome Booth in front of the Visitor Center.
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Michigan Audubon also invites guests to attend their event,
"Swift Night Out" this evening from 8-9:30 PM.
10:00 AM
Led by Education Director, Sam Ansaldi
Join us in honoring Joan Brigham, Fenner’s first female naturalist, who passed away in January 2025 at the age of 100.
Joan had a deep love for environmental education and a special passion for birding, inspiring generations of learners and nature enthusiasts. This memorial hike celebrates her legacy and the lasting impact she made on Fenner and the broader community.
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
11:00 AM
1:00 PM
Led by Fenner Staff
Stop by the Davis Nature Pavilion throughout the day for a series of engaging presentations led by local birders, educators, and enthusiasts. They will share personal birding experiences and offer tips, insights, and new perspectives.
These sessions are a great way to deepen your knowledge and connect with local nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re just getting started or have been birding for years, you may walk away with something new!
10:00 AM
New to birding or looking to build your skills? Join Fenner’s naturalist and Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator, Dylan Lallemand, for an introduction to helpful tools and resources you can use in the field. Learn how to identify birds through observation, practice, and repetition, and get your questions answered along the way.
11:00 AM
Join a local birding and photography enthusiast as he shares some of his most interesting experiences out on the field with the camera. Also, get tips on how to get these shots! Fun fact: All of the photos taken on this website are from Dave himself!
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
Learn how to support birds in your own backyard! Then, build or take home your own platform feeder using materials and kits provided by Tiny Bit of Wood. Kits are available while supplies last.
2:00 PM
Attendance is limited. Presentation begins at 2:00 PM.
Michigan Avian Experience is dedicated to wildlife education and conservation through up-close encounters with birds of prey, many of which are non-releasable and serve as ambassadors for their species. Their presentation offers a unique opportunity to see these incredible birds up close while learning about their behaviors, habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild.
Spend time exploring booths hosted by local educators and community partners who are excited to share their work and passion for birds, conservation, and nature! There’s something for all ages to enjoy. Along the way, learn about simple ways to support birds and their habitats right in your own community.
All booths will be open from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Audubon Society
East Lansing Public Library
Learn about ELPL's Birding Club and explore birding kits, along with fun giveaways and a warbler-themed coloring activity to practice bird identification!
Fenner Nature Center
Stop by to learn more about Fenner! See our upcoming programs, get involved in volunteering, and more! All WMBD hikes start here.
Fenner Nature Center
Create your own bird-themed bracelet by choosing your favorite species, or take a kit home to make it later! Bracelets are available while supplies last.
Fenner Nature Center
Snap a photo inside a life-sized eagle's nest and capture a fun, memorable moment from your visit.
Impression 5
Take part in an interactive nest-building activity! Using natural materials, construct bird nests and squirrel dreys on trees.
Joan Brigham Tribute Space
Spend a moment celebrating the life and legacy of Joan Brigham through photos, stories, and meaningful items that reflect her love for birding and environmental education.
Mindy Mae's Lemonade
MSU Birding Club
MSU Upcycle
Preuss Pets
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Identify migratory birds through interactive bird sounds, images, and plushies.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Learn more about these handy birding tools, or purchase your own pair!
Wild Ones: Red Cedar Chapter
Check out native wildflowers and their connections to wildlife, ask questions, and learn how to get involved with native plant gardening in your community.