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HIKES
HIKES
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
Capital Area Audubon Society
Capital Area Audubon Society
9:00 AM
Michigan Audubon
Michigan Audubon
Michigan Audubon also invites guests to attend their event,
"Swift Night Out" this evening from 8-9:30 PM.
10:00 AM
Joan Brigham Memorial Hike
Joan Brigham Memorial Hike
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.
11:00 AM
1:00 PM
Hike to the Great Blue Heron's Nest
Hike to the Great Blue Heron's Nest
Guided hikes by Fenner Staff and MSU Birding Club
Location: Meet at Welcome Table
12:00 PM
Birding HIkes for Beginners
Birding HIkes for Beginners
Led by Michigan State University Professor, Dr. Olivia Smith
PRESENTATIONS
PRESENTATIONS
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
Digital Birding Resources
Digital Birding Resources
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
Dave Marvin: Bird Photography
Basics & Experiences
Dave Marvin: Bird Photography
Basics & Experiences
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!
11:30 AM
1:30 PM
Fenner Nature Center: Animal Encounters
Location: Inside Visitor Center
Fenner Nature Center: Animal Encounters
Location: Inside Visitor Center
12:00 PM
Capital Area Audubon: Safe Migration 101
Capital Area Audubon: Safe Migration 101
Discover how everyday actions can help migratory birds travel more safely, from protecting habitats to reducing common human-related hazards along their journey.
1:00 PM
Preuss Pets: Caring for Birds
Preuss Pets: Caring for Birds
Learn about responsible bird care from Preuss Pets as they share insights on enrichment, proper habitats, and meeting the unique needs of birds in human care.
2:00 PM
Michigan Avian Experience:
Live Raptor Education & Experience
Michigan Avian Experience:
Live Raptor Education & Experience
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.
BOOTHS & ACTIVITIES
BOOTHS & ACTIVITIES
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
Activity
Activity
East Lansing Public Library
Birding Kits and Coloring Activities
Birding Kits and Coloring Activities
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
Welcome Booth
Welcome Booth
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
Build a Bird Bracelet
Build a Bird Bracelet
Location: Visitor Center Dock
Cost: $5.00 / bracelet
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.
Impression 5
Tree Stacking & Nest Napping
Tree Stacking & Nest Napping
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
Fresh-squeezed Lemonade
Fresh-squeezed Lemonade
MSU Birding Club
Activity
Activity
Spartan Upcycle /
MSU Surplus Store & Recycling Center
Cardboard Bird Mobile
Cardboard Bird Mobile
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Birds & Trees
Birds & Trees
Play a matching game and connect the birds to which trees they nest in!
Potter Park Zoo
Bird Adaptations
Bird Adaptations
Use your senses to learn all about birds!
View and touch biofacts such as skulls and feathers.
US Fish & Wildlife Service
ID Bird Species: Sight and Sound
ID Bird Species: Sight and Sound
Identify migratory birds through interactive bird sounds, images, and plushies.
Wild Birds Unlimited
Binoculars & Scopes
Binoculars & Scopes
Learn more about these handy birding tools, or purchase your own pair!
Wild Ones: Red Cedar Chapter
Explore Native Plants
Explore Native Plants
Check out native wildflowers and their connections to wildlife, ask questions, and learn how to get involved with native plant gardening in your community.
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