2023 Forest School is made possible by support from local organizations.
Deerfield Computer Associates Fund
June 21, 2023
It's the first day of summer and we are kicking off Forest School with an afternoon of hikes and observations. Students will get their Forest School journal where they will document their findings during Forest School sessions. This one will center on safety outdoors, Leave no Trace principles and how we interact with nature.
Sturgeon River Nature Preserve
June 28, 2023
All About Trees! Learn how to identify local tree species, how trees grow, and how they exist together with animals and other plants to create specific ecosystems.
Big Lake Nature Preserve
July 12, 2023
Fire and feed! In this session students will be learning how to build a campfire, stay safe around fire, and create all-natural bird feeders with pine cones, melted lard, and bird seed. *Only staff will be lighting and tending to fire.
Big Lake Nature Preserve
July 19, 2023
This session is for the birds! North Sky Raptors will be attending with their educational birds to teach this session. Forest Schoolers will get to see first hand the special adaptations raptors use to survive in northern Michigan.
Pigeon River Discovery Center
August 2, 2023
Macroinvertebrates in the river! Learn why they are important to the river ecosystem, how to identify common macroinvertebrates, and how to clean your boots and equipment to help stop the spread of invasive species.
Sturgeon River Nature Preserve
August 9, 2023
This is our last session of Forest School where we will use all our new skills we have learned to go on an exploration expedition! Forest Schoolers will spend time out in the Sturgeon River Preserve identifying different plants and animals that they see. They will also learn about citizen science and how to contribute to scientific discovery by report their findings on iNaturalist.
Sturgeon River Nature Preserve