Coming Up Next

Whether it’s an annual event like Maple Sugar Festival, a special exhibit at the Visitor Center, or a hike with the Preschool Explorers, there’s something for everyone at KNC. You may register in advance or at the KNC Visitor Center or Welcome Station when you arrive for a number of programs. In some cases, such as workshops like Returning & Reskilling, registration is required so we can plan for materials.

Monthly Weekly Daily List
October 2025
Goldfinch on thistle

Bird Banding Up Close

Bird Banding Up Close Wednesdays, August 27 – September 24, 8-10 am (weather permitting) Wednesdays, October 1 – October 29, 9-11 am (weather permitting) Fee: Included in regular KNC admission  Audience: All ages Meet: Banding Barn near KNC Camp  For half a century, the Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory’s team of researchers has been banding birds.…
22 Oct
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Two raccoons in a tree

Autumn Naturalists: Nature Day Camp Series

Pre-K – Kindergarten (Ages 4-6): Half Day, 9 am – Noon Fee: $36 KNC members/$40 non-members Autumn Naturalists Wednesday, October 22, 9 am – Noon Join us for a one-day autumn celebration made just for young explorers! Discover the magic of fall through colorful leaf hunts, fun games, nature walks, and hands-on activities. We’ll dance…
22 Oct
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center

Autumn Explorers: Nature Day Camp Series

Grades 1-5: Full Day, 9 am – 4 pm Fee: $54 KNC members/$60 non-members Autumn Explorers Wednesday, October 22, 9 am – 4 pm Discover the wonders of fall! Campers will explore the changing colors of the forest, play nature games, investigate how animals prepare for winter, and enjoy crisp autumn adventures outdoors. A perfect mix…
22 Oct
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center

Tree Sale

Purchase a tree to take home or donate one for students to plant at the Kalamazoo Nature Center! 3 Gallon Size: $40 Available species: Red maple, Flowering dogwood, White Oak, Elderberry 1 Gallon Size: $20 Available species: Paw Paw, Shellbark hickory, Spicebush, Red Oak Trees may be purchased at the KNC Visitor Center front desk or during tree planting sessions at the Sugar…
22 Oct
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Rabbit

Preschool Explorers

Come dressed to explore the outdoors while developing early childhood readiness skills. Each week participants will enjoy a nature inspired program based on a monthly theme with centers, a story, a movement activity and a craft. Learn more about this popular program and register here > Fee: $8/Member child, $10/Non-Member child, 1 adult included in…
28 Oct
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center

Tricks & Trails

Wind your way through a pumpkin-lit trail and receive treats from larger-than-life woodland creatures along the way. You’ll end up at the Event Barn for Creature Features, stories, fun crafts, and snacks. Vote for your favorite pumpkin created by KNC staff as we celebrate our 65th Anniversary. Fun for the whole family; costumes are encouraged! Snacks…
31 Oct
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center
November 2025
Rabbit

Preschool Explorers

Come dressed to explore the outdoors while developing early childhood readiness skills. Each week participants will enjoy a nature inspired program based on a monthly theme with centers, a story, a movement activity and a craft. Learn more about this popular program and register here > Fee: $8/Member child, $10/Non-Member child, 1 adult included in…
04 Nov
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center

Homeschool: Explorations 

Homeschool: Explorations  Thursdays, November 6 & December 4, 1:30-3:30 pm This drop-off program is designed just for ages 5–9 and brings learning to life through nature-based activities. One month you might dig into our gravel pit while uncovering Michigan’s natural resources, and the next you could meet KNC’s amazing Animal Ambassadors up close! Each month offers a…
06 Nov
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Candlelight Night Hike

Take a peaceful stroll through our illuminated forest trail with family, friends, or your favorite companions. Bring along a warm drink to enjoy as the crisp fall air sets the perfect scene. As the days grow shorter and the evening chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to slip on a cozy sweater and enjoy…
07 Nov
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Headwaters Trail

Free Admission Day

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is offering free admission today. We hope to see you on the trails! Other free admission days in 2025: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20 First day of National Park Week: April 19 KNC’s Earth Day Celebration: April 26 Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19 Great American Outdoors Acts Anniversary: Aug. 4 National Public…
11 Nov
All Day
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Kalamazoo Nature Center
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Registration is now open for:

kid running in fall

Raptor Run 5K & Kids Run

Saturday, October 18, 2025
Registration required

Learn More >

Tricks & Trails

Friday, October 31, 2025

Learn More >

Sponsor an Event!

Whether your business operates locally, nationally, or globally, a sponsorship places you in front of our 5,600+ membership base and the greater Kalamazoo community. Read more >

Save the date for these annual events:

Raptor Run 5K & Kids Run

October 18, 2025
Learn More >

Tricks & Trails

Friday, October 31, 2025

Learn More >

Buy Local Art & Gift Fair

Buy Local Art & Gift Fair

December 6, 2025

Learn More >

Maple Sugaring

Maple Sugar Festival

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Learn More >

Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Learn More >

firefly

Firefly Night Hike

June 27, 2026
Learn More >

Terry Todd International Speaker Series

Terry Todd was an avid nature lover and longtime supporter of the Kalamazoo Nature Center and many other community organizations. She was an advocate for education and believed that people of all ages should never stop learning. The Terry Todd International Speaker Series was created by her family as a memorial to her and in recognition of her commitment to these ideals. This endowment fund invites dynamic individuals in the fields of nature and the environment to Kalamazoo to share their knowledge and passion with the community Terry loved.

Read more about upcoming and past Series events >