Hayrides are a popular activity in the fall, and the Farmington Hills Nature Center has scheduled some for this fall.
By: Mark Vest | Farmington Press | Published September 20, 2024
FARMINGTON HILLS — Although some people get a little bummed when summer comes to an end, that doesn’t mean that more fun and adventure aren’t around the corner.
The Farmington Hills Nature Center has scheduled programs that can both entertain and educate during the autumn season.
Ashlie Smith, who is the nature center’s supervisor, discussed some of what is in store for residents.
One of the more popular things for some local residents to do during the fall is go on hayrides, and the Farmington Hills Nature Center is offering that opportunity.
Hayride Central is scheduled to take place every half hour 5:30-7:30 p.m., with the last rides at 7 p.m., Fridays Sept. 27-Nov. 1 at Heritage Park. The cost is $5 per person, with s’mores kits and cider around a campfire included for $1 extra.
According to Smith, that is probably the most popular program of the fall season.
“Hayride Central has been a program that’s been around for maybe two decades now. I don’t even know,” Smith said. “It’s beloved because it’s a really great way to explore the trails of Heritage Park in the fall. I recommend for folks to do a hayride in September before we’re deep into the fall season, and really get acquainted with the trails in the park, and then come back for, like, an October or even November ride, and see the transformation that occurs in the park throughout the fall season — how the leaves change, how the trails change, (and) what animals are out.”
Night hikes are also scheduled to take place on a couple of Friday nights. Those are scheduled for Oct. 18 and Nov. 15 at a cost of $3 per person for children 5 and up and adults.
“It’s a rare opportunity to see Heritage Park after the sun goes down,” Smith said. “A guide takes the groups out, does some fun, guided-sensory activities along the trail in search of nocturnal animals, and they look for cool features of the night sky and the different sounds that they can hear in the park after dark. That is a really fun thing to sign up for.”
The Fall Color Walk will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Heritage Park. The cost is $3 per person.
“There’s really cool things to discover on that walk,” Smith said. “We get to discover why leaves change color, looking for signs of seasonal change and how animals are preparing for winter.”
At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, children and adults can be part of a “Goodnight, Moon Pajama Party.” The cost is $8 for residents and $13 for nonresidents.
It is for children 1 1/2 to 12 years of age, although adults need to accompany children.
At that event, the book “Goodnight Moon,” by Margaret Wise Brown, will be read.
The nature center’s rabbit, Moon, is slated to be there.
“We’re inviting little ones with their adults to come in their pajamas and get to learn about rabbits and what makes them special — learn about what healthy snacks they eat,” Smith said. “We’ll get to share snacks. And then we’ll be able to make a craft to take home. That’s a really fun program.”
Smith is a proponent of what the programs offered by the Farmington Hills Nature Center can bring to the community.
“One of our missions here at the Nature Center is to be a community gathering place,” she said. “These seasonal programs that we offer (are) a great way to enjoy the fall season and get the most out of it.”
For information about those events — as well as an adult nature education series scheduled to take place in October, November and December — call the Farmington Hills Nature Center at (248) 473-1870, or visit recreg.fhgov.com.
Citywide Open House
Aside from activities offered by the Farmington Hills Nature Center, the city has scheduled another event that can be a big draw for members of the community.
From noon-3 p.m. Oct. 5, Farmington Hills will host the Citywide Open House at City Hall, located at 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.
The event is free, with hot dogs and Kona Ice treats available while supplies last.
Residents can take a shuttle from the Orchard Ridge campus of Oakland Community College, located at 27055 Orchard Lake Road, to get there.
Representatives from the Police Department, Fire Department and Department of Public Works will be on hand.
“Some of the city’s most recognizable departments will be there showcasing their work,” said Vickie Sullen-Winn, who is the director of communications and engagement for Farmington Hills. “They’ll have interactive activities for the entire family.’
Children will be able to climb on fire trucks and heavy machinery, and there will also be a smoke-house to practice fire-escape plans, according to Sullen-Winn.
“This event, historically, has been planned to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, so it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of smoke detectors,” she said. “It’s a great way to get families involved in fire safety, so, as a result, the Fire Department will have live demonstration activities, including climbing on fire trucks and learning about safety.”
She anticipates that around 1,500 or more people may attend, and residents will have an opportunity to ride in a police vehicle and meet K-9 Ozzie of the Police Department.
“I think it goes a long way in creating a community feel,” Sullen-Winn said. “We are having fun together. This is a great way for the community to see how their tax dollars are being used, when you have an opportunity to see the truck that plows your street or the street-sweeper, or to see the PD car and the technology that they have in place. The (police) drones are a big, big hit.”