Johnson Nature Center

10/17/2026

Have you ever seen a pink blob on a log? This is wolf slime mold, also known as wolf’s milk. Despite their name, they are not a mold or fungus; they are a protist. Protists are cellular organisms that are not classified as an animal, land plant, or fungus.

10/16/2026

It’s National Wildlife Refuge Week, a celebration of the places that protect wildlife and provide opportunities for people to experience nature like we do here at the Johnson Nature Center. This year’s observance runs October 10–17.

You don't have to travel far to connect with the natural world. At the JNC, wooded trails, a pond, and native plants provide opportunities to slow down and admire what’s happening around you.

This fall, make time for a nature walk and leave with a greater appreciation for the places that call Michigan home.

10/15/2026

Join us for our annual fishing event along our four-acre pond. This is a popular event and requires pre-registration to reserve your spot. The fees help support our community based programs.

Bring your own fishing pole or borrow one of ours. Registration is based on a per-person fee, with a maximum of 6 people in a group registered together.

Children and adults 2 years and older: $10 per person

Children 1 year and under are free.

Oakland County Parks registration link here: https://mioaklandctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=AR&Type=OUTDR&_csrf_token=ld6U6Y6S1P183U2I332E475Q5550585B6H014J6P521E5V5F515I1K5L5D71561R4X4U5155075R4T4L680J5R4L4P6T010A3Y6N65015S605D4I73614Y564C0G5P6B4O

10/14/2026

Happy National Fossil Day! October 14 is an opportunity to celebrate fossils and the stories they tell about ancient plants, animals, environments, and our ever-changing planet. It’s also the focus day of Earth Science Week.

While you won't find dinosaurs roaming the trails at Johnson Nature Center, you can explore a living landscape and think about how nature changes over time.

From the tiniest leaf to the oldest tree, every part of nature has a story.

10/12/2026

Did you know October is an important time for migratory birds? World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated October 10, and birds are still making their way through Michigan as they head south for the season.

This week, take a walk at Johnson Nature Center and keep your eyes and ears open. You might be lucky enough to spot a familiar backyard bird, a seasonal visitor, or something completely unexpected!

Grab your binoculars, bring the family or just yourself, and see what you can discover.

10/09/2026

This is a species of earthstar fungus; they are related to puffballs. Did you catch the little puff that came out after the stick poked the mushroom? Those are actually millions to billions of microscopic spores.

10/08/2026

Have you ever been walking through the woods and come across a giant white ball? You probably saw a giant puffball mushroom. This fungus grows from late August through October here in Michigan. They can seem to appear out of nowhere because they grow so fast, taking only a few days to reach their maximum size. The largest recorded puffball in Michigan was about 70 inches in circumference and weighed over 30lbs.

09/03/2026