Keep the outdoors free and accessible for everyone!
A community that thrives is a community that gets outdoors—together.
Research shows we’re more connected when we spend time together outside. But adults currently spend over 90% of their time indoors. And children average only 4-7 minutes of unstructured outdoor play each day—compared with nearly 6 hours of screen time.
ODC Network is committed to changing that.
Getting Outside Changes Everything
We keep our trails and preserves free, so every family has a place to unplug and reconnect. We operate five nature-based early childhood sites and partner with 35+ K-12 schools, getting kids outside to explore, take risks, and learn. And last year alone, our team managed more than 2,500 acres of natural areas, restoring ecosystems and improving water quality across the watershed. This work amounts to 1.5M+ community connections to nature.
We’re building a nature-rich community together, inch by inch, acre by acre. Join us in the adventure and the work.
What's New
Stories, ideas, and inspiration to help you spend more time outside.
We Stopped Trusting Our Instincts. Nature Never Did.
A polar bear crossing the Arctic tundra has far less information than we do, but far more clarity.
What We Mean When We Say ‘The Future Lives Outdoors’
We’ve been quietly building expertise, unaware of how much it would be needed in this exact moment.
A Community Effort: Gentex Discovery Preschool Named a 2026 Child Care Champion
Nine organizations were honored by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).
Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect
Resources from our Speaker series
We’re setting down screens and stepping outside. This spring, thousands joined us for a speaker series tackling the negative effects of screen time—and the restoration and repair time outdoors can bring. Join us in turning a moment into a community movement.
Events and Programs for everyone
Events
Calendar of Events
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Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 […] |
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Hide Camp: Traditional Deer Hide TanningNovember 4, 6–8, 202620 hours of hands-on instructionAll tools and materials will be provided, including hides and brains. Registration Required: click here to register. Register once […] |
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […]
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Hide Camp: Traditional Deer Hide TanningNovember 4, 6–8, 202620 hours of hands-on instructionAll tools and materials will be provided, including hides and brains. Registration Required: click here to register. Register once […] |
2 events,
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Hide Camp: Traditional Deer Hide TanningNovember 4, 6–8, 202620 hours of hands-on instructionAll tools and materials will be provided, including hides and brains. Registration Required: click here to register. Register once […]
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We’re having a Watershed Art Party! You can view and participate in a community watershed art display, using invasive species removed from our watershed as art materials. Activities for all […] |
1 event,
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Hide Camp: Traditional Deer Hide TanningNovember 4, 6–8, 202620 hours of hands-on instructionAll tools and materials will be provided, including hides and brains. Registration Required: click here to register. Register once […] |
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Join us as we explore the fascinating signs of fall as it transitions into winter in Michigan! Participants will discover how nature prepares for the colder months by observing changing […] |
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Bring your little tykes out to discover the wonders of nature! Each program is a hands-on experience that will spark curiosity and create unforgettable memories for both you and your […] |
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2 events,
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience. Parents […]
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Michigan is home to some of the coolest creepy critters around! Join the Outdoor Discovery Center to meet fascinating amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Get up close with live […] |
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Join us for a hands-on educational workshop with one of ODC Network's professional technicians to learn how to properly remove, treat, and dispose of woody invasive species on your property. […]
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Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 […] |
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It’s time to round up the little ones and come out to the Outdoor Discovery Center for Explore a Story!We’ll be introducing kids to the outdoors through books and outdoor […]
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Join us for this intermediate beading class where we will use hooks to create looped earrings in the Traditional Potawatomi Style. Working with seed beads, needles, and thread, you’ll craft […] |
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In this workshop, you’ll design your own wall decoration or table arrangement using fresh greenery and other natural elements. We’ll provide the materials - you bring your creativity! Feel free […] |
1 event,
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […] |
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Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.Parents can […] |
1 event,
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Join us for A Settler Holiday and experience how early European-American settlers in Michigan prepared for the winter season. Visit a log cabin decorated for the holidays, learn about 19th-century holiday […] |
