IT’S JUNE AND outdoor and cultural events await those ready and willing to participate. The following events are open to all. Always call ahead of time to make sure a scheduled event has not been postponed or canceled.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. — 315 Detroit St. Watch for the Wednesday Evening Market opening for the season this month, on June 4. Details: 734.794.6255 / www.a2gov.org/market.
Weekly @ the Ann Arbor Senior Center — 1320 Baldwin Ave. Looking for a new hobby? Join us for a fitness, language, or bridge class. Come play Mah Jongg, bridge and other social games. The center is also available for rent. Membership passes available. Facility is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Details: 734.794.6250/ www.a2gov.org/senior.
Sundays
Noon–3 p.m. Critter House Open Hours — Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. Observe frogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and more as they hop, crawl, and slither in their homes! Our animals include species native to the region as well many unique and exotic animals that have been donated by supporters. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with some adorable and unusual animals and help kids develop an appreciation for the incredible diversity of the natural world. All ages. Free. Details: www.lesliesnc.org / 734.997.1553.
Tues. and Wednesdays
10–11:30 a.m. River Kids — Gallup Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Road. Experience river adventures with your little one by kayak, canoe or paddleboat. Experience the thrill of catching fish off the docks and discovering river critters with stories, art and play. Fee: $64/$52 for residents, per child/month (sibling discount available); ages 2 to 4 years w/caregiver. Pre registration required. Details: 734.794.6240/ www.a2gov.org/canoe.
Saturdays
3–4 p.m. Raptor Feeding — Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. See how feet and beak work together to help birds like the red-tailed hawk eat a rat or the peregrine falcon consume a quail. Volunteers will be feeding the birds and answering questions. Please be aware that birds may or may not be coming out of their enclosures to eat, dependent on the species of bird. All ages. Free. Details: www.lesliesnc.org / 734.997.1553.
Thursday, June 19
6–8 p.m. Introduction to Kayaking — Gallup Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Road. Learn basic kayaking strokes, techniques and safety before heading out to explore Gallup Pond with an instructor. All equipment provided. For ages 13 and older. Cost: $25/person. Preregistration required: www.a2gov.org/parks. Details: 734.794.6240
Saturday, June 21
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Ann Arbor Skatepark Grand Opening Celebration — Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Road. This exciting event will feature: a special appearance by Tony Hawk; skateboarding demonstrations by national professional skateboarders, including nine-time world champion skateboarder and winner of 23 X-Games medals Andy Macdonald and Vans Am Pool Party and Florida Bowlriders winner and X-Games athlete Alex Sorgente and others; live music throughout the day; skateboarding contests and a “bowl jam;” beginner skateboarding lessons; and more. Details: https://www.facebook.com/a2skatepark. Do you want to volunteer to help at this event? Contact the city’s Give 365 program volunteer@a2gov.org /734.794.6445/ www.a2gov.org/volunteer.
1–3 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Conservation Kickoff — Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. Be there at the beginning as LSNC prepares for raising gorgeous Monarch caterpillars. This is the first step toward the LSNC Monarch Butterfly Migration Festival in September, where butterflies will be tagged and released, ready for their journey south. Help develop the “Monarch Waystation,” and learn how to create your own, with a take-home milkweed plant or seeds! Games and activities will teach us about their interesting life cycle and what we can do to help them throughout their sometimes hazardous lives in the wild. All ages. Cost: $10/individual, $38/family; registration fees directly contribute to LSNC conservation efforts. Details: www.lesliesnc.org/ 734.997.1553.
2–4 p.m. Summer Splash Day — Fuller Park Pool, 1519 Fuller Road. Join the afternoon of games, contests and prizes. All activities and prizes are included in the cost of admission. Details: 734.794.6236 or www.a2gov.org/fuller. Do you want to volunteer to help at this event? Contact the city’s Give 365 program volunteer@a2gov.org /734.794.6445/ www.a2gov.org/volunteer.
Sunday, June 22
1 p.m. Cultural Arts Series,
1–4 p.m. Sunset Brooks Nature Area Workday* — Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street.
6:30–8 p.m. Fireside Fun: A Good Ol’ Fashioned Campfire Circle — Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. Campfire and marshmallows are provided, so bring along the family, camp chairs, and the rest of your s’mores fixings. This program is generously supported by Bivouac. Free, and no registration required. Details: www.lesliesnc.org / 734.997.1553.
Wednesday, June 25
4–8 p.m. Wednesday Evening Market — 315 Detroit St. Find fresh local produce, artisan food vendors, live music and more. Monthly Preservation Series, 6:30–7:30 p.m., teaches market goers how to extend the life of local produce at its peak through freezing, canning, pickling, fermenting and more. This month, make jam with fresh produce. Participants will take home recipes and samples. Details: 734.794.6255/ www.a2gov.org/market.
Saturday, June 28–Sunday, June 29
Great American Backyard Campout— Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. Pitch your tent with LSNC’s resident raptors and critters, and be a part of a nationwide event that brings families together and closer to nature. Beginning 4 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday, enjoy nature-based programs, tent space, campfires, dinner and breakfast, and much more! All ages; one adult per family required. Fee: $50/family. Space is limited, and pre registration is required. Details: www.lesliesnc.org / 734.997.1553.
Ann Arbor/Miles of Golf Championship Series: Women’s Amateur — Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Details: 734.794.6245/ www.a2golf.org.
Saturday, June 28
2–4 p.m. Summer Splash Day — Veterans Memorial Park Pool, 2150 Jackson Ave. Join the afternoon of games, contests and prizes. All activities and prizes are included in the cost of admission. Details: 734.794.6236 or www.a2gov.org/vets. Do you want to volunteer to help at this event? Contact the city’s Give 365 program volunteer@a2gov.org /734.794.6445/ www.a2gov.org/volunteer.
Sunday, June 29
1 p.m. Cultural Arts Series, Concert in the Park: Blue Water Ramblers — Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin Ave. (in case of rain, performance will take place in adjacent Ann Arbor Senior Center). Jim Foerch’s and “Bear” Berends’ pride in their Michigan roots comes out as they sing and play lake shanties, lumberman ballads, union rallying cries, farmers’ love songs, gospel music and children’s ditties. The Cultural Arts Series is made possible by a Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor grant and the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Free admission; donation suggested. Details: 734.794.6250 / www.a2gov.org/senior.