Community Calendar

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. This long-running program has contributed data on over 650,000 birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory that is actively being used for scientific research, management and conservation of birds across the country. As we embark on our 52nd year of this critical work, we invite you to come witness the intricate process of bird banding and observe these beautiful birds up close at the KNC Banding Barn.

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month a little early! Explore the mesmerizing digital exhibition Leo Villareal: Interstellar and enjoy an evening of games and creative art-making.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Hummingbird Banding
Fridays, August 29, September 5 and September 12, 8-10 am (weather permitting)
Fee: Included in regular KNC admission
Audience: All ages
Meet: Banding Barn near KNC Camp

KNC holds the distinct privilege of working alongside two of the only three people in Michigan who are permitted to band Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. These small but mighty birds can tell an incredible story that leads researchers to better understand the species so that they can be properly protected. Banding and documenting body condition data contributes to the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s story. For three days this fall, you can observe this process as part of our annual bird banding research with the Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory banding team. A rare and incredible experience to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds up close. We’d love to share this special project with you! This is a drop in program.

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab

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. This long-running program has contributed data on over 650,000 birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory that is actively being used for scientific research, management and conservation of birds across the country. As we embark on our 52nd year of this critical work, we invite you to come witness the intricate process of bird banding and observe these beautiful birds up close at the KNC Banding Barn.

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab

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. This long-running program has contributed data on over 650,000 birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory that is actively being used for scientific research, management and conservation of birds across the country. As we embark on our 52nd year of this critical work, we invite you to come witness the intricate process of bird banding and observe these beautiful birds up close at the KNC Banding Barn.

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab

The Michigan Yoga Association invites the Southwest Michigan community to a joyful, free day of discovery, exploring the vibrant spectrum of yoga. From Laughter Yoga to the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, local teachers from Kalamazoo’s own Joyful Living, Bent9, Sanctuary Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness Center will offer inspiring sessions to spark your curiosity and deepen your practice. This community-centered event is a celebration of our shared love of yoga. Everyone is welcome, and a free lunch will be provided.

Due to limited space, advanced registration is required.

Embark on a Japanese-inspired Art Detectives adventure! We’ll read the story of Wabi Sabi, a curious little cat in Japan on a quest to discover the meaning of her name. Then, we’ll explore beautiful wood-fired ceramic pots before creating our own multimedia masterpiece.

Stick around for Community Day at the KIA! Watch pottery demos in the school commons and take part in a kurinuki cup workshop in the Kirk Newman Art School.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
Art Detectives is a free program for children 4-8 years old (but all ages are welcome). Join us as we read a story, look at art, and make a project to take home. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times. This is a free program; preregistration is encouraged. Adults, remember to register your children!

Join us for an exploration of clay during our free September Community Day. Stop by the Meader Fine Arts Library for an easy drop-in art project. You can also take part in building and decorating a community pot that will be fired in the KIA’s anagama wood kiln.

If you would like to deepen your exploration of clay, sign up for a kurinuki cup workshop and carve your own cup using this traditional Japanese technique—no clay experience needed!

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Monarch Tagging with KNC’s Michigan Butterfly Network
Sunday, July 20, 1-3 pm
Saturday, August 23, 1-3 pm
Saturday, September 13, 1-3 pm

Join KNC staff this summer for guided butterfly walks around the Emma Pitcher Prairie. Participants will have the opportunity to search for butterflies, observe them up close, and learn more about what makes each species unique. This will be a great opportunity to see different butterfly species become active as the summer season progresses and as different food and nectar sources become available.

Fee: $7/Member, $10/Non-Member. Registration required.
Audience: All Ages (children must have an adult in attendance)
Meet: KNC Camp parking lot