Community Calendar

Please join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM (barring special events or bad weather which will be announced on our Facebook page), for "Beginning Birding Walks," led by experienced birders from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the second parking lot at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, just off SR 43. All skill levels are welcome.

We will enjoy nature while typically identifying 20-40 species of birds, plus butterflies, frogs, etc. Over 200 bird species have been sighted at Wolf Lake, which offers a variety of habitats and easy walking trails. Annual highlights include colorful songbirds like orioles, warblers, tanagers, hawks and eagles, kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, and over 20 species of waterfowl. Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round! Children accompanying adults are welcome. The focus is on birding fundamentals, and extra binoculars are always available. The walk typically takes about 2 hours (but feel free to arrive late or leave early).

Discover the beauty and expression of Chinese ink painting! Start the evening by exploring Ink Rhapsody: The Art of the Lingnan Masters in Hong Kong and get inspired by the dynamic brushwork. Then bring your ideas to life with a fun, hands-on art activity. Ink painting will be offered for ages 8 and older. This workshop is open to the first 20 participants and runs from 6:30 to 8 pm. A drop-in hand fan activity will be available for all ages to enjoy from 6 to 8pm.

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

This October, Art Detectives will explore the wonders of fall! We’ll read a charming story about some hesitant leaves who aren’t quite ready to change colors and let go. Then, we’ll search the galleries for autumn-themed art and create our own leaf-inspired creation.

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!

A cast of local students in grades 4-8 present Myth-Understood at Tibbits Opera House.

When a pair of students begin working on a report on Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses themselves decide this is their chance to set the record straight! Whisked away to Mount Olympus itself, the children hear the stories right from Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena and more. In re-telling these classic tales, they share the myths that we’ve all heard, but each with its own unique twist. Can the gods and goddesses be trusted? And what grade will our students get on their report? Audiences are invited to come along for the ride, because whether they’re the truth or not, these stories will definitely be entertaining!

A cast of local students in grades 4-8 present Myth-Understood at Tibbits Opera House.

When a pair of students begin working on a report on Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses themselves decide this is their chance to set the record straight! Whisked away to Mount Olympus itself, the children hear the stories right from Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena and more. In re-telling these classic tales, they share the myths that we’ve all heard, but each with its own unique twist. Can the gods and goddesses be trusted? And what grade will our students get on their report? Audiences are invited to come along for the ride, because whether they’re the truth or not, these stories will definitely be entertaining!

Raptor Run 5K & Kids Raptor Run
Saturday, October 18, 2025

Start off your day at the popular 5K Raptor Run/Walk along some of KNC’s most beautiful trails. The untimed run/walk includes steep hills, forest views, and a variety of terrain. Younger participants can join the Kids’ Raptor Run for ages 8 and under on a stroller-friendly, 1K romp around the Habitat Haven Trail.

A cast of local students in grades 4-8 present Myth-Understood at Tibbits Opera House.

When a pair of students begin working on a report on Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses themselves decide this is their chance to set the record straight! Whisked away to Mount Olympus itself, the children hear the stories right from Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena and more. In re-telling these classic tales, they share the myths that we’ve all heard, but each with its own unique twist. Can the gods and goddesses be trusted? And what grade will our students get on their report? Audiences are invited to come along for the ride, because whether they’re the truth or not, these stories will definitely be entertaining!

Wind your way through a pumpkin-lit trail and receive treats from larger-than-life woodland creatures along the way. You’ll end up at the Event Barn for Creature Features, stories, fun crafts, and snacks. Vote for your favorite pumpkin created by KNC staff as we celebrate our 65th Anniversary. Fun for the whole family; costumes are encouraged!

Snacks included in entry fee.

$18/Member Car, $20/Non-Member Car (Max 7 per car)
Please register.

Please join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM (barring special events or bad weather which will be announced on our Facebook page), for "Beginning Birding Walks," led by experienced birders from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the second parking lot at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, just off SR 43. All skill levels are welcome.

We will enjoy nature while typically identifying 20-40 species of birds, plus butterflies, frogs, etc. Over 200 bird species have been sighted at Wolf Lake, which offers a variety of habitats and easy walking trails. Annual highlights include colorful songbirds like orioles, warblers, tanagers, hawks and eagles, kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, and over 20 species of waterfowl. Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round! Children accompanying adults are welcome. The focus is on birding fundamentals, and extra binoculars are always available. The walk typically takes about 2 hours (but feel free to arrive late or leave early).

Homeschool families are invited to learn, create and explore at the KIA and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (KVM). This collaborative event offers interactive activities designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity and an appreciation for art, history and science. This event is included with KIA admission. KVM admission is free. Planetarium shows are $3 per student and $1 per chaperone.

To learn more about KVM please visit kalamazoomuseum.org.

KIA Activities:

Art Project (Best for Ages 9+)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Library: Storytime (Best for Ages 3-8)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Guided tours of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:45pm

Drop-in activities (All ages)
Library: Literacy activity
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
School Commons: Art project

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KVM Activities:

Planetarium show (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:30pm

Hands-On STEM Table (All ages)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Early Learning Table (Best for Ages 3-6)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Drop-in Activities (All ages)
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
Innovation Lab: Paper Airplanes

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