Brunch and Learn Series During this monthly series for active aging adults, participants will have opportunities to meet our on-site educators, listen to guest presenters and take part in various natural resource-themed activities. All programs begin at 9 a.m. and include pastries, coffee and tea upon entry. At 9:30 a.m., presentations will begin, so sit back and enjoy your snack during an exciting and informative program, then wrap up with time to explore the OAC exhibits. This season's dates and themes are... Brunch and Learn- Rosie the Riveter & Beyond: How Women Helped Win World War II January 15 9 a.m.-noon This informative presentation highlights women’s important contribution to Allied Victory in World War II. Jeannette, a journalist and retired advertising professional, speaks on behalf of the Michigan Rosies (the Rosie the Riveter Association of Michigan). Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station Thursday, February 5 9 a.m-noon Hear the story of the rehabilitation of Michigan Central Station, an iconic historic building in Detroit, from the rarely told perspective of The Christman Company's builders who brought it back to life! Senior Brunch and Learn: Lumberjacks of Michigan Thursday, March 26 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join Lumberjack and Logging Museum historian Jerry Berg as he leads us on a trip back to the virgin forests of early Michigan and tells the tales of the Shanty Boy Lumberjacks that lived there. *This event kicks off Lumberjack Days 2026 – join the fun by wearing your best flannel, and don't forget to check out the full weekend schedule. Mackinac's Forgotten Features Thursday, April 16 9 a.m-noon Travel back in time with Kyle Bagnall, naturalist for Mackinac State Historic Parks, as he reveals some Mackinac Island attractions that have been lost to time and nearly forgotten. Through rich descriptions, historic illustrations, maps and photographs, you’ll visit once-popular features of a bygone era. Conservation Officers and the Detroit River Walleye Season Thursday, May 14
Join Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer David Schaumburger to learn about the role of a DNR CO, the Detroit River fishery and a recap of the 2026 walleye run. This presentation will also include a showing of the TV show “Wardens” and Q&A time.
The Anishinaabe People of the Great Lakes
Thursday, June 18
9 a.m.-noon
Discover the culture of the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes, presented by the team of Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. See items such as baskets, stone tools and regalia up close, and learn how the Nokomis Center is preserving the history, arts, culture and language of the Anishinaabe people.
Albert Kahn: Unintended Consequences
Thursday, July 9
9 a.m.-noon
Join Dale A. Carlson, author of “Kahn’s Detroit: A Field Guide to Albert Kahn Designs of the Metro Area,” as he explores some of the most surprising and significant adaptive reuses of Albert Kahn’s buildings across metro Detroit.
Art & Architecture of Detroit's Belle Isle
Tuesday, August 4
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join Dale A. Carlson as he discusses the history of numerous significant structures and art installations on Detroit's famed Belle Isle, as well as the careers of numerous contributing artists and architects over multiple eras. Carlson's presentation will include both his professional photography and compelling, relevant historical images and era-specific newspaper clippings that give life to the historical scenarios recounted.
Wildland Fire History in Our Backyard
Thursday, August 13
9 a.m.-noon
Robert Ziel, retired forester and wildland fire analyst, presents the story is about the gathering firestorms in Michigan and the Great Lake states of the late 1800s and early 1900s, which dramatically changed the landscape and led to our management of it in the following decades. Even today, wildfire threats from both very near and very far become impacts that are difficult to manage.
Where the Sidewalk Begins: Let’s Explore Urban Forestry
Tuesday, October 13
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Let’s discuss the value of trees, from either where the sidewalk ends, or where it begins. We will explain “wildland-urban interface,” where human development meets undeveloped wildland. Presenter Joe Aiken is Great Lakes and Canada senior regional technical manager for Arborjet, a plant health care company.
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Thursday, October 22
9 a.m.-noon
Join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy team to discover how the Conservancy has enriched the community by providing safe, inclusive, accessible and interconnected spaces that inspire exploration, promote recreation and health, and celebrate
the beauty and significance of Detroit’s International Riverfront.
Introduction to Hiking and Camping
Thursday, November 12
9 a.m.-noon
Discover how to hike and camp in this hands-on workshop, with activities geared toward seniors. This session will cover equipment, preparation, safety and more for both day and overnight trips.
Presenter Rodney Cole is an avid hiker, with experience hiking on seven of America's long trails as well as three in Europe.
Underground Railroad
Thursday, December 3
9 a.m.-noon
Discover the history of the Underground Railroad in Detroit. Presented by Jamon Jordan, official historian of the City of Detroit.
Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station
Tuesday, December 8
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hear the story of the rehabilitation of Michigan Central Station, an iconic historic building in Detroit, from the rarely told perspective of the builders who brought it back to life! Presented by Austin Giesey, senior project manager and leader of The Christman Company's Michigan Historic Preservation Group, and Rob Yallop, senior project manager from The Christman Company.
Preregistration is required. Cost is $8 per person; payment can be made for groups or individuals.
Click the "Tickets" link to learn more and register.
