Shelby Township comes alive in the fall as our nearly 1,200 acres of parkland explode in brilliant color. Take a walk on our trails or drive through our beautiful residential areas to see the brilliance. Click here to view our fall photo gallery.

Bat Hike (Ages 5+)
7:30-9:30 PM, SAT, Sept. 5
Enjoy a summer evening outdoors while learning about this amazing creature of the night! After a presentation on bat biology, we will hit the trails and search for bats flying in the night sky. Using an electronic echolocation detecting device, we will be able to see a visual display of each bat call on an interactive, scientific-level spectrogram. Find out which bat species live in River Bends Park in this fun evening event! Registration required. (BATHIKE.04) $3 resident, $5 nonresident.

Guided Hikes (All Ages)
12:30-1:30 PM, SUN, Sept. 14 & Oct.5
Join us for a guided hike on our beautiful trails led by one of our knowledgeable naturalists. We will discuss seasonal changes, native flora and fauna, mindfulness practices, and ways to identify signs of animals. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Registration preferred. Free

Teen Night: DIY Scented Sachet
6-7:30 PM, Fri, 9/26, Program Room
Create your own fall-scented sachets using dried herbs, spices, and fabric. Perfect for keeping your spaces smelling cozy! Choose from apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, autumn herb, or lavender & vanilla scent. Registration begins Sept. 12.

Halloween Puppet Show (All Ages)
2-3 PM, Sat, 10/11, Legacy Room
Join Alex Thomas & Friends for a spooky and silly puppet show the whole family will love. This special Halloween edition features a lovable puppet character, festive costumes, and interactive moments where the audience becomes part of the story. Please register each child and adult attending. Registration begins Sept. 27.

Adult Fall Painting Class
7 PM, Wed, 10/15, Legacy Room
Local artist Sheri Gulla uses art therapy to help us connect to nature and art in this class. Together we will paint a beautiful autumnal scene. Registration begins Sept. 27 for Shelby Township residents.

Tween Mindfulness Jars (Ages 8-12)
6:30-7:30 PM, Thu, 10/16, Program Room
Create a colorful jar of glitter you can shake whenever you want to calm yourself and relax. Registration begins Oct. 2.

Clue: the Movie
7 PM, Fri,  10/17, Legacy Room
Adults can join us for this after hours showing of the classic film Clue. Partake of themed mocktails and snacks as we try to figure out if the crime was committed by Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom with the lead pipe?

Mysterious Michigan
7 PM, Wed, 10/22, Legacy Room
Mysterious Michigan – journey into the supernatural past of the Great Lakes with paranormal researcher Amberrose Hammond of Paranormal Michigan.

Kids DIY Haunted Birdhouse (Grades 1-6)
6:30-7:30 PM, Thu, 10/23, Program Room
Make a home for creepy critters with paint, markers, lots of spooky trimmings, and a plain wooden birdhouse. Dress for a mess. Registration begins Oct. 9.

Teen Night: Spooky Paint Along (Grades 7-12)
6-7:30 PM, Fri, 10/24, Program Room
Join us for a paint-along session as we paint a raven in eerie moonlight together step-by-step. Dress for a mess. Registration begins Oct. 10.

Join us Saturday, September 20th from 10AM until noon as Lorenzo Lo Piccolo will be showing samples of Michigan’s spring mushrooms, discussing their safety and identifications, relationships with local trees, and fungi facts and myths. He will review foraging tips, safety, etiquette, and sustainability. We will then walk through the Nature Center trails to discover and identify some local mushroom species. Come prepared with hiking and weather appropriate spring clothing. This program is available for ages 16+. Registration required as space is limited. (SHROOM.01) Free event. 

Enter the 2025 Shelby Township Scarecrow Contest and help decorate Heritage Lake for Halloween! Businesses, organizations, individuals and families are invited to enter. This is a great opportunity to promote teamwork while having fun. Registration forms will be accepted beginning Sept. 22. Scarecrows will be displayed around Heritage Lake from Oct. 6-Nov. 1. All entries are invited to attend the Shelby Township Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 10 and pass out candy next to their scarecrow display.

Scarecrow Contest Registration Form

Scarecrow Contest Flyer

Spooktacular Flyer

Join us Sunday, November 9, from 1-3PM for a guided hike and learn all about the majestic Wild Turkey. We will share interesting facts about their natural and cultural history and discuss seasonal changes that are happening on the trail this time of year. Fun for all ages. Registration preferred. Free