Special Events and Programs

Upcoming Events

Spring Equinox Hike

24 Mar 2026 Spring has arrived, let’s hit the trails to see who and what is already out enjoying the new season! We will listen for frogs calling, search for budding plants, see which seasonal travelers have migrated back to their summering grounds, and search for any other signs of new life.

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., Sumpter Township , MI 48164

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Marsh Clean Up

24 Mar 2026 Wander the trails, boardwalks, and waters edge of Crosswinds while removing the litter that pollutes our waterway and puts wildlife in danger. Interested in cleaning the water via boat? We will have canoes available to use as well.

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., Sumpter Township , MI 48164

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REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN ENCOUNTER

31 Mar 2026 An up-close live animal encounter-Michigan turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. Learn about the animals as naturalists walk around with them and share information. We will also have plenty of props to observe.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

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SPRING FEVER HIKE

02 Apr 2026 Go on a hike (up to 1.5 miles) in Holliday Nature Preserve with the naturalists to learn about what new signs of spring are emerging. Dress appropriately and wear good shoes. The trail is not stroller friendly.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

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Sensory Marshmallow Drop

03 Apr 2026 The Sensory Marshmallow Drop offers a quieter version of the
Marshmallow Drop with less participants, softer music and the
marshmallows being dropped from a City of Westland fire truck.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center (Hines Dr. side parking lot), 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, 48185

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Marshmallow Drop

03 Apr 2026 A blizzard of twenty thousand marshmallows will fill the sky as they tumble from the Easter Bunny’s helicopter! At two locations. Elizabeth Park at 9:00 AM and Nankin Mills Park at 11:00 AM. Cost is Free! For ages 12 and younger.

1 more date

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World Aquatic Animal Day Hike

03 Apr 2026 World Aquatic Animal Day focuses on raising awareness about aquatic animals, their roles in our ecosystem and why we should protect them. Frogs, fish, fairy shrimp... do you have a favorite aquatic animal? Join us for a hike to see what we can find.

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., Sumpter Township , MI 48164

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HOME SCHOOL ALL ABOARD, TRAINS

09 Apr 2026 As rail transit became available in the area, some of the old towns once near Hines Park grew or became ghost towns. Listen to train horns, see some model trains, and learn about the history of railroads in Wayne County.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

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Homeschool Wood You Like to Learn About Beavers?

13 Apr 2026 Last week was International Beaver Day, WOOD you believe it or not!! Help us celebrate this keystone species by learning a little bit more about what makes this mammal so special and important. You will get the opportunity to feel a beaver pelt and skull, learn about some of its fascinating qualities, attempt to replicate a beaver dam with sticks and mud, and take a hike in search of evidence of b

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., Sumpter Township , MI 48164

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SENSORY REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN ENCOUNTER

17 Apr 2026 A sensory program for individuals with cognitive disabilities or sensory sensitivity. An up-close live animal encounter-learn about Michigan turtles, snakes, frogs, and salamanders. We will also have plenty of props to observe.

Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, 33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland, MI 48185

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Earth Day Canoeing

22 Apr 2026 Come celebrate the 55th Earth Day at Crosswinds Marsh by paddling a wetland! Learn about the history of Crosswinds Marsh and see some seldom seen sights from the water. This naturalist-led canoe will take us past the beaver lodges and eagle’s nest.

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., Sumpter Township , MI 48164

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Homeschool Wetland Citizen Scientist

28 Apr 2026 Become a citizen scientist while exploring different types of wetlands. Investigate the marsh, hike through the marsh over boardwalks, and put your citizen scientist skills to the test by exploring a vernal pool.

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., New Boston, MI 48164

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Weed Wackers: How to Garden

28 Apr 2026 Learn some tips and tricks for native gardening and help us pull weeds from our gardens to keep them beautiful and thriving. This week we will be covering How to Garden, specifically focused on Winter Sowing. Weedy plants have invaded our butterfly and wildflower gardens at Crosswinds Marsh. Whether you have a “green thumb” or not, you can help us bring these gardens back to the native plant garde

Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd., New Boston, MI 48164

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