Our Naturalist Events are guided explorations of nature with our nature expert staff. On land or water, our naturalists engage with you and nature, so we are all better stewards. The great outdoors, friendly chit chat, and exploring? What’s not to love! Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or newly curious, join us as we walk and paddle Van Buren County’s outdoors!
Our Naturalist Events are made possible through you! In 2016, voters backed the VBCD Operations millage which allows us to bring fun, educational events to our community. Thank you for your support!
Scheduled Events
March 8, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Barvicks Sand Dunes | CR 376, Covert
Join us and the Van Buren District Library Covert Branch for a unique outdoor adventure at Michigan Nature Association’s Barvicks Sand Dunes! We’ll be exploring this stunning preserve with nature expert Abbie. She will guide us through winter’s natural wonders.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking to escape cabin fever, this is the perfect way to connect with the outdoors and learn something new!
Registration is required. This location has on-road parking, no restroom, and unpaved trails.
These events are free and open to the public. Registration may be required and is listed below. See our statements below the registration link for questions, help, and more.
Questions, Help, & More
For questions, help, or more please contact us:
269-657-4030 x5
Partnership
Is your organization or community interested in holding an event? Do you need a speaker for your event? We, at the VBCD, love engaging with our community! Contact us to coordinate how we can support and engage with you.
Cancellations
In the event of inclement weather or other changes, we will notify registered attendees of event cancellation.
Accessibility
These events are held outdoors. We encourage all attendees to be mindful of their abilities and needs and other conditions that could affect their ability to participate. When able, the VBCD is committed to providing accommodations.
- Weather: We encourage attendees to check for weather conditions and dress and prepare accordingly for the weather.
- Terrain: Terrain may be on unpaved paths and uneven ground or otherwise difficult to traverse.
- Safety: We encourage all participants to keep their safety in mind. On water, we require safety gear such as life jackets or other personal flotation devices.
- Clothing & footwear: We encourage all participants to wear the proper clothing and footwear when attending our events. Appropriately suit your clothing and footwear to event weather conditions, terrain, and your needs.
- Parking: Parking may be on paved, unpaved, or roadside surfaces and without demarcated or reserved parking spaces.
- Interpretation: For folks needing interpretation, we ask that you contact us prior to the event. With advance notice, we strive to accommodate interpretation requests, including but not limited to, Spanish and American Sign Language.
- Physical ability: Our events may be lightly paced but require an ability to move across trails at a steady pace. Occasional stops are made along the walk to look around and discuss what we’re seeing.
- Allergens: These outdoor events may be unsafe for those with allergies, especially those with allergies specific to the outdoors.
- Sensory: The outdoor environment may have scents, sounds, sights, and other stimuli which could affect those with sensory sensitivities.
- Restrooms: Restrooms may or may not be available at our event site and may or may not be accessible restrooms. Contact us for event site information.
- Other accommodations: For any accommodation-minded considerations not covered above, please contact us.
To check on event-specific accessibility, or for general questions, please contact us.
