Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this special kids workshop, you’ll assist your child in creating a festive wreath using fresh greens collected from Fernwood’s gardens. Together, you’ll learn how to build your greens around a 12” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!

Audience: Children with accompanying adults (each child receives supplies to make one wreath)

Cost: $25/child ($20 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!

Audience: Teens-Adults

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!

Audience: Teens-Adults

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by December 3

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at LIGHTS at Fernwood! From November 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, the garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland, twinkling with a spectacular light show that will dazzle your senses!

Picture yourself strolling through enchanting light tunnels, warming up by cozy fire pits, and discovering whimsical nature-inspired light sculptures. Dive into creativity at the winter craft station or unleash your inner child at the full-sized Lite Brite! With festive music filling the air, it's the perfect atmosphere for families, friends, or a date night.

Walk a leisurely one-mile loop around the garden and soak in the magic of the season while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying tasty seasonal snacks. There’s even festive light-up merchandise for all ages to commemorate your visit!

Your attendance helps support the garden's mission to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. So don’t wait—grab your advance tickets now to secure your spot, as time slots are limited! Parking is included in the ticket price, making your visit even easier.

Make bright memories this holiday season at the most magical garden lights in Southwest Michigan.

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!

Audience: Teens-Adults

Cost: $50/person ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by November 19

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

Join in the fun and tradition of wreath-making at Fernwood! In this workshop, you’ll create your own festive wreath using fresh greens collected right from  Fernwood’s gardens. You’ll learn how to build your greens around a 14” form, add a personal touch with your choice of decorative ribbon, and leave with a charming creation that is sure to delight all season long!

Audience: Teens-Adults

Cost: $50 ($40 Fernwood members) - Please register by November 19

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen.

Create your own embossed ornaments using recycled aluminum and inspiration from Fernwood’s resident winter song birds. We’ll provide all the materials you need to design your creation, plus share tips for supporting and attracting native bird species in your own backyard. You’ll leave with a set of ornaments that are great to share as gifts, hang artfully on your wall, or embellish your holiday tree!

Audience: Teens-Adults

Cost: $35 ($28 Fernwood members) - Please register by November 13

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen. 

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at Fernwood! Join us in the Sims Education Center to learn and create crafts inspired by the season's most notorious native creatures, including bats, spiders, toads, and more! Enjoy free hot cider, popcorn, and sweets, and be sure to explore Fernwood's hauntingly beautiful gardens, nature trails, and pumpkin house. Costumes encouraged!

Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: Free with admission

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to let us know you’re planning to join us by registering.

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used throughout time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and symbolic meaning. Join us for this fun and lighthearted play on the idea of fortune-telling. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will share their insight on herbal history, folklore, modern use, and self-reflection. Drop in anytime between 12 and 3 pm.

Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register so we can plan accordingly.

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used throughout time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and symbolic meaning. Join us for this fun and lighthearted play on the idea of fortune-telling. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will share their insight on herbal history, folklore, modern use, and self-reflection. Drop in anytime between 12 and 3 pm.

Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register so we can plan accordingly.

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used throughout time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and symbolic meaning. Join us for this fun and lighthearted play on the idea of fortune-telling. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will share their insight on herbal history, folklore, modern use, and self-reflection. Drop in anytime between 12 and 3 pm.

Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register so we can plan accordingly.

What plants are you attracted to? What plants are attracted to you?! Herbs have been used throughout time to heal, treat, flavor, and scent our lives. Each one has a special purpose and symbolic meaning. Join us for this fun and lighthearted play on the idea of fortune-telling. With help from The Herbcrafter’s Tarot deck, members of the Herb Society will share their insight on herbal history, folklore, modern use, and self-reflection. Drop in anytime between 12 and 3 pm.

Suggested Audience: All ages welcome

Location: Fernwood’s Herb Garden

Cost: Free with admission. Donations will be accepted to support the Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb & Sensory Garden. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to register so we can plan accordingly.

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 

Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.

CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

• Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

• All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

• For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

• By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

• Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

• Natural springs, ponds, and water features

• Fernwood Café

• Fern Conservatory

• Manicured garden beds 

• Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

Class Details:

Fall is here and Fernwood’s grounds are abundant with all the glorious changing colors and textures of the season. In this workshop, we’ll utilize the bounty of natural materials found in the gardens to build festive autumn wreaths. All tools and materials will be provided for you to create the perfect front door decor to greet family, friends, and trick-or-treaters. 

Audience: Teens & Adults

Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate

Location: Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center

Cost: $35 ($28 members)

*To receive your member discount, please be sure to sign-in by clicking the button in the upper right-hand corner of the registration screen

First Sunday of every month, at 2 pm.

Share your passion for photography with a support community. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program.

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 

Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.

CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

• Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

• All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

• For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

• By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

• Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

• Natural springs, ponds, and water features

• Fernwood Café

• Fern Conservatory

• Manicured garden beds 

• Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

Fernwood members and visitors can bring their four-legged friends to Fernwood Dog Days starting in May. On select Saturday mornings, pets are welcome to join a walk through the garden and nature preserve. We ask that all dog lovers planning to walk at Fernwood take a moment to review the guidelines and note our “Dog-Free Areas” before their arrival. Dog Day participants must exit the garden by 11 am. 

Fernwood Members:  Early entry begins for members only at 9 am. Dogs and their owners get free admission with an active membership. 

Visitors: Open 10 - 11 am. Standard general admission pricing and $5 per dog.

CANINE AND OWNER POLICIES

To make this a fun and safe experience for all garden guests, please adhere to the following agreements while visiting Fernwood: 

• Dogs must be supervised and leashed at all times while on site (which includes the parking lot). Guests with unattended or off-leash dogs will be asked to leave the garden immediately.

• All dogs must be socialized and have current vaccinations and registrations.

• For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, please stick to established paved and dirt paths, routes, and trails. This helps protect all forms of life - both plants and animals. 

• By participating in Dog Days, owners assume full responsibility for their dog’s or dogs’ behavior.

• Please leave the garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog and use designated outdoor trash receptacles throughout the garden. Bags are available at the Visitor Center upon entry.

DOG-FREE AREAS

• Natural springs, ponds, and water features

• Fernwood Café

• Fern Conservatory

• Manicured garden beds 

• Gift Shop

Please remember that dogs will only be admitted to Fernwood on designated days and times. They are not allowed in the garden outside of designated dog walking hours.

2025 DOG DAYS DATES

May 10

May 31

June 14

June 28

July 12

July 26

August 9

August 23

September 6

September 20

October 4

October 18

Japanese barberry should be removed because it is an invasive plant that can outcompete native species, alter ecosystems, and may increase tick populations, potentially spreading Lyme disease. It forms dense thickets that limit biodiversity and reduce the carrying capacity of forests.

Join Fernwood’s team in the nature preserve to help remove these invasive species. Register online by September 12 to get outdoors and help restore the native habitat for the many plants and wildlife that call Fernwood home. Light refreshments will be served.