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All proceeds will benefit the nature center. "It's like a little fundraiser," said Layne Hillman, naturalist. "The money will help us stay open."

Hillman said the nature center has been presenting "Birdseed Weekend" for a significant amount of time, though not in consecutive years.

"A long time ago, people couldn't buy birdseed in bulk at the stores so they would come to the nature center to buy their seed and stock up for winter," said Hillman, who has been with the nature center since June 2006. "Now, we're able to haul stuff all over the place, and "Birdseed Weekend" is a remembrance of that time."

Mike Champagne, nature center director, said there is no better time than now to host the event because this is the time of year when people are gearing up to buy bird seed and bird feeders.

The event will feature something for all ages, added Champagne. "Adults can come and buy bird seed and bird feeders, and will also have the opportunity to learn about birds," he said. "We also have lots of children's activities, as well as trails and nature walks."

A merchandise sale at the center's gift shop will feature nature-related items, including: sweatshirts, field guides, children's books, puppets, jewelry, CDs, and more.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase birdseed, bird feeders, and other bird-related items. Several different kinds of birdseed mix will be available, including: sunflower, cracked corn, thistle, and a birdseed mix. The birdseed mix is blended especially for the nature center and contains the seed types most liked by the birds.

"This is their chance to pick up some quality merchandise," said Champagne, who has been the nature center director for 16 years. "We have special sources where we get certain things from, and we really have a lot of items you won't find in the stores."

All visitors will receive a 10% discount during the two-day sale, and members of Seven Ponds will receive a 20% discount; members must present their member coupon and membership card to receive the discount. The discount does not apply to sale or clearance items.

A bake sale with hot cider and baked goods, and an herb sale featuring spices, soaps, and salves, will also take place both days.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature games and crafts, giving visitors the chance to create a natural bird ornament, a bird pin, a pinecone birdfeeder, bird binoculars, and more.

"Kids get to take something home," Hillman said. "Making the binoculars is really fun and they're so simple to make. They really help the kids focus on whatever they're looking at."

A coloring contest will also take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the winner will win a $10 gift certificate.

Fall color tours will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and visitors can enjoy tractor prairie wagon rides at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

From 1-3 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to make a nature print T-shirt or bag. Stamps of different things related to nature will be available for people to print on their own T-shirt or bag, and the nature center will provide bags to those who would like them.

Champagne will give a presentation about the history of Michigan owls and the sounds they make at 2 p.m. Saturday. "Many people have never even seen an owl because it's such a mysterious bird," said Champagne, who gives presentations on owls throughout the year. "It should be interesting."

A feeding frenzy will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, giving people the chance to learn how to attract more wildlife and birds to their backyard. "The feeding frenzy will give people good information about how to go about feeding birds," Champagne said. "It should be fun and will definitely be a good learning experience."

Event activities are $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. All ages are welcome to attend. There is no charge for members and non-members wanting to only attend the sale.

"The fall colors are beautiful out here," Hillman said. "If people don't want to partake in the events, they can come and go for a walk and walk the trails to see the colors. They don't have to pay the admission fee just to come and look around or shop."

Staff and volunteers will be working the event, however, additional help is always welcome.

Seven Ponds Nature Center is an environmental education center, nature sanctuary, and peaceful retreat that has been serving southeastern Michigan since 1967. The center is a private, non-profit organization affiliated with the Michigan Audubon Society.

The center is at 3854 Crawford Road (between Calkins Road and Lake George Road one mile south of Dryden Road) and open to the public all year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

"If people want to know about nature, this is a great spot," Hillman said.

For additional information, call the nature center at (810) 796-3200 or visit their Web site at www.sevenponds.org.