BENTON HARBOR — Celebrating its 50th birthday on the weekend of June 21-22, Sarret Nature Center is opening up its doors to the public and offering a long list of activities and events, most of which are free.

“Our 50-year weekend is just to say ‘thank you’ to all the members, supporters and friends who have given so much over the years,” said Diane Braybrook, who took over as the director of the nature center at the first of the year. “Entry is free for everyone that weekend. That way, everyone can come and participate.”

In half a century, Sarret has grown from its original 160 acres to more than 1,000 acres in size.

“We’re still going strong. Were planning the next 50 years,” said Braybrook, who has been with Sarret for more than 30 years herself.

Events will start at 10 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday’s schedule of events runs from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., but the nature center will remain open until 5 p.m. that day.

All weekend long, activities such as cockroach races, face painting, geocaching bingo, trail bingo and turtle races will be taking place. There will also be someone making balloon animals and a carnivorous plant expert on site. Guests will be treated to birthday cake, and commemorative T-shirts will be on sale as well.

Saturday’s scheduled activities begin with harpist Meg Rodgers playing in the butterfly house, and admission to that attraction will be free for members throughout the weekend.

Then, several tours via wagon and golf cart, as well as guided walks, are scheduled to take place throughout the day.

At both 2:30 and 4 p.m., a special program, “Hunters of the Sky” will be presented, at which visitors will have the opportunity to see live raptors, or birds of prey, up close. That program has a cost of $3 associated with it, and pre-registration is required.

At 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., pre-registered guests can partake of a summer picnic which includes fried chicken, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, green beans, beverages and rolls—all for $12 per person. A concert by Kennedy’s Kitchen will follow the picnic at 7 p.m. at a cost of $10 per person.

Sunday’s activities kick off bright and early with a kayaking trip on the Paw Paw River at 8 a.m. for experienced adult paddlers. The cost for participating in that trip will be $15, and pre-registration is required.

More guided walks will take place on the grounds of Sarret at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sunday morning, and various fun activities will continue throughout the day.

Once the birthday party is over, construction on a new outdoor learning center will begin.

“It’s a nature playground that will be easily accessible. There’ll be logs that kids can crawl in and climb on and lots of hands-on learning activities. There’ll be a tree house too. It’ll be aimed at kids ages 3 to 8,” Braybrook said. “I have all kinds of ideas for future activities as well.”

Of course, a full schedule of summer classes will also be offered at Sarret, and information on those can be found at www.sarret.com. Registration materials and more information about the 50th anniversary weekend can be found there as well. Those with questions can also call (269) 927-4832, and the nature center is located at 2300 N. Benton Center Rd. in Benton Harbor.

“Come out and help us celebrate and enjoy your nature center,” Braybrook said. “We want to celebrate everyone’s contributions to the nature center on this special weekend.”