July is for slow, easy-going strolls, close-up curiosity, and simple sketching. Gather at the front entrance and take a lightly guided walk to some favorite shady spaces. We’ll explore the world around us with sketch pads and watercolors, for all-age art play.

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Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosts free guided Wonder Walks on select Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the season, with occasional additional walks and special-topic programs offered on other days. Walk themes, times, and formats may vary.

Wonder Walks are designed for all ages to inspire curiosity and learning from each other through activities that encourage observation, exploration, and connection with nature. If we have a sizeable mixed-age group, we may split into two groups to deliver the same content at different engagement levels.

Wednesday walks begin at 5:00 pm. Sunday walks begin at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. We recommend gathering about 10 minutes before the start — inside the lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, or outside the Reader Center for walks held at Nichols Arboretum.

On July 8 at 6:00 PM, communities across the world will simultaneously read the Declaration of Independence aloud — marking the exact date of its first public reading in 1776. Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence as part of ‘Sharing the Spirit of America.’

At the University of Michigan, the event will take place on the Diag (inclement weather location TBA). The reading will start promptly at 6:00pm — arrive early to get a red, white, and blue popsicle and U-M U.S. at 250 stickers! President Grasso will kick off the reading of the Declaration, which all schools have been invited to have a representative participate in reading. A social opportunity with popsicles and music will continue after the event until 7:00pm.