For over 50 years, Hartley kids have used the outdoors as their classroom 🌲📚 From trails to teamwork, learning comes to life outside. #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD

4 days ago, Samantha Simons
teacher
cabin
kids

Our naturalists are gearing up for bird banding season!

During bird banding, trained staff safely capture birds and place a tiny, lightweight aluminum band with a unique number on one leg. These bands allow researchers to track migration patterns, survival rates, and habitat use—providing valuable insight into the lives of wild birds.

This important work supports conservation efforts and helps deepen our understanding of the ecosystems around us.

#SaginawISD #OurStory #HartleyOEC

20 days ago, Elizabeth Roxberry
bird with pliers being banded
naturalist at table observing process
hartley naturalist holds bird
bird

Handley Elementary students had an unforgettable experience at Hartley Outdoor Education Center! During their visit, students explored the beauty of nature and engaged in hands-on learning, including dissecting owl pellets to better understand ecosystems and food chains.

#SaginawISD #HartleyOEC #OurStory

21 days ago, Andrea Loshaw
Students dissectimg owl pellets.

Throwback Thursday at Hartley! ❄️ Looking back at winter classes filled with snowy trails, hands-on learning, and plenty of laughs. From outdoor adventures to classroom discoveries, winter at Hartley is always a blast! #ThrowbackThursday #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory

25 days ago, Samantha Simons
Snow
Snow
Snow
sled

Hartley's Confidence Course has been a favorite for years—and it’s still the most popular activity on site! From teamwork to personal challenges, it never gets old watching students push themselves and cheer each other on. #ThrowbackThursday #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD

about 1 month ago, Samantha Simons
Tire Swing
Blind Folded
Confidence Course

Hartley Outdoor Education Center proudly hosted the 2026 Special Olympics! Students participated in a variety of outdoor events, and while warming up indoors, they had the opportunity to meet our ambassador animals. Bonnie the box turtle was a big hit! 🐢💙 #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory

2 months ago, Andrea Loshaw
student looking at turtle
student looking at turtle

Special Olympics at Hartley was an unforgettable day full of smiles, teamwork, and incredible moments! 🏅🎉 So much fun, so many memories, and so much inspiration. Already counting down until next time! 💙✨#HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory

2 months ago, Samantha Simons
Group
pine cones
skiing
snowshoe

Hartley was buzzing last week as visitors jumped into wood burning during the Special Olympics. The creativity they brought to the workshop made it a truly memorable stop in the day. #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory #SpecialOlympics

2 months ago, David Petoskey
kids wood burning
kids wood burning
kids wood burning
kids wood burning

We’d like to extend a huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers who arrived at Hartley Outdoor Education Center last week and jumped right into prepping for Special Olympics Michigan! From setting up to getting everything organized, their energy and dedication helped make the event truly unforgettable. Let the games begin!

#HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory

2 months ago, Samantha Simons
Women
Tea
Hotdogs
Group

Hartley Director Liz Roxberry and Naturalist Andrea Loshaw recently connected with alumni Joe Leach and Marv Dembinsky, two of Hartley’s earliest staff members. Together, they reflected on Hartley’s beginnings, sharing stories, insights, and the foundational work that helped shape the outdoor education program we know today. #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD #OurStory

2 months ago, Samantha Simons
Group
Two Men
Happy New Year from Saginaw ISD! As we step into 2026, we’re grateful for the students, families, staff, and partners who make our work meaningful every day. Here’s to continuing to serve, innovate, and empower together. 🎉
3 months ago, Coty Kuschinsky
Saginaw ISD
Today is Giving Tuesday, and Hartley Outdoor Education Center is grateful for every student, teacher, and family who has made this place part of their story. If Hartley has touched your life, we invite you to help us continue this work for the next generation of explorers. Give today: https://www.hartley.sisd.cc/o/hoec/page/donate
4 months ago, Coty Kuschinsky
hartley giving tuesday
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and every gift helps Hartley Outdoor Education Center continue creating hands-on learning experiences for students across our region. If Hartley has made an impact on your family, your classroom, or your community, we invite you to support our mission. Donate here: https://www.hartley.sisd.cc/o/hoec/page/donate
4 months ago, Coty Kuschinsky
hartley
Snow’s falling, trails are sparkling — Hartley is a true winter wonderland today! #HartleyOEC #SISD
5 months ago, Samantha Simons
Cabin
Deer
Deer

🎉 Tomorrow’s the day! 🎉
Join us at Murphy Farm for the Hartley Heritage Festival — a day full of history, hands-on activities, local vendors, demonstrations, and fun for the whole family! 🌾🐴🎶

Don’t miss it — see you there! 👋 #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD

6 months ago, Samantha Simons
Henige Cabin
Wagon
candles

Hartley has a long tradition of festivals, and we’re excited to bring it back this Saturday, October 11, from 10 AM–4 PM — rain or shine! Take a look at some of our past event schedules. #TBT #HartleyOEC

6 months ago, Samantha Simons
Flier
Flier

🚨 We still need volunteers! 🚨
Spots are filling fast to be part of this year’s Hartley Heritage Festival, Saturday, Oct. 11th— don’t miss your chance to join the fun, make memories, and help bring history to life! 🙌

👉 Sign up today before it’s too late: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBGqNV2iJVbCSIh18c1WBig-gvuRnQB8TynScGrDOswDnsvg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawNTXKNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhVk9ISEJVYkhFRWNXUHJVAR5ILK3wmfxVSZ40rtPTlCZfw6P0w_VCN5wM2gg6NtgOWh85oFVa2vxihZa7Og_aem_UyaxOuzpZl-HMazJ9v1tAw

6 months ago, Samantha Simons
Sign

🌾💙 Grown in Hemlock, MI! Backwoods Blueberries is more than a farm—it’s family, fields, and fresh flavor. Come support our local vendors and treat yourself to their famous donuts at the Heritage Festival on October 11th! #SaginawISD #HartleyOEC

6 months ago, Samantha Simons
Sign
Doughnuts
Blueberries
Pie
Logo

We're just ONE WEEK away from the Heritage Festival! 🎉 Step back in time, explore local history, enjoy hands-on activities, and celebrate the traditions that built our community. 🍂✨ Don’t miss it—October 11th at Murphy Farm in St. Charles #HartleyOEC #SaginawISD

6 months ago, Samantha Simons
Flier
Store
School
Wagon

Check out these before and after photos of Schroeder Cabin! Thank you to our partners at Hendricks for the much-needed updates! #SaginawISD #Hartley

6 months ago, Kimberly Pruitt
Schroeder school house
Schroeder school house
for the much needed updates to Schroeder.
Schroeder school house
Schroeder school house