Hartley Outdoor Education Center

We are always so grateful for the thoughtful thank-you notes we receive from our students. Each one brings a smile to our faces. We love reading your kind words, admiring your incredible artwork, and being reminded of the impact we make together each day.

Thank you for taking the time to brighten our day and remind us why we do what we do! 💛

#SaginawISD #OurStory #HartleyOEC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎉 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

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

🚨 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

🌾💙 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