Learn about colors found in nature. A story will be read followed by a short hike in search of colors. Color wheels will be used. After the hike, we will return to the Discovery Center where participants can create a watercolor craft. Please wear clothes that can get stained. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch […]
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these […]
Insects are everywhere. During our .4-mile Meadow Hike, we will look for caterpillar frass, holes in leaves, wasp galls, and other signs left by insects. Monarch butterflies might be in search of milkweed. The trail can be wet this time of year, so wear shoes that can get muddy. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Parking […]
Many interesting and colorful birds pass through the area during their spring migration as they make their way to the breeding grounds in the north. During our bird hike, we will search for birds like Scarlet Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Red-headed Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, and a wide range of warblers. As we find these birds, we […]
How did the pioneers get the broth to make soups, stews, and chicken and noodles? Sarah Fishel will be boiling down some chicken and beef bones to make a tasty soup and talking about this process. There will also be buttermilk biscuits cooking in the oven to go with the meal she is preparing for […]
Hedgie’s Surprise by Jan Brett will be read in the Nature Play Area. It is a story about a chicken who needed to keep her eggs from being eaten by Tomten. The hen wants to hatch her eggs and have a new flock of babies, but she needs Hedgie’s help to do it. There will […]
Enjoy a late spring evening with outdoor games like corn hole and ring toss. Parachute and bean-bag bugs, bubbles, and Velcro ball and disc set will also be available to play with. Make sandcastles or look for fossils using the sand toys that will be in the Playscape. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Nature Play Area 6-8 […]
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these […]
Help your child work on their gross motor skills by having them do a sensory path. On our spring-themed sensory path you can buzz like a bee, hop like a frog, or fly like a bird. After completing the sensory path play in the nature playscape or go for a walk on the trails. If […]
Growing gourmet mushrooms at home can be easy, but there are important steps that must be taken to ensure healthy growth. We will talk about sterilization, the best materials to grow mushrooms in, harvesting methods, and which mushrooms are best for edibility. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6 PM Ages 16 and up. Free; but […]
Try your hand at catching fish in Giertz Lake. Learn about the basics of fishing, fishing gear, common sport fish species, and fish behavior. All skill levels are welcome. A fishing pole will be provided or bring your own. Corn will be available for bait or bring your own lucky lure! All participants who are […]
Natural materials, including soil, crushed leaves, rocks, bark, and flowers will be used for pencils, crayons, and paint. Children will have an opportunity to create works of art. Please wear clothes that can get stained. Adult companions must remain with their children during this program. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 10 AM Ages 3-6, […]
