In the animal world, a combination of two different animals can happen, which is referred to as a hybrid. Hybrid animals are the offspring produced from the mating of two different animals. During this program, learn about hybrid animals, discover what makes them unique, and look at hybrid animal displays, including mules, ligers, and grolar […]
Spring is filled with the singing of frogs and toads. Learn the differences between them and which ones can be found in the park. Listen to a story, look at frog displays, listen to the songs of local frogs and toads, play with musical frogs, and create a frog craft. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center […]
Animals have different types of body coverings that help them in many ways. See examples of snakeskin, mammal furs, and bird wings. Make a craft using felt to create a textured animal cutout. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1 PM Ages 4-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome […]
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 gatherings […]
Ducks like to swim in open water. Make a duck headband, hike to Shank Lake and Dold Lake, and look for ducks swimming in the water. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 1 PM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other ages siblings are welcome […]
iNaturalist provides a website and mobile apps that can be used to record and share nature observations. Join the network of citizen scientists by taking a guided hike to find and document plants and animals. Sign up by creating an iNaturalist account, download the iNaturalist app, bring an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or camera, and […]
Every spring as the sun goes down, a small odd-looking shorebird called an American Woodcock performs a special sky dance. During this guided hike, search for timberdoodles as they perform their courtship display. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Riverbend Recreation Area The Meadows Activity Area Shelter 6 8:15 PM […]
Eagles are large, majestic birds that are strictly carnivores. Learn about the various species of eagles around the world, including the Bald Eagle. Participants can make a Bald Eagle craft using plastic forks to make head feathers. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1-4 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration […]
What are those large, dark birds soaring in circles through the sky? They are Turkey Vultures. They may not be the prettiest birds around, but they are important, graceful, and clean. A story will be read about these valuable birds, and a game will be played to see if children have a sense of smell […]
Learn about uncommon and rare organisms that can be spotted in Hancock County, Look at displays including the American badger and the wrinkled peach mushroom, and hike the trails to look for rare sights including earthstars, an uncommon mushroom. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Shelter 6 […]
As spring approaches, birds are making nests to lay eggs in. Learn about the different types of nests that birds make, look at bird nest displays, and hike the trails in search of actual bird nests. This is a drop-off program. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Oakwoods Nature Preserve […]
Slimy salamanders can be found on the forest floor. Listen to a salamander story, learn about these amphibians, and go on a short hike to flip logs in search of salamanders. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Shelter 10 AM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged […]
