Ballard Nature Center

Snowflake Trail
2021-01-04 - 2021-01-19
Come walk the main woodland trail to see snowflakes made by local school children.

Owl Prowl
2021-02-26 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Come learn about our common owls and take a hike to listen for them. Barred owls begin nesting in February, so hopefull we will hear our resident pair. Call or email to register. For adults and kids ages 11 and up.

Horse Race Fundraiser
2021-03-05 18:00
A Nite at the Races with Ballard Nature Center

A fun and interactive fundraising event at the Effingham Performance Center to benefit the Ballard Nature Center.

Mark your calendar for Friday, March 5, 2021 with doors opening at 6pm and the races starting at 7pm. This event will re-create being at a true horserace. Dress in your “derby” attire for your chance to win a door prize!

Attendees will place bets in increments of $5.00 prior to each race. Daily Double and 50/50 will also be available for your chance to win.

Ticket prices are $25/person. You can also sponsor a race for $250, which includes: two admission tickets; sponsor name listed by race number; sponsor name announced during the race; & sponsor logo on the race program. You can name a horse for $10 and it will be displayed under races with donor name listed as the jockey!

Limited tickets are available due to social distancing restrictions, so get those tickets now. Call or message the nature center to get on the list.

Flyer 2021 Horse Race

St. Pat Day Fun
2021-03-14 00:00
Canceled due to rain in the forecast.

Luminary Trail
2021-03-19 19:00 - 20:30
Come out anytime between 7pm and 8:30pm to take a walk on this special luminary lit trail to celebrate the first day of spring, which is March 20.

Egg Fun
2021-04-05 13:00 - 15:00
Come anytime from 1pm-3pm for a fun self-guided trail all about animals that lay eggs, a chick search, and an “I spy” egg hunt. Not an Easter egg hunt.

Birds & Blooms
2021-04-16 18:00
Come enjoy the spring woodland flowers and learn to identify some of our common birds. Adult program. Pre-registration required.

Summer Camp Registration
2021-04-17
Registration for kids’ summer camps begins. See schedule on summer camp page for all the details.

Girl Scout Programs
2021-04-24 00:00

Garden Party
2021-06-06 14:00
Get dressed up and put on your pretty/stylish hats. We’ll sip tea, eat treats, take a walk, and play games. Registration required.

Slow Going Snails
2021-06-11 10:00
They may be slow, but they are still interesting. We’ll have a fun book, game, and craft. Bring a blanket to sit on for storytime. Registration required.

Night Hike
2021-06-18 19:00
Who is prowling around BNC in the night? Let’s find out! Learn about nocturnal animals with activities and a hike. Registration required.

Nocturnal Fun
2021-07-13 09:30
We will gather in a darkened lower level classroom and have fun learning about the creatures that prowl at night. Family program. Pre-registration required.

Butterflies
2021-07-15 10:00
A story, activity, and craft. We’ll take a walk and try to catch some. Bring a blanket for storytime. Registration required.

Hoot & Peck
2021-07-21 10:00
A story featuring an owl and a woodpecker, then activities to learn more about them. Bring a blanket for storytime. Registration required.

Fun with Birds
2021-08-02 10:00
Make a peanut butter & seed feeder, paint a birdhouse, and learn about our local birds. Registration required.

Reptiles
2021-08-11 00:00
Family program all about Reptiles. Learn about turtles, lizards, and snakes. We’ll focus a bit on snakes and have a meet and greet with our resident snake, Cora. We’ll also make a craft. August 11 with two times to choose from – 10am and 4:30pm. Call, email, or message us to register. For all ages, but best for kids 4-12.

Astronomy Night
2021-08-14 19:00 - 21:30
Join the River Bend Astronomy Club to learn about and to view the night sky. Several members will be bringing telescopes and you will be able to look at Saturn, Jupiter, and our Moon.

Astronomy Club
2021-09-04 19:00 - 20:30
Laney Brandenburg is forming an Astronomy Club for girls 10 yrs old and up. Come find out more, look through telescopes, and do some activities. Please register by phoning Elaine 217-294-2270.

Nature Tales
2021-09-09 10:00
For kids ages 3-5 with adult. We’ll have a book about seeds, walk a trail to find fun seeds, and do a craft. Pre-register by noon, Sept. 8, call 618-483-6856 or email ballardnc@frontiernet.net.

Bow Shoot
2021-09-11 - 2021-09-12
3D Bow Shoot along the trails for all skill levels. Over 30 targets! $20 per person to shoot, includes a lunch. Sponsored by Rinehart Targets.
2021 bow shoot

Give a Hoot
2021-09-11 18:00
Family/adult program about owls. Includes a hike and a fun craft. Pre-registration required, call 618-483-6856 or email ballardnc@frontiernet.net. $2 per person.

Bow Shoot
2021-09-18 - 2021-09-19
3D Bow Shoot along the trails for all skill levels. Over 30 targets! $20 per person to shoot, includes a lunch. Sponsored by Rinehart Targets.

Ballard BioBlitz
2021-09-25
The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission is teaming up with the Ballard Nature Center to host a Ballard BioBlitz! The event will take place, starting at 6pm on September 24th and will conclude at 6pm on September 25th. Groups of biologists, scientists, naturalists and volunteers will conduct intensive field studies at the Ballard Nature Center! How many different species of living things can we find? You can help! All are invited to join in these endeavors, meet biologists conducting field studies, and participate in different hikes, activities, and demonstrations. The IL Raptor Center will have a presentation with live hawks & owls.

Walk, Unwind, & Create
2021-10-02 09:00 - 11:00
We’ll take a 30-min. leisurely walk on the trails, then listen to a presentation on mindfulness. Afterwards, each person will sit back, relax and practice being mindful while sipping refreshing cool drinks and painting an abstract or realistic picture on his or her own canvas. $5 per person. Adults. Registration and payment due 3 days before the class.

Nature Tales
2021-10-07 10:00
A puppet show about squirrels; then activities, craft and hike. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Pre-register by noon on Oct. 6.

Astronomy Night
2021-10-09 19:00 - 21:00
Join the River Bend Astronomy Club to learn about the night sky. Several members will be bringing telescopes and will help you get great looks at planets, stars, etc.

Purple Snake
2021-10-11
Choose 9-10:30 am or 1-2:30 pm. Class designed for grandparent(s) and their grandkid(s). After listening to the story, Lunchtime for a Purple Snake, participants will paint a picture together. Also, enjoy a presentation including fun facts about snakes and a fun game. $5 per group. Pre-register at least 3 days before class.

Family Fun Day
2021-10-16 13:00 - 16:00
An afternoon filled with outdoor games, nature train rides, fishing, scavenger hunt, and crafting. Come and go. No registratin required.

Pumpkin Craft
2021-10-17 13:00
Adults will have fun decorating a real pumpkin with colorful duct tape and buttons. Plus, fun facts about pumpkins and we’ll enjoy eating roasted pumpkin seeds and drinking apple cider. $5 per person. Registration and payment due 3 days before class.
