Ballard Nature Center

Fun with Birds
2021-08-02 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Make a peanut butter & seed feeder, paint a birdhouse, and learn about our local birds. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Girl Scout Programs
2021-04-24 00:00

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Owl Prowl
2021-02-26 19:00
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.

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