Ballard Nature Center

Slow Going Snails
2021-06-11 10:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Spooky Night Hike
2021-10-23 00:00
Walk a decorated trail and beware, there are spooks along the way. We will also have fun Halloween themed yard games. Pre-registration is required. Hike times are 6:45, 7, 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45. Group sizes will be kept small. $2 per person.

Spooky Campfire Night
2021-10-29 18:30
Gather ’round a fire for stories & songs. Learn about spooky animals, look at animal skeletons, and go on a hike in the dark woods. Pre-registration required.

Nature Tales
2021-11-10 10:00
For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Why do leaves change color? Come find out, make a craft, and take a walk. Pre-register by messaging or calling.

Annual Banquet
2021-11-13 17:00
This fundraiser is our main source of income. Enjoy appetizers, wine tasting, dinner, auctions and raffles.
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Nature Tales
2021-11-23 13:00
For kids 3-5 with adult. This fun program is all about turkeys and includes a silly story, craft, and games. Call or email us to register

Holiday Tree Trek
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
This scavenger hunt is for adults (but kids can help them). Decorations are tied to 3 trees along the main woodland trail. There is also a sign attached to each tree with two Christmas trivia questions. Find the trees and answer the questions to get entered into a prize drawing. Full details are on a sign posted at the beginning of the trail.

12 Days of Christmas Fun
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
Follow this special trail and take part in the 12 days of Christmas—Ballard Nature Center style. Fill in blanks on a paper with the animals that you see on signs along the trail. Turn in your paper for a chance to win a prize. This is set up along the Ridgetop Trail.

Luminary Walk
2021-12-12 17:00 - 19:00
Follow a trail of candlelit luminaries, many different types. There will also be a fire to enjoy. No fee, but donations accepted.

Nature Tales
2021-12-15 10:00
We’ll read the book, Stick Man, and make a craft using sticks. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Pre-registration required, call or email.

Paint Class
2021-12-28 13:00 - 15:00
Come paint a snowman picture, learn about snowflakes, and play some games. For kids ages 7-9. $5. Registration required.
