Ballard Nature Center

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 (America/Chicago)
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.
_BALLARD INVITE 2021 option 2 (2) (2)

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.

Animals in Winter
2021-12-29 13:00 - 15:00
Come learn about the different ways animals cope with winter. Lots of activities. For kids ages 8-11. $5. Registration required.

Art Show Entries Due
2022-01-28

Art Show
2022-02-08
Art from local artists of all ages will be on display in the visitor center Feb. 8-26.

Nature Tales
2022-02-15 10:00
We’ll learn about unhuggable animals and have some valentine-themed fun. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. 10am

Nature Tales
2022-02-15 13:00
We’ll learn about unhuggable animals and have some valentine-themed fun. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. 1pm

Birds in Your Backyard
2022-02-19 10:00
Adult program. Learn how to recognize the birds at your feeder & in your yard. Door prizes. Registration required.

Gourd Painting
2022-02-21 10:00 - 11:30
Learn about birds that nest in bird boxes or tree holes. Paint a birdhouse gourd. For kids ages 8-11. Registration required.

Horse Race Fundraiser
2022-03-04 18:00
Ballard Flyer 2022 Horse Race.docx

Nature Tales
2022-03-16 10:00 - 11:00
“Froggy Fun” Program includes a book, games, craft, and walk. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.

Nature Tales
2022-03-17 10:00 - 11:00
“Froggy Fun” Program includes a book, games, craft and walk. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required.
