Valentine Program
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
Valentine’s Day is a great time to explore our feelings toward wildlife. Why do rabbits & butterflies elicit positive reactions from most people while spiders & snakes do not? With games & a special trail activity, you will learn that all animals are special, even if you wouldn’t want to hug some of them. A book reading at 2pm.
Family program. No registration required, a come-&-go program. No fee.

Hoot Hike
2026-02-27 18:30
Come learn about our local owls, make an owl lantern, and then us the lantern on a trail hike. For all ages. No fee. Registration required via phone, email, or private facebook message.

Night at the Races
2026-03-07 17:30

Legendary Creatures
2026-03-14 13:00 - 14:00
Have you ever wondered whooo inspired a ghost story? Join a naturalist from the World Bird Sanctuary for a program all about the ways animals inspire myths and legends across the globe. Presentation includes live birds! For all ages. Registration required: email, phone, or facebook message.

UKC Shed Dog event
2026-03-20 08:00 - 2026-03-22 15:00
The United Kennel Club is holding the Elite Shed Dog Nationals. Some of the trails will be closed to the public during this event. This is a competition in which dogs search for placed deer antlers. The public can come watch, but please abide by the signage for trail closures.

Craft & Learn
2026-03-24

Golden Egg Hunt
2026-04-03 13:00 - 14:30

Welcome Spring Birds
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:00
Migratory birds are returning! During this program we will learn about them, tips to identify them, and how to attract some to your yard. Included is a fun bingo game to test your new identification skills and an optional bird watching walk on the trail. Pre-register via phone, email, or a facebook dm. No fee. Adult program.

Homeschool Class
2026-04-15 13:00 - 15:00
For students ages 9-12. $5 fee. Register by April 10 via phone or email.

Dive into pond life studies:
Use nets to catch creatures from the pond.
Use microscopes to observe pond life.
Assemble pond ecosystem food webs.
Learn about aquatic animal adaptations.

World Bird Sanctuary
2026-04-19 14:00 - 15:00
Come enjoy a presentation that includes live birds. For all ages. No fee. Registration required via email or phone.

Summer Camp Registration
2026-04-28
Registration begins for our kids’ summer camps. See complete schedule on the summer camp page.

Winged Things
2026-06-02 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Birds, bats, and insects will be studied. We’ll even catch insects to examine up close.

Winged Things
2026-06-03 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Birds, bats, and insects will be studied. We’ll even catch insects for close up viewing.

Awesome Ants
2026-06-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:30
For kids ages 5-6 years old. They may be small, but they are mighty! Learn all about these interesting insects.

Ponds & Fish
2026-06-09 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-10 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-11 09:00 - 11:30
For kids ages 7-10. We’ll use nets to explore pond life up close and learn more about fish. Bring a pair of rubber boots or shoes that can get muddy/wet.

Dive into Pond Life
2026-06-12 09:00 - 10:30
For kids ages 10-12 years old. Catch creatures from the pond, use microscopes to observe them, and learn about aquatic food webs.

Colorful Chameleons
2026-06-16 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-16 13:00 - 14:30
For kids ages 5-6 years old. Learn about these fascinating reptiles and what colors they can turn and why.

Animal Engineers
2026-06-17 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-18 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 9-12 years old. Which animals are the best architects? We’ll have our own building challenge!

Secret Life of Bobcats
2026-06-23 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-23 13:00 - 15:00
For kids ages 6-8 years old. Learn about the elusive bobcat and its relatives.

Nature Powers
2026-06-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-25 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 7-9 years old. Learn about some of the most incredible animal adaptations, AKA superpowers.

Signs Left Behind
2026-07-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-02 09:00 - 11:00
For kids ages 8-11. Become nature detectives and learn how to read signs that animals leave behind, like tracks.

Scurrying Squirrels
2026-07-08 09:00 - 10:30
For kids ages 5-6. Learn all about these quick little creatures and their relatives.
