Ballard Nature Center

Animals in Winter
2021-12-29 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Birds & Beans
2022-03-18 09:30
Sip on coffee and snack on cookies as you learn about our common birds and get tips on how to identify them and attract them to your yard. A suggested donation of $2 per person. Registration required.

Spring Sounds
2022-03-25 18:00
Enjoy an evening outdoors as we listen and look for signs of early spring happenings. We’ll learn the sounds of our common frogs with a fun activity. Family program. Pre-register.

Pinch Pots
2022-03-30 10:00
This class is designed for adults who like creating things with their hands. Come make and decorate a pinch pot out of air-dry clay. Hang out with others and have some fun. Easy & Enjoyable. Adult program. Pre-register.

Fairy Walk & Spring Craft
2022-04-09 12:00 - 15:00

Rabbits
2022-04-14 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for a fun program all about rabbits. We’ll have games, a craft, and even a visit by a pet rabbit. For kids ages 6-8. Pre-registration required.

Summer Camp Registration
2022-04-30
Registration begins on April 30 and continues until classes fill.
SNC 22 schedule

Astronomy Night
2022-05-07 19:00 - 21:00
The River Bend Astronomy Club will be here with telescopes. Join them anytime from 7-9pm. No registration required.

Night Life
2022-06-03 19:00
Gather at the fire for songs & stories as we learn about night creatures. We’ll also roast marshmallows & hike a trail. $5 per family. Adult and family program.

Ducks Waddle
2022-06-15 10:00
Enjoy a book, games, walk, and craft as we learn about these charismatic animals. Registration required. Family program.

Reptiles
2022-06-28 18:00
Come learn about this interesting group of animals. We’ll have a meet and greet with our resident snake and make a snakey craft. Registration required – call, email or facebook message us. Family program.

Bees & Tea
2022-07-08 10:00
Come sip cold tea of different flavors while learning about bees. We’ll also tast different types of honey and go on a little walk in search of working bees. Family and adult program. Registration required.

Sounds of Nature
2022-07-14 10:00
Puppet show, “What Does the Fox Say?” All about animal sounds. Family program. Registration required – call, email or facebook message us.

Chameleon Fun
2022-07-19 10:00
Listen to a story, The Mixed-up Chameleon and do a craft, play a game, and go for a hike. Family program. Registration required.

Adult Paint Night
2022-07-25 18:00
More details to come.

Nature Tales
2022-08-11 10:00
For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Animal Eyes are amazing! A fund quiz, craft and an “I spy” hike. Registration required – call, email or facebook message us.

Nature Tales
2022-09-08 10:00
Amazing Animal Eyes: come learn about the amazing variety of eyes and go on a fun “I spy” hike. For kids ages 3-5 with adult. Pre-register by Sept 7, by email, phone, or Facebook message.

3D Bow Shoot Fundraiser
2022-09-10 - 2022-09-11
During this fundraising event, participants shoot at 3D targets set up along the trails. Some trails are closed to the public.

Sky Orienteering
2022-09-16 19:00 - 21:30
Join Randy Harrison, of Looking Up Optics, at around 7:15pm and enjoy a night under the stars. Bring a chair and a pair of binoculars, if you have some. We will tour the visible constellations at this time of year, learn their locations, and how to identify them. We’ll also learn about the bright stars and the constellations that they are in. We’ll see if we can id the bright Messier Objects in certain constellations. No registration required. Backup date is Sept 21 in case it is cloudy or rainy. Come take a tour star hopping around the sky.

Jack-o-lantern Trail
2022-09-17
Self-guided trail that will be available until the end of October. Along the woodland trail (follow the signs) there will be pictures of jack-o’-lanterns attached to trees. At each picture, you will punch your card that you pick up at the trailhead. Turn your card in for a chance to win a prize.

Senior Moments
2022-09-21 10:00
Come learn about woodpeckers, play bird bingo, and talk a short hike. We’ll learn and laugh and have a memorable senior moment. Adult program. Pre-register by the 20th by email, phone or facebook message.
