Ballard Nature Center

Archery Shoot Fundraiser
2024-09-14 07:30 - 2024-09-15 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Thirty 3D targets throughout the trails. $30 for adults, $20 for ages 12-18, and $10 for under 12 – price includes a meal. No pre-registration needed.

Pressed Flower Craft
2024-08-29 18:00
Join BNC volunteer Jane Ann Zerkel for a fun evening. We’ll learn a bit about flowers and the art of preserving them by pressing. We’ll use pre-pressed flowers (collected from the center) to create a beautiful lighted wine bottle.
Registration required. Space is limited. $10 fee. Adult program.
Register with a facebook message, email, or phone call.

Sky Orientation
2024-08-10 20:00 - 22:00
Join Randy Harrison (Master Naturalist) to tour the Heavens above learning/viewing the summer constellations, bright stars, location of deep sky objects, Milky Way, and the moon. Our summer skies are loaded with wonders. 2024 has been and exciting year, but there is more to come! On August 10, we should enjoy some of the meteors as the Perseid meteor shower is active July 17-Aug 24. Also, the T-Blaze Star in the constellation Corona Borealis could brighten. This event is open to all, weather permitting.

Buzzy Bees
2024-08-05 09:00
Join Angie Moeller in learning about important pollinators, especially honeybees. We will learn how bees get nectar, the parts of a flower, and beekeeping. Activities include games, honey tasting, & info about beekeeping equipment. Also, an optional walk after the program to watch bees in action.
Family Program – Recommended for kids ages 6 and up. Register by Facebook message, email, or phone.

Nature Detectives
2024-07-22 18:00
There’s a mystery to be solved at the nature center. Put on your “thinking caps” as we solve riddles, find clues, and do some sleuthing on the trail! Register by email, phone, or facebook. Registration begins July 8. Family program.

Just Ducky
2024-07-11 10:00
You’ll “quack up” as we have lots of fun learning about ducks with a book and silly games. Register by email, phone, or facebook. Family program. Registration begins on June 27.

Flutter and Hop
2024-06-21 10:00
Enjoy a book, The Caterpillar and the Polliwog, and learn about butterflies and frogs. We’ll search for them on the trail, too. Register by email, phone, or facebook. Registration begins on June 7. Family program.

Burrower Bash
2024-06-13 10:00
Join us as we learn about the creatures who live under our feet! We’ll read a story, get on the trail, and enjoy a fun snack. Register by email, phone, or facebook. Registration begins on May 30. Family program.

Campfire Night
2024-05-29 18:00
Gather ‘round the fire for songs & stories as we learn about bats. We’ll also roast marshmallows & and take a hike on a trail. Registration required by email, phone, or facebook.

Cicada Fun
2024-05-28 13:00
They are coming whether you are ready or not. Are you excited for this natural phenomenon? Or are you dreading it? Either way, join us as we have some fun learning about the amazing periodical cicada. We’ll have a book, snack on cicada shaped cookies, make a fun craft, test our ability to identify different animal sounds, and go on the search for cicadas to get up close with them.
For all ages. No fee.
Registration required. Register by phone, facebook message, or email.

Walking with Llamas
2024-04-27 13:00 - 15:00
THIS IS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN COMING IN ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. Come out and walk on the trail with llamas. We’ll also have some yard games for kids. No registration or fee.

Summer Camps
2024-04-27
Summer camp sign up begins. See our page on our summer camps to get the schedule.

Spring Babies
2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:30
Springtime is baby time in nature. We’ll learn about baby animals and their family lives. A windchime craft is part of the fun. Registration required-call or email. $5 fee.

Sounds of Spring
2024-03-28 13:00
Come learn about the animals who make their voices heard in the spring, along with other changes that the season brings. We’ll play games, craft, and go on a trail walk. Family program. Registration required-call or email. No fee.

UKC Shed Dog Event
2024-03-22 08:00 - 2024-03-24 16:00
The United Kennel Club is holding the Elite Shed Dog Series Nationals. Some trails will be closed to the public.

Under the Stars
2024-03-16 19:00
Join Randy Harrison, a Master Naturalist, for a night under the stars! Please dress to be outdoors and bring a comfortable chair if you would like and stay a while. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along. We will tour the visible constellations at this time of year, as well as use Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) to see galaxies, nebulas, and star clusters! We hope you will join us for a night of star hopping through the sky. Come anytime from 7-9pm. No registration needed. No fee. For all ages.

Starry Night
2024-02-23 18:00 - 19:00
Our classroom will be transformed into a magical starry night by the “campfire.” We’ll learn to recognize some constellations in a fun way, listen to campfire stories, sing a few songs, & play nocturnal animals bingo. We’ll go out to look at the stars & do an activity on a short night hike. Family program.
Registration required. Register by email, phone, or private FB message. No fee

Starry Night
2024-02-09 18:00
Our classroom will be transformed into a magical starry night by the “campfire.” We’ll learn to recognize some constellations in a fun way, listen to campfire stories, sing a few songs, & play games. We’ll go out and look at the stars on a short night hike. A great way to relieve some of your cabin fever! Family program.
Registration required by Feb 8th. Register by email, phone, or private FB message. No fee

Night at the Races Fundraiser
2024-02-02 18:00
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Backyard Birds
2024-01-27 14:00
Adult program. Come learn about the birds in your backyard during a slide show and fun activity. Learn tricks to identify them and attract them to your yard. You will go home with a log peanut butter feeder. Program fee: $5 Registration required. Register by email, phone, or FB message.

Owl Fun
2023-12-28 10:00 - 11:30
Kids ages 7-10 will learn about owls, take a hike, and make a really cute craft. $10 fee. Registration required by email or phone.

Christmas Fun Hike
2023-12-22 13:00 - 15:00
Take a hike along a special trail as you learn about the things animals might want in their stockings. Find the special tree and get a treat! A simple craft and fun games will be available in the lower level of the visitor center. Come anytime from 1-3pm. $5 fee per family.

Owl Prowl
2023-12-01 16:30
Learn about owls, make a craft, and take a hike. Maybe we’ll hear one! For adults and families with kids 7 year old and older. Registration required – email, phone, or facebook message.

Fundraising Banquet
2023-11-11 17:30
Our annual fundraiser includes appetizers, wine tasting, meal, raffles, games, silent and live auctions.
2023 Banquet Flyer

Spooky Night
2023-10-27 18:00
Hike a spooky trail and collect treats from nocturnal animal puppets along the way. A 5:15pm, 6:15pm and 7:15pm time to choose from. $5 fee per child. Designed for ages 5-9, but all are welcome. Parents attend with children. Registration open on Oct 17-25. Register by facebook message, email, or phone.

Campfire Night
2023-09-29 18:30
Gather ’round a fire for stories & songs. There will also be activities and a hike. Family program. Pre-register by Sept. 27.

Raptor Program
2023-09-23 13:00
The World Bird Sanctuary will be here with live hawks & owls. It will be in the lower level and last approx. 45 minutes. For all ages. Register by email, phone, or facebook message.

Senior Moments
2023-09-14 10:00
We’ll have crafts using leaves, learn to identify common trees by their leaves, and take a walk to look at trees. Adult program. Register by email, phone or facebook message.

3D Bow Shoot
2023-09-10 07:30 - 16:00
Thirty targets. $30 for adults, $20 for ages 12-18, $10 for 11 and under. Includes a meal.

3D Bow Shoot Fundraiser
2023-09-09 07:30 - 16:00
