Past Events
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Hike With a Naturalist: Blacklight Hike
What glows under a blacklight? We will have fun looking at lichens and other living things under the light. Wear glow in the dark apparel if you have it! Nature doesn’t have to be the only thing that glows this evening! Ages 14 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 5
Conservation Crew: Prairie Seeds
Volunteers needed! Help us plant flats of seeds, create seed balls for programs, and weigh seeds for dispersal in no-mow zones. Accumulate volunteer hours! Please dress in clothing that can get dirty. This session will take place indoors. Ages 12 – 17.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 6
Winter Hiking Club
Getting outdoors makes us happy and healthy, especially in the wintertime! Participants will arrive and meet the instructor for a brief talk about the topic of the day before setting off on the self-guided hike. Individuals attending three or more hikes will receive a Winter Hiking Club patch. This is a “Tools to Trek” program. All ages. Staggered start times.
Registration deadline: Thursday, January 7
Tai Chi Beginner
An introduction to Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung) principles and form through Tai Chi Easy™. Great for stress relief, post-illness or with managing a chronic health condition. Improves coordination, balance and attention. Classes are held outdoors, moving indoors in inclement weather. Taught by Judy Wilson, Certified Integral Qigong and Tai Chi Instructor. Ages 18 and up.
Saturdays, January 9 – February 27
Registration deadline: Friday, January 22
RecKits: Greeting Cards! Jr.
It’s a new year! Welcome 2021! This RecKit contains plenty of DIY greeting cards to get you started for the year. Cards will double as crafts and use a variety of simple, yet pretty, art techniques. The themes for the greeting cards are birthday, thank you and any occasion cards. Best for ages 3 – 6.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 4
RecKits: Greeting Cards!
It’s a new year! Welcome 2021! This RecKit contains plenty of DIY greeting cards to get you started for the year. Cards will double as crafts and use a variety of simple, yet pretty, art techniques. The themes for the greeting cards are birthday, thank you and any occasion cards. Best for ages 7 – 13.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 4
RecKits 14+: Greeting Cards
It’s a new year! Welcome 2021! This RecKit contains plenty of made-by-hand greeting cards to get you started for the year. They will be made using a variety of different art techniques to create sophisticated DIY cards without too much effort. The themes for the greeting cards will be birthday, thank you, and any occasion cards. Best for ages 14+.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 4
Young Birders Club
A monthly program that focuses on bird identification and ecology. Other nature topics and skills will be taught as they are encountered upon the trail! During the winter months, we will use the daylight to search for birds in the field before returning to the Smith House for indoor activities. Ages 12 – 17.
Registration deadline: Sunday, January 10
Stitching with the Weather
Create a unique, functional and memorable blanket. This year-long program will chronicle the year’s daily high temperature using various yarn colors to represent different temperature ranges. Learn basic weather topics each month — quick facts on pressure systems, tornadoes, cloud patterns, lightning safety, etc. Ages 18 and up.
Second Tuesday of the month, January 12 – December 14
Registration deadline: Monday, January 4
Recycle and Re-purpose Club
Take some time to be creative while helping the Earth. We will use materials destined for the trash to make useful and beautiful treasures. Ages 10 – 15.
Thursdays, January 14 & February 11
Registration deadline: Monday, January 11
Fire and Ice Party
We will combine the elements of fire and ice during a winter hike and campfire. We will search for icicles, icy puddles and snowy patches that we can paint! Afterwards we will warm up around the campfire and make s’mores. Ages 8 – 12.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 11
Preschool Nature Series: Oh, Deer Scavenger Hunt
Oh, Deer! Can you find two deer hiding along the purple trail? While you are searching, take some time to learn about our local whitetail deer by completing a scavenger hunt. This is a self-guided program. Ages 3 – 6 with adult companion.
Thursday, January 21 – Sunday January 24
Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 19
Let’s Build a Snowman!
It’s time for a snow day! This take-home kit will have the supplies to make gear for your very own snowman! Instructions on making a top hat, no-sew scarf and mittens, eyes, buttons and a carrot nose will be included! Then, after you build your snowman, look through the hot chocolate recipes from all around the world! Best for families with children ages 5 – 12.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 11
Reading in the Wild
Let’s get together to read a story! We will act out the plot with active games, sing songs with sensory themes and take short hikes in the park — sparking a love of nature in our youngest community members! This program is limited to one adult companion per registrant. Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion.
Registration deadline: Monday, January 18
Nocturnal Nature Series: Winter Meadows
Meadows support dormant wildlife during the winter. We will investigate the meadow from the perspective of night and see what secrets it holds! This is a self-guided program. Families will meet with an instructor at the beginning and end of their hike along the lighted path. This is a “Tools to Trek” program. All ages. Staggered start times.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 20