NEW PROGRAMS. Birding Challenge. Nature Readers. Book Club. Elkhart County [ 9 ]

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1 NEW PROGRAMS Birders of all experience levels are invited to create a team for some friendly competition this spring. Each birding team will work together to find as many birds as they can within Elkhart County from March through May. The challenge will conclude with a pizza party, photo show, and cheers for all participants (and birds). HOW TO COMPETE ❶ ❷ ❸ Elkhart County Birding Challenge Have a team of 2 4 adults (and any number of kids) In all levels, at least 2 members of the team must see the bird for it to count. Choose your team's level }} Beginner: Ideal for families just beginning to learn the common birds of Indiana }} Experienced: Birders who typically see species }} Advanced: Birders who see 200 species or more Record your sightings (March May) All sightings will be recorded on a shared Google doc and can be updated by team members at any time. Date: March 1 May 31 Cost: $10/team Location: Throughout Elkhart County Preregister by: March 31 by 4 p.m. Nature Readers Book Club Join in a new venture called Nature Readers, where participants will dive into local, nature-based books through reading and thoughtful discussion each month. Books chosen will be of different genres, lengths, and topics and will be announced the previous month to allow ample time to read before the discussion. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who will guide questions and keep conversation flowing while allowing for all to contribute and share. See the Programs & Events Calendar for titles, descriptions, and registration deadlines of future Nature Readers meetings. Meets: 3 rd Tuesday of every month (beginning in April) Time: 6 7:30 p.m. Age: Adult Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, [ 9 ]

2 Wednesday Bird Walk Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our area. The program offers information on proper identification, tips on how to spot birds and recognize them by ear, and the chance to find rare or unusual species found within the Elkhart County Parks. Every walk offers something different, so grab your hiking boots and binoculars and come discover the fascinating lives of birds! In addition, be sure to check the calendar for special weekend walks and birding workshops. Meets: 1 st Wednesday of every month Time: 8 10 a.m. Location: Rotating Elkhart County Park sites. See the monthly Programs & Events for locations. W A L K D A T E S March 7 Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury ( pg.12 ) April 4 Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park ( pg.14 ) May 2 Boot Lake Nature Preserve ( pg.16 ) June 6 Benton Dam, ( pg. 18) Hiking Club Get to know the diverse beauty, trails, and terrain of the Elkhart County Parks by joining the Hiking Club, offered on the third Thursday of every month through October. Whether you're a beginner looking to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts or an experienced hiker seeking adventure the Hiking Club is for you. Check out the calendar listings to see where the hiking adventure will take place! H I K E D A T E S March 15 Ox Bow Haus, ( pg.12 ) April 19 Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park ( pg.15 ) May 17 Boot Lake Nature Preserve ( pg.17 ) June 21 Lieber Nature Preserve meet at Elkhart County Historical Museum ( pg. 19) Meets: 3 rd Thursday of every month (through October) Time: 6 p.m. Preregister by: Wednesday before each walk by 4 p.m. Location: Rotating sites. See the monthly Programs & Events for locations. [ 10 ]

3 Summer Day Camps programs & events Sign up today! See pg.19 for details June Become a Nature Explorer July Go on an Adventure [ 11 ]

4 MARCH Date: Tuesday, Mar. 6 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Nature Nuts: Wind Preschoolers will be blown away by the fun in this program exploring wind and its role in nature through hands-on activities, interactive games, snacks, and stories. Preregister by: Tuesday, Feb. 27 by 4 p.m. 10 Worm Farm Tour Discover the benefits of earthworms and their role in waste-reduction and sustainable living on a behind-thescenes tour of a vermicomposting farm. R.A.W. Sustainable Living will share their insights on the worm composting business and the process using earthworms to create a high-quality organic fertilizer for plants and gardens. 7 Wednesday Bird Walk: Pumpkinvine March marks the beginning of spring migration, as birds move north to their nesting grounds. Join us for a casual walk as we seek out seasonal migrants along the Pumpkinvine Trail. Likely birds include cranes, mockingbirds, raptors, and early warblers. The walk departs at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. Date: Wednesday, Mar. 7 Time: 8 10 a.m. Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot ( ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury ) 10 Quilt Identification Day Do you have a quilt you would like to learn more about? Bring it to the museum and have it evaluated by an expert. Guest quilt expert Donna Kooistra will be on site at the museum to offer insight into the history of the quilt including dating, construction, technique information, and historical context (note: no monetary appraisals will be made). There are only 24 time slots (15 min. in length) available, so be sure to sign up early. Quilt assessments cost $10 each. Even if you don t have a quilt of your own, visitors are welcome to come and observe. Date: Saturday, Mar. 10 Time: 9 10 a.m. March 7 by 4 p.m. Location: R.A.W. Sustainable Living Farm (60709 CR 19, Goshen) 15 Hiking Club: Ox Bow Step outside for an early spring trek around Ox Bow County Park. The one-mile trail will be an easy hike with relatively-flat terrain. [ 12 ] Date: Saturday, Mar. 10 Time: 9:30 a.m. 4 p.m. Cost: $10/Quilt (Limit 24) Free for observers Preregister by: Saturday, Mar. 3 by 4 p.m. Historical Museum Date: Thursday, Mar. 15 Time: 6 p.m. For All Events & Programs Payment is due at time of preregistration. Mar. 14 by 4 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Participants under 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at all times (unless otherwise indicated)

5 St Sat. March 17 Patrick's Day Treasure Hunt programs & events This St. Patrick s Day, seek your very own treasure at! Ten golden shamrocks will be hidden throughout the park, each of which can be redeemed at the gatehouse for a fabulous prize. This treasure hunt will put your detective skills to the test. Clues to the locations of the treasures will be released the week before on the Elkhart County Parks Facebook and Instagram pages. Be sure to follow us for clues to bring you more luck, details on prizes, and to stay up to date with the exciting things happening in the Elkhart County Parks! 9 a.m. 7 p.m. Free Event at 18 Family Nature Fun Day: Birds Families and fledglings are invited to Ox Bow for an afternoon of avian adventures as we explore the park on a birdwatching hike, learn how to identify birds in our own backyard, make a simple birdhouse, and other feather-filled activities. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Activities will be geared toward families with kids ages 6 and above. 24 Tower Power Harness the winds of March and launch your very own flying machine from the Ox Bow Tower. Reveal your inner inventor and let your imagination take flight by crafting the perfect paper glider with fellow paper plane pioneers. Experiment with paper and elastic band-propelled designs, and put your invention to the test by flying it from the top of the Ox Bow Tower and see what happens! Date: Sunday, Mar. 18 Time: 2 4 p.m. Age: 6 & up Cost: $10/family (Limit 12 Families) Mar. 14 by 4 p.m. Date: Saturday, Mar. 24 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Cost: $4/person (Limit 15) Mar. 21 by 4 p.m. 22 Places of Elkhart: The Elkhart County Courthouse Join the museum staff for a screening of the documentary The Elkhart County Courthouse and What You May Not Know. This film explores the beginnings of the courthouse, the function of the court in the county, the story behind a unique campaign banner featuring Abraham Lincoln, and the clock on top of the courthouse that has been running since Come and learn about one of the county s most iconic buildings. Date: Thursday, Mar. 22 Time: 7 8:30 p.m. Historical Museum 29 Born in the Spring Spring is a beautiful and fascinating time of renewal in the parks. Explore with a naturalist and experience the budding abundance of flora and fauna at the turn of the seasons. Meet at the Benton Dam in the River Preserve for a one-hour guided hike through the Park s diverse habitats. Come dressed for the weather and enjoy the subtle elegance of the reawakening landscape. Date: Thursday, Mar. 29 Time: 6 7 p.m. (Limit 20) Mar. 28 by 4 p.m. Location: Benton Dam, [ 13 ]

6 APRIL Wednesday Bird Walk: Cobus Creek Spring is fast-approaching, and the birds are going to be very vocal about it! Join us on an exciting hike seeking seasonal migrants such as warblers, vireos, and thrushes in bright plumage and full song. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. Date: Wednesday, April 4 Time: 8 10 a.m. Location: Cobus Creek County Park 12 Places of Elkhart: Baintertown Explore Baintertown Park s many layers of history in this guided interpretive walk. Discover local Native American history, hear the story of the Wyland family who settled the site in the 1830s, and learn about the achievements of the Bainters, who built a series of mills in the area in the 1860s. Participants will also visit a hydroelectric plant built by the Interstate Power and Light Company in the 1920s. Come out and explore the history of the Park! 7 Birding by Ear Workshop Learn how to identify birds simply by ear! The workshop will cover quick tips on memorizing calls and how to train your ears to pick out the individual songs and calls of birds. In the second half of class, we will venture out on an 1½ hour bird hike to practice listening techniques and discover what birds we can find by using only our ears. All birding equipment will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, hiking shoes and dress for activities outdoors. Date: Thursday, April 12 Time: 6 7 p.m. April 11 by 4 p.m. Location: Baintertown Park, 17 Nature Readers: Freckles Nature Readers will discuss Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter this month. The book tells the story of an orphan named Freckles who comes to appreciate the wildlife of the Limberlost Swamp where he is charged with protecting the trees from harvest. Come prepared to discuss the book with others. Program details on page 9. Next month's book: Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson. Date: Saturday, April 7 Time: 1 4 p.m. Age: Adult Cost: $5/person (Limit 15 April 6 by 4 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park 10 Nature Nuts: Animal Babies Spring is a time for animal babies of all shapes and sizes, from tadpoles to fawns. Kids will learn about the basics of animal development and parental care through fun activities, crafts and stories. Date: Tuesday, April 10 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) [ 14 ] Preregister by: Tuesday, April 3 by 4 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Date: Tuesday, April 17 Time: 6 7:30 p.m. For All Events & Programs April 13 by 4 p.m. Payment is due at time of preregistration. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Participants under 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at all times (unless otherwise indicated)

7 Hiking Club: Bonneyville In April, we will hike the northern loop trail at Bonneyville Mill County Park. This is one of the longest hikes we will take this year. The trail length will be just over 2 miles, but terrain is flat and easy to hike. Date: Thursday, April 19 Time: 6 p.m. April 18 by 4 p.m. Location: Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park 28 Boot Lake Hike Be one of the first to explore our newest Elkhart County Parks property Boot Lake Nature Preserve. This magnificent nature preserve will be full of activity on this spring trek. Come prepared for an extensive naturalist-guided hike through this beautiful and diverse ecosystem that includes wetlands, woodlands, fields, and a unique prairie habitat. 27 Paleo Night Paleo-Indians were the first people to inhabit this region over 10,000 years ago. Come to the museum and learn about what they ate, how they developed tools, what type of clothing they wore, and get your chance to try to hunt a mammoth at this family-friendly event. There will be plenty of hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy! Date: Saturday, April 28 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. (Limit 25) Preregister by: Thursday, April 26 by 4 p.m. Location: Boot Lake Nature Preserve Date: Friday, April 27 Time: 6 8 p.m. Historical Museum Stay Connected For the latest news and updates, follow us online: 28 DeFries Volunteer Work Day Lend a helping hand assisting park staff in prepping and cleaning out garden beds for the growing season. Volunteers will enjoy working as a team to beautify the DeFries Gardens grounds. Lunch will be provided. Date: Saturday, Jan. 20 Time: facebook.com 10 a.m. 12 p.m. f /ElkhartCountyParks /elkhartcountyhistoricalmuseum Date: Saturday, Jan Time: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Date: Saturday, April 28 Time: 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Age: Adult April 25 by 4 p.m. Location: DeFries Gardens, [ 15 ]

8 MAY Date: Tuesday, May 1 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Nature Nuts: Spring Wildflowers Spring wildflowers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and bring both beauty and support to the woods where they reside. Kids will discover the beauty and diversity of spring wildflowers up-close through outdoor exploration, stories, and easy crafts. Preregister by: Tuesday, April 24 by 4 p.m. 10 Places of Elkhart: Bristol Fruit Hills In the 1800s, the fertile hills just south of Bristol were cultivated to grow a huge variety of fruits and vegetables. This gently-rolling terrain was widely known as the Bristol Fruit Hills. Fruit was so abundant on these hills that farmers once filled entire railroad cars with produce to be sold at markets throughout the region. Join us as we reveal why this area was primed for fruit farming and how far the fruits of labor from this unique agricultural environment extended across the country. 2 Wednesday Bird Walk: Boot Lake Take an exciting tour at our newest property as we seek out spring birds during the peak of migration! Over 200 species have been found at the preserve, and the chances are good that we will encounter rare and unusual birds, such as: Sedge Wren, Henslow s Sparrow, Black-billed Cuckoo, and many different kinds of warblers. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. We will be venturing through some rugged terrain, so hiking boots, bug spray, and long pants for the prairie are highly recommended. Date: Thursday, May 10 Time: 7 8 p.m. Historical Museum 11 Hoosier Riverwatch Make a difference and help protect Indiana s natural water resources by becoming a Hoosier Riverwatch volunteer monitor. This hands-on, streamside training will cover everything volunteers need to know to begin monitoring the quality of their local waterways, and explore how this research helps ensure the future health of Indiana s rivers and streams. No experience necessary. 5 Spring Date: Wednesday, May 2 Time: 8 10 a.m. [ 16 ] Plant Exchange Location: Boot Lake Nature Preserve Do you have extra plants growing in your garden? Share them with fellow gardeners and bring home something new. The spring plant exchange will give green thumbs the chance to swap healthy perennials, shrubs, seeds, and bulbs with other gardeners extra plants. Participants are welcome to bring in as many plants for trade as they like. Plants brought in for trade should be healthy, labeled, and rooted in soil in a container. Participants use a random number draw system to choose new plants to take home. Date: Saturday, May 5 Time: 1 p.m. Location: DeFries Gardens, Date: Friday, May 11 Time: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Age: Adult (Limit 20) For All Events & Programs Payment is due at time of preregistration. May 4 by 4 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Participants under 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at all times (unless otherwise indicated)

9 Spring has sprung, and Mother Nature has done it again! Delicious wild edibles are everywhere just ripe for the picking. Learn to identify edible plants and good foraging practices from a Park naturalist. A sampling of delicious springtime delicacies will include fried dandelions, wild leeks with bacon, and nutritious stinging nettle soup. Come for the food and stay for the hike to put your new skills to the test. 17 will explore the preserve on a 1.5-mile hike on mostly even terrain. 13 Wild Edibles Hiking Club: Boot Lake May s hike will take place at the Elkhart County Park s newest property, Boot Lake Nature Preserve. The club Date: Thursday, May 17 Time: 6 p.m. programs & events May 16 by 4 p.m. Location: Boot Lake Nature Preserve Date: Sunday, May 13 Time: 2 4 p.m. Cost: $5/person (Limit 15) Preregister by: Thursdsay, May 10 by 4 p.m. Location: Black Maple Shelter, Cobus Creek Campout Bring your family and friends on an overnight adventure at Cobus Creek! Campers will seek out the nocturnal creatures of the park on an evening wildlife hike, roast tasty treats over the fire, and enjoy a variety of other naturalistled activities. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. If requested, tents will be available for use at the campout. 15 Nature Readers: Triumph of Seeds Nature Readers will discuss Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson, a book about how grains, nuts, kernels, pulses, and pips conquered the plant kingdom and shaped human history. Come prepared to discuss the book with others. Program details on page 9. Next month's book: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson Date: Tuesday, May 15 Time: 6 7:30 p.m. May 11 by 4 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Date: Fri-Sat, May Time: (Fri) 6 p.m (Sat) 1 p.m. Cost: $15/camper or $50/family May 11 by 4 p.m. Location: Cobus Creek County Park 31 Atlatl Night Step back in time and learn how to hunt like the Paleo people from 10,000 years ago using an atlatl weapon that could take down a mastodon! Ancient people developed this dart-throwing device to boost the power of their throws and propel their spears farther and faster. After a brief history of the tool, you ll get your chance to try it out for yourself and discover how powerful a Paleo hunter you can be! Date: Thursday, May 31 Time: 7 8 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Tower, [ 17 ]

10 JUNE wetlands through adventures exploring swampy habitat on a hike, dipping for aquatic insects, looking at live reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. Activities will be geared toward family groups with kids ages 6 and above. All supplies and snacks will be provided. 5 Nature Nuts: Camouflage Family Fun Day: Wetlands Many animals use camouflage both for hunting and Family groups are invited to come and learn about hiding. Discover the fun of camouflage through hands-on games, stories, and a search to spot the creatures that stay hidden in order to survive. 6 Wednesday Date: Tuesday, Jun. 5 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Bird Walk: Benton Dam 19 th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride + Wild Tea! Summer birds have settled in to the preserve and are beginning to nest. Join us as we observe their fascinating behavior and encounter unique species found at the River Preserve. Likely birds include: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and Scarlet Tanager. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. We will be venturing through some rugged terrain, so hiking boots and bug spray are highly recommended. Date: Wednesday, Jun. 6 Time: 8 10 a.m. Preregister by: Tuesday, May 29 by 4 p.m. Location: Benton Dam, 7 Places of Elkhart: Goshen Enjoy a historical walking tour through the streets of Goshen and see how this charming town has evolved over the last 200 years. Explore the history of the city and hear unique stories of locations, buildings, and businesses that once occupied the downtown area. Along the way, we will bring out historic photographs to reveal what places have dramatically changed and what has stayed the same! Date: Monday, Jun. 11 Time: 6 8 p.m. Age: 6 & up Cost: $10/family (Limit 12 Families) June 6 by 4 p.m. Location: Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park 16 Join more than a thousand other bikers and get pedaling on the 19th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride. This family-friendly noncompetitive ride takes bikers through scenic rural countryside on routes ranging from 22 to 100 miles. All proceeds from the ride are used toward the continued construction of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Along the way, swing by the Elkhart County Parks SAG stop to sample native teas, such as sassafras, mint, goldenrod, and spicebush, and learn how to find a brew your own. Register for the 19 th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride at: ride.pumpkinvine.org Date: Saturday, Jun. 16 Time: 8 a.m. 4 p.m. Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail To Register, visit: ride.pumpkinvine.org Date: Thursday, Jun. 7 Time: 6 8 p.m. (Limit 20) Jun. 6 by 4 p.m. Location: Goshen City Courthouse (we will meet on the east side of the building) For All Events & Programs Payment is due at time of preregistration. Participants under 18 must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at all times (unless otherwise indicated) [ 18 ]

11 Nature Readers: A Walk in the Woods Nature Readers will discuss A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, which focuses on the history and ecology of the Appalachian Trail through the eyes of the guide, people, and wildlife he meets along the way. Come prepared to discuss the book with others. Program details on page 9. Next month's book: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald. Date: Tuesday, Jun. 19 Time: 6 7:30 p.m. 21Hiking Club: Lieber Nature Preserve The June hike will take place at Lieber Nature Preserve, located just north of Bristol. The Hiking Club will meet at the Elkhart County Historical Museum and carpool over to the site. The hike will cover flat terrain and is one mile in length. Date: Thursday, Jun. 21 Time: 6 p.m. June 20 by 4 p.m. June 15 by 4 p.m. Historical Museum (Due to parking limitations, we will carpool to the site) SUMMER DAY CAMPS June Nature Explorer Day Camp Young explorers are invited to experience the forest, wetlands, and prairies through games, shelter-building, swamp tromp, and upclose encounters with LIVE animals! Date: Tues-Thurs, Jun Time: (Daily) 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Age: 7 9 Cost: $30/person (Limit 15) July Date: Tues Fri, Jul Time: Tues Weds (Daily) 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Thurs Fri (Overnight) 10 a.m. 9 a.m Age: programs & events Jun. 15 by 4 p.m. Adventure Day Camp Campers will enjoy a high ropes course with zip line, fun outdoor games, hands-on animal farm, a trip to Deep River Water Park, a magical time with science-experiments and camp out under the stars. Only 15 available openings! Cost: $80/person (Limit 15) Jul. 6 by 4 p.m. Location: Multiple Sites (TBD) 22 Park in the Dark Discover how the dark can sharpen the five senses you use every day in a nighttime prowl at Ox Bow County Park. This interactive program will explore our understanding of how our senses work and how our bodies adapt to different conditions especially at night. Activities will include a night hike experiencing our nocturnal senses, the illusion of the disappearing head, and mysterious night sounds. 23 Lend a helping hand at Baintertown. Volunteers will work as a team and assist park staff in painting a few of the outbuildings in the park. Snacks and painting supplies will be provided. Volunteer Work Day: Baintertown Date: Saturday, Jun. 23 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. June 20 by 4 p.m. Location: Baintertown Park, 23 Escape the Museum! Put on your thinking cap, grab your friends and Escape the Museum! This escape-room style event will take players all over the building and in every exhibit gallery. Learn about Elkhart County history as you solve puzzles and answer questions with your team to reach the goal before the time runs out. Each group gets 60 minutes will you be clever enough to crack the clues, piece together the riddles, and solve the puzzles in time? Date: Friday, Jun. 22 Time: 10 11:30 p.m. (Limit 25) Preregister by: Thursday, June 21 by 4 p.m. Date: Saturday, Jun. 23 Time: 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. (2 sessions) Cost: $10/person (Limit 15/session) June 20 by 4 p.m. Historical Museum [ 19 ]