FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTURE START HERE From my window. I prefer to see snow... Above and all around me. Feeling Creative? You walk by a chipmunk stuffing his cheeks full of acorns. What's your reaction? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Sure! Nah, I'm not that artsy... Meh....there was a chipmunk? CUTE!! Somewhat. Definitely. Would you consider (briefly) venturing out in the cold if pancakes were involved? You have my attention. Nope. Run inside where it's safe. Your friends ambush you with snowballs! Your response: Call my kids over for backup! CRUSH THEM!! A fox playing in the snow. Which animal best resembles you in winter? A polar bear roaming the tundra. Choose your art weapon: Photo Contest Exhibiton Maple Syrup How long can your kids keep throwing snowballs? 5 minutes. Longer than me. Maaaaybe... I'd consider it for something really fun How do you feel about doing stuff outside in 30 weather? How fast do you walk on hikes? As long as I've got the right gear, I'm fine. Pick a book SnowGlo Average speed I like to take my time. Pretty fast. Coloring Night for Adults Pick a nature film Cross County Ski Wine Cork Birdhouse Nature Sketching Winter Scavenger Hunt Family Nature Fun Day Winter Astronomy Winter Wildlife Hike Christmas Bird Count [ 10 ]
W I NTER ADVENTURES Winter Wildlife Hike Wine Cork Birdhouse Family Nature Fun Day Nature Sketching Christmas Bird Count SAT. DEC.2 (see pg.14) SAT. DEC.9 (see pg.14) SAT. DEC.16 (see pg.15) SAT. DEC.16 (see pg.15) SAT. DEC. 30 (see pg.15) programs & events WEEKLY PROGRAMS 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 s. 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 & 3 rd Wednesday of every month (thru 2017) (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) Winter Astronomy Photo Contest Exhibiton Cross County Ski FRI. JAN. 12 (see pg.16) SAT. JAN. 20-26 (see pg.16) SAT. JAN. 27 (see pg.17) D A T E S Nov. 1 Cobus Creek Nov. 11 Weekend Bird Walk - Details on pg.13 Nov. 15 Ox Bow Haus, Dec. 6 Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot ( ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury ) Dec. 20 Ox Bow Haus, Jan. 3 Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill Feb. 7 Ox Bow Haus, Winter Scavenger Hunt SAT. JAN. 27 (see pg.17) SnowGlo FRI. FEB. 2 (see pg.18) Coloring Night for Adults THURS. FEB. 15 (see pg.18) Maple Syrup SAT. FEB. 24 (see pg.19) Preservation Recreation Education [ 11 ]
( programs & events NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 1 5 1 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. Program details on page 11. Date: Wednesday, Nov. 1 Location: Cobus Creek ( 7 Nature Nuts: Leaves Join us for a fall adventure learning all about leaves! The program will explore the different shapes, sizes and colors of leaves, and how they provide shelter for wildlife. Participants will learn through hands-on activities, crafts, stories and a leaf pile to play in. HOLIDAY at the Mill Date: Tuesday, Nov. 7 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Preregister by: Tuesday, Oct. 31 by 4 p.m. 10 Coffee Filter Wreath Give your home a festive welcome this season by creating a beautiful one-of-a-kind wreath made from everyday coffee filters. These unique wreaths measure 18 inches in diameter and add the perfect touch to your holiday décor. An example of the wreath can be viewed at the Ox Bow Haus Gatehouse in. All materials will be provided. Cookies Crafts Flour Santa Carriage Rides & More! BONNEYVILLE MILL COUNTY PARK Horse-drawn carriages, cookies, crafts, and local gifts and are just a sampling of what visitors can look forward to at this free holiday celebration. Visitors can sample cookies made with Bonneyville Mill whole-wheat flour, as well as purchase their own for holiday baking. Kids will have the chance to meet Santa and personally deliver their lists, while gift shoppers can cross some items off their own list by visiting the Mill s gift shop. Don't miss out on the festivities come be a part of Holiday at the Mill the perfect start to your holiday season. Date: Saturday, Nov. 11 Time: 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Location: Bonneyville Mill Date: Friday, Nov. 10 Time: 6 7:30 p.m. Age: 10 Adult Cost: $5/person (Limit 12) Preregister by: Thursday, Nov. 9 by 4 p.m. Please note: All programs must be pre-paid at time of registration. [ 12 ] elkhartcountyparks.org
1 6 17 1 8 19 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 11 Weekend Bird Walk Late fall is a wonderful time for birdwatching. At this time of the year, more than 50 species of birds can be found along the Pumpkinvine. Learn all about these hardy birds and where to find them on a guided walk with seasoned birders. The group will head out at 1 p.m. sharp, so please plan accordingly. 15 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. Program details on page 11. Date: Wednesday, Nov. 15 16 Hiking Club Wrap-up Party This party is for individuals who participated in the 2017 Hiking Club. Anyone who attended at least one of our Hiking Club events is welcome to attend and be recognized. Come celebrate this great event and share stories and memories of this year s hikes with the club. Snacks and memorabilia will be available. Date: Saturday, Nov. 11 Time: 1 3 p.m. (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) (Limit 25) Preregister by: Friday, Nov. 10 by 4 p.m. Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot ( ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury ) 11 People of Elkhart: Maude Essig Born on a farm west of Elkhart in 1884, Essig was inspired by a Red Cross slogan, What are you doing to help? and became a nurse during World War I. This Veteran s Day program will chronicle Essig s training in Indianapolis and New York, and her time caring for soldiers on the front lines in France. Date: Thursday, Nov. 16 Time: 6 8 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-room 18 Ox Bow Volunteer Work Day Lend a helping hand at. Volunteers are needed to assist park staff in splitting and stacking firewood for use in our public warming houses. Work gloves and boots are recommended. Snacks will be provided. Date: Saturday, Nov. 11 Time: 11 a.m. Date: Saturday, Nov. 18 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Age: Adult Preregister by: Wednesday, Nov. 15 by 4 p.m. Location: Maintenance Building, Preservation Recreation Education [ 13 ]
DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 15 1 6 2 Winter Wildlife Hike Discover the unique strategies animals use to conquer the cold and the habitats they reside in on a short winter hike at Bonneyville. Many of our animal mounts will also be available for viewing during this presentation. Please come prepared for the weather. 9 Wine Cork Birdhouse Learn how to create a beautiful birdhouse made entirely from recycled wine corks. These unique birdhouses are fully-usable, and make for great gifts. The 2-hour workshop will provide step-by-step instruction on building a cork birdhouse with all supplies provided. Date: Saturday, December 2 Time: 10 11:30 a.m. (Limit 25) Preregister by: Friday, December 1 by 4 p.m. Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill 5 Nature Nuts: Woodpeckers Woodpeckers come in all sizes and are a common sight at feeders. Preschoolers will learn through games, crafts and stories about these fun and beautiful birds. Date: Saturday, December 9 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Age: 13 Adult Cost: $30 (Limit 10) Preregister by: Thursday, Nov. 28 by 4 p.m. 9 People of Elkhart: Dr. Miles Dr. Franklin Miles was a pioneer in medicine during the 1880 s through the 1920 s. From his workplace in downtown Elkhart, Miles created a number of mixtures that would cure illness, and his development of Nervine vaulted him to national prominence. This program will chronicle his career and establishment of a business that would later go on to develop products like Alka-Seltzer and Flintstone vitamins. Date: Tuesday, December 5 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Preregister by: Tuesday, November 28 by 4 p.m. 6 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. Program details on page 11. Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6 Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot Date: Saturday, December 9 Time: 11 a.m. [ 14 ] elkhartcountyparks.org
1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0 21 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 Learn the art of nature sketching. Artists of all experience levels are invited to come learn techniques using different art styles, practice sketching landscapes and found objects, and find their own creative approach in illustrating the natural world. All art supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook to the class. 16 nature story and sing-a-long, making track ID books, and a short adventure hike in seeking out animal tracks. Activities are geared toward families with kids ages 6 and up. This entire program will be outdoors, so please dress for the weather. 16 Nature Sketching Studio Family Nature Fun Day: Animal Tracks Join a Park Naturalist to discover the exciting world of animal tracks. This fun family program includes a Date: Saturday, December 16 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Cost: $10/family (Limit 12 Families) Preregister by: Wednesday, December 13 by 4 p.m. Location: Cobus Creek 20 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. Program details on page 11. Date: Saturday, December 16 Time: 1 4 p.m. Age: 13 Adult Cost: $15 (Limit 15) Preregister by: Wednesday, December 13 by 4 p.m. Date: Wednesday, Dec. 20 30 Christmas Bird Count Ever wanted to be a scientist for a day? Interested in birdwatching? Perfect! Join the Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count, part of a nation-wide event centered on the beauty and conservation of birds. During the count, volunteer teams tally all the birds seen and heard in their assigned area, and help provide a one-day snapshot of bird populations across the county. Counters can join a team in the field or count from the comforts of home. Participants can choose to gather data all day or as little as one hour. Come be a part of this annual event and learn more about the feathered residents of our county! Date: Saturday, December 30 Time: Dawn Dusk Location: Throughout Elkhart County To Preregister: Call 574-535-6458, or send an email inquiry to rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com Elkhart County's 22 nd Annual Please note: All programs must be pre-paid at time of registration. Preservation Recreation Education [ 15 ]
JANUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 1 2 13 14 15 16 3Wednesday Bird Walk Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our area. Program details on page 11. Date: Wednesday, Jan. 3 Location: Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill 20 Birding 101 Learn all about Indiana s feathered residents and how to find them in this hands-on introductory course to birding. Topics will include binocular use, birding resources and technology, and other tips and tricks to use on the field. Following the presentation, the class will head out on a walk and put their new skills to the test. 9Nature Nuts: Snowflakes Preschoolers are invited to enjoy the amazing shapes, unique patterns and fun to be had with snowflakes. If snow is present, please plan to dress for outdoor play. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 9 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Preregister by: Tuesday, Jan. 2 by 4 p.m. 12 Winter Astronomy Night In winter, there are more stars in our hemisphere than any other season, and the cool atmosphere acts as a magnifying glass for the stars, making them easy to spot. Join us for an evening program studying the stars. Activities include a talk about the Roman and Greek mythology behind the constellations, a star chart workshop, and snacks around the campfire. Date: Saturday, Jan. 20 Time: 1 4 p.m. Age: Adult Cost: $5/person (Limit 30) Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 19 by 4 p.m. 20 Photo Contest Exhibition See the Elkhart s captured through the lens at our 38 th Annual Photo Contest Exhibition. Photo entries from this year's contest will be on display at the Elkhart County. Categories include: A Colorful World, Nature of the Photo, and Activities in the Park. Date: Friday, Jan. 12 Time: 9 10:30 p.m. Cost: $2/person (Limit 25) Preregister by: Thursday, Jan. 11 by 4 p.m. Photo Contest Reception Photo Contest Exhibition Date: Saturday, Jan. 20 Time: 10 a.m. 12 p.m. Date: Saturday, Jan. 20-26 Time: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. [ 16 ] elkhartcountyparks.org
17 1 8 19 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 25 As time has progressed, the built environment of our county has gone through a number of changes. Buildings fell victim to tragedies like fire, fell into disrepair, or were abandoned to make way for modern counterparts. This program will take a look at some of the most prominent buildings in the county that are now gone, and what has taken their place. Places of Elkhart: Lost Buildings 27 Winter Scavenger Hunt Tired of being cooped up because of the cold? Bundle up and bring your family for a fun, winter scavenger hunt to beat the winter doldrums. Date: Saturday, Jan. 27 Time: 1:30-3 p.m. Location: Fisherman's Shelter, Date: Thursday, Jan. 25 Time: 7 p.m. 30 World War I Display Opening 2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I. This new display in our main hallway will highlight artifacts in our collection and members of our community that served during The Great War. These artifacts will include images of men and women who served, items they brought with them to Europe, and information on people s reactions to the war back here in Elkhart County. 27 Cross Country Ski Discover one of Indiana's most popular winter sports. In this workshop, learn what cross country skiing is all about, including what equipment is needed to get started, and lessons on basic maneuvers. Visitors are welcome to observe, or bring along their own skis to participate in the lessons. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30 Time: 9 a.m. Stay Connected For the latest news and updates, follow us online: facebook.com /ElkhartCountyParks f /elkhartcountyhistoricalmuseum Date: Saturday, Jan. 27 Time: 10 11:30 a.m. Age: 10 Adult (Limit 20) Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 26 by 4 p.m. Please note: All programs must be pre-paid at time of registration. Preservation Recreation Education [ 17 ]
FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 1 5 16 1 2 SnowGlo Bring the whole family out for an exciting evening of glowin-the-dark sledding under the full moon! This festival-style event celebrates some of the fun outdoor activities Hoosiers can participate in during the winter. Families are encouraged to come decked out in glow-in-the-dark items from head to toe and enjoy an evening of sledding, games, contests, food, demonstrations and more! More information about this event can be found on the Parks Facebook page. Date: Friday, Feb. 2 Time: 6 9 p.m. Date: Saturday, Feb. 3 Time: 10 12 p.m. Age: 12 Adult Cost: $15 (Limit 15) Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 26 by 4 p.m. (food and glow-inthe-dark items for sale) Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill 3Bat House Build a home to attract insect-eating neighbors. The workshop will cover the benefits of bats, information about local species, and how to build and set up a bat house for your yard. All supplies will be provided. 7Wednesday Bird Walk Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our area. Program details on page 11. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7 Date: Thursday, Feb. 8 Time: 7 p.m. Date: Friday, Feb. 9 Time: 6 7:00 p.m. (Limit 30) 8 Quilts from the Collection Quilts can tell us a lot of things about history. They can tell us about the person who made them, a certain message the patterns reveal, or how the introduction of new techniques and machines effected the making of these textiles. Staff from the museum will display some of the quilts and coverlets from the collection, and interpret the history behind them. 9Wildlife Rehabilitation Hear the amazing stories of animal rescue with local wildlife rehabilitator, Dennis Badke, as he shares his experiences working with injured and orphaned wildlife. During the talk, participants will get the chance to meet a rehab critter up-close, and listen to Badke's experiences in wildlife rehabilitation. Preregister by: Thursday, Feb. 8 by 4 p.m. 15 Coloring Book Night for Adults Adults craving some creative downtime are invited to a laid-back evening of coloring and chatting with friends. Coloring pages and supplies will be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring in their own, as well. 6Nature Nuts: Groundhogs We see them pop up on our lawns, wonder how much wood they could chuck, and even have a holiday named after them. Get to know these chubby, furry diggers known as groundhogs (aka "woodchucks") in a program with stories, games, a snack, and a short hike. Date: Tuesday, Feb. 6 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12) Preregister by: Tuesday, Jan. 30 by 4 p.m. Date: Thursday, Feb. 15 Time: 5 7 p.m. Age: Adult (Limit 30) Please note: All programs must be pre-paid at time of registration. [ 18 ] elkhartcountyparks.org
programs & events 17 1 8 1 9 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 3 1 22 Places of Elkhart: County Home The Elkhart County Home served as a place for people who were unable to care for themselves. Covering the 100 year old history, this program will focus on the growth of the County Home movement in the 19th Century, the construction of the iconic 113 room facility near the current location of Ox Bow County Park, and the fight between county officials and the public when the facility was closed and the building was set to be torn down. Date: Thursday, Feb. 22 Time: 7 8 p.m. Preregister by: Wednesday, Feb. 21 by 4 p.m. 24 Backyard Maple Syrup Just a few dollars worth of equipment and a single maple tree are all that is needed to make delicious maple syrup right from home. In this workshop, learn the art of making maple syrup. Pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and drinks will be included in the program, and sugaring kits will be available for purchase. Date: Saturday, February 24 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Cost: $3.50/person (Limit 30) Kits available for $15 Preregister by: Friday, Feb. 23 by 4 p.m. Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill NATURE'S CALENDAR NOV Some of our resident mammals, such as Groundhogs, Big Brown Bats, and Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels are now heading into hibernation. If you hear a nasally yank yank yank call coming from the trees above, it s probably a White-breasted Nuthatch. These birds inch down tree trunks looking for insects and seeds they tucked away earlier in fall. DEC JAN FEB Bundle up the month of November is when we typically see the first snowflakes of the season here in northern Indiana. In the woods, check the ground for antlers shed by White-tailed Deer. They will have new ones by March. On Dec. 13-14, witness the peak of Geminid, one of the year s biggest meteor showers, with 1-2 stars falling per minute. Forests fill with the sound of drumming this month as woodpeckers begin tapping out their territories. If you have a maple sugar tree in your yard, now is the perfect time to tap and make your own maple syrup. Learn how at our workshop on Feb. 24. Search the skies for "sun dogs", an optical phenomenon caused by ice crystals that create a rainbow effect around the sun. Preservation Recreation Education [ 19 ]