Caesar Creek Lake Regional Calendar of Events 2013

Caesar Creek Lake Regional Calendar of Events 2013 For updates throughout the year, visit our WEB site: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/ccl Click on Calendar of Events Www.friendsofcaesarcreek.org

January Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count Friday, January 11th, 8:30am to 10:30am Meet at the Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center to participate in a survey of our national symbol! Bring warm clothes, binoculars, and an enthusiasm for bird watching! To register for this event please contact the visitor center at 513-897-1050. Nature and Wildlife Photography Presentation Saturday, January 19th, 2:00pm-4:00pm Have a passion for photography? Join the Ohio Valley Camera Club as they welcome Dan Swart, renowned nature photographer, as he presents some of his favorite works and shares his experiences behind the lens. For more information please contact the visitor center at 513-897- 1050. February Winter Hike Saturday, February 16, 10 am to noon (continuous start times) Meet at the Wellman Meadows Boat Ramp for our annual Winter Hike. Enjoy a 4 mile hike through a snowy landscape, across frozen creeks, and past icy waterfalls. Warm up with a cup of cocoa after the hike. For more information call the Nature Center, 513-897-2437. March Think Spring-Salamander Hike Dates to be determined. Please call for more information. In deference to the predictable unpredictability of nature's timing and in order to make sure we have the best chance to actually see them migrating to their breeding ponds we may hike Friday February 22, March 1 or March 8. The actual hike date will be determined on the Wednesday before the hike date. Together we will search for salamanders as they awaken from hibernation and move toward their breeding ponds. There is no cost for this event and no experience is necessary. This is an adventure for the entire family. Please dress for the weather - boots and a flashlight are essential. Remember, salamanders prefer to move in the rain, so be prepared for muddy fun! For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Winter Bird Banding Saturday, March 9, 9am - noon The Ohio Bird Banding Association will be sponsoring a winter bird banding demonstration in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This event is free to the public and will feature bird banding demonstrations using live birds. Various trapping methods will be employed to show how birds are safety removed, data is gathered and the birds are then released unharmed back into the wild. Learn about bird migration, ecology and bird conservation plus see birds up close! For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050, or contact Bob Thobaben at 937-382- 4739.

Trilling Toads and Tiny Treefrogs Saturday, March 16, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Take an evening hike to search for these wondrous amphibians. We ll view frogs and toads up close in their marshy habitat. An adventure for the whole family. Please dress for the weather, boots are required. Bring a flashlight if you have one. This is a Friends of Caesar Creek Program, $2.00 per person. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. April Day of the Killer Tornados Movie Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm (except April 20) Every weekend during the spring / summer we will be showing a nature-related movie. This month's feature will be the movie Day of the Killer Tornado about the April 3rd, 1974 tornadoes. and 26th Annual Green Up Day Saturday, April 20, 9 am - 2 pm. Help beautify and spruce up the areas around the lake with a morning of hard work followed by a picnic. The free picnic lunch will feature giveaways and prizes. Families, groups and individuals are invited. Call (513) 897-1050 for complete project roster and registration information. Registration begins on February 12. The Visitor Center will close at 11:00 am on Green Up Day. and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Annual State Conference Friday, April 26th and Saturday,April 27th The annual Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist state wide conference will be held at Caesar Creek Lake visitor center. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering or being involved in this program is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. Please call the Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center or the Caesar Creek Nature Center for more information at 513-897-1050 or 513-897-2437. May Bluebirds Video Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm (other times by request) Join us for the feature of the month for a close-up look at a favorite feathered friend. Bluebirds are making a comeback, and you can discover how to help. Spring Birding Clinic Saturday, May 4, 7:00am - 11:00am Join Friends of Caesar Creek and master bird bander, Bob Thobaben, Area Manager, Steve Lee and Park Ranger, Rebecca Elefante for a guided birdwalk to discover the many species of migratory birds in the park. Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 15 people. Bob will lead you to areas within the park where you will see between 50-60 species of birds including hawks, warblers and waterfowl. This is a Friends of Caesar Creek Program, $10.00 per person. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. International Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 11, 8:30am - 5pm Help us celebrate one of nature s great wonders, the annual spring bird migration. Games, fun, and movies for the whole family to enjoy at the Visitor Center. Continuous bird banding demonstrations will take place at the Visitor Center. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 513-897-1050.

Mother s Day Bluebird Box Workshop Sunday, May 12th, 2:00-4:00pm Do you need a fun activity to do with mom on mother s day? Why not bring her to the Caesar Creek Nature Center and build your very own bluebird box! Pre-registration is required. For more information please call the State Park Nature Center at 513-897-2437. Take a Hike on National Kids to Parks Day Saturday, May 18, 10-10:45am & 10:45-11:30am Come July celebrate the 2nd annual Kids to Parks Day at the Visitor Center. Dust off your hiking boots for a kid-friendly U.S. Army hike Corps where of Engineers you and your Visitor kids will Center learn about some of the recreational opportunities at Caesar Water Creek Safety Lake. A Family You Affair will also discover some of the plant and animal life at the park and learn how the Saturdays lake was & constructed. Sundays, 2:00 Hikes pm begin at 10 and 10:45am. Take the pledge to participate in National Kids Join to us Parks for this Day month's at buddybison.org feature about and water get out safety. and Learn Take tips a Hike! about For being more safe information the water contact just the in U.S. time Army for the Corps summer of Engineers swimming Visitor season. Center at 513-897-1050. U.S. U.S. Army Corps Corps of Engineers of Visitor Visitor Center Center The Junior Great Rangers Fossil Hunt Monday, July 9-12, May 10:00am 27, 1:00 - noon - 3:00 each pm (Memorial day Day) The Jr. ancient Rangers Ordovician is a four day Sea program has disappeared, for children but between evidence the of ages marine of 6 life and is 12 years old. The abundant program in is the designed Caesar to Creek help children Region. gain Meet a at better the Visitor understanding Center for of a the program environment and the role about they these play in fascinating it. Of course, creatures, nature is including fun; therefore, trilobite. each Afterward, day the program go to the is filled with hands-on Emergency activities and Spillway games to to identify re-enforce and study the concepts a diversity being of fossils. covered. For There more is a $20.00 materials fee, information, per child, for contact this program a ranger due at 513- before 897-1050. July 4th. Pre-registration is required. After July 4th registration goes up to $25.00 per child. For more information or to register, call 513-897-1050. Each child will receive a Jr. Ranger book, patch, badge and certificate of completion. June U.S. Army Corps Bats! of Engineers Visitor Center Butterfly Census Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm Saturday, July Explore 6, 10am the world noon of those night-flying mammals of myths and legends: BATS! This Do you like month s butterflies? video Would is about you these like to much learn more maligned about and these misunderstood winged creatures creatures. or share Shown your every knowledge? Saturday Please join and the Sunday Caesar at Creek 2:00 pm rangers at the for Visitor our annual Center. count Available in conjunction upon request with at the other North American times. Butterfly Association. NABA was formed in order to promote awareness of butterfly conservation and the benefits of butterfly gardening, observation, and education. For U.S. more Army information Corps of or Engineers to register call Visitor the Visitor Center Center, 513-897-1050. GeoRun on National Trails Day Saturday, U.S. Army June Corps 1, 10 of am Engineers 4 pm Visitor Center Geocaching What s Living at its in finest. our Stream? Explore Caesar Creek Lake, its trails and all of its amenities with this competitive Saturday, July geocaching 20, 10 game. - noon Collect all the geocaches and win a prize or receive the highest score or Wade be the into first the to Caesar solve the Creek clues and to find help the us final as we secret conduct geocache. a biological All you inventory need to of bring the Caesar is your own GPS Creek. unit Our or a data compatible will help smart determine phone, water and quality you too and can will join give in on us the a glimpse global phenomenon of many fascinating known as Geocaching! aquatic creatures. Please This call and is a program register before the June whole 16 family. at (513) All 897-1050. you ll need is a pair of old boots and the spirit of adventure. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Free Fishing on Get Outdoors Day Saturday, August June 8, 9am-noon Bring your kids to the Visitor Center, borrow a fishing pole, bait your hook and fish at our Kid s Fishing Pond in celebration of Get Outdoors Day. For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Webelos Naturalist Badge Saturday, August 3, 10 am - noon Webelos Geology Badge Saturday, June 15, 10 am - noon, Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your geology badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program that will include a fossil hunting trip. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050.

13th annual Ohio Native Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit Saturday, June 22, 10am - 4pm Stop by the Visitor Center to get an up close look at a variety of Ohio s native reptiles and amphibians. Herpetological enthusiasts will be available to share their knowledge and answer questions. Stay for all or part of the day. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. July Water Safety A Family Affair Saturdays & Sundays, 2:00 pm Join us for this month's feature about water safety. Learn tips about being safe in the water just in time for the summer swimming season. Junior Rangers July 9-12, 10:00am - noon each day Jr. Rangers is a four day program for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. The program is designed to help children gain a better understanding of the environment and the role they play in it. Of course, nature is fun; therefore, each day the program is filled with hands-on activities and games to re-enforce the concepts being covered. There is a $20.00 materials fee, per child, for this program due before July 4th. Pre-registration is required. After July 4th registration goes up to $25.00 per child. For more information or to register, call 513-897-1050. Each child will receive a Jr. Ranger book, patch, badge and certificate of completion. Butterfly Census Saturday, July 6, 10am noon Do you like butterflies? Would you like to learn more about these winged creatures or share your knowledge? Please join the Caesar Creek rangers for our annual count in conjunction with the North American Butterfly Association. NABA was formed in order to promote awareness of butterfly conservation and the benefits of butterfly gardening, observation, and education. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Webelo s Foresters Badge Saturday, July 20, 10 am - noon Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your forester badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. August Webelos Naturalist Badge Saturday, August 3, 10 am - noon Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your naturalist badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050.

Meteor Shower Campout August 10th, 6:00-11:00pm Meet ODNR naturalists and Cincinnati Astronomical Society for an out of this world experience! Learn about nocturnal wildlife and discover the stars and planets through family oriented hands on learning activities! Talk with members from the Cincinnati Astronomical Society and listen to their fascinating presentation. View Stars, planets, and other galaxies through their telescopes or bring your own. Free camping is available at the Caesar Creek beach and food and drinks are provided as a fundraiser for nature center programming. Call the nature center at 513-897-2437 for more information. Lake Shore Clean Up Day Saturday, August 24, 10am-2pm Stop by the Wellman Boat Ramp with your boat, pick up a trash bag from a Park Ranger and clean up trash along the lake shore of Caesar Creek Lake. For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897- 1050. September Webelos Geology Badge Saturday, September 7, 10 am - noon, Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your geology badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program that will include a fossil hunting trip. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Monarch Butterfly Day Saturday, September 14, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Take part in an international study that tracks the migration of the monarch butterfly as it journeys toward Mexico. Help to capture, tag, record and release the butterflies to help scientist understand how these fragile insects make the remarkable journey over 2,000 miles. Please wear long pants and bring butterfly nets if you have them. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Harvest Moon Canoe Excursion Date TBA, 7:00-9:00pm Join the state park naturalist for a moonlight canoe excursion to be held at Cowan lake. Watch from your canoe as the sun sets over the lake and the harvest Moon rises and learn why this moon is so special. All equipment is provided but you must bring a flashlight. Pre-registration is required at $15/person. Call the nature center at 513-897-2437 for more information. Prairie Seed Collecting Saturday, September 21, noon-2pm Join the Park Rangers for and learn about Ohio s native prairie plants. Come prepared to collect prairie seeds, which will be used to restore other prairies in southwest Ohio. Wear pants, bug repellant and sunscreen. Bring gloves and small brown paper bags if you have them. For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050.

BioBlitz! - National Public Lands Day Friday - Saturday, September 27 & 28, 4 pm - 4 pm. National Public Lands Day is the nation s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. Join us for the 16th annual National Public Lands Day as we try to find and identify as many species as possible around the lake. Join park rangers and local experts on guided hikes to discover the biodiversity all around us. Participants have the chance to win prizes and groups can compete against other groups to win a grand prize. Free camping is available upon request. Please call park rangers at 513-897-1050 for more information. October Fall Foliage Tours Through October, weekdays 8am - 4pm & weekends 8:00 am - 5 pm Caesar Creek Lake will be ablaze with color as Mother Nature paints the forest orange, red, yellow and bronze. Come out the park and enjoy the color; we have both self-guided driving tours and recommended hikes to help enjoy the season. For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897- 1050. Indian Summer Campout October 4th-6th Seaonsal crafts, games, and family fun at the Caesar Creek lake campgrounds! See a detailed schedule of events at our website: www.ohiostateparks.org. For more information please call the nature center at 513-897-2437. Webelos Naturalist Badge Saturday, October 12, 10 am - noon Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your naturalist badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Little Miami Watershed Festival Saturday, October 19, 11 am - 4 pm A fun, family oriented day in natural surroundings that help promote the beauty and value of the Little Miami River watershed. More than 20 exhibitors, representing watershed interests and conservation groups will be presenting educational displays, hands-on activities and large group events for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Children will have an opportunity to earn water safety T-shirts for visiting displays and participating in events. For more information call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Perimeter Trail Hike Sunday, October 20th, 10:00am to 3:00pm Join us for the 13 mile guided hike around the southern portion of Caesar Creek lake. Pack your lunch, water, and camera for this scenic trail through the colorful fall foliage. Call the nature center at 513-897- 2437 for more information.

What s Living in our Stream? Saturday, October 26, 10 am - noon Wade into the Caesar Creek and help us as we conduct a biological inventory of the Caesar Creek. Our data will help determine water quality and will give us a glimpse of many fascinating aquatic creatures. This is a program for the whole family. All you ll need is a pair of old boots and the spirit of November Owl Moon Saturday, November 2, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Join us for a moonlit owl hike. We'll begin with a story, the Owl Moon story which tells the tale of a father and daughter on a winter hike in search of a Great-Horned Owl. November is when owls re-establish territories and prepare for nesting that begins in the heart of winter, an adventure for the whole family. Please dress for the weather, bring a flashlight if you have one. This is a Friends of Caesar Creek Program, $2 per person. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Webelos Forester Badge Saturday, November 9, 10 am - noon Attention Webelos! This is your chance to earn your forester badge. We ll cover all the requirements in a fun-filled program. We ask that you pre-register your child or pack. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050. Cast iron cooking Workshop Saturday, November 9th and Sunday, November 17th, 1:00pm-3:00pm Join us for this hands on learning experience as we cook a meal in dutch ovens over an open fire. Cooking lessons and cast iron pots provided or bring your own! Pre-registration is required and cost is $15/person which covers the cost of the full meal, even dessert! Call the nature center for more information at 513-897-2437. December Holiday Traditions Workshop December 7th, sessions start at 10am and 2pm Create your own hilday decorations and ornaments fro mnatural materials. Pre-registration is required and cost is $15/person which covers the cost of the craft materials. For more information please call the nature center at 513-897-2437. Audubon Christmas Bird Count Thursday, December 19, 6 am - 5 pm Calling all birders! We need your help with our 9th Annual Caesar Creek Lake / Spring Valley Marsh Christmas Bird Count. For early risers we will look and listen for owls at 6 am. We ll regroup at the Visitor Center at 8:30 am break into teams and search for waterfowl and songbirds. We ll meet at the Visitor Center at 1 pm for a hot lunch sponsored by the Friends of Caesar Creek. Experts and beginners are encouraged to attend. Come out for all or part of the day. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513-897-1050.