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* REAL WALK: Hughes MuseumREAL WALK: Hughes Museum

Time: 10:00 am

REAL Walks are geared for those aged 50 or better. The Hughes Nursery & Landscaping Family-Business Museum contains items dating back to 1908 when the business began. The "closed collection" includes the original buckboard wagon with which William John Hughes began the business and the first tractor ever purchased. Next to the Museum is the company's 16'x20' office building built in 1910 with the original office furniture and equipment. This is a unique opportunity to tour this collection not normally open to the public. Fee: /member; /non-member. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone and receive driving directions to the museum or click to register online.
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* Simplicity Discussion SeriesSimplicity Discussion Series

Time: 8:00 am

Join our six-week Green & Simple discussion course that introduces various aspects of simple living based on curriculum developed by Northwest Earth Institute. Begin with a FREE, no obligation preview discussion of simplicity principles on Jan 7th. Following the introductory session, group discussions will occur on the next five Saturdays (Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11). Topics include The Meaning of Simplicity, Living More With Less, Making a Living, Do You Have the Time; and Living Simply On Earth. A discussion course book is required and is included in the fee. Registration is required by 4pm on January 6th. Fee: /individual; /couple if sharing a book. Call 319-362-0664 or click here for more information and to register.
* Willow Tower WorkshopWillow Tower Workshop

Time: 11:00 am

Learn how to collect willow, view a slide presentation of garden structures made from willow and build your own garden tower. Willow weaver Mary Kopecky will teach you how to create a strong, attractive seven-foot garden tower. 11am-4pm; Bring your own lunch. Limited to 15 participants; advance registration required. Fee: /member; /non-member. Fee includes worth of materials. To register by phone, call 319-362-0664 or click to register online.
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* Beginning Beekeeping-Session 2Beginning Beekeeping-Session 2

Time: 7:00 pm

Bee behavior, installing a package of bees, registration and inspection of bees. Participants must enroll in the full 8-session series beginning January 19th. For more information, click here.
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* Simplicity Discussion SeriesSimplicity Discussion Series

Time: 8:00 am

Join our six-week Green & Simple discussion course that introduces various aspects of simple living based on curriculum developed by Northwest Earth Institute. Begin with a FREE, no obligation preview discussion of simplicity principles on Jan 7th. Following the introductory session, group discussions will occur on the next five Saturdays (Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11). Topics include The Meaning of Simplicity, Living More With Less, Making a Living, Do You Have the Time; and Living Simply On Earth. A discussion course book is required and is included in the fee. Registration is required by 4pm on January 6th. Fee: /individual; /couple if sharing a book. Call 319-362-0664 or click here for more information and to register.
* NatAdv: Sugarbush Set-UpNatAdv: Sugarbush Set-Up

Time: 10:00 am

Naturalist Adventurers is a program for students in middle school and older. Help us tap trees and prepare for the maple syrup making season. Wear boots and dress warmly for the outdoors. 10:00am-12:00noon FREE admission but limited to 10 participants. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone. No online registration for this event.
* Saving Energy $ at HomeSaving Energy $ at Home

Time: 2:00 pm

This FREE workshop for homeowners provides specific information on efficient lighting and household management techniques that reduce utility bills. Topics include efficiencies adopted at the Nature Center and in the Patterson home, new lighting technologies, using natural gas efficiently, getting the kids to turn things off and accessing rebates and tax credits. Sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center, Van Meter Industrial, Alliant Energy and Indian Creek Nature Center. 2:00-4:00pm Free admission but registration is required by Tuesday, Feb 7th. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone. No online registration available for this event.
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* Saving Energy $ at WorkSaving Energy $ at Work

Time: 9:00 am

This workshop will help small businesses and nonprofits learn how to reduce utility costs through careful building management and the use of efficient technologies. Topics include calculating cost savings potential for your building, reducing costs with tax credits and rebates, new lighting technologies, how to encourage employees to embrace efficiency and working with utilities and your electrical company to enhance efficiency. 9:00am-3:00pm (bring your own lunch - beverages provided) Sponsored by the Iowa Energy Center, Van Meter Industrial, Alliant Energy and Indian Creek Nature Center. This is a FREE workshop which anyone may attend but seating is limited so please pre-register by calling 319-362-0664. No online registration for this event.
* PP: Winter Water WondersPP: Winter Water Wonders

Time: 9:30 am

Investigate the wonders of water - snow and ice - in the winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Make sure to dress for the weather as we plan to spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season. Fee: /member child; /non-member child; parent/child: free. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
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* PP: Winter Water WondersPP: Winter Water Wonders

Time: 9:30 am

Investigate the wonders of water - snow and ice - in the winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Make sure to dress for the weather as we plan to spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season. Fee: /member child; /non-member child; parent/child: free. Pre-registration strongly recommended. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
* Owl Moon WalkOwl Moon Walk

Time: 7:00 pm

Join Nature Center Director Rich Patterson for a flashlight owl walk starting at 7 p.m. There will be an indoor information session followed by a walk to listen for calling owls. Bring a flashlight! Fee: /member; /non-member; /child. Advance registration strongly recommended. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
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* Simplicity Discussion SeriesSimplicity Discussion Series

Time: 8:00 am

Join our six-week Green & Simple discussion course that introduces various aspects of simple living based on curriculum developed by Northwest Earth Institute. Begin with a FREE, no obligation preview discussion of simplicity principles on Jan 7th. Following the introductory session, group discussions will occur on the next five Saturdays (Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11). Topics include The Meaning of Simplicity, Living More With Less, Making a Living, Do You Have the Time; and Living Simply On Earth. A discussion course book is required and is included in the fee. Registration is required by 4pm on January 6th. Fee: /individual; /couple if sharing a book. Call 319-362-0664 or click here for more information and to register.
* TT: Winter WildlifeTT: Winter Wildlife

Time: 10:00 am

This Toddler Tracks program is for children ages 18-36 months accompanied by an adult. Explore the wonderful world of winter wildlife through self-guided interactive play with your toddler. Feel fuzzy furs, hop like a hare, listen to a story and more. Bundle up to go on a naturalist-led hike. 10:00am-12:00noon Activities will be repeated, so come and go as it works best for you and your toddler. Fee: /member child; /non-member child; adults/free. Advance registration is recommended. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
* Backyard Chicken BasicsBackyard Chicken Basics

Time: 2:00 pm

This workshop details the basic information needed to successfully raise hens legally in an urban or suburban environment. This is the workshop required by the City of Cedar Rapids and participants will receive a certificate of completion that enables them to get a chicken permit. Fee: /member; /non-member. Call by 4pm on Thursday, Feb 16th to register. Click to register online or call 362-0664 and register by phone.
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* Presidents' Day HolidayPresidents' Day Holiday

Nature Center buildings are closed but trails are open daylight hours as usual.
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* BSA: American Indian FolkloreBSA: American Indian Folklore

Time: 6:30 pm

Wolf Cub Elective #10 - Hear "How Turtle Flew South" and other American Indian legends during a storoytelling session with a naturalist. Make your own rainstick and play American Indian games. Learn the trade of maple syruping, which has been passed down from American Indians. Try maple syrup on ice cream, too! (Requirements: a,b,d & f) Fee: per scout. Registration and payment are required at least one week prior to workshop. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
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* Hungry for a ChangeHungry for a Change

Time: 8:00 am

Hungry for a Change: Food, Ethics & Sustainability is a six-session discussion course developed by the Northwest Earth Institute which explores food systems and our relationships to them. We'll examine the impact food choices have on our health and the health of our planet. We'll also consider the ethical and political implications of our food system and our personal food choices. Fee is per person (which includes the required course book) or for couples sharing a book. Registration is required by 4pm on Wednesday, Feb 22nd. Click for more information and to register.
* Winter Bug AcademyWinter Bug Academy

Time: 1:00 pm

Open to all adults and children 8 years old and up. Joe and Christopher Zito invite you to an outdoor winter insect foray to look for over-wintering insects, snow fleas, active winter stoneflies and craneflies! Come dressed to go outdoors. Also see an indoor presentation on how insects survive winter and deal with the cold. Advance registration strongly recommended. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
* Ask the Expert--Chickens!Ask the Expert--Chickens!

Time: 2:00 pm

Do you have questions about raising chickens you can't seem to get answered? Come and ask Dr. Darrell Trampel, ISU poultry extension veterinarian! Dr. Trampel responds to poultry health questions raised by producers, backyard hobbyists and veterinarians and serves as liaison between the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa poultry organizations. Fee is /member; /non-member. Registration is required by 4pm on Thursday, Feb 23rd. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click to register online.
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Calendar developed and supported by Kieran O'Shea

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Upcoming Events

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Summer Nature Camps

2012 NATURE CAMPS…Explore Outdoors !

happy campers

Indian Creek Nature Center offers a variety of fun, outdoor activities for kids and families, especially in summer! For the very young, Polliwogs and Parents programs involve hands-on learning, Kids learn to eat like birds along the trail at campa story, craft and outdoor exploration. Try It Out! programs are one-day experiences for various ages.  Nature Camps are four-day adventures providing diverse outdoor exploration, skills, learning and fun for youth. Catching critters in the wetland pond at campNew in 2012 are Advanced Naturalist Camps for those who have completed Junior Naturalist Camp. Family Fun Fridays are programs the family can enjoy together. Advance registration is required for all sessions.

Abbreviated program descriptions are included below. Download the full brochure 2012 Nature Camps (legal sized paper required for printing) for complete program descriptions.

Polliwogs and Parents

For children aged 3-6 years. 9:00am-10:00am
Full Series Fee: $25/Members; $30/Non-Members  Register online for full series here.
Individual Session Fee: $5/Members; $6/Non-Members. Registration for individual sessions available by phone or mail only (no online registration for individual Polliwog & Parents sessions)
Each session limited to 14 children.

Pond Pals – Tuesday, June 5 or Saturday, June 9 – Learn about animals that live in and around the Nature Center’s ponds, from ducks and dragonflies to frogs and fish.  Register

Tree Time – Tuesday, June 19 or Saturday, June 23 – Walk in the woods to discover who uses trees for homes and food.  Register

A Peek At The Prairie – Tuesday, July 3 or Saturday, July 7 – Look closely at the special plants and animals that call the prairie home.  Register

Bats, Birds & Butterflies – Tuesday, July 17 or Saturday, July 21 – Many animals can fly but the different ways they do it are amazing!  Register

What’s In Your Pocket? – Tuesday, July 31 or Saturday August 4 – You might keep pebbles and pennies in your pocket but that is where some special animals keep their babies!  Register

Hunting for Nature’s Treasures – Tuesday, August 14 or Saturday, August 18 – Go on a scavenger hunt to search for nature’s hidden treasures.  Register

TRY IT OUT – One-Day Camps

9:00am-3:00pm. Fee: $25/Member; $30/Non-Member

For Children in Grades K-2nd:  REGISTER

Green and Growing – Monday, June 11 – Discover the secrets of seeds, plants and gardens.

Let’s Go Fishing – Thursday, June 14 – Enjoy pond, creek and wetland habitats as you learn about the fish, frogs and insects that live there. Make a pole and go fishing!

Creek Stompers – Monday, July 2 – Explore sandbars, riffles, quicksand and the quiet pools of Indian Creek and Bena Brook and the adaptations made by aquatic life.

For Children in Grades 3rd-5th:  REGISTER

Native American Gardening & Wild Foods and Herbs – Tuesday, June 12 – Explore our habitats to discover which plants and trees provide a bounty of rich foods and resources.

Technology Outdoors! – Friday, June 15 – Put on your hiking boots for a day of exploration and fun using both old and new technology.

Exploring the Indian Creek Watershed by Bike – Tuesday, July 17 – Ride to various upstream sites along the Sac and Fox Trail to explore beaver dams and fishing holes, learn trail history and how a watershed works. Bring your own bike!

Listening to the Bones – Thursday, July 19 – Become a skeleton detective and discover clues about how animals live and move.

Nature Camps – Four-Day Camp Experiences

9:00am-3:00pm. Fee: $95/Member; $115/Non-Member

REGISTER

Young Explorers Camp – June 18-21 or July 9-12
for campers who have completed kindergarten through 2nd grade
Explore every corner of the Nature Center to discover plants, animals, birds and insects in their habitats and how interdependent we are. There’s a new adventure each day!

Junior Naturalist Camp – June 25-28 or July 23-26
for campers entering 3th-5th grades
Learn and practice some outdoor survival skills like making fire, reading trail signs, mapmaking, using a pocket knife, fishing, foraging and even planting a crop using old-time methods. Visit a modern farm and compare methods.

Advanced Naturalist Camp

9:00am – 3:00pm  Fee: Member: $30/day, $125/week  Non-Member: $35/day, $150/week

For campers who have completed Junior Naturalist Camp. Choose a day or two or sign up for the full week of these varied and challenging activities.  REGISTER

GPS, Geocaching and More – Monday, July 30 – Step beyond our basic GPS experience and learn how GPS is used for mapping and habitat restoration monitoring.

Outdoor Shelters and Campfire Cooking – Tuesday, July 31 – Learn to build emergency shelters from natural materials and prepare food from main course to dessert on a fire you’ve built yourself!

Insect Safari – Wednesday, August 1 – Explore prairie, pond and woods to enter the amazing world of insects.  Join our beekeeper in the apiary and check out our hives.

Geology – Thursday, August 2 – Learn how Iowa’s unique geology created our prairies, wetlands and woods.

Become an Archaeologist – Friday, August 3 – Practice your investigative skills as you interpret artifacts, learn about the cultures that lived along the Cedar River and try your hand at using an atlatl.

Family Fun Fridays

Programs the family can enjoy together. Fee: $10/family for Members , $15/family for Non-Members

REGISTER

Prairie Mammals, Past and Present – Friday, June 15  7:00-8:30 PM – Elk and bison have disappeared from our landscape but the smaller mammals of the prairie are equally unique and fascinating.  Learn about the “general store” of the prairie as well as the rototillers, tunnelers, nesters and ghosts of the past.

Fireflies and other Evening Insects – Friday, June 22  8:00-9:30 PM – There are many species of fireflies in Iowa, each with its own unique color and habitat preference.  Join us for an evening of fun in the prairie and woodland.  Enjoy a firefly flashlight game!

Technology Outdoors! – Friday, June 29  7:00-8:30 PM – Learn the basics of using a hand-held GPS receiver for hiking, geocaching and other outdoor sports.  Geocaching is great family fun whether at home or traveling.

Crafty Fun – Friday, July 13   7:00-8:30 PM – Nature offers a variety of wonderful art materials!  Do some weaving, create willow bead jewelry, design a sculpture with clay from the Nature Center.

Bat Watch – Friday, July 20  8:00-9: 30 PM – Each evening, thousands of insects become food for the hungry Little Brown Bat colonies at the Nature Center.   Join us to learn about these amazing nighttime hunters and watch them emerge to begin their night of foraging.

Mothing - Friday, July27  8:00-9:30 PM – Late July is the time to use our secret moth bait formula on trees and attract Catocola or Underwing moths.   These are some of nature’s most beautiful moths.

Night Sky Tour - August skies are famous for meteorites, summer constellations, moon gazing and planet watching.