Calendar

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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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Prairie

Tallgrass PrairiePhoto of two girls on a fall prairie at the Indian Creek Nature Center

The French word “prairie” means “meadow.” Prairie plants created the rich soil agriculture depends on. Native grasses, including Indian grass and big bluestem, dominate this habitat and are adapted to thrive in wind, heat, and drought. Prairie grass root systems grow as deep as 16 feet, drawing moisture from underground allowing grasses to flourish in Iowa’s hot, dry summer. These deep roots infiltrate water into the earth and build soil at the rate of one inch each 250 years. Watch as wind flows over the land, pushing  grasses into racing waves across the meadow.

A photo of various species of forbes on the Stimple Prairie at the Indian Creek Nature CenterBeautiful deep-rooted prairie flowers (forbs) scatter among the grasses. The progression of color begins in early spring with low growing beauties such as pasque flowers and prairie smoke, and ends in September with asters. Late bloomers grow tall to compete with the rising tide of grasses for sunlight.

The Indian Creek Nature Center has two main prairies – the Stimple Prairie and the Christiansen Prairie.  Both are located off of Otis Road, west of the barn.