Calendar

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* Honeybee Queen Rearing ClassHoneybee Queen Rearing Class

Time: 9:00 am

This is a two-day, hands-on class that runs from 9:00am through approximately 3:30pm each day at the Indian Creek Nature Center’s apiary. The objective of the class is to provide experienced beekeepers a method of rearing their own queens, reducing the need to purchase new queens, and allowing beekeepers to selectively promote the lines they like in their apiary. This is a great opportunity to learn to raise honeybee queens. No prior knowledge of queen rearing is required. The class is tailored after the Larry Conner queen-rearing method. Each class member should receive one or two queen grafts at the end of the session. These grafts will require finishing in student’s apiary. Recommended reading before the class is “Queen Rearing Essentials” by Larry Connor. This book is available on line for $20.00 plus shipping at www.bee-commerce.com. BEE sure to register early as the class size is limited to 15. Call (319) 362-0664 or click through to register. Cost is $65 for Nature Center members and $75 for nonmembers. Because of the somewhat remote location of the Nature Center and the intensive nature of the class, there will not be time to go off-site for lunch so students should plan to bring a brown-bag lunch both days.
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* Honeybee Queen Rearing ClassHoneybee Queen Rearing Class

Time: 9:00 am

This is a two-day, hands-on class that runs from 9:00am through approximately 3:30pm each day at the Indian Creek Nature Center’s apiary. The objective of the class is to provide experienced beekeepers a method of rearing their own queens, reducing the need to purchase new queens, and allowing beekeepers to selectively promote the lines they like in their apiary. This is a great opportunity to learn to raise honeybee queens. No prior knowledge of queen rearing is required. The class is tailored after the Larry Conner queen-rearing method. Each class member should receive one or two queen grafts at the end of the session. These grafts will require finishing in student’s apiary. Recommended reading before the class is “Queen Rearing Essentials” by Larry Connor. This book is available on line for $20.00 plus shipping at www.bee-commerce.com. BEE sure to register early as the class size is limited to 15. Call (319) 362-0664 or click through to register. Cost is $65 for Nature Center members and $75 for nonmembers. Because of the somewhat remote location of the Nature Center and the intensive nature of the class, there will not be time to go off-site for lunch so students should plan to bring a brown-bag lunch both days.
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* 40th Hike: Bena Brook Valley40th Hike: Bena Brook Valley

Time: 6:30 pm

Join us for a series of two-mile walks to interesting sites on Indian Creek Nature Center's land and surrounding landscapes as part of our 40th Anniversary celebration! Our first all is an off-trail experience in a unique valley filled with surprises. Be prepared for wet feet! For adults. Meet at the Lynch Wetland. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Backyard Chicken BasicsBackyard Chicken Basics

Time: 7:00 pm

This workshop covers the basic information needed to raise hens in urban and suburban areas. Participants will receive a certificate of completion that enables them to get a permit to legally keep chickens in Cedar Rapids. Registration required by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 5th. Cost: M: $7, NM: $10. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or register online at indiancreeknaturecenter.org.
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* Dragonflies, Snails & ScalesDragonflies, Snails & Scales

Time: 7:00 pm

Learn about pond life and discover the unique adaptations wetland creatures possess that allow them to survive and thrive in their watery world. Register by 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 6. Meet at Lynch Wetland Cost: $10/M-Family; $15/NM-Family; $4/M; $5/NM. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* BNH: Vegetable Garden for KidsBNH: Vegetable Garden for Kids

Time: 10:00 am

Bring Nature Home! Learn about seeds, plants and easy vegetables for families to grow and enjoy together. Each child will leave with seeds for a simple 4'x4' healthy veggie garden of green beans, lettuce, tomatoes and summer squash. Register by 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 7. Cost: $10/M-Family; $15;NM-Family. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Coyote CampCoyote Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Experience Iowa's natural and human history as you practice the outdoor skills early natives and settlers needed to survive. Learn the art of fire making with flint and steel, and how to read trail signs, create a map, and use a compass. Find out how to use and care for a pocket knife, make fishing tackle, and go fishing. Forage for wild plants that were food, medicine and resources for early Iowans. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Bobcat CampBobcat Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed kindergarten through 1st grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM We are partners on this earth with our wild neighbors. Explore your connections to nature! The wild side awaits discovery as you learn about plants, animals, birds, insects and your dependence on their activities. Enjoy hands-on experiences as you explore the wilder areas of the Nature Center to discover animal activities in all habitats. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Coyote CampCoyote Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Experience Iowa's natural and human history as you practice the outdoor skills early natives and settlers needed to survive. Learn the art of fire making with flint and steel, and how to read trail signs, create a map, and use a compass. Find out how to use and care for a pocket knife, make fishing tackle, and go fishing. Forage for wild plants that were food, medicine and resources for early Iowans. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Bobcat CampBobcat Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed kindergarten through 1st grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM We are partners on this earth with our wild neighbors. Explore your connections to nature! The wild side awaits discovery as you learn about plants, animals, birds, insects and your dependence on their activities. Enjoy hands-on experiences as you explore the wilder areas of the Nature Center to discover animal activities in all habitats. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* 40th Hike: High Point & Back40th Hike: High Point & Back

Time: 6:30 pm

This evening's 40th Anniversary hike is filled with ups and downs as we hike some hills and enjoy a great view of the Nature Center. Two miles. For adults. Cost: $2/M; $3/NM. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Coyote CampCoyote Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Experience Iowa's natural and human history as you practice the outdoor skills early natives and settlers needed to survive. Learn the art of fire making with flint and steel, and how to read trail signs, create a map, and use a compass. Find out how to use and care for a pocket knife, make fishing tackle, and go fishing. Forage for wild plants that were food, medicine and resources for early Iowans. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Bobcat CampBobcat Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed kindergarten through 1st grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM We are partners on this earth with our wild neighbors. Explore your connections to nature! The wild side awaits discovery as you learn about plants, animals, birds, insects and your dependence on their activities. Enjoy hands-on experiences as you explore the wilder areas of the Nature Center to discover animal activities in all habitats. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Coyote CampCoyote Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Experience Iowa's natural and human history as you practice the outdoor skills early natives and settlers needed to survive. Learn the art of fire making with flint and steel, and how to read trail signs, create a map, and use a compass. Find out how to use and care for a pocket knife, make fishing tackle, and go fishing. Forage for wild plants that were food, medicine and resources for early Iowans. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Bobcat CampBobcat Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A four-day nature camp experience for campers who have completed kindergarten through 1st grade. Camp runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM We are partners on this earth with our wild neighbors. Explore your connections to nature! The wild side awaits discovery as you learn about plants, animals, birds, insects and your dependence on their activities. Enjoy hands-on experiences as you explore the wilder areas of the Nature Center to discover animal activities in all habitats. Cost: $120/M; $140/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 7. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Campfire StoriesCampfire Stories

Time: 7:00 pm

Join storyteller Darrin Crow around the campfire for an evening of Native American and other stories. Learn why Opossum's tail is bare and Owl has large eyes! Enjoy yummy campfire treats and make a game to take home. If it rains, we'll meet inside the barn for activities. Cost: (Adult) $4/M; $5/NM; (Child age 5 and up) $2/M; $3/NM. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Hawk CampHawk Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A five-day senior nature camp for campers who have completed 4th grade and up. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Exploring Iowa's natural history and learning how to interpret what you find requires unique skills and tools. This camp will equip you with both! A different topic each day - Geology, GPS, Archaeology, Wildlife Forensics and Survival in the Wild. It's an awesome week of fun and adventure. Cost: $150/M; $180/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 14. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* PP: ABC's of SummerPP: ABC's of Summer

Time: 9:30 am

Summer has just begun! Preschoolers and their parents will be introduced to the wonders of nature through exciting alphabet activities. See how many letters we can find around our barn and go on a hike to explore the ABC's of the great outdoors. For children aged 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Cost: $6/M Child; $8/NM Child; Adults/free. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Hawk CampHawk Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A five-day senior nature camp for campers who have completed 4th grade and up. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Exploring Iowa's natural history and learning how to interpret what you find requires unique skills and tools. This camp will equip you with both! A different topic each day - Geology, GPS, Archaeology, Wildlife Forensics and Survival in the Wild. It's an awesome week of fun and adventure. Cost: $150/M; $180/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 14. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* PP: ABC's of SummerPP: ABC's of Summer

Time: 9:30 am

Summer has just begun! Preschoolers and their parents will be introduced to the wonders of nature through exciting alphabet activities. See how many letters we can find around our barn and go on a hike to explore the ABC's of the great outdoors. For children aged 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Cost: $6/M Child; $8/NM Child; Adults/free. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Hawk CampHawk Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A five-day senior nature camp for campers who have completed 4th grade and up. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Exploring Iowa's natural history and learning how to interpret what you find requires unique skills and tools. This camp will equip you with both! A different topic each day - Geology, GPS, Archaeology, Wildlife Forensics and Survival in the Wild. It's an awesome week of fun and adventure. Cost: $150/M; $180/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 14. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Hawk CampHawk Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A five-day senior nature camp for campers who have completed 4th grade and up. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Exploring Iowa's natural history and learning how to interpret what you find requires unique skills and tools. This camp will equip you with both! A different topic each day - Geology, GPS, Archaeology, Wildlife Forensics and Survival in the Wild. It's an awesome week of fun and adventure. Cost: $150/M; $180/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 14. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* 40th Hike: Landscape History40th Hike: Landscape History

Time: 6:30 pm

Explore a bit of geologic history on this evening's 40th Anniversary hike as you traverse flat and hilly terrain. Two miles. For adults. Cost: $2/M; $3/NM. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Hawk CampHawk Camp

Time: 9:00 am

A five-day senior nature camp for campers who have completed 4th grade and up. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Exploring Iowa's natural history and learning how to interpret what you find requires unique skills and tools. This camp will equip you with both! A different topic each day - Geology, GPS, Archaeology, Wildlife Forensics and Survival in the Wild. It's an awesome week of fun and adventure. Cost: $150/M; $180/NM. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM on June 14. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Summer Solstice CelebrationSummer Solstice Celebration

Time: 7:00 pm

For centuries, humankind has celebrated the sun's journey on the longest day of the year. Join the Nature Center and Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center as we share traditional solstice celebrations from various world cultures. Discover unique "suncatcher" plants that grow along our prairie labyrinth and create a suncatcher of your own. Enjoy music and participate in a salute to the setting sun from our prairie. Program is at the Nature Center and will be moved indoors if there is rain. Program will last 2 hours. A free will offering will be collected, no fee. Registration is required. Call 319-362-0664 to register. No online registration available for this program.
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* Caving!Caving!

Time: 8:00 am

One-day specialty camp for campers who have completed third grade and up. Maquoketa Caves are cool, mysterious, and a challenge to explore. Join our professional staff on a spelunking experience into Iowa's underground. You will discover cave formations, learn how caves form, an have a grand adventure! Limited to 12 kids. Cost $50/M; $60/NM. Camp runs from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM Thursday, June 20. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Circle ConversationCircle Conversation

Time: 7:00 pm

Welcome to our first Circle Conversation! Join us as we discuss transforming Indian Creek Nature Center into an amazing space. Conversations will focus on the proposed new building and site and how people interact with nature through the Center. Insights from the discussions will be used to guide the design process. Each conversation session will last approximately 90 minutes. Conversations will occur monthly through September. No admission fee Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register. No online registration available for this program.
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* Birds, Bugs, & Creepy CrawliesBirds, Bugs, & Creepy Crawlies

Time: 9:00 am

One-day camp for children who have completed kindergarten through 2nd grade. Camp runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Spend a day spying on birds, catching bugs and discovering life under a log. Get up close and personal with an earthworm, and figure out how birds use their best tool - a beak - to find and capture insects. Explore the world of a honeybee and follow snail trails to hidden habitats. There's so much to discover! Cost: $30/M; $35/NM Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* 40th Hike: Tree Walk40th Hike: Tree Walk

Time: 6:30 pm

The Nature Center is home to many amazing trees. Come along on tonight's 40th Anniversary hike and learn their stories. Two miles. For adults. Cost: $2/M; $3/NM. Advance registration requested. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Creek Stompers IICreek Stompers II

Time: 9:00 am

One-day specialty camp for campers who have completed third grade and up. Camp runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Explore the sandbars, riffles and quiet pools of Indian Creek or Bena Brook while you discover the adaptations aquatic plants, insects, crawdads, and fish have for underwater life. Cost: $30/M; $35/NM Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
* Creek StompersCreek Stompers

Time: 9:00 am

This camp is FILLED. Space is still available for the July 23rd session.
* PP: Going Buggy!PP: Going Buggy!

Time: 9:30 am

Bugs are neat; bugs are cool! Preschoolers and their parents can learn all about insects and their life cycles during this fun program. Visit the prairie on a bug-seeking adventure. Make your own bug catcher to use throughout the summer. For children aged 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Cost: $6/M Child; $8/NM Child; Adults/free. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Let's Go Fishing!Let's Go Fishing!

Time: 9:00 am

THIS CAMP IS FILLED
* PP: Going Buggy!PP: Going Buggy!

Time: 9:30 am

Bugs are neat; bugs are cool! Preschoolers and their parents can learn all about insects and their life cycles during this fun program. Visit the prairie on a bug-seeking adventure. Make your own bug catcher to use throughout the summer. For children aged 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Preregistration and payment required no later than 3:00 PM the day prior to the program. No walk-ins. Cost: $6/M Child; $8/NM Child; Adults/free. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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* Firefly WalkFirefly Walk

Time: 8:00 pm

There are many species of fireflies in Iowa, each with its own unique flash color and habitat preference. Join us for an evening of fun in the prairie and woodland to find them. Play a firefly flashlight game! Register by 4:00 PM Thursday, June 27. Cost: (Family) $10/M; $15/NM; (Individual) $4/M; $5/NM. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or click here to register online.
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Category Key
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 General
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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.