Nature Programs

PARENT/CHILD

KNEE HIGH NATURALIST

Your young explorer will build an appreciation for nature as they discover the great outdoors through hikes, songs, and art projects. Adults will gain knowledge and skills for teaching children about the natural world around them with both indoor and outdoor experiences. Be sure to join us for a new adventure each month!

POLLINATOR PALOOZA NEW! Who knew flowers had so many friends? Butterflies, birds, bees, and other buddies constantly visit and pollinate local wild flowers! We’ll explore which pollinators live in Central Park and discover their favorite (and least favorite) foods. Participants will receive milkweed plants to take home and promote pollinators in their very own yards.

CHASING FIREFLIES

Fireflies are one of the most exciting parts of summer. Learn alongside your child about these fascinating creatures, also known as lightning bugs, and how they create their glow! You’ll play firefly tag, create your own firefly, and read The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle.

YOUTH

EDIBLE ADVENTURE

Native people and pioneers lived off the land for their survival. Have you ever wondered which plants are edible and which are poisonous? We will take a short hike to identify which plants are edible and discuss how our ancestors survived without the local grocery store!

ZOOLOGY AND BIOLOGY ADVENTURES NEW! Examine the fields of zoology and biology! We’ll explore mammalogy, entomlogy, herpetology, ornithology, and ecology. We will conduct experiments and run line transects to study animals and collect data in nature.

FAMILY LEARN TO FISH

Have you been looking for a new outdoor activity to do as a family? Are your kids interested in fishing, but you don’t know where to start? This free introductory workshop is designed specifically for families to learn how to fish together! You’ll learn a little fish biology, gain some basic fishing skills, and finally, apply what you’ve learned along the Central Park Lagoon. No fishing license required as the day of the class is a Free Fishing Day! All fishing supplies are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a chair. Each family member needs to register, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by DNR’s Go FishIN program.

FISHING I

Hook, line, and sinker! Whether you’re new to fishing or still learning, this class is for you. Learn fishing techniques including how to tie a knot, cast, reel ‘em in, fish handling, and safety. And of course, we’ll go fishing along the boardwalk! Get ready to catch a big one. All supplies provided. Meet at Westermeier Commons and we will head over to the lagoon together.

FISHING II

Had your first taste of fishing and want to learn more? This course will teach you advanced techniques in casting, knot tying, use of slip bobbers, map reading, and how fish relate to different environments. Safety will continue to be our number one priority as we fish potential hot spots at the pond. Get ready to watch your bobber bounce! All supplies provided. Meet at Westermeier Commons and we will head over to the lagoon together.

STARS AND SPACE NEW! Learn the science of the sky! We will make night sky guides and use them to identify galaxies, planets, constellations, and track the phases of the moon. The Indiana Astronomical Society will join us for one class for an unforgettable telescope demonstration! Participants need to bring a flashlight with a red light or cover their flashlight with red cellophane to preserve night vision. Don’t forget the bug spray! Program dates are subject to change due to rain or cloud coverage. Class on 4/18 will meet at the Monon Community Center East Building in Program Room C.

MY PARK SERIES

Join us in this interpretive series and park stewardship program where you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the past, see the present and envision the future. See how each park was shaped by its natural resources and what makes it unique to Carmel.

INLOW PARK

Hidden behind the playground and splash pad at Inlow Park is a woodland bursting with diversity. Spring is the ideal time to highlight these colorful woodland species. Join us to discover unique spring species, and to discuss our long-term efforts in eradicating another (invasive) spring species: garlic mustard.

THE MONON GREENWAY

Chances are, we’ve all used the Monon Greenway whether it be on foot, by bike, or with our furry friends. Once an active railway, the Monon Greenway is the backbone of our park system. Join us to discover unique trail connections extending beyond the Monon and how you can play a role in preserving this important corridor!

FOUNDERS PARK

Parks sometimes require us not only to preserve, but to restore native landscapes. Founders Park is a perfect example, as it was once a working limestone quarry. Join us as we discuss the unique history of this park and the challenges with vegetation (native and invasive) while working on a completely restored site.

CAREY GROVE PARK

Carey Grove is one of our favorite pocket parks. Did you know it used to house an arboretum with over 60 tree species? Join us as we walk the 1/4 mile trail and discuss arboretums as living museums, and learn about the native species that still call Carey Grove home.

HAZEL LANDING PARK

Tucked within a bend in the White River, Hazel Landing Park has it all: a waterway, woodlands, prairies, picnic areas, and even an 18-hole disc golf course. This park is the perfect example of bringing nature and recreation together. Join us as we walk the floodplain and discuss how we balance ecosystem health, recreation, and education along the White River.

LEARN TO FISH NEW! Have you been looking for a fun outdoor activity? Give fishing a try! On this day you are not required to have a fishing license. Join our experienced fishing instructors at West Park to see how many you can catch! All equipment will be provided for your fishing adventure. We’ll even put the worm on the hook for you! Come on out and learn a new hobby. Bring a folding chair and a water bottle, and join us at the ole’ fishin’ hole!

BIRDING

Join our Resident Naturalist for a peaceful walk through park trails as we look for early Spring migrants and possibly some Spring warblers. Bring your binoculars and learn how to find and identify a variety of birds. We will take a new route each class to observe the different birds found in different areas of the parks! Advance pre-registration is required two days before each meeting date.

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARDS AND SUSTAINABLE GARDENS NEW! Looking to spice up the look of your patio or garden? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages to vertical and hydroponic gardens. Discover how to enhance your backyard space using sustainable techniques that will help you positively impact the environment.

EDIBLE ADVENTURE

Native people and pioneers lived off the land for their survival. Have you ever wondered which plants are edible and which are poisonous? We will take a short hike to identify which plants are edible and discuss how our ancestors survived without the local grocery store!

THE IMPORTANCE OF POLLINATORS

Believe it or not, we all need insects to survive. Our food source depends on pollinators. Many of our native pollinators are on the decline, so you will learn what you can do to increase and attract pollinators to our urban and rural areas. You will also make a DIY mason bee house!