Fall/Winter 2021
Volume 39 Issue 3
Inside this issue:
Nature Center News
Nature Center News
Pg. 1
Preschool Programs
Pg. 2
Youth Special Events
Pg. 3
Adult Programs
Pg. 4
Fun For All Programs
Pg. 5
Youth Winter Break Camp
Pg. 5
Fun For All Programs Cont. Pg. 6 Fun For All Special Events
Pg. 7
Staff Retirements
Pg. 8
Staff Promotions
Pg. 9
Mudpies
Pg. 10
Nature Center Hours Nov. 1 - Feb. 28
March 1 - Oct. 31
Mon. - Sat.
Mon. - Sat.
9am - 4:30pm
9am - 5:00pm
Sun.
Sun.
12:30pm - 4:30pm
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Park trails are open every day dawn to dusk. Pets and Bikes Prohibited.
Welcome back! Inside this issue of the Tracks Newsletter, we would like to update you on some changes we have had since the new year! First, we should address some well deserved retirements and promotions! Our Senior Park Naturalist, Molly Postlewait and our Outdoor Education Manager, Bill McGowan retired this spring. Andrea Joslin was promoted into Bill's position of Outdoor Education Manager, and Regina Wasson was promoted into the role of Senior Park Naturalist. The outdoor education staff acquired Amber Lamble, a former Park Police Officer, as the new Park Naturalist. You may read more about the retirements and promotions on page 8. While we have had some changes to staffing, it is business as usual around here. Our staff just completed a 10-week Outdoor Discovery Camp for children 6-12 years old and we look forward to a pretty “normal” fall fieldtrip and special event season! Since January, we have been working on the following park improvements (to be completed this fall): the outdoor amphitheater and firepit with ADA accessibility; an outdoor classroom - a dock over the pond for nature programming; and a new accessible parking area and loop drive that will have an easier slope and a shortened distance to the nature center. These improvements will complete the 1st phase of the Ernie Miller Master plan. Finally, if you are looking to register for our fall programming, please follow these steps: 1. Click the program of your choosing on the calendar. 2. Click the link on the “Event Details” page that says advanced registration required. 3. Next, you’ll see an “Activity Detail” page from JCPRD. Click “Enroll Now” 4. You can now log into your account or make a new account.
909 North K-7 Highway Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: 913-826-2800
www.erniemiller.com www.jcprd.com
If you already have an ActiveNetwork account you can go to www.jcprd.com and click on the “activity search” button. Next, use the program barcode to search and find the program of your choosing in the activity search. If you have questions registering, please call us at 913-826-2800.
Page 2
Preschool Programs (Ages 2-6) Animal Tales
Nature Time Yoga
(Ages 2-6 with Adult) 10:30am
(Ages 2-6 with Adult) 10:30am
Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children. Come listen and learn. Meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. 1-30 min. session - $2 per person; including adults. Advanced Registration Required. Theme
Date
Barcode
Johnny Appleseed
9/15
14407
Fall Signs
10/6
14408
Poopendous!
10/20
14409
Animal Mouths
11/3
14410
Talking Turkey
11/17
14411
Stories with Mrs. Claus!
12/1
14413
Visit from Santa
12/15
14414
Twilight Hike (Ages 3-6 with Adult) 7pm Explore the trails at Ernie Miller Park as the sun sets. Listen for the nocturnal sounds of a cricket’s chorus and a barred owl’s call. Gather around a cheery fire ring for stories, activities, and a tasty treat. Participants should bring a flashlight.
Music, Movement, and Imagination!! Join the nature center staff as we act out stories with animal and yoga moves. These parent and child experiences are designed to encourage creativity, coordination and enhance awareness of the natural world. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult. See a live animal every time. 1-30 min. program - $2 per person; including adults. Advanced Registration Required.
Date
Barcode
9/8
14397
9/22
14398
10/13
14399
11/10
14401
12/8
14402
Little Critter’s Day Out (Ages 3-5) 9:00am - Noon Your Little Critter will enjoy 3 hours of fun and education! We will have an adventure, eat a snack, make a craft, play games, and see an animal visitor each day. Dress for the weather! Children must be potty trained.
Advanced Registration Required. 1-3 hr. class - $19/$21 nonresident Theme
Date
Barcode
1-1 ½ hr. session - $7/$8 nonresidents; per person, including adults.
Woodland Animals
9/9
14387
Advanced Registration Required.
Slimy & Scaly
10/7
14388
Feathers, Beaks & Feet
11/4
14390
Winter Wonderland
12/2
14391
•
10/1 Friday 7pm; Barcode 14385
Youth Special Events
Page 3
Cub Scout Bear Adventure - Fur, Feathers, and Ferns (Ages 7-10) 10am Take a one mile hike visiting stations to earn your Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Adventure Badge. See live animals, a working compost worm bin and learn about composting. Learn about extinct and endangered animals. Smell and taste herbs and plant a herb to take home. Minimum one paid adult per five paid children. Program fee nonrefundable. In case of inclement weather program will be held indoors. 1-2 hr. event- $7/$8 nonresidents; per person, including adults. Paid in advance. $8 per person onsite day of event, if space available. •
10/2 Saturday 10am; Barcode 14312
Girl Scout Brownie Badge Event (Ages 7-10) 9am
Girl Scout Daisy Badge Event (Ages 5-7) 1pm Looking for an opportunity to earn two badges for your Brownie or Daisy Girl Scouts? We can help! Join us at TimberRidge Adventure Center as a Brownie to complete your Eco Friend & Outdoor Adventure Badge; and your Eco Learner & Buddy Camper Badge as a Daisy! Badges must be provided by Troops. Dress for the weather and learn outdoors. Minimum one paid adult per five paid children. We will provide a s’more for snack. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions prior to the event. Bring your lunch and water bottle. We invite you to bring a picnic lunch to eat between Noon-1pm. For more information call Park Naturalist Diana Bliss at (913)826-2807. 1-3 hr. event- $20/$22 nonresidents; per person, including adults. Preregistration required. Every person attending must register and pay, including adults. Program fee is nonrefundable.
Brownie Badge Event: 11/6 Saturday 9am; Barcode 14310
•
Brownies are encouraged to arrive at 8:30am with a program time from 9am-Noon •
Daisy Badge Event: 11/6 Saturday 1pm; Barcode 14311 Daisies are encouraged to arrive by 12:30pm with a program time from 1pm-4pm.
Nature & Outdoors Adult Programs
Page 4
Birding: Fall Bird Walk (Ages 18 & Over) Join us for a morning walk in the woods to look for fall migrants and resident birds. Get help spotting and identifying different species. Bring binoculars if possible. Limited loaner binoculars will be available.
1-1 ½ hr. session - $8/$9 nonresidents - Advanced Registration Required •
9/14 Tues. 7:30am, Barcode 14416
Birding: Owl Prowl (Ages 18 & Over) Whooo makes their home in Ernie Miller Nature Park? Who else but the Great Horned, Barred, and Screech Owls. Join us for this adults only informative talk featuring live owls and an evening hike through the park. Come dressed for the weather and warm up with a cup of hot cider after the hike. Program fee is nonrefundable.
1-1 ½ hr. session - $8/$9 nonresidents •
11/18 Thurs. 7pm, Barcode 14417
Map & Compass:
Go Green:
Orienteering Workshop
Worm Bin Workshop
(Ages 16 & Older & Children 10+ Accompanied by Parent/Guardian)
(Ages 18 & Older & Children 8 & Older Accompanied by Parent/Guardian)
Do you like to hike cross-country but fear losing your way? This beginner’s workshop introduces you to orienteering , a fun way of learning the basic skills for using a topographic map and a magnetic compass. This class includes a practice orienteering hike in the park. Workbook and loan of compass are provided. Dress for the weather. Not recommended for youth under 10 years of age. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by registered adult.
Discover the fun in making organic fertilizer inside your home with vermiculture! Make your own worm bin, complete with a half-pound of worms to take home. You will learn how to care for your worms, troubleshoot problems, and how to make worm team. One worm bin per paid registrant. Registration deadline: Oct. 7th.
1-3 hr. session - $15/$17 nonresidents
1-1 ½ hr. session - $29/$32 nonresidents
•
10/23 Sat. 9am, Barcode 14462
Boating: Evening Kayak Excursion (Ages 18 & Older) Kayak around Shawnee Mission Park Lake in the evening! Space is limited. Registration Required. Kayaks & Lifejackets provided. Beginner Excursion starts with a safety briefing and instruction. Intermediate Excursion required kayaking skills. Basic swimming skills required for both excursions. Meet at Shawnee Mission Park Marina boat ramp. Dress for the weather.
•
10/14 Thurs. 10am, Barcode 14464 1-2 hr. session - $24/$26 nonresidents Beginner Excursion 10/2 Sat. 6:30pm Barcode 14459
Intermediate Excursion 10/9 Sat. 6:30pm
Barcode 14460
Nature & Outdoors Fun For All Programs
Page 5
International Observe the Moon
Starlight Group Hayride (All Ages)
(All Ages)
Bring your group for a late fall hayride and learn about the stars and their ancient stories. This 2-hour program includes a hay wagon ride to your viewing location and back for a campfire with cider and marshmallows. We will be learning about the constellations of the evening and the stories that go with them. Dress for the weather. Advanced registration required.
Observe the moon through a telescope, learn about lunar phases, make impact craters and your very own moon journal, and more! You may also bring your own binoculars and chair. Program fee is nonrefundable. Advanced registration required. Registration closes Thursday, Oct. 14th.
1-2 hr. event - $10/$11 nonresidents
1-1 ½ hr. event - $7/$8 nonresidents •
10/16 Sat. 7:30pm; Barcode 14438
Owl Prowl
•
11/16 Tues. 6pm; Barcode 14441
•
11/17 Wed. 6pm; Barcode 14442
•
11/18 Thurs. 6pm; Barcode 14443
(Ages 5 & Older) Whooo makes their home in Ernie Miller Nature Park? Who else but the Great Horned, Barred, and Screech Owls. Come for an informative talk featuring live owls and an evening hike through the park as we attempt to call in wild owls. Come dressed for the weather and warm up with a cup of hot cider after the hike. Program fee is nonrefundable. Registration Required. Parent/Guardian must register with child.
Date
Time
Barcode
11/5
7pm
14445
11/6
7pm
14446
11/7
7pm
14447
1-1 ½ hr. event $8/$9 nonresidents
Escape Room: Rescue the Animals (All Ages) Owen the Outlaw has captured our owl and ferret! Can you help save them? Your team must beat the clock by solving puzzles and using clues to unlock both rooms to help the animals make a great escape! Group bookings only. 12 person minimum. 15 person maximum per room. Up to 2 rooms available per timeslot. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. Recommended for ages 5 and older. All ages, including adults count in participation head count. Registration fee is nonrefundable. $120 minimum per room. Date
Time
Barcode
Date
Time
Barcode
1-1 ½ hr. event -
11/12
6:30pm
14449
12/3
6:30pm
14453
$10/$11 nonresidents
11/13
10am
14450
12/4
10am
14454
11/13
1pm
14451
12/4
1pm
14455
11/13
3pm
14452
12/4
3pm
14456
Call 913.826.2800 for more information or to book the program.
Nature & Outdoors Fun For All Programs
Page 6
Monarch Migration Workshop (Ages 8 & Older; children must be accompanied by Parent/ Guardian or one adult chaperone per group of 5) Celebrate the Monarch butterfly’s amazing annual migration. Join us in capturing, tagging, and releasing them to continue their journey to Mexico. Learn about these amazing insects and other native butterflies. Wear long pants to protect your legs as you run through the prairie and closed toed shoes to protect your feet. Due to a limited amount of insect nets, you are welcome to bring your own. For reservations and more information call (913) 826-2800. Advance Registration Required. Registration closes on Sept. 9th. Participants will receive 2 tags to use on site or take home.
1-2 hr. event - $7/$8 nonresidents; including adults. Paid in advance. $9 per person day of the event, if space is available •
9/18 Sat. 10am; Barcode 14458
Full Moon Hike (Ages 8 & Older)
Youth Winter Break Camp Winter Break Adventure Camp
By the light of the blue moon, join us (Ages 6-12) for a quiet hike to Cozy up at the nature center for winter break! We will do connect with nature activities and experiments inside and out! Dress for the and the night weather and learn about survival and animal adaptations. sounds. Let your For the convenience of working parents, supervision will be eyes adjust to the provided from 7:30am-5:30pm. Scheduled activities are moonlight and from 9am-4pm. Children will need a lunch and water bottle experience the park after dark. Enjoy the shadows, each day. Snacks served daily. A camper data sheet will be listen for owls, and finish with a hot drink. The full required for attendees and will be emailed prior to the start moon hike will happen even on overcast nights. Dress date of camp. Camp fees are nonrefundable. For more for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. information call Park Naturalist Diana Bliss (913)826-2807. Recommended for ages 8 & older. For more 1-7 hr. event - $39/$43 nonresidents information contact Regina Wasson (913)826-2805.
1-1 ½ hr. session - $7/$8 nonresidents; including adults. •
11/19 Fri. 6pm; Barcode 14439
Date
Barcode
Date
Barcode
12/20
14294
12/27
14297
12/21
14295
12/28
14298
12/22
14296
12/29
14299
12/30
14300
Happy Holidays!
Fun For All Special Events Halloween: Haunted Kansas
Halloween: Whimsical Woods
(Ages 8 & Older; children (Ages 11 & Under; children must be accompanied by must be accompanied by Parent/Guardian or one adult Parent/Guardian) chaperone per group of 5) There’s nothing scary about this
Page 7
Santa’s Workshop (Ages 11 & Under; children must be accompanied by Parent/Guardian) Santa needs more elves! Rotate through stations to earn your elf ears. You’ll eat and drink Santa’s favorite snack & meet the jolly guy himself! See live animals and compare Kansas animals to artic ones! Advanced Registration Required. Program fee nonrefundable.
enchanted forest. Costumed As darkness falls, walk through the characters will delight and trails of Ernie Miller Park and listen entertain audiences off all ages. to the stories of long ago. Meet with the Good Fairy and Characters from the past will share 1-1 ½ hr. event - $8/$9 nonresidents; Forest Friends. Reservations legends around the campfire. including adults. required. In case of inclement Expect a shiver down your spine weather program will be held • 12/11 Sat. 10am; Barcode 14340 and a mild case of goosebumps for indoors. Advance registration those who dare enter the forest on • 12/11 Sat. 1pm; Barcode 14341 required. Minimum 1 paid adult this autumn evening. This is an per 5 paid children. Program fee is outdoor event so dress (All Ages) nonrefundable. appropriately. In case of inclement Take a break from the busy holiday festivities. weather program will be held 1-1 ½ hr. event - $7/$8 The trails will be lit by luminaries. Warm up indoors. Advanced Registration nonresidents; including by the fireside and listen to stories about the Required. Program fee is adults. longest night of the year. Visit live owls and nonrefundable. $8 per person onsite, day of discover animal mysteries of survival. Gather 1-1 ½ hr. event - $7/$8 round for a campfire treat of toasted event, if space is available. nonresidents; including marshmallows. This program will be adults. outdoors. Dress for the weather. In case of Date Time Barcode inclement weather program may be held $8 per person onsite, day of 10/9 1pm 14323 indoors or cancelled. Advanced Registration event, if space is available. Required. Program fee is nonrefundable. 10/9 1:15pm 14324 Date Time Barcode
Winter Solstice
10/23
6:30pm
14314
10/9
1:30pm
14325
10/23
6:45pm
14315
10/9
1:45pm
14326
10/23
7:00pm
14316
10/9
2:00pm
Sold Out
10/23
7:15pm
14317
10/9
2:15pm
14328
10/23
7:30pm
14318
10/9
2:30pm
14329
10/23
7:45pm
14319
10/9
2:45pm
14330
1-2 hr. event - $7/$8 nonresidents; including adults.
$8 per person onsite, day of event, if space is available. •
12/18 Sat. 4:30pm; Barcode 14336
•
12/18 Sat. 5:30pm; Barcode 14337
•
12/18 Sat. 6:30pm; Barcode 14338
Staff Retirements
Page 8
Bill McGowan Former Outdoor Education Manager In June, 2021, Bill McGowan, Outdoor Education Manager, retired after 40 years serving JCPRD. Bill says, “I anticipated working for the district for a couple of years before continuing my career with the National Park Service. Never did I envision that I would have the opportunity to share my passion for nature and the outdoors in my hometown for my entire career.” During Bill’s tenure, he created more than 25 outdoor education programs, participated in the planning of Ernie Miller Nature Center’s three expansion phases, and the creation of TimberRidge Adventure Center. Bill has received the following honors: National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Master Interpretive Manager Award; NAI Region 6 / Lifetime Achievement & Distinguished Professional Interpreter Awards; JCPRD Employee of the Year in 2005 and 1995; and he received recognition by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce in appreciation for his service to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Council, and by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education in recognition of outstanding service and dedication. In his retirement, Bill is looking forward to more time with family and friends, traveling, and visiting parks of all kinds! One thing is for sure, the Ernie Miller Nature Center, TimberRidge Adventure Center, and Outdoor Education Programs are priceless gems for the County and District and have been built upon from Bill’s efforts, dedication, and passion. Thank You Bill! We look forward to seeing you in the park soon!
Molly Postlewait Former Senior Park Naturalist If you have been to Ernie Miller Nature Center in the past 24 years, you have probably met Molly! Molly has created over 50 programs for Ernie Miller Nature Center and conducted over 5,000 programs during her JCPRD career. She is a world renowned storyteller, fan of adventure, and a known risk taker! In April, 2021 she retired and is headed on to new adventures! Staff recall Molly as someone who has the ability to get people out of their comfort zones, in connecting people to history and the natural world, and whose boundless enthusiasm can capture an audience of participants, coworkers, and professionals alike. Molly is the holder of many awards: NAI Region 6 Fellow/Lifetime Achievement Award & Master Frontline Interpreter Award; she has been JCPRD’s Employee of the Year, twice; won quarterly awards and Best Workshop Presentation at NAI regional conventions three times! We wish Molly the most adventurous retirement ever as she heads out on solo trips, to national parks and family visits with her husband, and in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro! Happy adventures Molly!
Staff Promotions
Page 9
Andrea Joslin Outdoor Education Manager Ernie Miller Nature Center welcomes Andrea Joslin as the new Outdoor Education Manager! Andrea has served at EMNC since 2003 and has held titles of Park Naturalist and Outdoor Education Specialist. Andrea is looking forward to expanding and meeting the program and service demands by utilizing more of the JCPRD parks and departments, as well as training more part-time staff and volunteers. Andrea says, “I am very fortunate to have a ‘dream job’ sharing the outdoors, nature, and history with the public.” During her time with EMNC, she has been awarded the following: JCPRD Park Safety & Interpretation Division Fourth Quarter Employee Award 2004, The JCPRD Park Safety & Interpretation Division Employee of the Year Award in 2006, NAI Region 6 Outstanding New Interpreter and the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education’s Rising Star Award. The Superintendent of Safety and Outdoor Education, Terry Anderson says, “I am confident that under Andrea’s leadership along with her experience and abilities, she will be able to take an already outstanding outdoor education program to the next level.” We can’t wait to see where you lead us, Andrea!
Ernie Miller Nature Center would also like to congratulate the following staff for their promotions into new positions: Regina Wasson - Senior Park Naturalist (pictured below-top) and Diana Bliss Park Naturalist II (pictured below-bottom); as well as welcoming our new Park Naturalist Amber Lamble (pictured left)!
Amber is no stranger to JCPRD, the Safety and Outdoor Education Division or Ernie Miller Nature Center. Amber previously worked as a JCPRD Park Police Officer for 10 years and has spent a lot of time at the nature center doing interpretive programs and creating programs on astronomy, bats, and conservation successes. Amber is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelors in Agriculture, with a major in Park Management and Conservation; area of focus in Interpretation, and secondary major in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. She joined the EMNC team officially in June 2021 and is looking forward to being on the interpretive staff full time. Welcome aboard Amber!
Page 10
Ernie Miller Nature Center
EMNC Outdoor Discovery Camp
909 N K-7 Highway Olathe, Kansas 66061 Phone:(913) 826-2800
Assistant Director/Bus Driver
Visit us at www.erniemiller.com
Nolan Lewis
Follow us on: Twitter @JCPRDemncnature
This summer, Nolan Lewis received the SEASONAL 2nd Quarter award for JCPRD! Nolan has been working with Ernie Miller Ernie Miller Nature Center Staff Nature Center for the Outdoor Discovery Camp for 7 years. Outdoor Education Manager - Andrea Joslin During the school year, he teaches elementary school full time, Park Supervisor - Leon Gordon and also works at TimberRidge Adventure Center as an Activity Interpretive Assistant - Amy Isenburg Days leader. Nolan is challenge course facilitator trained, and Senior Park Naturalist - Regina Wasson often helps with the TRAC open house, before returning to camp! Park Naturalist II & Tracks Editor - Diana Bliss Park Naturalist II - Amber Lamble Nolan received the 2nd quarter Animal Caretakers - Abby Cummings & Lindsay Evans award for handling several difficult situations revolving around the camp bus. He handled these situations professionally and There are several ways you can help us care for the calmly and ensured the safety of animals at the nature center. From monetary our camp participants. Thank you donations, to gift cards or purchasing items we Nolan for your contributions to need. We can’t do it without you! running a quality JCPRD program! Donations May Be Dropped Off At Ernie Miller Nature Center: 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, KS
Donations for the Animals
November 1-Feb. 28: Mon.-Sat. 9am-4:30pm Sun. 12:30pm-4:30pm March 1-Oct. 31: Mon.-Sat. 9am-5:00pm Sun. 1pm-5pm
Mudpies
Whoo’s There? OWLS!
Nature Activities
Fall is a great time to go outside and for children experience the sounds and animals of the night! Do you hear (913) 826-2800 www.erniemiller.com any hooting or trilling in your neighborhood? Whoo could it be? Mammals Snakes, Turtles and Toads Owls! We have four owls in Peanuts in shell, no salt Frozen berries Johnson County: Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Sweet potatoes Frozen kernel corn Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl (pictured above left to right). Whole carrots Frozen broccoli Pine shavings Clear critter keepers Come by the nature center to meet an owl up close! Until you do, (Lifetime Pet in Olathe) enjoy using your creativity to make a craft pinecone owl! Rodent Chow for mice
Birds of Prey One-quarter inch and/or three-quarter inch rope Brown duct tape Detergent/Dryer sheets
Outside critters and general animal care Apple Cider Vinegar Nitrile disposable gloves Disinfecting wipes Bird seed: black oil sunflower, safflower seed, suet cakes Gift Card Ideas: Walmart, PetCo, Price Chopper, LifeTime Pet
Pine Cone Owl Materials: Pine cones, wiggle eyes, felt (cut into triangles for ear tufts and one slightly larger for nose), glue gun, tacky craft glue or wood glue. Instructions: Place one large pine cone upside down for the owl’s body. Glue a smaller pine cone right-side up on top of the large pine cone to make the head. Add wiggle eyes and felt nose and ears. You can make this into an ornament for your tree or glue to a piece of wood with a flat bottom to set on a table. Add three pine cone owls to the wood an make an owl family!
