Winter/Spring 2021
Volume 39 Issue 1
Inside this issue:
Happy New Year!
1
February Programs
2
March - April Programs
3
TRAC Open House
3
Little Critter’s Day Out
4
Animal Tales
4
Nature Time Yoga
4
NEW Programs
5
Spring Break Camps
6
Out of School Days
6
Nature Center News
7
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.
Happy New Year! Slowly but surely our New Year’s wish of being able to engage face-to-face with the public is coming true. Our staff are back in the building providing programs virtually and in-person at a safe capacity. While we continue to navigate the best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to announce that our park improvements are making headway and should be completed by summer. The Nature Center and gift shop is open 9am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm. Patrons six and older are required per state mandate to wear a mask in public spaces. Our wildlife viewing room is open and we have some exhibits on display, but our exhibit gallery is temporarily closed. The park remains open dawn until dusk. Improvements and a realignment, including a short-cut have been made on the Old South Trail. This trail will now be closed due to wet conditions to preserve the trail. You can find information on trail closures by calling the Rainout Line at (913)6866220 ext. 19 or visiting www.erniemiller.com, clicking on About Us and then Rainouts & Temporary Closings. You can also download the Rainout Line app and search JCPRD Parks for park and trail closures. While you’re out on the trails be sure to check out our new bridge over Little Cedar Creek! And as always, bikes and pets are prohibited on our trails. We continue to offer programs during park improvements. Programs are viewable by visiting our website www.erniemiller.com where you will find a calendar of events at the bottom of the page. In order to register for the programs of your choosing you will need to complete the following 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.
We cannot wait to see you at a program soon!
Page 2
February Programs Once Upon an Adventure - Virtual Storytelling 1-1 hr. session - $5/household •
2/12 Fri. 7:00pm; Barcode 9270
Escape Room: Rescue the Animals (All Ages) Group Reservation Required (12 people max/room) Call 913-826-2800 to book.
1-1 ½ hr. session - $10/$11 nonresidents •
2/19 Fri. 6:30pm; Barcode 7656
Yoga: Green at Heart Hike (Ages 16 & Older) 1-1 ½ hr. session—$8/$9 nonresidents •
2/21 Sun. 12:30pm; Barcode 7443
Full Moon Hike (Ages 8 & Older) 1-1 ½ hr. session - $7/$8 nonresidents •
2/27 Fri. 6:30pm; Barcode 7681
Living History: Laura’s Legacy (Ages 5 & Older—must be accompanied by Parent/ Guardian or 1 adult chaperone per group of 5)
Sunday Family Series (All Ages) Advanced Registration Required. •
1-45 min. session - $3 per person; including adults
2/7 Sun. 1pm The Dirt On Dirt; Barcode 7758 Look at, touch, and learn about the wonders of soil.
2/21 Sun. 1pm Ferrets In Kansas; Barcode 7759
Celebrate the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas pioneer. Participants will make a rag doll, experience lessons from 1800’s school, and hear music from the time period. Laura will tell favorite stories from her childhood long ago. Participants are invited to wear pioneer clothing. Reservations Required (Everyone attending must register and pay; including adults)
Meet live animal relatives of endangered species.
2/28 Sun. 1pm Wildlife Who’s Who; Barcode 7760 Meet an amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal.
1-2hr. event - $7/$8 nonresident 2/5 Fri. 2pm Barcode 9176
Page 3
March - April Programs (Private Group Reservation; Available by Appointment Only) Boating: Canoe Clinic (Ages 10 & Older) 1-2 hr. clinic - $16/$18 nonresidents per person; 7-11 people per group •
TimberRidge Adventure Center call 913-856-8849
Nature Walks: Spring (All Ages) 1-1 hr. session at Ernie Miller Park •
1-10 people - $35/$38 nonresidents
•
11-15 people - $40/$44 nonresidents
Outdoor Skills: Archery Clinic (Grades 3 & Older) 1-1hr. clinic - $41/$45 nonresidents; max. 10 people Outdoor Skills: Map & Compass Clinic (Ages 10-14)
April Programs
1-1hr. clinic - $41/$45 nonresidents; max. 10 people
Go Green: Rain Barrel Workshop (Ages 18 & Older)
Outdoor Skills: Survival Hike (Grades 1 & Older)
1-1hr. session - $41/$45 nonresidents; max. 15 people
1-1 hr. session - $55/$60 nonresidents •
4/15 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 7633
•
4/17 Sat. 9:30am; Barcode 7433
Map & Compass: Orienteering Workshop (Ages 16 &Older and children accompanied by Parent/Guardian)
1-3 hr. session - $15/$17 nonresidents •
4/24 Sat. 9am; Barcode 7434
TimberRidge Adventure Center Open House (All Ages) Choose from several activities during our annual Open House: archery, BB gun shooting, canoeing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, pedal boating and other fun activities. Participants need to be 8 years or older for the BB gun and archery range activities. Fishing is available, however participants age 16 and older are required to have Kansas fishing license. Licenses will not be sold on site. Cops n’ Bobbers will be on site with poles and bait available for use or you may bring your own. For more information contact Outdoor Adventure Specialist Lysa Holladay Dvorak (913) 856-8849.
1-3 hr. event - FREE - Advanced Registration Required •
4/24 Sat. 9 am; Barcode 7863
•
4/24 Sat. 12:30 pm; Barcode 7865
Animal Tales
Page 4
(Ages 2-6 with Adult)
10:30am
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 a snack, make a craft, play games, hike, and see an animal visitor each day! Sign up for just the Thursdays of your choosing or sign up for the monthly bundle! Children must be potty trained.
Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared toward preschool children. Come listen, learn, and meet a special animal friend each time. Program held indoors. 1-30 min. program - $2 per person; including adults. Advanced Registration Required. Theme
Tues.
Barcode
Weds.
Barcode
Advanced Registration Required.
B is for Birds
2/2
7786
2/3
7787
1-3 hr. class - $19/$21 nonresident
Teddy Bear Surprise
2/16
7788
2/17
7789
Who’s There?
3/2
7790
3/3
7791
Meet the Mammals
3/30
7792
3/31
7793
Itsy Bitsy Spider
4/13
7794
4/14
7795
Mother Nature
4/27
7796
4/28
7797
4-3 hr. classes (Feb., Apr. only) $65/$73 nonresident
Theme
Date
Barcode
Fairytales & Fables
2/4
7766
Nature’s Valentine
2/11
7767
My 5 Wild Senses
2/18
7768
Animal Hibernation
2/25
7769
Who Sings in Spring?
3/4
7770
Turtle Races Beaver
3/11
7771
Ice Age Exploration
4/1
7772
Forest Peek-A-Boo
4/15
7773
Spring Colors
4/22
7774
Light As A Feather
4/29
7775
Bug Hunt
5/6
7776
Spring Peepers
5/13
7777
Nature Time Yoga (Ages 2-6 with Adult) 10:30am Music, Movement, and Imagination!! These parent and child experiences are designed to encourage creativity, coordination, and enhance awareness of the Tues. Barcode Weds. Barcode natural world. See a live animal friend every time. 2/9 7803 2/10 7804 2/23
7805
2/24
7806
3/9
7807
3/10
7808
4/20
7809
4/21
7810
1-30 min. program - $2 per person; including adults. Advanced Registration Required.
Page 5
New Programs Walk with a Naturalist (Ages 18 & Older) Take a hike with a naturalist. Join us for themed hikes. Hikes will be easy (E) to moderate (M) in difficulty. Dress for the weather and muddy conditions on the trail. 1-1 ½ hr. session - $7/$8 nonresidents •
Prairie Prescription (M) 2/25 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 9091
Learn about the importance of prairie fire and prescribed burning. •
TREEmendous (E) 3/11 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 9092 Discover the tree species in the park.
•
Bird Bonanza (M) 4/8 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 9093 Go on a search for migrating birds in the trees.
•
Spring Ephemerals (E) 4/22 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 9094 Discover emerging wildflowers in the park.
•
Family Night Hike
Down by the Bank (M) 5/6 Th. 9:30am; Barcode 9095 Dip your nets in the creek and catch some critters.
(Ages 6 & up with Adult) Visit the habitats of Ernie Miller Park as the sun sets and the animals of the night explore the darkness on a guided hike. See live animals & biofacts up close indoors before our trek outside. Bring a flashlight or lantern and dare yourself to turn off the light for a portion of our walk. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Waterproof shoes are recommended for rain or mud.
Orienteering Egg Hunt (Ages 5 & up with Adult)
1-1 ½ hr. session - $7/$8 nonresidents (including adults)
Bunnies don’t lay eggs! But ours has hidden some around the park! Meet our rabbit, Beatrice, and some egg laying animals before you learn how to • use a compass. Beatrice has marked course coordinates for your team to • find and test your skill. Find the eggs and return the compass to earn a sweet treat! 1-2 hr. session - $7/$8 nonresident; including adults. •
3/26 Fri. 7:00pm; Barcode 9194 4/9 Fri. 7:30pm; Barcode 9195 Advanced Registration Required.
Flowing with Nature
4/3 Sat. 10:00am; Barcode 9196
(Ages 16 & older)
Advanced Registration Required.
This award winning KRPA “Outstanding New or Innovative Wellness Program” will be sure to World Groove in Nature (Ages 18 & Older) help you relax, discover, and awaken the mind and body. We will hike, journal, kayak and do World Groove is a simple way to move and dance using many styles of music. It is playful and fun for all fitness levels. No fancy yoga at TimberRidge Adventure Center’s lake steps, no special equipment needed, come as you are! front property. (min. 1 adult chaperone per group of 5)
1-1 hr. session - $8/$9 nonresidents •
3/13 Sat. 9:00am; Barcode 9096
Advanced Registration Required.
1-3 ½ hr. class - $39/$43 nonresident •
4/17 Sat. 1pm; Barcode 9097
Advanced Registration Required.
Page 6
Spring Break Discovery Camps! (Supervision available from 7:30am-5:30pm daily. Scheduled activities begin at 9am)
“Take an Adventure this Spring Break at Ernie Miller Nature Center!” Ernie Miller Spring Break Discovery Camp - Olathe School District (Ages 6-10) •
3/15 M-F 5-7 hr. sessions - $139/$151 nonresidents; Barcode 7824
Ernie Miller Spring Break Discovery Camp - DeSoto School District (Ages 6-10) •
3/24 W-F 3-7 hr. sessions - $99/$108 nonresidents; Barcode 7826
Ernie Miller Spring Break Discovery Camp - Shawnee Mission School District (Ages 6-10) •
4/5 M-F 5-7 hr. sessions - $139/$151 nonresidents; Barcode 7825
Spring Break Adventure Camps! (Supervision available from 7:30am-5:30pm daily. Scheduled activities begin at 9am)
“Join the adventure! Exploring, Canoeing, Fishing, Teambuilding, Zip lining, & more!” Ernie Miller Spring Break Adventures Camp - Olathe School District (Ages 11-13) •
3/15 M-F 5-7 hr. sessions - $153/$169 nonresident; Ernie Miller Nature Center - Barcode 7827
TimberRidge Adventure Center Spring Break Adventures Camp - DeSoto School District (Ages 11-13)
•
3/24 W-F 3-7hr. sessions - $108/$118 nonresidents; TimberRidge Adventure Center - Barcode 7829
Ernie Miller Spring Break Adventures Camp - Shawnee Mission School District (Ages 11-13) •
4/5 M-F 5-7 hr. sessions - $153/$169 nonresident; Ernie Miller Nature Center - Barcode 7828
Out of School Days at Ernie Miller (Ages 6-12) “While out of school, go wild with nature!” (Supervision available from 7:30am-5:30pm daily. Scheduled activities begin at 9am) 1-7 hr. session - $37/$40 nonresidents Date
Barcode
Date
Barcode
Date
Barcode
Fri. 2/5
7815
Thu. 2/25
7818
Mon. 3/29
7821
Thu. 2/11
7816
Fri. 2/26
7819
Fri. 4/16
7822
Fri. 2/12
7817
Mon. 3/22
7820
Fri. 4/30
7823
Ernie Miller Nature Center 909 N K-7 Highway Olathe, Kansas 66061 Phone: (913) 826-2800 www.erniemiller.com Follow us on Twitter: @JCPRDemncnature Follow us on Facebook: Ernie Miller Park &
Ernie Miller Nature Center Staff Outdoor Education Manager - Bill McGowan Outdoor Education Specialist - Andrea Joslin Park Supervisor - Leon Gordon Interpretive Assistant - Amy Isenburg
Senior Park Naturalist - Molly Postlewait Park Naturalist II - Regina Wasson Park Naturalist & Tracks Editor - Diana Bliss Animal Caretaker - Sabriya Samo & EMNC Volunteers
Ernie Miller Nature Center Volunteer
Nancy Chapman Nancy grew up in Southern California, the daughter of teachers who loved being outdoors and traveling. With summers off, her family packed their Impala station wagon and visited every National Park between the Pacific Ocean and the Mississippi River on their way to visit family in South Dakota. She graduated from K-State with a BS degree in Agricultural Economics and moved to Johnson County in 1980. After 20 years of volunteering with the Boy Scouts she started volunteering with Johnson County Extension, first as an Extension Master Gardener and then a Master Naturalist in 2015. Nancy delights in vegetable and fruit tree gardening donating produce to local food pantries. She joyfully assists EMNC with family and children's events. Watching parents take their kids outside and instill an appreciation of nature warms her heart.
Mudpies: Celebrating Squirrel Appreciation Day, January 21st! Nature Activities for children Molly Postlewait Senior Park Naturalist
January 21st was “Squirrel Appreciation Day!” Do you like Squirrels? We certainly do at the Nature Center. Here in Kansas we have 3 kinds of tree squirrels (pictured above from right to left): Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, and Southern Flying Squirrel. Kansas is home to lots of wild creatures, big and small. Squirrels are one that we can see almost every day! Although they can be considered a pest for eating the bird seed at the feeders, they are delightful to watch. Acrobatic and agile, squirrels are a wonder of the forest, parks, and our backyards.
Squirrels are also beneficial to the environment because they “plant” seeds. You could call them Nature’s Gardeners! Squirrels hide seeds and acorns by burying them in the ground. They are storing the seeds and acorns to eat later. But perhaps by accident, these seeds and acorns are forgotten and eventually grow into a tree. So, squirrels help to plant trees that grow into forest within our parks and help trees reproduce in our neighborhoods. Trees are important to a squirrel’s survival. Trees help them escape predators. Squirrels use trees to travel, by jumping, and scurrying up and down. They use trees as shelter, using cavities as well as building nests of leaves. Nuts and acorns from trees are food for these bushy tailed little mammals. Now that you know more about squirrels, try some of the squirrel activities mentioned next!
Pretend to be a Squirrel! Watch squirrels, and then set up a squirrel obstacle course. How will you move? Practice gathering food and scurrying around.
Squirrel Poem (Read & Act Out)
The squirrel jumps from tree to tree. He hides from you; he hides from me. He looks and looks, and looks around. And picks up nuts from off the ground.
Go on a squirrel counting hike. How many squirrels did you see today?
