FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTURE - Elkhart … · FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTURE ... Above and all around me. SnowGlo Feeling Creative? Family Nature Fun Day ... Nov. 7 Time:

Wine Cork Birdhouse Workshop

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Pick a book

How long can your kids keep throwing

snowballs?

FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTUREI prefer to see snow...From my window. Above and all around me.

SnowGlo

Feeling Creative?

Family Nature Fun Day

Christmas Bird Count

Winter Astronomy

Cross County Ski Workshop

START HERE

Sure! Nah, I'm not that artsy...

Choose your art weapon:

Nature Sketching Workshop

Maple Syrup Workshop

Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?

Definitely.

Would you consider (briefly) venturing out in the cold if pancakes were involved?

Photo Contest Exhibiton

Your friends ambush you

with snowballs! Your response:

Run inside where it's

safe.

CRUSH THEM!!

A fox playing in the snow.

You have my attention.

Nope.Call my

kids over for backup!

Somewhat.

Which animal best resembles

you in winter?

A polar bear roaming the

tundra.

5 minutes. Longer than me.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

How do you feel about doing stuff outside in

30° weather?Maaaaybe...

I'd consider it for something

really fun

Meh. CUTE!!

You walk by a chipmunk stuffing his cheeks full of acorns.

What's your reaction?

...there was a chipmunk?

As long as I've got the right gear, I'm fine.

How fast do you walk on hikes?

Pretty fast. I like to take

my time.

Average speed

Pick a nature film

Coloring Night for Adults

Winter Wildlife Hike

[ 11 ]Preservation Recreation Education• •

Nature Sketching Workshop


Definitely.

As long as I've got the right gear, I'm fine. D

ATES

Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our area. The program offers information on proper identification, tips on how to spot birds and recognize them by ear, and the chance to find rare or unusual species found within the Elkhart County Parks. Every walk offers something different, so grab your hiking boots and binoculars and come discover the fascinating lives of birds! In addition, be sure to check the calendar for special weekend walks and birding workshops.Meets: 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month (thru 2017) Time: 8–10 a.m.Age: All (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) Cost: Free

Nov. 1 – Cobus Creek County ParkNov. 11 – Weekend Bird Walk - Details on pg.13Nov. 15 – Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County ParkDec. 6 – Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot

( ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury )Dec. 20 – Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County ParkJan. 3 – Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County ParkFeb. 7 – Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

WINTER ADVENTURES

Coloring Night for Adults

Maple Syrup Workshop

Photo Contest Exhibiton


Christmas Bird Count

Winter Wildlife Hike

Winter Astronomy

SnowGlo

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Wine Cork Birdhouse Workshop

Family Nature Fun Day

SAT. DEC.2 (see pg.14)




SAT. DEC. 30 (see pg.15)

FRI. JAN. 12 (see pg.16)

SAT. JAN. 20-26 (see pg.16)

SAT. JAN. 27 (see pg.17)

SAT. JAN. 27 (see pg.17)

FRI. FEB. 2 (see pg.18)

THURS. FEB. 15 (see pg.18)

SAT. FEB. 24 (see pg.19)

WEEKLY PROGRAMSWednesdayBird Walk

programs & events

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 NOVEMBER

BONNEYVILLE MILL COUNTY PARKCookies Crafts Flour Santa Carriage Rides & More!

Horse-drawn carriages, cookies, crafts, and local gifts and are just a sampling of what visitors can look forward to at this free

holiday celebration. Visitors can sample cookies made with Bonneyville Mill whole-wheat flour, as well as purchase their own for holiday baking. Kids will have the chance to meet Santa and personally deliver their lists, while gift shoppers can cross some items off their own list by visiting the Mill’s gift shop. Don't miss out on the festivities – come be a part of Holiday at the Mill –

the perfect start to your holiday season.

Please note: All programs must be pre-paid at time of registration.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 11 Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

(Date: Wednesday, Nov. 1Time: 8–10 a.m.

Location: Cobus Creek County Park

Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species

found in our area. Program details on page 11.1 Wednesday Bird Walk

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 7Time: 9:30–11 a.m.Age: 3–5Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12)

Preregister by: Tuesday, Oct. 31 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Join us for a fall adventure learning all about leaves! The program will explore the different shapes, sizes and colors

of leaves, and how they provide shelter for wildlife. Participants will learn through hands-on activities, crafts, stories and a leaf pile to play in.

7 Nature Nuts: Leaves

Date: Friday, Nov. 10Time: 6–7:30 p.m.Age: 10–AdultCost: $5/person (Limit 12)

Preregister by: Thursday, Nov. 9 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Give your home a festive welcome this season by creating a beautiful one-of-a-kind wreath made from

everyday coffee filters. These unique wreaths measure 18 inches in diameter and add the perfect touch to your holiday décor. An example of the wreath can be viewed at the Ox Bow Haus Gatehouse in Ox Bow County Park. All materials will be provided.

10 Coffee Filter Wreath Workshop

(

at theMillHOLIDAY

Age: All Cost: Free

Location: Bonneyville Mill County Park

programs & events


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Date: Saturday, Nov. 11Time: 1–3 p.m.Age: All (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)Cost: Free (Limit 25)

Preregister by: Friday, Nov. 10 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot ( ½ mile north of CR 16, Middlebury )

Late fall is a wonderful time for birdwatching. At this time of the year, more than 50 species of birds can be

found along the Pumpkinvine. Learn all about these hardy birds and where to find them on a guided walk with seasoned birders. The group will head out at 1 p.m. sharp, so please plan accordingly.

11 Weekend Bird Walk

Date: Saturday, Nov. 11Time: 11 a.m.Age: All

Cost: FreeLocation: Elkhart County Historical Museum

Born on a farm west of Elkhart in 1884, Essig was inspired by a Red Cross slogan, “What are you doing

to help?” and became a nurse during World War I. This Veteran’s Day program will chronicle Essig’s training in Indianapolis and New York, and her time caring for soldiers on the front lines in France.

11 People of Elkhart: Maude Essig

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 15Time: 8–10 a.m.

Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species

found in our area. Program details on page 11.

Wednesday Bird Walk15

Date: Thursday, Nov. 16Time: 6–8 p.m.Age: AllCost: Free

Location: Baldwin One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

This party is for individuals who participated in the 2017 Hiking Club. Anyone who attended at least one

of our Hiking Club events is welcome to attend and be recognized. Come celebrate this great event and share stories and memories of this year’s hikes with the club. Snacks and memorabilia will be available.

16 Hiking Club Wrap-up Party

Date: Saturday, Nov. 18Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.Age: AdultCost: Free

Preregister by: Wednesday, Nov. 15 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Maintenance Building, Ox Bow County Park

Lend a helping hand at Ox Bow County Park. Volunteers are needed to assist park staff in splitting

and stacking firewood for use in our public warming houses. Work gloves and boots are recommended. Snacks will be provided.

18 Ox Bow Volunteer Work Day

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programs & events


programs & events

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 6DECEMBER

Date: Saturday, December 2Time: 10 –11:30 a.m.Age: AllCost: Free (Limit 25)

Preregister by: Friday, December 1 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Date: Tuesday, December 5Time: 9:30–11 a.m.Age: 3–5Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12)

Preregister by: Tuesday, November 28 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Date: Saturday, December 9Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.Age: 13–Adult Cost: $30 (Limit 10)

Preregister by: Thursday, Nov. 28 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Date: Saturday, December 9Time: 11 a.m.Age: All


Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6Time: 8–10 a.m.

Location: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, CR 43 Parking Lot

Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in

our area. Program details on page 11.6 Wednesday Bird Walk

Learn how to create a beautiful birdhouse made entirely from recycled wine corks. These unique birdhouses are

fully-usable, and make for great gifts. The 2-hour workshop will provide step-by-step instruction on building a cork birdhouse with all supplies provided.

9 Wine Cork Birdhouse WorkshopDiscover the unique strategies animals use to conquer the cold and the habitats they reside in on a short winter

hike at Bonneyville. Many of our animal mounts will also be available for viewing during this presentation. Please come prepared for the weather.

2 Winter Wildlife Hike

Woodpeckers come in all sizes and are a common sight at feeders. Preschoolers will learn through games, crafts and

stories about these fun and beautiful birds. 5 Nature Nuts: Woodpeckers

Dr. Franklin Miles was a pioneer in medicine during the 1880’s through the 1920’s. From his workplace in

downtown Elkhart, Miles created a number of mixtures that would cure illness, and his development of Nervine vaulted him to national prominence. This program will chronicle his career and establishment of a business that would later go on to develop products like Alka-Seltzer and Flintstone vitamins.

9 People of Elkhart: Dr. Miles


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Date: Saturday, December 16Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.Age: All Cost: $10/family (Limit 12 Families)

Preregister by: Wednesday, December 13 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Cobus Creek County Park

Date: Saturday, December 30Time: Dawn–Dusk Age: AllCost: FreeLocation: Throughout Elkhart County

To Preregister: Call 574-535-6458, or send an email inquiry to [email protected]

Date: Saturday, December 16Time: 1–4 p.m.Age: 13–Adult Cost: $15 (Limit 15)

Preregister by: Wednesday, December 13 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Learn the art of nature sketching. Artists of all experience levels are invited to come learn techniques

using different art styles, practice sketching landscapes and found objects, and find their own creative approach in illustrating the natural world. All art supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook to the class.

16 Nature Sketching StudioJoin a Park Naturalist to discover the exciting world of animal tracks. This fun family program includes a

nature story and sing-a-long, making track ID books, and a short adventure hike in seeking out animal tracks. Activities are geared toward families with kids ages 6 and up. This entire program will be outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

16 Family Nature Fun Day: Animal Tracks

Ever wanted to be a scientist for a day? Interested in birdwatching? Perfect! Join the Elkhart County

Christmas Bird Count, part of a nation-wide event centered on the beauty and conservation of birds. During the count, volunteer teams tally all the birds seen and heard in their assigned area, and help provide a one-day snapshot of bird populations across the county. Counters can join a team in the field or count from the comforts of home. Participants can choose to gather data all day or as little as one hour. Come be a part of this annual event and learn more about the feathered residents of our county!

30Christmas Bird Count

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 20Time: 8–10 a.m.


Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory

species found in our area. Program details on page 11.20 Wednesday Bird Walk


Elkhart County's 22nd Annual

programs & events


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 13 14 15 16

programs & events

JANUARY

Date: Friday, Jan. 12Time: 9–10:30 p.m.Age: AllCost: $2/person (Limit 25)

Preregister by: Thursday, Jan. 11 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 9Time: 9:30–11 a.m.Age: 3–5Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12)

Preregister by: Tuesday, Jan. 2 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Date: Saturday, Jan. 20-26Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 20Time: 1–4 p.m.Age: AdultCost: $5/person (Limit 30)

Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 19 by 4 p.m. Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our

area. Program details on page 11.

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 3Time: 8–10 a.m.

Location: Feedlot Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park

3Wednesday Bird Walk

Preschoolers are invited to enjoy the amazing shapes, unique patterns and fun to be had with snowflakes.

If snow is present, please plan to dress for outdoor play.

9Nature Nuts: Snowflakes

In winter, there are more stars in our hemisphere than any other season, and the cool atmosphere acts as a

magnifying glass for the stars, making them easy to spot. Join us for an evening program studying the stars. Activities include a talk about the Roman and Greek mythology behind the constellations, a star chart workshop, and snacks around the campfire.

12Winter Astronomy Night

Learn all about Indiana’s feathered residents and how to find them in this hands-on introductory course to

birding. Topics will include binocular use, birding resources and technology, and other tips and tricks to use on the field. Following the presentation, the class will head out on a walk and put their new skills to the test.

20 Birding 101 Workshop

See the Elkhart County Parks captured through the lens at our 38th Annual Photo Contest Exhibition.

Photo entries from this year's contest will be on display at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Categories include: A Colorful World, Nature of the Photo, and Activities in the Park.

20 Photo Contest Exhibition

Date: Saturday, Jan. 20Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Photo Contest Exhibition

Age: AllCost: Free

Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum

Photo Contest Reception


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Date: Saturday, Jan. 27Time: 10–11:30 a.m.Age: 10–Adult (Limit 20)Cost: Free

Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 26 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Tired of being cooped up because of the cold? Bundle up and bring your family for a fun, winter scavenger

hunt to beat the winter doldrums.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 27Time: 1:30-3 p.m.Age: All

Cost: FreeLocation: Fisherman's Shelter, Ox Bow County Park

Date: Thursday, Jan. 25Time: 7 p.m.Age: All


2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I. This new display in our main hallway

will highlight artifacts in our collection and members of our community that served during “The Great War.” These artifacts will include images of men and women who served, items they brought with them to Europe, and information on people’s reactions to the war back here in Elkhart County.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30Time: 9 a.m.Age: All


30 World War I Display Opening

27 Winter Scavenger Hunt

Discover one of Indiana's most popular winter sports. In this workshop, learn what cross country skiing is

all about, including what equipment is needed to get started, and lessons on basic maneuvers. Visitors are welcome to observe, or bring along their own skis to participate in the lessons.

27 Cross Country Ski Workshop

As time has progressed, the built environment of our county has gone through a number of changes.

Buildings fell victim to tragedies like fire, fell into disrepair, or were abandoned to make way for modern counterparts. This program will take a look at some of the most prominent buildings in the county that are now gone, and what has taken their place.

25 Places of Elkhart: Lost Buildings

facebook.com /ElkhartCountyParks /elkhartcountyhistoricalmuseumf

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programs & events


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 5 16 FEBRUARY

Date: Thursday, Feb. 15Time: 5–7 p.m.Age: AdultCost: Free (Limit 30)

Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

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Date: Saturday, Feb. 3Time: 10–12 p.m.Age: 12–AdultCost: $15 (Limit 15)Preregister by: Friday, Jan. 26 by 4 p.m.

Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 6Time: 9:30–11 a.m.Age: 3–5Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling (Limit 12)

Preregister by: Tuesday, Jan. 30 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Ox Bow Haus, Ox Bow County Park

Date: Friday, Feb. 9Time: 6–7:00 p.m.Age: AllCost: Free (Limit 30)

Preregister by: Thursday, Feb. 8 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458


Date: Thursday, Feb. 8Time: 7 p.m.Age: All


Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7Time: 8–10 a.m.


Date: Friday, Feb. 2Time: 6–9 p.m.Age: All

Cost: Free (food and glow-in-the-dark items for sale)Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park


Join experienced bird guides on an informative walk in the park in search of resident and migratory species found in our

area. Program details on page 11.7Wednesday Bird Walk

Build a home to attract insect-eating neighbors. The workshop will cover the benefits of bats, information about local species,

and how to build and set up a bat house for your yard. All supplies will be provided.

3Bat House Workshop

We see them pop up on our lawns, wonder how much wood they could chuck, and even have a holiday named

after them. Get to know these chubby, furry diggers known as groundhogs (aka "woodchucks") in a program with stories, games, a snack, and a short hike.

6Nature Nuts: Groundhogs

Quilts can tell us a lot of things about history. They can tell us about the person who made them, a certain message

the patterns reveal, or how the introduction of new techniques and machines effected the making of these textiles. Staff from the museum will display some of the quilts and coverlets from the collection, and interpret the history behind them.

8 Quilts from the Collection

Hear the amazing stories of animal rescue with local wildlife rehabilitator, Dennis Badke, as he shares his experiences

working with injured and orphaned wildlife. During the talk, participants will get the chance to meet a rehab critter up-close, and listen to Badke's experiences in wildlife rehabilitation.

9Wildlife Rehabilitation

Adults craving some creative downtime are invited to a laid-back evening of coloring and chatting with friends.

Coloring pages and supplies will be provided, but visitors are welcome to bring in their own, as well.

15Coloring Book Night for Adults

Bring the whole family out for an exciting evening of glow-in-the-dark sledding under the full moon! This festival-style

event celebrates some of the fun outdoor activities Hoosiers can participate in during the winter. Families are encouraged to come decked out in glow-in-the-dark items from head to toe and enjoy an evening of sledding, games, contests, food, demonstrations and more! More information about this event can be found on the Parks Facebook page.

2SnowGlo

programs & events


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Date: Saturday, February 24Time: 9:30–11 a.m.Age: AllCost: $3.50/person (Limit 30) Kits available for $15

Preregister by: Friday, Feb. 23 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park

Date: Thursday, Feb. 22Time: 7–8 p.m.Age: AllCost: Free

Preregister by: Wednesday, Feb. 21 by 4 p.m.Call: 574-535-6458Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum

Some of our resident mammals,

such as Groundhogs, Big Brown Bats,

and Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels are

now heading into hibernation.

NOV

If you hear a nasally “yank yank yank”

call coming from the trees above, it’s probably

a White-breasted Nuthatch. These birds inch down tree trunks looking for insects and seeds they tucked away

earlier in fall.

DEC

Bundle up— the month of

November is when we typically see the first snowflakes of the season here in northern Indiana.

In the woods, check the ground for antlers shed by White-tailed Deer. They will have new ones

by March.JAN

If you have a maple sugar tree in your yard, now is the

perfect time to tap and make your own

maple syrup. Learn how at

our workshop on Feb. 24.

FEB

Forests fill with the sound of drumming

this month as woodpeckers begin

tapping out their territories.

Search the skies for "sun dogs",

an optical phenomenon caused by ice

crystals that create a rainbow effect around the sun.

On Dec. 13-14, witness the peak of Geminid, one of the year’s biggest meteor showers,

with 1-2 stars falling per minute.

NATURE'S CALENDAR

The Elkhart County Home served as a place for people who were unable to care for themselves. Covering the

100 year old history, this program will focus on the growth of the County Home movement in the 19th Century, the construction of the iconic 113 room facility near the current location of Ox Bow County Park, and the fight between county officials and the public when the facility was closed and the building was set to be torn down.

22Places of Elkhart: County HomeJust a few dollars’ worth of equipment and a single maple tree are all that is needed to make delicious

maple syrup right from home. In this workshop, learn the art of making maple syrup. Pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and drinks will be included in the program, and sugaring kits will be availablefor purchase.

24 Backyard Maple Syrup Workshop

programs & events

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FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTURE - Elkhart … · FIND YOUR PERFECT WINTER ADVENTURE ... Above and all around me. SnowGlo Feeling Creative? Family Nature Fun Day ... Nov. 7 Time: