Holliday Park

Happenings Spring 2012 Program Guide

Look inside for:

Create and Decorate: Birdhouses

Family Creek Stomp

Wool Sock Winter Walk

Sap to Syrup Day

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Welcome to Holliday ParkOne of Indianapolis’ oldest parks, Holliday Park is among the most environmentally diverse, yet accessible, tracts of land within Marion County. The park is located along the banks of the White River and has 95 acres of woodland and over three miles of trails. As a major urban resource, it features an arboretum, prairie, ornamental and native gardens, playground, rock garden, picnic area and nature center.

Holliday Park is host to over 30 community and educational groups that use the nature center throughout the year. In addition, the park’s environmental education programs and events are attended by nearly 30,000 participants a year.

Program Registration InformationProgram registration begins Friday, December 9, 2011. Call 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register. Fees due upon registration. We accept cash, check (payable to Indy Parks), Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Holliday Park Hours:Dawn to Dusk

Nature Center Hours:Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm

Sunday 1–5 pm

6363 Spring Mill Rd.

Indianapolis, IN 46260

www.hollidaypark.org

www.indyparks.org

Printed on recycled paper

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Table of ContentsWelcome to Holliday ParkProgram Registration Information 2Holliday Park and Nature Center Hours 2

Youth and Family ProgramsHunt of the Month 4Meet the Nature Center Animals 4Wool Sock Winter Walk 4Webelos Badge Blitz 4Brownie Girl Scout Try-It Day 5Sap to Syrup Day 5Create and Decorate: Birdhouse 5Small Wonders 6Holliday Park Volunteer Work Day 6Scout Sundays 6Family Friday Night Campfires 7Naturalist on the Loose 7Family Creek Stomp 7

Adult ProgramsAmos W. Butler Audubon Society 8Volunteer Naturalist Training 8Natural History Book Club 8Riviera Camera Club 9Seniors Gone Wild 9Indiana Daylily/Iris Society 9Labor and Learn Garden Workshop 10Indiana Daffodil Society 10Garden Work Day 11Preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer 11Spring Wildflower Hike 11Fly Fishing for Beginners 12Outdoor Adventures: Rafting the White River 12

Seasonal Events and ArtsPainting by Robert Crawford 13Natural Images Children’s Art Show 13Holliday Park Trail Run 13Orchard in Bloom 13Painting, Woodcuts, & Printmaking by Judy Leiviska 13

School and Scout Field Trips 14

Friends of Holliday Park 15

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Hunt of the MonthStop by the front desk of the nature center to grab a copy of our monthly scavenger hunt. Then put on your detective hat and head out in to the park to see what you can find!

Daily, Mon. – Sat. 9 am–5 pm, Sun. 1–5 pmFree! No registration required

Meet the Nature Center AnimalsGet up close and personal with the animals who call the nature center home. We’ll learn about what makes each animal unique as well as how our naturalists keep them happy and healthy.

Sundays: Jan. 22 and Mar. 41:30–2:30 pmFree! No registration required

Wool Sock Winter WalkShake off the cabin fever and enjoy a naturalist led walk though the wintry woods of Holliday Park. After the hike enjoy the warmth of a campfire complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast.

Sunday, Feb. 51:30–3 pm$5/person, pre-registration required

Webelos Badge BlitzDuring our annual badge blitz, Webelos will enjoy earning the three activity badges for the World Conservation Award. Packs are welcome and must be accompanied by at least one adult. We will be cooking lunch as part of the Outdoorsman Badge. Come prepared to be indoors and out.

Saturday, Feb. 259 am–12:30 pm$10/scout, pre-registration required

Youth and Family Programs

Call 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register!

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Youth and Family ProgramsBrownie Girl Scout Try-It DayBrownies will earn the “Eco-Explorers,” and “Watching Wildlife,” Try-Its and the Our Council’s Own patch “Love Maple Syrup.” Scouts should come prepared to be inside and out. Whole troops are welcome and must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Saturday, Feb. 251:30–4:30 pm$8/scout, pre-registration required

Sap to Syrup DayHelp us celebrate the late-winter magic of maple trees! Join us anytime between 12:30 and 2:30 to journey around the trails and learn all about maple sugaring, try a taste test and enjoy the gooey sweetness of a Sugar-Maker’s Sundae (trust us, you’ll love it!)

Saturday, Mar. 312:30–2:30 pm$5/person, pre-registration required

Create and Decorate: BirdhouseCome anytime between 1:30 and 4 to help decorate the nature center with birdhouse art! We will have birdhouse kits for families to construct and decorate. Your masterpiece will be on display at the nature center until April 7th when you can hang it in your yard to see who moves in. We will provide birdhouse kits and decorations, feel free to bring along your own unique materials. Price is per birdhouse.

Sunday, Mar. 181:30–4 pm$8/birdhouse, pre-registration required

Support Holliday Park, become a FHP Member

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Youth and Family ProgramsSmall WondersExplore the natural world through fun and creative activities and hikes. Hands-on experiences designed for children and their caregiver offer a chance to discover nature together. This is a adult/child class for children ages 3 and 4.

Tuesdays: Mar. 20 and May 89:30–10:30 am$5/child, pre-registration required

Holliday Park Volunteer Work DayHolliday Park needs your help! Volunteers will work on park improvement projects such as trail maintenance, non-native plant control, cleaning up the playground, and more! Individuals and groups are welcome, please call 327-7180 to let us know you are coming.

Saturday, Apr. 149:30 am–12 pmFree!

Scout SundaysCalling all scouts! Dive into the wild world of incredible Indiana nature during our monthly programs designed just for Cub Scouts (at 1:30 pm) and Girl Scouts (at 3 pm). Individual scouts or whole dens/troops are welcome; children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Sundays: Apr. 15: Reptiles and Amphibians, May 20: Underground Adventure1:30–2:30 pm for Cub Scouts3–4 pm for Girl Scouts$4/scout, pre-registration required

Call 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register!

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Youth and Family ProgramsFamily Friday Night CampfiresTired of spending your Friday night in front of the TV? Come share in a fun adventure for the whole family. We will start around the campfire and then focus on the topic of the evening. We will provide the roasting sticks and s’mores, you are welcome to bring hot dogs and make a meal of it!

Fridays: Apr. 20: Sounds of the Night, May 18: Turtles6:30–8 pm$5/person, pre-registration required

Naturalist on the LooseHave you ever touched a toad? Smelled skunk cabbage? Join us as we grab some of the coolest stuff from the nature center and head out into the park. No pre-registration required, just meet your naturalist under the gazebo at the Holliday Park playground.

Sunday, Apr. 221:30–2:30 pmFree! No registration required

Family Creek StompHolliday Park is home to wetlands, ponds, and seeps teeming with plants and wildlife. Have fun discovering the creatures that love these wet places. Wear old shoes and clothes that can get wet and muddy!

Sunday, May 131:30–2:30 pm$5/person, pre-registration required

Help support these programs, become a FHP Member

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Adult ProgramsAmos W. Butler Audubon SocietyNamed after one of Indiana’s greatest naturalists, the Amos W. Butler chapter of the National Audubon Society is a grassroots organiza-tion that promotes the enjoyment and stewardship of birds in central Indiana. The public is invited to join each monthly program. For more information, visit www.amosbutleraudubon.org

Tuesdays: Jan. 10: The Galapagos of the Southern Ocean, Feb. 14: The Secret Love Life of Birds, Mar. 13: Argentina’s Hidden Wonder, Apr. 10: Birdathon, May 8: TBD7:30–9 pmFree! No registration required

Volunteer Naturalist TrainingIf you are looking for a volunteer opportunity and enjoy sharing your love of the outdoors with others, then this is the place for you. Monthly trainings prepare volunteers to lead groups of children during our Environmental EdVentures field trips.

Wednesdays: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 7, Apr. 11, May 99:30–11 amFree! No registration required

Natural History Book ClubBookstores have natural history books galore with authors from Rachel Carson to Aldo Leopold. This monthly program offers adults a chance to learn about nature through the words of nature writers.

Fridays: Jan. 13: Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle, by Thor Hanson, Feb. 10: The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman, Mar. 9: The Brother Gardeners, by Andrea Wulf, Apr. 13: The Tree, by John Fowles, May 11: Selected essays from The Art of Seeing Things, by John Burroughs10–11:30 amFree! No registration required

Call 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register!

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Adult ProgramsRiviera Camera ClubThe Rivera Camera Club is the oldest continually operating club if its kind in Indianapolis and strives to be a place where people who are serious about photography can come to hone their skills and be motivated by other photographers. Programs are open to the public.

Tuesdays: Jan. 3 & 17, Feb. 7 & 21, Mar. 6 & 20, Apr. 3 & 17, May 1 & 15

7:30–9:30 pmFree! No registration required

Seniors Gone WildDo you have a passion for nature and enjoy lifelong learning opportunities? There is no better way to learn than through first-hand experiences, so join us to tap maple trees, hold salamanders, and get your feet wet discovering who lives in the creek. Classes will include time indoors and out and are for active adults 50+.

Thursdays: Feb 23, Mar. 15, Apr. 5 & 261:30–3 pmPre-registration is required through OASIS. Call 317.396.3751 or visit http://www.oasisnet.org/ to register.

Indiana Daylily/Iris SocietyIDIS is a group dedicated to the promotion of daylilies and iris. Visit www.indianadaylilyirissociey.org for more information.

Public Programs: Tuesdays: Mar. 6: Brown’s Ferry Gardens, Apr. 3: Historic Iris and Floral Design, 7–9 pmNCAP Daylily Distribution: Wednesday, May 2, 7–9 pmIris Show: Saturday, May 19, 1–4 pmFree! No registration requiredCall 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register!

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Adult ProgramsLabor and Learn Garden WorkshopJoin a team of volunteers to work with horticulturalist Chris Turner to assure the Rock Garden remains an asset to Holliday Park. Each session, Chris will spend 30 minutes addressing a garden topic or answering questions. The remainder of the time will be spent working.

Fridays: Mar. 23, Apr. 6 & 20, May 4 & 189–11 amFree! No registration required

Help support these programs, become a FHP Member

Indiana Daffodil SocietySee the newest styles of daffodils, choose daffodils from a catalog and learn how to extend your blooming season. All programs and shows are open to the public.

Public Program:Saturday, Mar. 242–4 pmState Daffodil Show:Wednesday, Apr. 11 from 1–5 pmThursday, Apr. 12, from 9 am – noonFree! No registration required

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Adult ProgramsGarden Work DayThe gardens of Holliday Park provide visitors beauty throughout the seasons. Whether you are looking to fulfill master gardener requirements or just want to give back to the park, here’s your chance to become a steward of these beautiful grounds.

Saturdays: Mar. 31, Apr. 14, May 12 & 26Wednesdays: Apr. 4 & 18, May 2, 16, & 309:30–11:30 amFree! No registration required

Preparing for the Emerald Ash BorerIf you live in Indianapolis, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) will soon become a fact of life. Join Steve Mayer, Purdue Extension Educator, to learn about this invasive insect that is killing ash trees in Indiana and a neighborhood program that will lead to earlier and more effective action about EAB. This is a free program, but registration is required.

Saturday, Mar. 3111 am–12 pmFree! Pre-registration required

Spring Wildflower HikeJoin Norma Wallman for a leisurely hike to see what’s blooming! Norma is a park visitor who began documenting wildflowers on her walks and has now collected 17 years of information specific to the flowers of Holliday Park.

Saturday, Apr. 2110–11:30 am$5/person, pre-registration required

Call 327-7180 or visit www.indyparks.org to register!

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Fly Fishing for BeginnersDo you want to learn how to fly fish but don’t know where to start? Join members of the Reel Women-Reel Men Fly Fishing Club for an exciting day of instruction. We’ll spend the morning discussing basics and learning the mechanics of a good cast. After lunch we’ll head to the White River for some practice. All equipment provided. Participants should bring a lunch and are required to have a valid fishing license.

Saturday, May 59:30 am–4:30 pm$25/person, pre-registration required

Geocaching BasicsEnjoy an introduction to this fun and challenging hobby. Learn the basics of your GPS as we go on a geocache hunt in Holliday Park. Bring your own GPS or Smartphone or borrow a unit from us. This program is geared for adults and children 12 and over with a parent or guardian.

Sunday, May 62–4 pm$5/person, pre-registration required

Outdoor Adventures: Rafting the White RiverExplore the White River like few get to see it, from the water. We will load into whitewater rafts and a naturalist guide will point out natural features and wildlife as we paddle downstream. Cost includes transportation, use of rafts, and equipment.

Saturday, May 129 am–12:30 pm$15/person, pre-registration required

Adult Programs

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Seasonal Events and ArtsPainting by Robert Crawford

Jan. 6–Mar. 4Daily, Mon.–Sat. 9 am–5 pm, Sun. 1–5 pmFree! No registration required

Natural Images Children’s Art ShowMar. 9–May 6Daily, Mon.–Sat. 9 am–5 pm, Sun. 1–5 pmFree! No registration required

Holliday Park Trail RunRun a five-mile course along the trails from Holliday Park to Marott Park. Runners encounter hills and the White River, making it challenging and fun. The event includes a one-mile run for kids and a tot-trot. Register online at www.tuxbro.com or call 317.475.9485 for more information. Event benefits the Friends of Holliday Park.

Saturday Mar. 249:30 amPre-registration required

Orchard in BloomSponsored by the Orchard School and Indy Parks, this harbinger-of-spring event showcases landscape design, outdoor decorations, gardens, and more! Visit www.orchardinbloom.org for ticket prices and more information.

Friday and Saturday, Apr. 27 & 28, 9 am-5 pmSunday, Apr. 29, noon–5 pm

Painting, Woodcuts, & Printmaking by Judy LeiviskaMay 11–Jul. 8Daily, Mon.–Sat. 9 am–5 pm, Sun. 1–5 pmFree! No registration required

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Attention teachers, homeschoolers, preschool parents and scout leaders!Come experience outdoor learning with 100 acres of forest, prairie and wetlands as your classroom

During a field trip to Holliday Park children

will experience the wonders of nature first-

hand. Whether it’s meeting live animals,

discovering the diversity found alongside

the trail or sweeping a net through the

flowing waters of the White River, an

Environmental Education Field Trip to will

provide memories that children will carry

with them for a lifetime.

Holliday Park Field Trips feature:• Hands-on experiences • Up-close look at live animals• Guided hikes• Professional environmental educators• Inquiry based instruction• Wooded picnic and playground areas

For topics by grade or scouting rank,

program fees and other scheduling details,

visit www.hollidaypark.org or call the

nature center at 327-7180. We are currently

booking for the spring season, so call early

as our calendar fills quickly!

School and Scout Trips

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About the Friends of Holliday Park The Friends of Holliday Park is a private, non-profit, membership organization committed to preserving and maintaining Holliday Park as “a place for recreation and the study of nature.” After 20 years, the Friends remain intimately involved with Indy Parks working to improve and

renovate the park. The Friends raised $5 million needed to construct and endow the nature center which opened to the public in 2000. The Friends also built and recently upgraded the state-the-art-playground, restored the park’s historic rock garden, and provided for a new security gate. During the summer, the Friends sponsor the Summer Concert Series; children play while parents and park visitors enjoy a free night of music.

Holliday Park Rock GardenThroughout the spring season, expert horticulturist, Chris Turner, leads a group of volunteers to transform the Holliday Park Rock Garden into the gem that it has become. Per season, volunteers contribute over 300 hours of labor, saving IndyParks an estimated $6,000. The Friends of Holliday Park are proud to support the efforts of Chris and his team through volunteer coordination and financial support. You can help too, by becoming a member of The Friends of Holliday Park!

Become a Member!Please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Holliday Park. Your dollars make a noticeable, significant difference in Holliday Park. They provide park enhancements, capital improvements, nature center maintenance, and improvements to the hiking trails. To find out more about how you can support the Friends and Holliday Park, or to become a member, visit our website at www.hollidaypark.org. or call 317.475.9482 for more information. Memberships are tax deductible.

The Friends of Holliday Park

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