The Clean Waters Partnership (CWP) was created to protect local waterways and create a watershed management plan for this area in 2016.
A large portion of this plan involves engaging the community in fun and educational events to learn more about lakes and streams, according to a news release from CWP. The education committee is a collaboration of the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District, Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, The Watershed Foundation and the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. This year, CWP is teaming up with the Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN) to host a series of Nature Play Days.
From June 5 to 13, ICAN is encouraging groups across the state to make an effort to get kids outside by holding Nature Play Day events. These events are designed to be hands-on, outdoors and with the goal of connecting children to the wonders of nature though unstructured play. CWP is providing four opportunities to participate in a play day this year, the release states.
1. June 8, 10 a.m. to noon: I SPY a Fun Time at the WACF Nature Trails. Calling all children through grade five and accompanying adults! Come explore the nature trails by playing an I SPY game.
Who can spot everything on the list? There will be crafts to complete, too. Register for this free event at pam@wacf.com by June 5. Come and go as you please between 10 a.m. to noon at 11586 Ind. 13, Syracuse.
2. June 9, 10 a.m. to noon: The Woodlands Expedition interpretive hike begins at 10 a.m. June 9 at the trailhead on Boys City Drive, Winona Lake. Bring the whole family for a fun morning exploring nature. The Woodlands Expedition will be led by Luke Hunt, a certified master naturalist and long-time guide for Lilly Center nature walks. Hunt is a retired science teacher who loves sharing his vast knowledge with others.
Expedition participants will learn about woodland and wetland ecosystems, native plants, wildlife habitats and more. Weather-appropriate clothing, close-toed shoes, and insect repellent is recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Visit lakes.grace.edu for more information.
3. June 10, 10 a.m. to noon: Kid-Friendly Tools for Exploring Nature. What do nets, binoculars, soil probes, viewers, magnifying glasses, field guides and nature journals have in common? They are all tools for exploring nature.
Come join Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District staff and investigate the woods, pond, prairie and wetland ecosystems at Wildwood Nature Preserve, 409 E Ind. 14, Silver Lake. Come and go as you please between 10 a.m. to noon. Weather-appropriate clothing for exploring outdoors and close-toed shoes are recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
To preregister, contact staci.woolley@in.nacdnet.net For questions, call the SWCD office at 574-267-7445, ext. 3.
4. June 10, 6 to 8 p.m.: Schedule a time with the kids tonight to explore the WACF nature trails. Bring your own drinks and chips, we will provide the hot dogs, fire and condiments. (Or bring your own sack dinner.) Enjoy a light supper at the pavilion then explore the WACF trails with your children.
Help your children explore nature by playing a Bingo game that includes finding some “critters” in the water with nets (provided). Dress to get wet!
Register for the free event at pam@wacf.com by June 5. Come and go as you please between 6 to 8 p.m.
WACF is at 11586 N. Ind. 13 in Syracuse.
Come to one or all of these great events! For more details or questions, contact the hosting organization or check out their Facebook pages.
