October 2024 Department Update
Fall is officially here, and with it comes a variety of activities and updates! Here’s a rundown of what to expect over the next few months.Marcus Nack, Environmental Education Manager
Big Holloween: October 12
Come celebrate Halloween in the Campground! This all-ages public event will feature trick-or-treating among the participating RV's and costume contests at Big Hollow Recreation Area three miles west of Sperry.
You do not have to camp at the park to participate. Everyone is invited to participate in the events and trick-or-treat among the RV's.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Trick or Treating and hayrack rides in the Campground
Costume Contest at 6:00 PM
Seasonal Hours Change
As the seasons shift, so do our hours. Starting October 1st, the Nature Center will be closed on weekends. However, visitors can still enjoy our exhibits during weekday hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We always recommend calling ahead before making the trip. While the Nature Center may be closed on weekends, the park remains open for hiking, walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Field Trips in Full Swing
With fall in the air, we’re gearing up for a busy season of field trips at the Nature Center. Teachers can submit a field trip request through our Google form, and we aim to respond within two weeks. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore nature, and we’re looking forward to welcoming classrooms to the center!
Community Outreach Education (CORE) Specialist: PIECES Program
Our CORE Specialist has been busy teaching PIECES, an after-school program through the Burlington School District. This partnership helps provide enriching activities for students after school. This cycle, the focus is on recreation—especially fishing! The featured program, “Backyard Bass,” teaches students how to cast fishing poles at faux fish in hopes of catching them. This hands-on lesson emphasizes the importance of effort and skill-building, all while having a great time.
Wild Game Feed: A Success!
We hosted our Wild Game Feed recently and had a turnout of about 12 people. It was a cozy evening filled with delicious wild game dishes, hunting stories, and a great discussion about future mentorship programs. We all enjoyed the company and, of course, the tasty food!
Fall Hiking Programs
We have several hiking programs scheduled to help you get out and enjoy fall colors. On October 11th, we’re co-hosting a Hike at Denning Conservation Area in Lee County. Naturalists Jacklyn and Clay will lead the hike, making it a perfect way to enjoy the fall weather and vibrant colors. The hike starts at 4:00 PM, and we’re offering van rides from Starr’s Cave for those who need a lift (upon request). The Hike-a-Park series hikes are typically around 3 miles and are a wonderful opportunity to get outside and connect with nature.
Our Fall Color Hike series starts on October 17. These sunset hikes will be on the trails at Starr's Cave Nature Center starting at 6:00 PM. These will be great opportunities for some great photographs and good times with fellow outdoors enthusiasts. Fall Color Hikes are scheduled for October 17, 24, and 29, all at 6:00 PM at Starr's Cave Nature Center.
Winter Program Sign-Up: Opens October 21st
We’re excited to announce that Winter Program sign-ups will open on October 21st. Using a Google form, we offer a range of programs for classrooms, senior living communities, and civic groups. Our program guide, which is sent out before requests are accepted, includes detailed descriptions of each program, along with the time required and the age groups we typically serve. We’re always happy to accommodate more specialized requests as well, so educators are encouraged to ask for programming tailored to their needs.
We’re looking forward to a fun and busy fall season here at the Nature Center! Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
published Monday, September 30, 2024
