Eco-Walks 2010
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Bird Walk -- Saturday, May 22 9:00-10:30 a.m. Photos
Ever wonder what bird's singing that song? Can you tell a hawk from a vulture? From total
novices to dedicated birders, this event is for all ages and abilities. Come on a gentle stroll
through the grass prairie and woods in search of the birds of Indiana. More than 75 species of
birds have been seen or heard in this park, and each one has a fascinating story!
Check out who is using the nesting boxes, who lives year-round at the park, and who is
stopping off to eat as they head north for their mating season. In just 1 1/2 hours, you will: learn
how (and when) to watch for and identify birds, interpret bird behaviors, and use binoculars like
a pro!
Bring: Binoculars and Bird identification field guides, if you have them. Shoes for earth walking,
and layers for the weather. Minors should bring an adult.
Leaders: Brian Cunningham - Certified Indiana Master Naturalist and the Education Manager
for Wild Birds Unlimited, and Margaret Lewis with more than 40 years of local birding
experience.
Creek Critters -- Saturday, June 5 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
The best of this popular eco-walk! Look closely at a healthy stream and you'll be amazed what's
hiding there! Animal tracks, holes, and other wild dwellings give you clues to who lives nearby.
A creek supports a delicate and complex ecological system with birds, plants, insects, fish,
mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Ages 7 and up will enjoy this hands-on quest to discover
the mysteries of Alverna Creek.
Bring: Nets and magnifying glasses if you have them. Collection boxes/jars for temporary
viewing, as all critters will be released. Wear boots for muddy slopes and clothes that can get
wet. Minors should bring an adult.
Leader: Wayne Naylor, Naturalist
Wild Facts about Wildflowers -- Saturday, July 17 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
"The Star" Article
A new twist on this popular eco-walk! Can you tell a native wildflower from an invasive weed?
Do you know which ones you can eat? Or which ones could be used for shoe leather? How
about which ones will attract hummingbirds? From beginners to experienced gardeners, all
ages will enjoy this educational, eye-opening, and wonderous walk in the prairie.
Bring: Comfortable (closed) shoes w/socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, flower guides, if you
have them. Minors should bring an adult.
Leader: Dr. Rebecca Dolan, Professor/Director-Friesner Herbarium at Butler University.
The Sweet Life of Daubenspeck's Bees -- Saturday, July 24 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
New this year! Don't bee afraid, bee fascinated. Populations of pollinators are disappearing,
and yet we depend on them for everything that grows. Find and learn about the many bees in
the park, including an extremely rare species spotted here -- the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
Learn about honeybees too, and their fascinating behaviors. You'll be amazed at the many
uses and benefits of raw, natural honey, and you may have an opportunity to get some!
Bring: Wear long pants and closed shoes, and bring a long-sleeved shirt or jacket to pull over.
Do not wear scented lotions or cosmetics. Minors should bring an adult.
Leaders: Ron Watson, Bee Keeper, Liz Day, Phd. on Native Bees
Owl Prowl -- Friday, October 1 6:30-8:00 p.m. Photos
Who? Who? Listen and look carefully and you will discover the mysterious, magical world of
owls and other nocturnal park dwellers. How can you tell one kind from another? How and
what do owls hunt? Trust your senses and explore this twilight world, seeing the park in a
whole new "light"!
Bring: Flashlight. Long pants and comfortable (closed) walking shoes that can get dirty. Minors
should bring an adult. (No age minimum, but all participants must be able to stand quietly when
asked.)
Leader: Brian Cunningham, Certified Indiana Master Naturalist and the Education Manager for
Wild Birds Unlimited
Ever wonder what bird's singing that song? Can you tell a hawk from a vulture? From total
novices to dedicated birders, this event is for all ages and abilities. Come on a gentle stroll
through the grass prairie and woods in search of the birds of Indiana. More than 75 species of
birds have been seen or heard in this park, and each one has a fascinating story!
Check out who is using the nesting boxes, who lives year-round at the park, and who is
stopping off to eat as they head north for their mating season. In just 1 1/2 hours, you will: learn
how (and when) to watch for and identify birds, interpret bird behaviors, and use binoculars like
a pro!
Bring: Binoculars and Bird identification field guides, if you have them. Shoes for earth walking,
and layers for the weather. Minors should bring an adult.
Leaders: Brian Cunningham - Certified Indiana Master Naturalist and the Education Manager
for Wild Birds Unlimited, and Margaret Lewis with more than 40 years of local birding
experience.
Creek Critters -- Saturday, June 5 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
The best of this popular eco-walk! Look closely at a healthy stream and you'll be amazed what's
hiding there! Animal tracks, holes, and other wild dwellings give you clues to who lives nearby.
A creek supports a delicate and complex ecological system with birds, plants, insects, fish,
mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Ages 7 and up will enjoy this hands-on quest to discover
the mysteries of Alverna Creek.
Bring: Nets and magnifying glasses if you have them. Collection boxes/jars for temporary
viewing, as all critters will be released. Wear boots for muddy slopes and clothes that can get
wet. Minors should bring an adult.
Leader: Wayne Naylor, Naturalist
Wild Facts about Wildflowers -- Saturday, July 17 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
"The Star" Article
A new twist on this popular eco-walk! Can you tell a native wildflower from an invasive weed?
Do you know which ones you can eat? Or which ones could be used for shoe leather? How
about which ones will attract hummingbirds? From beginners to experienced gardeners, all
ages will enjoy this educational, eye-opening, and wonderous walk in the prairie.
Bring: Comfortable (closed) shoes w/socks, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, flower guides, if you
have them. Minors should bring an adult.
Leader: Dr. Rebecca Dolan, Professor/Director-Friesner Herbarium at Butler University.
The Sweet Life of Daubenspeck's Bees -- Saturday, July 24 10:00-11:30 a.m. Photos
New this year! Don't bee afraid, bee fascinated. Populations of pollinators are disappearing,
and yet we depend on them for everything that grows. Find and learn about the many bees in
the park, including an extremely rare species spotted here -- the Rusty-patched Bumblebee.
Learn about honeybees too, and their fascinating behaviors. You'll be amazed at the many
uses and benefits of raw, natural honey, and you may have an opportunity to get some!
Bring: Wear long pants and closed shoes, and bring a long-sleeved shirt or jacket to pull over.
Do not wear scented lotions or cosmetics. Minors should bring an adult.
Leaders: Ron Watson, Bee Keeper, Liz Day, Phd. on Native Bees
Owl Prowl -- Friday, October 1 6:30-8:00 p.m. Photos
Who? Who? Listen and look carefully and you will discover the mysterious, magical world of
owls and other nocturnal park dwellers. How can you tell one kind from another? How and
what do owls hunt? Trust your senses and explore this twilight world, seeing the park in a
whole new "light"!
Bring: Flashlight. Long pants and comfortable (closed) walking shoes that can get dirty. Minors
should bring an adult. (No age minimum, but all participants must be able to stand quietly when
asked.)
Leader: Brian Cunningham, Certified Indiana Master Naturalist and the Education Manager for
Wild Birds Unlimited