WINONA LAKE — Learn about life beneath the lakes and enjoy a hike on the Grace College trails on Saturday, Nov. 3. The two-part event includes access to the virtual aquarium and sand table in the Dr. Dane A. Miller Science Complex, and a 60-minute nature hike led by Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center. The free event will be followed by hot chocolate and apple cider.

The afternoon begins at 1:30 p.m. at the science complex, located on Grace College’s campus. Attendees can view the 875-gallon hexagon aquarium and other aquariums filled with local fish, frogs and turtles, and learn how a watershed works with the augmented reality sandbox. Kids (and their parents) can color a fish and watch it swim into 3D form in the virtual aquarium. 

At 2 p.m., join Dr. Bosch for a nature hike through forests and around wetlands that are part of Grace College’s campus. A team of Grace College students and staff have been developing a new nature trail on campus, and they are ready to offer a sneak peek of these efforts to the community. Dr. Bosch will teach hikers about lowland and upland forests, why wetlands matter and about native and non-native plant species.

The free event is family-friendly and open to the community. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended; hats and gloves are optional. The trail is not difficult, although hikers should be prepared for a few inclines. Registration is encouraged. Sign up through their Facebook events page.

For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu/event/openhousehike or call (574) 372-5100, ext. 6452.