One of the events is a woodland tour. Photo provided by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

News Release

WARSAW – Several environmental groups working together through The Clean Waters Partnership (CWP) are offering outdoor events.

This year CWP is teaming up with the Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN) to host a series of Nature Play Days.

These events are designed to be hands-on and outdoors, with a goal of connecting children to the wonders of nature through unstructured play. CWP is providing four opportunities to participate in a play day this year.

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.

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. 

Here is a summary of events:

June 8, 10 a.m. to noon
I SPY a Fun Time at the WACF Nature Trails – Calling all children through grade 5 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. Please register for this free event at [email protected] by June 5. Come and go as you please between 10 a.m. to noon at 11586 SR 13 in Syracuse.

June 9, 10 a.m. to noon
The Woodlands Expedition – The interpretive hike begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 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.

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 beautiful Wildwood Nature Preserve, 409 E. SR 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 pre-register, contact [email protected]. For questions, call the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445 x3.

June 10, 6 to 8 p.m.
Schedule a time with the kids to explore the WACF nature trails – Bring your own drinks and chips. Event hosts 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. Please register for this free event at [email protected] by June 5. Come and go as you please between 6-8 p.m. The nature trails are at 11586 N. SR 13 in Syracuse.

For more details or questions please contact the hosting organization or check out their Facebook pages.