A snake is shown to children at a Critter Encounter event. Photo provided by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — This summer, trade your kid’s screens for snakes! From hands-on water experiments to fall hikes to Critter Encounters, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams invites you to attend interactive educational programs that will inspire the next generation of water-literate citizens — while giving parents and grandparents a chance to enjoy nature, too.

Most Lilly Center events are free and require an RSVP via its website. Snacks are often provided, so reserve your spot today by visiting lakes.grace.edu/events.

• Stories & STEM: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 18 and 25 at Warsaw Community Public Library. Bring your elementary-age children and learn about the many aspects of lake ecosystems through stories and hands-on projects.
• Critter Encounter — Turtle: 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Lilly Center. Learn about painted turtles through games, story time, crafts, and hands-on interactions. RSVP required.
• Lake Fun with Lilly Day: 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, at Winona Lake Limitless Park and Splash Pad. Join Lilly Center for a fun day at Winona Lake! You will learn how to cast a fishing line and create bait balls, all while enjoying the opportunity to dip your toes in the water and discover more about our lakes.
• Critter Encounter — Snake: 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, at the Lilly Center. Learn about native snakes such as garter snakes through games, story time, crafts, and hands-on interactions. RSVP required.
• Swamp Stomp: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the Lilly Center. Take an exploratory hike around the wetland at Grace College and enjoy hands-on activities at the Lilly Center. Grades 5-8.
• Workshop — Cyanotype Photography: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the Lilly Center. Join artist Erin Patton-McFarren and create cyanotypes, a method of collecting shadows of natural objects on light-sensitive paper. A fee of $15 to cover supplies and RSVP will be required.
• Critter Encounter — Frog: 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, at the Lilly Center. Learn about leopard frogs through games, story time, crafts, and hands-on interactions. RSVP required.
• Expedition: Fall Tree ID Hike: 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Join Heather Harwood, WACF executive director, and Dr. Nate Bosch for a scenic fall walk as they explore the vibrant colors of the season and learn the art of tree identification!
• Workshop — Seed Collecting: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Lilly Center. Join Chapman Lake Nursery founder Jacob Macke for an exciting seed-collecting adventure. Learn how to identify and gather native plant seeds in this workshop! RSVP required.

Changes to existing events due to weather or the addition of new events are continuously developing. Stay up-to-date on the latest by subscribing to the Lilly Center’s e-newsletter at lakes.grace.edu.