Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 21
Trail Trekkers: Pollinators
Explorers, ages 6-9, are invited to search DeFries Gardens for pollinators at work. The entire program is outdoors, so please dress for the weather.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
September 21
Autumnal Equinox Yoga
Celebrate the autumnal equinox with Registered Yoga Teacher Amanda and an hour of empowering yoga in the parks. Enjoy guided practice welcoming of all skill levels in a relaxing park environment. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water and their own mats.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
September 22
Autumnal Equinox Hike
The autumnal equinox marks the start of the autumn, or fall, season. Join a naturalist for a hike looking for seasonal changes in our landscape, such as leaf color, animal behavior, and cooling temps.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the hike.
September 25
Bug Month Week 3
Celebrate Bug Month by joining in the fun. A new activity each week! Be sure to follow the weekly activities on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Complete Bug Month details can be found here. #bugmonth2020
Using the iNaturalist app, join thousands across the nation in seeking out and documenting pollinator-friendly plants and pollinators in your community. At the park or in your backyard, be a part of this National Recreation and Park Association project. Find how to get involved as a citizen scientist here. #parks4pollinators
September 26
Volunteer Work Day
Assist park staff in collecting prairie seeds for future planting and restoration projects. Bring gloves and your favorite gardening tools. Participants are encouraged to birng gloves and wear long sleeves and pants for the prairie. Come early at 9:30 a.m. for donuts, if desired.
Love the Parks? Find out more ways to lend a hand.
NOTE: Participants are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the volunteer event.
September 30
Bug Month Week 4
Celebrate Bug Month by joining in the fun. A new activity each week! Be sure to follow the weekly activities on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Complete details can be found here. #bugmonth2020
Let the fun and beauty of insects inspire you to get in touch with your creative side. Whether it is a photo, painting, sculpture or sketch, share your creations with us. Look to our Facebook page for some ideas on how to get started.
September 30
Board Games in the Park
Board Games in the Park is going virtual this year! We are once again partnering with Secret Door Games in downtown Elkhart to bring gaming to a new level by bringing it outside! This September, join your fellow gamers in spirit by bringing family and your favorite game to the Elkhart County Park of your choice. Anyone who shares their experience on social media will be eligible for a prize drawing!
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Grab a game and play in any Elkhart County Park during the month of September. See eligible sites here.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a board gaming selfie in any of our park sites, or share a shot of a cool feature you notice in the park during your visit. Share using the hashtag #BoardGamesInThePark2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- PRIZE DRAWING: Post by Sept. 30 to be entered in a drawing for a gift basket including a $25 gift card at Secret Door Games, an annual pass to Ox Bow County Park and some other goodies.
- BONUS: Anyone who tags @SecretDoorGames in their post is entitled to 10% off their next purchase
September 30
Fanning Mill Demonstration
For nearly two centuries, Bonneyville Mill has used waterpower to turn grain into flour. After harvesting, grain goes through the milling process of cleaning, drying, and sorting in preparation for the millstone grinding. Several pieces of historic machinery still run at the mill just for these tasks. On Fanning Mill Demonstration Day, get an up-close look at the mill’s machinery in action and lend a hand using the hand-crank grain cleaner to prepare a batch of rye for grinding.
NOTE: Participants are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
