Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
June 1
Fly Fishing 101
Join the Little Elkhart Chapter of Trout Unlimited for an introductory crash course in fly fishing. Course will cover fish identification, fly tying basics, aquatic entomology, casting practice and angling regulations. No equipment needed, but bring your own, if you have it. Snacks will be provided.
June 4
June 5
Wed. Bird Walk: Countryside Nesters
Summer birds are moving into our area and beginning to nest! Stretch your wings and see countryside birds on an easy-paced hike along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Summer nesting species we may encounter include Savannah Sparrows, Northern Mockingbirds, and Eastern Meadowlarks. Step out to see some of these unique birds setting up summer homes on this special extended bird walk. The group will head out at 8 a.m. β please plan travel time accordingly.
πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike
π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Water and breathable layers.
π πππ§ ππ§: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail (CR 43 Trailhead), located 2 miles NW of Middlebury, off IN-13, and Β½ mile north of CR 16 (Directions here).
June 5
June 6
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
June 7
June 7
June 8
Pumpkinvine Bike Hike
Please join us for a leisurely-paced, 32-mile bicycle ride from Abshire Park to Shipshewana and back again. Enjoy the beautiful countryside of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and a sweet treat stop, at Mooeyβs Ice Cream Shop along the way. All riders need to provide their own bicycle, helmet, water bottle and cash for ice cream.
June 8
Forest Bathing
Experience a two-hour guided forest bathing walk with certified guide, Juli. A series of guided, meditative invitations to find your own authentic way of interacting with the land will be offered. There is no right or wrong way to do it….just be yourself. All are welcome in the forest.
June 10
Flour Paint
Are you looking for an easy kids’ activity that you can make from your everyday supplies at home? Come check out our flour paint! A simple activity that could keep your kids entertained for hours. The best part is that since this paint is made from flour it is non-toxic so even your littlest can enjoy it!
June 11
Early Childhood Educator Workshop
Calling all early childhood educators….whether you are a classroom teacher, a homeschool parent or a doting grandparent this workshop is for you! Get great ideas, lesson plans and resources to help incorporate nature into your curriculum or just find fun ways to encourage the littles in your life to engage with the natural world.Β All participants will receive the Growing Up Wild and Getting Little Feet Wet curriculum books, both from national parent programs (Project WET & Project Wild). CEUs are available upon request. Workshop sponsored by Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District and Elkhart County Parks.
June 13
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
June 13
Yoga in the Park
Join Registered Yoga Teacher Amanda for 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 – a limited number of mats will be available for use. Participants must register in advance.
June 14
Victorian Culture of Death
In the 19th century, death was far less taboo than it is today.
The Victorians were professional mourners who openly embraced the harsh realities of death through unique cultural practices. One such practice was post-mortem photography, or the practice of photographing the recently deceased. Andrea Hutslar, Outreach Curator at Ruthmere Museum, will delve into the process and history behind post-mortem photography, how to spot a post-mortem photograph, and other ways the Victorians honored the dead.
June 14
June 15
Elkhart County Stand Down
Join Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Veteran Affairs, Goshen City Parks, Elkhart City Parks, Elkhart County Health Department, and the Elkhart County Parks in a resource fair for veterans and their families. Veterans will be able to connect with VA resources, talk with their county veteran service officer, and learn more about what the community has to offer, including fun activities for kids and families.
Meet at: Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park, located at 411 W Plymouth Ave in Goshen (Directions here).
June 15
Feature Grain Day
Triticale is the feature grain this month. Triticale is a cross between wheat and rye and is great for yeast breads. All feature grain days in 2024 will highlight a grain that is not a normal part of our line-up. The resulting flour/meal will be a LIMITED EDITION, product available for a short time. Make sure to attend to get yours before itβs gone. Grinding demonstrations of Triticale will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
June 17
Trail Trekkers: Bike Hike
Outdoor explorers (ages 6-9) will strap on their helmets, mount their bikes and go on an adventure along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Participants are required to provide their own bike, helmet, water bottle, and cash for a sweet treat at Mooeyβs Ice Cream Shop along the way. We will meet at Abshire Park, located at 1302 East Lincoln Avenue in Goshen.
June 18
Hiking Club
Hiking Club meets once per month to hike for health, friends and fun. The hike takes place in a different location each month but is always on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. Join us this month at Corson Riverwoods County Park. Learn about our parks, meet new people, and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is about 1 mile in length.
June 20
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
June 20
Open House at the Schoolhouse
Grab your schoolbooks and step back a century as you explore the One-room Schoolhouse at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Imagine yourself a student sitting in one of the small wooden desks, practicing your handwriting on the heavy slate boards, while keeping warm next to the wood-burning stove. As you catch a glimpse of what life was like for the average run-of-the-mill student, staff will be on-site to answer any questions you may have during these open hours.
June 20
P.O.W! – Running
Parks Outdoor Women (P.O.W) gives women introductory experiences and instruction in various outdoor activities. Each month will focus on a different outdoor activity at an alternating Elkhart County Park. This group promotes friendship, leadership, adventure and enjoyment in the great outdoors.
June 24
Nature Explorer Day Camp June 24 & 25 & 26
Young nature explorers are invited to experience the forest, wetland, and prairie through games, shelter-building, swamp tromps, and LIVE animals! Each day, campers will explore a different natural habitat with a fun mix of activities centered around that theme.
June 25
Historic Nappanee Walking Tour
From its start as a town built around the B & O Railroad, Nappanee has a rich history. As you take in the sights of the town, youβll hear stories about the Coppes family, Hartmanβs Store, the Nappanee Auditorium, and much more. The tour will also feature historic photos that
will chronicle the changes that occurred over time. We will meet at Coppes Commons parking lot.
June 27
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
June 27
Creatures of the Night: Bats
As night falls, the places we spend time outdoors can feel like a very different place. Familiar trails melt into shadows and the daytime soundscape is replaced with things that go bump in the night as nocturnal creatures come out to play. Join the Elkhart County Parks as we lift night’s veil to reveal the hidden lives of these creatures of the night, from spiders weaving webs to bats on the wing. In June, join us as we gather in amazement to observe bats fly about on their evening dinner run. Participants will learn about the different species of bats found locally, why Indianaβs most common bat is now state-endangered, and myths about the worldβs only flying mammal.
What to Expect: Come prepared to be outdoors.
Suggested Gear: Rain jacket, if needed.
Meet At: Briar Patch Shelter, located on the south side of Bonneyville Mill County Park (53373 C.R. 131), on C.R. 8 in Bristol. Directions here.
June 30
Volunteer Day: Benton Canal Clean Up
Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big β sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 6/30, work with park staff and paddling enthusiasts to clear fallen trees and debris for easier passage through the canal. Please bring a canoe or kayak, handsaw, pruners, loppers, or other tools. Plan to bring water and work gloves. Insect repellant and
Meet at Benton Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions here).Β
