Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 2
September 3
Wed. Bird Walk: Fall Frenzy
A feathery invasion is dropping into our parks this month as migration kicks into high gear. Witness the migratory magic at River Preserve on a special extended bird walk. Tracing the Elkhart River corridor, the 350-acre preserve provides a crucial stopping point for south-bound birds to rest and refuel. Our group will follow the path of songbirds moving along the Elkhart River corridor, and watch them weave their way through the trees, snatching insects as their fast food. Seasonal specialties, like Olive-sided Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo, along with 20 different warbler species are all likely to be seen. Let’s give these beautiful birds a proper send-off. Before you know it, they’ll be gone faster than you can say, “So long and thanks for all the flies”.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers
September 3
September 4
September 5
Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop
This basic training is an introduction to the Hoosier Riverwatch program and different hands-on water quality monitoring methods. Participants will learn about aquatic habitats and will be trained in chemical and biological assessment techniques. The session will be held in and out-of-doors. All interested persons, age 18 and over, are welcome to attend free of charge. No previous experience necessary.
September 5
September 6
September 11
Volunteer Day: Ox Bow Invasive Removal
Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big — sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 9/11, assist park staff in removing invasive plant species to make room for the native species which have more ecological significance. Plan to bring water, work gloves and wear long pants. Advanced registration required.
September 13
Bonneyville Bird Fest
Join the Elkhart County Parks and Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District in a birdy celebration with everything feathered, flying and fabulous! There will be bird associations and organizations to chat with, vendors to purchase birding accessories from, bird walks and talks, bird-inspired games and activities, food and more! Bring the entire family and spread your wings for some birdy fun!
September 15
September 16
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 6pm. Boot Lake Nature Preserve is the destination for September. Learn about our parks, meet new people and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is about 2.2 miles in length.
September 17
Curiosity Club: Art
Tap into your preschooler’s natural curiosity as we explore the world of art and history! How do people make art? What is a portrait? Why is art important? Join in the fun and learning with a story, snack, physical activity, and guided tour of the Museum’s latest exhibit highlighting women artists.
September 18
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.
September 18
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.
September 19
September 20
Feature Grain Day
Barley is the feature grain this month. Barley flour has a mild flavor and is great for muffins, quick breads and pie crust. All feature grain days in 2025 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 it’s gone. Grinding demonstrations of Barley will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
September 20
September 22
September 25
Creatures of the Night: Spiders
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 September — We’ll step out to find one of the creepiest of crawlies – the spider. Come brave the dark and see this fascinating, phobia-inducing creature in action on a spider-seeking night hike. Spider specialist, Linda Strain, will join us to identify and share fascinating facts about this eight-legged creature and watch it literally wrap up our 2025 Creatures of the Night Season!
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike. This program is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking shoes, flashlight/headlamp, and extra layers (if it’s a cooler night).
September 26
Project WET Educator Workshop
Project WET (Water Education Today) is an international, interdisciplinary environmental education program about water and people’s relationship with it. This basic WET workshop is cohosted by the Elkhart County Parks, Elkhart County SWCD and the Elkhart Environmental Center and will provide K-12 educators with useful tips for teaching water topics in the field or classroom, hands-on experience with some of the fun lessons, a copy of the curriculum guide and professional growth points (if requested). No prior experience necessary. For more information on the Project WET program, visit https://www.projectwet.org/
September 27
Bike Ride to Middlebury
Explore the scenic countryside together on the beautiful, paved Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. We will meet at Ox Bow Haus in Ox Bow County Park and ride to Middlebury and back. We will be stopping for ice cream along the way. This ride will be a total of approximately 32 miles altogether. Please remember to bring your bike, a bike helmet, water bottle and money for ice cream. This is a family-friendly program filled with fun, exercise and adventure!
