Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
May 20
May 21
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 DeFries Gardens in the River Preserve County Park. Learn about our parks, meet new people, and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is less than 1 mile in length.
May 23
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.
May 23
Baintertown History Hike
Baintertown Park has multiple layers of history. In this interpretive walk around the site, you will learn about Native American history; the Wyland family who came to the site in 1830s and developed the area; and the Bainters who arrived in the 1860s and operated several mills. Also, you’ll see the Hydroelectric Plant that was built by the Interstate Public Service Company in the 1920s. Come out to see your history in the parks!
We will be meeting at Baintertown Park in River Preserve County Park, located at 67380 Co Rd 29 in New Paris (Directions here).
May 24
Cobus Family Campout
Bring your friends and family on an overnight adventure. Enjoy an evening wildlife hike, treats over the fire, and other naturalist-led activities for all ages. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday.
Tents are available to borrow, if needed. The event runs 6 p.m. Friday – 1 p.m. Saturday.
May 25
Tie-Dye T-shirts
We’re joining forces with the Middlebury Public Library to bring some fun, family programming again this year. At this program, participants will tie-dye shirts and take them home to wear all summer long. Just bring a lightly-colored shirt you are comfortable tie-dyeing and the dyeing supplies will be provided. For more information, visit https://mdypl.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
May 30
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tours
Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years.
May 30
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.
May 30
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.
May 30
Creatures of the Night: Marsh Mammals
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 May, join us for a walkabout at Waterford Wetlands scanning the marshy edges for beavers, muskrats, otters, and other bog-dwellers hidden within. Come experience the sounds of tail-slaps, critter chirps, and learn how to spot the signs of wetland mammals mucking about. NOTE – This program includes a 1.5-mile hike under quiet conditions listening for wildlife, and may not be suitable for younger children.
What to Expect: Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike in muddy terrain. This hike is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
Suggested Gear: Rainboots and waterproof layers.
Meet At: Waterford Wetlands by the Mennonite Church lot – 65975 IN-15, Goshen, IN (Directions here)
