Winter at Metea - 2 NISTEM points

December 29, Tuesday, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

We will hike the trails looking for signs of how animals and plants survive the winter. After our hike we will come in and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Dress to be outside. Ages 6 - adult

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Cost: $3.00
Pre-register by: 12/23
Min: 5
Max: 20

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Winter Solstice Celebration

December 21, Monday, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. We will have a ceremony encouraging the return of the sun similar to one used by the ancient people and read some related myths. We will conclude our celebration with a snack. Ages 6 -12

Cost:$3.00/child, $2.00 adult
Pre-register by: 12/16
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Night Hike - 2 NISTEM points

December 18, Friday, 7:00 PM, Payton County Park 13928 Dunton Rd.

Spend one of the longest nights of the year hiking as we explore the night sky (if it’s clear) and animals in winter (if it isn’t). Flashlights optional, and not used on the hike.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 12/13
Min: 5
Max: 30

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza

Using the Compound Microscope –Session 2

December 8, Tuesday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

We will be studying plant and animal cells.
Ages 12 through adult.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 12/3
Min: 5
Max: 10

To register or more information:
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Night Hike - 2 NISTEM points

November 27, Friday, 7:00 PM, Metea County Park North, Big Trees parking lot off Hursh Rd.

Walk off all that holiday food while you explore our wildest park and perhaps meet some nocturnal residents. Flashlights optional, and not used on the hike.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 11/22
Min: 5
Max: 30

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza

What’s Next? Response to "Last Child in the Woods"

November 16, Monday, 7:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

What can we do now? A back-to-nature movement to reconnect children with the outdoors is burgeoning nationwide – USA Today, Nov. 2006. We will hold a discussion on ways to turn around this “nature deficit” trend. See last page for information on the Special Event with Richard Louv on Nov. 13th.

Cost: FREE
Pre-register by: 11/16
Min: 5
Max: 50

To register or more information:
Email: nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Lecture by Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods"

Special event offered in partnership with Acres Land Trust

November 13, Friday, 7:30 PM, IPFW – Rhinehart Music Center

Since its initial publication, Last Child in the Woods has created a national conversation about the disconnection between children and nature. Richard Louv is the recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal and on the National Best Seller List. Hosted by ACRES, Inc.

Cost: $5.00 for Partnering organizations – Fox Island Alliance, Friends of Metea, and Allen County Park Pass Holders.
$10.00 - General Public

To reserve tickets call Rhinehart box office at 260/481-6555
For more information:
Email: nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Breakfast on the Marsh: “Life and Times of a Canal Boat Captain”

Programming offered off site in conjunction with Little River Wetland Project

November 12, Thursday, 8:00 AM -10:00 AM, Coventry Meadows

Come and meet Frank Lyons (a.k.a. Bob Dispenza), canal boat captain, as he explains how expanding the canal system can benefit the people of Indiana. Learn about life on the canal, and some of the technical aspects of canal operation. Program takes place in the mid-1800s –use your mental “time machine.

Cost: FREE.
Pre-register by: N/A
Min: N/A
Max: N/A

To register or for more information:
Email: crc@lrwp.org
Call: 478-2515

Winter Dried Weed and Cone Arrangements for adults

November 17, Tuesday, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

We will be making wreaths, candle rings, or teasel Christmas trees. Start collecting cones, pods and seeds to use in your arrangement.
Forms, glue, and lacquer will be provided.
Ages 12 through adult.

Cost: $5.00
Pre-register by: 11/12
Min: 5
Max: 10

To register or more information:
Email rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Great Tree Canopy Comeback

November 7, Saturday, 10:00 AM, Metea County Park

We need volunteers to help us plant forty trees as we once again partner with the Friends of the Parks in the Great Tree Canopy Comeback. A picnic follows from 11:30 – 1:00 at Soloman Park

Cost: FREE
Pre-register by: N/A
Min: N/A
Max: N/A

To register or more information:
Email: sbrown2430@comcast.net
Call: 422-3232
Suzette Brown – Friends of the Parks

Feed the Birds

November 11, Wednesday, 3:30 PM -5:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

The Native Americans showed their thanks for a bountiful harvest by hanging seeds for the birds to eat outside their tepees. We will revive this tradition by making some natural bird feeders for your yard. We will also watch the birds at our feeders. Ages 6 - 12

Cost:$3.00/child, $2.00/adult
Pre-register by: 11/6
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Trees are Great!

November 12, Thursday, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Metea County Park Nature Center

We will take a walk to look at the trees planted by volunteers during the weekend’s Great Tree Canopy Comeback. As we walk we will learn about trees and how they help us. After our hike we will have a snack. Ages 4 - 6

Cost: $3.00/child, $2.00 adult
Pre-register by: 11/6
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Caving Adventure - 5 NISTEM points

Trip November 21, Saturday. Trip: All day
Mandatory Pre-class Friday, November 6, Pre-class: 7:30 PM

Go underground with Allen County Parks. Caving instructor and naturalist Bob Dispenza will be leading a trip to a new cave (for us) near Springville on Saturday, November 21. We’ll be exploring a wild cave in the area and going off the beaten path, looking for cave wildlife and unusual formations.

Mandatory pre-caving class is Friday, November 6, 7:30 PM at Metea County Park.

Fee covers maps and caving instruction. Learn about geology, cave life, needed equipment and cave formation. This activity is somewhat strenuous, but suitable for beginners in good physical condition.

Cost: $20.00/person
Pre-register by: 11/3
Min: 5
Max: 25

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza

Use and Care of the Compound Microscope - Session 1 - 2 NISTEM points

November 3, Tuesday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

First session of a two part program. This 2 hour program is an introduction to or a review of the compound microscope.
Ages 12 through adult.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 10/29
Min: 5
Max: 10

To register or more information:
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Myths and Mysteries of the Marsh

Programming offered off site in conjunction with Little River Wetland Project

October 28, Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Eagle Marsh Barn

Join naturalist Natalie Haley in a night-time hiking adventure with our wetland neighbor, Eagle Marsh. Natalie will share myths of the marsh critters (our friend the beaver, the muskrat, the heron and the crane, etc…)during a lovely night ramble through this lush wetland.

Cost: FREE.
Pre-register by: N/A
Min: 5
Max: 30

To register or for more information:
Email: crc@lrwp.org
Call: 478-2515
Rachel Smith

Night Hike

October 30, Friday, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Come and experience the night at Metea. Let’s use our senses to explore what makes night-time different from the day. After our hike we will gather around the campfire and enjoy some s’mores. All ages welcome.

Cost: $3.00
Pre-register by: 10/25
Min: 5
Max: 20

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Night Hike - 2 NISTEM points

October 23, Friday, 7:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Out into the mysterious night woods we go! Enjoy the wild darkness as we learn about night animals we don’t know much about. Suitable for all ages. Flashlights optional, and not used on the hike.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 10/18
Min: 5
Max: 30

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza

Seeds are Everywhere - 2 NISTEM points

October 22, Thursday, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Let’s take a look at how seeds disperse themselves. They float through the air, get caught on our clothes, and they are inside an apple when you take a bite! We will go on a seed hike, take a look inside a seed, and have a seedy snack. Ages 6 through adult

Cost: $3.00
Pre-register by: 10/16
Min: 5
Max: 20

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Sunny Schick Photography Class – Shooting Nature

October 18, Sunday, 2:30 PM– 4:30 PM, at Metea County Park Nature Center

Instructor Chuck Fletter will share techniques for shooting wildlife and taking macro photos. He will cover how to choose the best lens for your needs and how to make the best use of your existing equipment. A selection of Tamron demo lenses for Nikon and Cannon SLRs will be available.

Fee: $12.00
Pre-register by: 10/16
Min: 5
Max: 20

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza

Living Crayfish Observation - 2 NISTEM points

October 20, Tuesday, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, at Metea County Park Nature Center

This is a creek activity, so wear old shoes or water shoes. We will be in the river to collect specimens. We will then observe the following, habitat of the crayfish, function of the appendages, make up of the exoskeleton, make up of the eyes and other sensory organs.
Ages 12 through adult.

Cost: $ 2.00
Pre-register by: 10/15
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Home School Series - 2 NISTEM points per class

October 15, November 19, Thursdays, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Metea County Park Nature Center

Home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. Includes BOTH month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve you space. Classes begin at promptly 2:00 PM! Sessions will be held both indoors and outdoors. Dress for the weather.

Cost: $10.00/student
$4.00/adult
Pre-register & PREPAY by: 10/10/09
Min: 5/age group
Max: 20
SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID

To register or more information:
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Session 1: October 15

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Pumpkins – Seed to Jack-o-Lantern.
Study the life cycle of the pumpkin and then carve a Jack -O- Lantern to take home.

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Animal myths.
Are daddy-long-legs the most poisonous spider? Do squirrels get rabies? Learn the truth about our animal friends (and not some Internet rumor).

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Trees
We will continue the study of trees by building a collection for educational use in the park.

Session 2: November 19

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Squirrels
Red squirrels do not drive out gray squirrels; gray squirrels do not remember where they buried nuts, and squirrels do eat meat! Take a naturalist-led hike through Metea woods and learn more about these “nutty”, or not so nutty, rodents

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Geology
We’ll get to the “rock bottom” of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic, and learn about glaciers and other geologic forces and facts. Yes, it’s true, Indiana ROCKS!

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Mosses and Microscopes
Explore the tiny world of some of our smallest plants. What looks like just a little green spot in the woods becomes a whole ecosystem under the microscope.

Creek and Pond Invertebrates - 2 NISTEM points

October 13, Tuesday 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Metea County Park Nature Center

Weather permitting, this is a creek activity, so wear old shoes or water shoes. If it is cold or wet this will be an indoor activity. We will be taking a close look at aquatic macro invertebrates – little creatures that live in water.
Ages 8 through adult.

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $ 2.00
Pre-register by: 10/8
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

The Deciduous Woodlands: How seasonal change affects temperate forest life

By Ron Divelbiss, Metea County Park Naturalist

Most of Fox Island and Metea is woodlands. The changing seasons dominate deciduous woodlands. Woodland animals and plants live and breed in conditions that vary widely throughout the year. The key to their success is an ability to survive the winter and then take full advantage of the spring and summer. Deciduous woodland is the natural vegetation of much of temperate Europe and North America, and also occurs in the limited temperate lands of the Southern Hemisphere. But its water retentive soils make excellent farmland, and in many places woodlands have been replaced by agricultural development.

In the depths of winter there seems to be little life in a deciduous woodland. The trees are bare, snow may lie along the branches, and there is little bird song to be heard. Yet even so, there is activity. On the woodland floor shrews hunt for invertebrates such as woodlice and earthworms. Also active are resident birds like downy and hairy woodpeckers and blue jays. The blue jay survives the winter by eating the acorns it stored in the autumn. The hairy woodpecker changes diet, eating invertebrates in the warmer months and seeds in the winter.

Many species of birds - and a few bats - simply avoid the winter: they head for warmer climates after breeding. Mammals like the mouse and the skunk stay put but become less active, or hibernate.

As winter retreats, the days lengthen, the temperature rises and the snow melts; greenery and life return to the woods. First come the spring flowering plants, which expand their leaves and produce their flowers before the canopy closes over them and shades them from the Sun's light. Woodland trees - oak, hickory, maple, ash, beech and many others burst into leaf, and no sooner are their leaves expanded than they are being eaten by insects and their larvae.

Migrating birds such as warblers return in spring to build their nests and raise their broods. The plentiful harvest of insects provides breeding birds with a protein-rich diet for their young. Down on the woodland floor deer browse the vegetation, and in the dense understory mice are busy searching out seeds, buds and invertebrates.

All parts of the forest - from the woodland floor to the top of the canopy - have their predators. Hunting spiders chase small invertebrates across the woodland floor, and far above, superbly adapted woodland hawks hunt small birds among the branches.

By late summer the migratory birds have raised their young and begin to leave. Trees are preparing for the dormancy of winter by withdrawing the nutrients from their leaves and shedding them. The leaves turn brown, red and gold as they die, and the jays hunt once more for acorns. The cycle begins again.

Collect and Observe - Dominance Hierarchy in Field Crickets

October 6, Tuesday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Metea Park Nature Center

By watching a small group of male field crickets we will be able to establish the winner (dominant cricket) and losers (submissive crickets). Ages 12 through adult.

Cost: $3.00
Pre-register by: 10/1
Min: 6
Max: 10

You must be preregistered to do this program.
Email: rdivelbiss@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Ron Divelbiss

Fourth Friday Night Hike

• WHEN: Friday, September 25, 7:30 PM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about the night. We will talk about night animals, night senses, and other fun night things!
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 21
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  
• NISTEM reward points: 2
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Back to Nature in Payton Park

• WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Payton County Park
  
• WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley and explore our 40 acre farm reverted back to nature!
  
• COST: $2 per person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 19
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 30
  
• NISTEM reward points: 2
  

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

Autumn Ice Cream Social

• WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 PM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park
  
• WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley in a cool autumn celebration by making home-made ice cream!
  
• COST: $3 per ice cream cone
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 17
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: We can always buy more ice cream!
  

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

TREADS – Butterfly Walk

• WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she leads a hike through the park focusing on the different kinds of butterflies – such as swallowtails, monarchs, sulfurs, cabbage whites, etc -- that can be found there.
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 14
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Potawatomi History, Identity, and Culture—The Past as it Relates to the Present

• WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 2:00 to 5:00 PM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Indiana was named after the Native people who lived here. Most of us are familiar with the past of Native Americans, but they still live and work among us today. Learn about the past and present of our area Native Americans through presentations by representatives of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomies and other local tribes.
  
• COST: $3.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 11
  
• MINIMUM: 15
  
• MAXIMUM: 100
  

To register or for more information, contact Bob Dispenza at 449-8619 or email at bdispenza@allencountyparks.org

Preschool Morning Adventure – An Apple a Day

• WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about apples. We will read a book, make a craft, have a snack and a taste test… which apple do you prefer?
  
• COST: $3.00/child, $2.00/adult
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: September 5
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Fall Trail Guide Training

• WHEN: Sunday, August 30, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
  
• WHERE: Fox Island County Park
  
• WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley in the fall training of our volunteer trail guides. They will be learning about the history of Fox Island while enjoying the autumn fall color. Bring a friend and become a volunteer trail guide!
  
• COST: FREE!
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: August 25
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 30
  

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

Save the Date!

Everyone is invited to the annual Friends of Metea picnic on Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30PM. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. Hot dogs, buns, and drinks (bottled water and pop) will be furnished. Hope to see you there!

Monarch Day

• WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about MONARCH BUTTERFLIES! Learn about migration, tagging, lifecycles, and much more as we play games, have a hike, and tag and release butterflies (how long will they stay on your nose?)
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: August 17
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  
• NISTEM reward points: 2
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Home school science enrichment

Home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. Includes BOTH month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve you space. Classes begin at promptly 2:00 PM! Both sessions will be held both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10.00/student, $4.00/adult
Pre-register & PREPAY by: 8/15/09
Min: 5/age group
Max: 20
SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID

To register or more information, call Karie Harding at 449-3777 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Session 1: August 20

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Insects
The beginner group will be learning about Insects during this session. They will take a hike through the prairie hopefully finding exciting insects like preying mantis, caterpillars, butterflies and more.

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Insects
This is a more advanced class looking at insects, we will be using taxonomic keys to identify insects as well as investigate what it takes to be an insect.

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Insects
This is a more advanced class looking at insects, we will be using taxonomic keys to identify insects as well as investigate what it takes to be an insect.

Session 2: September 17

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Tree ID
We will be hiking through the park figuring out the different kinds of trees can be found along the trails. We will use different ways to remember names, and will use a field guide to help us with the process.

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Tree ID
This will be a more advanced hike through the nature preserve looking for trees, and using different tools to help us remember their names.

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Tree ID
This will be a more advanced hike through the nature preserve looking for trees, and using different tools to help us remember their names.

TREADS – Soft Shell Turtle Trail

• WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she leads a hike down Soft Shell Turtle Trail. Find out about the flora and fauna found in the park during this hike. Insect repellant suggested.
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: August 10
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Preschool Morning Adventure – 5 Senses

• WHEN: Thursday, August 6, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about our 5 senses. We will read a book, make a craft, have a snack, and go outside and use our senses!
  
• COST: $3.00/child, $2.00/adult
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: August 1
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Painted Prairie Hike

• WHEN: Thursday, July 30, 11:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park
  
• WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley on a picturesque prairie hike! Weather will be warm, so bring a water bottle with you!
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 25
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

Creek Hike at Cook’s Landing

• WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Cook’s Landing County Park
  
• WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley at our picnic shelter for a hike along Cedar Creek! Your feet will get wet so bring old shoes. Flip-flops not recommended!
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 23
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

Night of the Stinging Insects

• WHEN: Friday, July 24, 7:30 PM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets – they’re everywhere and they’re after me! Or are they? Why do they sting? How? How many times? Where do they live? How do I keep them away? Learn the answers to these and other questions with Park and Education Manager Bob Dispenza. We’ll be spending some time outside, so have insect repellent handy.
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 22
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 50
  
• NISTEM reward points: 2
  

To register or for more information, contact Bob Dispenza at 449-8619 or email at bdispenza@allencountyparks.org

TREADS – Muskrat Trail

• WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist Karie Harding as she leads a hike down Muskrat Trail. This trail was hit with a lot of water during the flooding. We’ll discuss the changes made by erosion, and find out how the flood impacted summer wildlife. Insect repellant suggested.
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 13
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Caving adventure

• WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 7:30 PM Mandatory pre-caving class
  
• WHEN: Saturday, July 25, all day
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Go underground with Allen County Parks. Caving instructor and naturalist Bob Dispenza will be leading a trip to a new cave (for us) near Springville on Saturday, July 25. We’ll be exploring a wild cave in the area and going off the beaten path, looking for cave wildlife and unusual formations. Mandatory pre-caving class is Thursday, July 16, 7:30 PM at Metea County Park Visitor Center. Class fee covers maps and caving instruction. Learn about geology, cave life, needed equipment and cave formation. This activity is somewhat strenuous, but suitable for beginners in good physical condition.
  
• COST: $2.00/person
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 15
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 25
  
• NISTEM reward points: 7
  

To register or for more information, contact Bob Dispenza at 449-8619 or email at bdispenza@allencountyparks.org

Preschool Morning Adventure – Fun in the Sun

• WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about summer. We will talk about everything summer, read a book, make a cool craft, and enjoy a snack.
  
• COST: $3.00/child, $2.00/adult
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 3
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project

• WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, 10:00 AM
  
• WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  
• WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about the monarch larva monitoring project and how you can become involved as a citizen scientist. Topics to be covered: Larva monitoring, tagging, rearing, etc.
  
• COST: Registered volunteers free, $2.00/person all others
  
• PRE-REGISTER BY: July 3
  
• MINIMUM: 5
  
• MAXIMUM: 20
  
• NISTEM reward points: 2
  

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

ANTics – Part 2

By Bob Dispenza, Park and Education Manager, Allen County Parks

There was so much interesting about ants that we couldn’t fit it all in one article. This is a continuation of last issue’s article.

The main reason we can’t have giant ants (like in the old sci-fi movie “Them!”) is that insects depend on oxygen diffusing into their bodies through spiracles – holes in their sides that lead to almost every cell. Air can only diffuse so far through these tubes, and insects have no active oxygen transport system, such as lungs or gills and blood. Once insects get up to a certain size (about as big as the palm of your hand), oxygen can no longer diffuse into their internal tissues. Without oxygen, the internal cells would die and rot, killing the insect. When oxygen levels were higher in the past, insects could be larger due to increased diffusion. The insect exoskeleton also has limited strength, and large sizes would cause collapse or buckling of the plates when the insect muscles were used.

Communication is mostly chemical and tactile. Ants recognize each other by “smell” and “touch.” Other ants that don’t “smell right” are subject to attack. Alarm pheromones given off by a few can rile up the whole nest. Some information is transferred through the colony by social feeding (trophallaxis), where ants feed each other on request from a special stomach or mouth cavity. This lets the whole colony know how many ants are doing what jobs and how healthy the queen is. Some primitive ants have large eyes and hunt by sight, but most depend heavily on their antennae for chemical instructions. This limits their ability to recognize invaders and parasites – if it smells right and gives good things (honeydew or other sweet secretions), it must be OK, even if it is eating ant larvae or stored food.

Myrmecophiles (“ant lovers”) live with the ants, and are a diverse lot. Some clean the nest of dead insects or fungus, some eat food the ants have stored, and some eat ants themselves or their larvae or eggs. Some trick the ants into feeding them by chemically posing as an ant. Some reward their hosts with sweet secretions. Some myrmecophiles are never found outside ant nests, while others may live independently.

The little six-legged wonders we call ants are involved in some pretty strange ecological relationships. The lancet fluke is a parasite of many farm animals, but uses ants to get to them. The eggs from an infected animal are deposited with their dung. These are eaten by land snails, and the eggs hatch. The hatchling creatures go through several changes, eventually winding up in the snail’s mantle cavity. There they irritate the snail into surrounding them with mucus, making “slime balls,” which the snail leaves behind. Ants are attracted to the slime balls and eat them.

Most of the developing flukes inside migrate to the middle of the ant, where they become infective (can infect their final host – a farm animal). But ants mostly avoid bright light, and so are not usually eaten by farm animals. The microscopic flukes resort to mind control. One or two of them migrate to the ant’s “brain” and wrap themselves around the nerves. This causes the ant to behave the opposite of what it usually would. Instead of going into the nest at night, it stays out. And instead of staying low, it climbs to the top of grass stems and holds on with its jaws, where it remains all night. That way, when grazing animals start feeding in the morning, the ant is in a place where it could be eaten. If it is not eaten, as the sun warms it up, it goes back to normal behavior – until that evening. Eventually it gets eaten and the fluke can move to the farm animal’s liver area, where it matures and starts producing eggs.

Ant society parallels human society in some interesting ways.

Agriculture – Ants are involved in raising fungus gardens underground and in “herding” aphids and other insects for honeydew. Ant “farmers” will protect their herds from predators and move them around during unfavorable weather. The fungus some ants grow is never found outside their nests.

War - Shining amazon [Polyergus] ants cannot even raise their own young or feed themselves – they must raid other ant nests and take slaves, which are usually larvae that will recognize no other nest or masters when they mature. Since the conquerors can’t even take care of their own young, they must continually raid other nests for new slaves.

Specialization of labor – Ants have “millers” to grind grain, repletes to store excess, soldiers to repel invaders, nurses to care for young, and “aristocrats” to reproduce (but the real rulers are the workers, who control the colony through chemical communication). Unlike bees, some ants have more than one queen in a nest.

What’s good about them? Ants are on par with earthworms as soil movers and aerators. They are one of our main scavengers of dead animals and cleaners of our natural areas. So the next time uninvited guests show up at your picnic, remember how hard they work and how much they care for their sisters. They don’t eat much – throw ‘em a few crumbs!

Fourth Friday Night Hike

June 26, Friday, 9 PM, Metea County Park

Enjoy natural fireworks by lightning beetles (fireflies, lightningbugs) and learn about their complicated lives.

$2.00 per person, call 449-3777 for reservations.

“Sun & Son” Hike

June 21, Sunday, 2 PM, Metea County Park

2 points
Our combination Summer Solstice and Father’s Day event.

Join us as we find out about what makes this day special for the sun and the father as we learn about daytime astronomy (Our Mr. Sun) and how wild animal families are different from our own. Bring your dad along!

$2.00 per person, register at 449-3777

Best Friends Dog Hike

June 12, Friday, 7 PM, Metea County Park

For Dog Owners: Join your host dog Jacey (a.k.a. Schmoogie) as we explore the areas of the park open to our best friends and how to use these areas in the best way.

All dogs must be on leash and able to play well with other dogs. Also learn about our wild canids (foxes, coyotes, wolves).

Program fee $2.00 per dog (owners free – one per paying dog). Call 449-3777 to reserve your place.

For Dogs: Arf arf woof yip bark!

Preschool Adventures – Insects

June 11, Thursday, 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Join Metea naturalist, Karie Divelbiss-Harding as we take a stroll through the prairie and learn about the insects that live there. We will read a book, have a craft & snack and try to find the interesting creatures that live in the prairie.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (partner required). Please pre-register by JUNE 8 by calling 449-3777 or emailing kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

National Trails Day Hike

June 6, Saturday, 10 AM, Metea County Park

Hit the trail for National Trails Day. Come out and hike at one of your County Parks. Get some exercise, learn some new things, and enjoy a fine late spring day. $2.00 per person.

Wilderness Women: Useful Plants

June 6, Saturday, 3-5pm, Metea County Park

2 points
Nature’s bounty is all around! Learn what plants are used for what purpose on a hike through Metea County Park.

Rachel Rossiter Smith will guide the pack through fact and fiction of plant use. Dress for the weather, we’ll be out for about an hour. Then we’ll do an activity and have a snack.

This program is designed for women and young ladies about 12 and up. Cost is $5. Call 260-449-3777 or email rsmith@allencountyparks.org to register or for more information. Must have 5 registered by June 1 for program to run.

Special Event: Summer Day Camp Series 2009, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM

July 27-31: Flutterbies
Aug. 3-7: Creepy Creek Critters

30 points per week
Camp is one of the best investments you can make in your children’s development. By incorporating fun into learning about the outdoors, we create positive experiences for children in a natural environment.

Fees are $100.00 per week per child. Early-Bird Discounted Rate (Prior to May 29th): $95.00 per week.

Sack lunches are required from home. We will provide drinks and snacks. If your child has any special food allergies, they will need to bring their own snacks/drinks.

Download a registration form from www.allencountyparks.org. Click on Summer Day Camps 2009 link. Pre-registration required - call 449-3180. Minimum of 15 registrations required per week in order to continue have camp. So bring a friend to camp!

Fourth Friday Night Hike

May 22, Friday, 9 PM, Payton County Park

Spring is in full swing. Come out to Payton and watch new life bursting forth!

Cost is $2.00 per person, with a minimum of 5 needed by May 20. Call 449-3777 for reservations.

Take a Hike! Spring Flowers

May 23, Saturday, 10am, Metea County Park

2 points
Nature’s beauty is fleeting in spring, so come out to Metea County Park to catch the spring wildflowers while they are here! Bring the whole family and a camera to capture it all with.

Dress for the weather and don’t forget to register by May 18. Cost is $2 per person. Call 260-449-3777 or email rsmith@allencountyparks.org to register or for more information, 5 people minimum registered to run.

Cave Exploration Adventure

May 23, Saturday, 8 AM - Pre-Caving - May 14, Thursday, 7:30 PM, Metea County Park

4 points
Go underground with Allen County Parks.

Caving instructor and naturalist Bob Dispenza will be leading a trip to a new cave (for us) near Bedford on Saturday, May 23. We’ll be exploring a wild cave in the area and going off the beaten path, looking for cave wildlife and unusual formations.

Mandatory pre-caving class is Thursday, May 14, 7:30 PM at Metea County Park Visitor Center. Class fee of $20.00 per person covers maps and caving instruction. Learn about geology, cave life, needed equipment and cave formation.

This activity is somewhat strenuous, but suitable for beginners in good physical condition.

Call 449-3777 to make reservations, with a minimum of 5 registered by the pre-caving class for the trip to go.

Wilderness Women: “Wild” Flowers

May 9, Saturday, 3-5pm, Metea County Park

Mother Knows Best! In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re inviting all Moms and Daughters with the wilderness spirit to Metea County Park!

We’ll be discussing the myth of the “Wild Woman” and making a snack. We’ll take a short hike to look at wildflowers and do a cool activity.

This program is designed for women and young ladies about 12 and up. Cost is $5. Please register by May 4. Call 260-449-3777 or email rsmith@allencountyparks.org to register or for more information.

Preschool Adventures – Pond Critters

May 7, Thursday, 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Join Metea naturalist, Karie Divelbiss Harding as we dip our nets into the pond and try to find the critters that live there. We will read a book, have a craft & snack and try our hand at pond-dipping.

This program will be held outside. Please dress for the weather, and old shoes are recommended.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (partner required). Please pre-register by MAY 4 by calling 449-3777 or emailing kharding@allencountyparks.org. We must have a minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Fourth Friday Night Hike

April 24, Friday, 8:30 PM, Metea North off Hursh Road

Our wildest park may have night surprises in store for you.

$2.00 per person, call 449-3777 for reservations, minimum of 5 needed by April 22.

Earth Day Evening

April 22, Wednesday, 7:30 PM, Metea County Park Visitor Center

2 points
You can help the earth around your yard and home. There are things anyone can do to save our resources, reduce pollution and lower your bills.

Join Allen County Parks Education Director Bob Dispenza for our “Earth Day Evening” celebration and find out how to apply those money and environment saving tips and technologies. Meet at Metea Count Park Nature Center, 8401 Union Chapel Rd., at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 22, and bring your own ideas to share.

Class fee is $2.00 per person – call 449 3777 to reserve your space. Minimum of 5 registered needed by April 20.

Home School Series

April 23 & May 21, Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

2 points per class
We are offering a home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. You must pre-register and PREPAY by APRIL 20 at 449-3777 or by emailing Karie Harding at kharding@allencountyparks.org (preferred method). We will NOT accept walk-ins.

The fee for this program is $10.00 per student, $4.00 per adult and includes BOTH month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve you space.

NOTE: YOUR SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID. Classes begin at promptly 2:00 PM! Both sessions will be held both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Session 1: April 23

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Wildflowers and plants
Join us as we embark on the world of plants in the spring. We will look for wildflowers, learn more about why they are there, and the animals that love them.

Intermediate (grade 4-6) and Advanced (grade 7-12)
Astronomy
Join us as we learn about the world above our heads. We will be doing experiments, demonstrations and learning about the sky above us.

Session 2: May 21

All age groups
Macroinvertebrates
We will be in the river during this session learning about macroinvertebrates and water quality of Cedar Creek. Please wear waders or water shoes for this program.

Wilderness Women: April Showers

April 11, Saturday, 3-5pm, Metea County Park Nature Center

We all know that April Showers bring May flowers, but we’re going to go out and see if there are any poking their heads out yet. After a hike in the woods, we’ll have a snack and do an activity.

This program is designed for women and young ladies about 12 and up. Dress for the weather and don’t forget to register by April 9. Call 260-449-3777 or email rsmith@allencountyparks.org to register or for more information. Five people minimum registered for program to run.

Cost is $5 per person.

Volunteer Day: Taking out Salamander Traps at Metea County Park

April 10, Friday, 10am, Metea County Park

Our research is done and the traps must come out!

We’ll hike out to the trap areas and, on the way, we’ll talk about what we found in our research. Dress for the weather; sturdy or waterproof boots are a good idea. Meet at the nature center.

Email rsmith@allencountyparks.org for more info. Cost is free!

Take a Hike! Nature Babies

April 11, Saturday, 11am, Metea County Park Nature Center

Take a hike with park Naturalist Rachel Rossiter Smith to discover all the new babies out and about at Metea County Park.

We’ll be hiking for about an hour, so dress for the weather.

Cost is $2. Please register by April 9. At least 5 people must register for program to run. Call 260-449-3777 or email rsmith@allencountyparks.org to register or for more information.

Preschool Adventures – Salamanders

April 9, Thursday, 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

Join Metea naturalists, Karie Divelbiss Harding & Rachel Rossiter Smith as they teach preschool-aged children about salamanders.

We will read a book, make a craft and have a snack during this program. We will also be trekking to the salamander traps, so please dress for the weather - play shoes recommended.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (partner required). Please pre-register by APRIL 6 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie Harding at kharding@allencountyparks.org. We must have a minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Special Event: Spring Trail-Guide Training Workshop is here again!

April 11, Saturday, 1:30-4 PM, Fox Island Nature Center

3 points
Mustang Sally! We will not find mustangs at Fox Island but we can find tigers! Tiger Salamanders, that is.

Become a trail guide at your Allen County Parks! New volunteer applications will be provided.

This free trail-guide training session will focus on those cute and slightly slimy salamanders! We will meet at the nature center for registration and proceed to the marsh. Free packets including loads of salamander advice, salamander research results, games and activities for salamanders, and much more will be distributed!

Please pre-register by April 3rd in order to allow us enough time to prepare training materials.

No fee for this session. So bring a friend!

ANTics - Part I

By Bob Dispenza, Park and Education Manager, Allen County Parks, Fort Wayne, IN

Ants have invaded popular culture in a way few insects have. Everyone has heard of “busy” bees and “hard-working” ants (they are actually related to each other). Ants have starred in a number of movies and TV shows, not all of them positive:
"A Bug’s Life"
"Antz"
"Atom Ant"
"Them!"
“The Zanti Misfits” episode of “The Outer Limits” (actually aliens that looked like ants)

Ants have a reputation as hardworking, industrious, caring (for their young), strong, brave, “intelligent,” and usually peaceful unless threatened. Proverbs 6:6-8 says “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Proverbs 30:25 adds “… the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer…” Ants are the wise ones in the Aesop fable “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”

There are 12,000 to 14,000 species worldwide, making up 15-20% of terrestrial animal biomass (more than vertebrates). Native ants are only lacking in Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Hawaii and a few other islands. The largest is the male siafu ant (Dorylus species) of the tropics at 40 mm long. The smallest is possibly Oligomyrmex yamatonis of Japan, with workers at 1 mm (about sand grain size). It would take 100,000 of them to weigh 1 gram or 2,835,000 to weigh 1 ounce.

The jack jumper ant of Australia (Myrmecia pilosula) has only a single pair of chromosomes (males have only 1 chromosome) – the smallest number of any animal. They are considered primitive ants with small, unorganized colonies. They hunt individually by sight, but their stings can be fatal to humans. The most painful sting belongs to the bullet ant of Central and South America (Paraponera clavata). We live in an uneasy truce with ants, and most hits from an Internet search will turn up sites that tell you how to kill them.

Ants are designed to take advantage of food sources quickly without the energy-consuming necessity of flight. So they often show up first at the picnic. They lay a chemical trail down as they forage, allowing other ants to follow them to new resources.

The “society” of ants is divided up into “castes”:

Sterile females have two sets of chromosomes and are the workers of various types, soldiers, millers, and storehouses (repletes that hold extra resources). Some ant duties are determined by size (the larger ones usually functioning as soldiers) or age (the youngest start with nursery duty or as queen attendants, moving to nest maintenance and foraging as they get older). Workers live one to three years.

Queens are the only ones able to produce workers and other castes. Some sterile females can lay eggs, but they produce only drones. Queens can live for up to 30 years.

Kings (drones) have only one set of chromosomes, and are only present for a short time during the swarming season, when new kings and queens fly off to start new colonies. Drones die after mating.

Ant weapons are mainly jaws (which can be quite powerful) and stings (modified egg-laying organs) or sprays (some can spray acids or other irritants). Some tropical ants have jaws large and strong enough to serve as surgical sutures. They are made to bite the edges of the wound together, then the body is taken off and the head left to hold the wound closed for several days as it heals.

Ant strength may seem phenomenal, since they can lift 5 times their body weight or more. But they are subject to the square-cube law. Muscle strength relies on muscle cross section (2 dimensional) and muscle weight relies on volume (3 dimensional). Every time an ant’s size is doubled, its strength goes up 4 times while weight goes up 8 times. At our size, the ant could only lift 2% of its body weight.

There is just too much interesting about ants – see Part 2 next time.

Night Hike

March 27, Friday, 7:30 PM

Explore Metea County Park in the dark. We will go on a hike using our night senses to navigate through the dark. We will try to see (or hear) some nocturnal animals and have a lot of fun. Flashlights are optional, but will not be used during the hike.

$2.00 per person. Please pre-register by March 23 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie at kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

TREADS – River Walk

March 21, Saturday, 2:00 PM

Treads is a hiking program that will take the participant through the many different areas/programs at Metea County Park.

During this program, naturalist Karie Divelbiss-Harding will take you to the river to learn about the different organisms that live in it and water quality. We will be wading in the water and using kick seines, nets and other equipment. Rubber boots recommended.

This program is suitable for beginners. Please pre-register by March 16 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie at kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Take a Hike! Salamanders

March 21, Saturday, 10 AM

Our research has begun! We are investigating the salamander population at Metea County Park. Tag along with a park naturalist to see what we’ve got in the salamander traps. If there are salamanders, we’ll measure them and find out if they are a boy or girl. The information we find out will go in our scientific study.

Open to people of all ages, but dress for the weather! Cost is $2 per person, kids 6 and under are free. Please register 5 business days prior to program at 260-449-3777. Five registered in order to run the program.

Preschool Adventure – Weather

March 12, Thursday, 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM

Join naturalist Karie Divelbiss-Harding as she makes clouds in the Metea County Park Nature Center. We will learn about different types of weather, read a book, make a craft and have a snack.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (partner required). Please pre-register by March 9 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie at kharding@allencountyparks.org. We must have a minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Salamander Volunteer Training

March 7, Saturday, 1-3 PM

Allen County Parks is partnering with Little River Wetland Project to conduct a population survey on a little understood wetland creature, the salamander. Research sites will be at Metea County Park, Fox Island County Park and Eagle Marsh.

If you can give a little time to help check the salamander traps, please come to this free workshop at Metea County Park Nature Center. Dress for the weather; we will be going outside after a short presentation. Please register at 449-3777 at least 5 business days before the workshop. Cost is free

Wilderness Women - Candle Making

February 21, Saturday, 3 – 5 PM

Wilderness Women is a program designed for women and young ladies from about 12 years and up to become more self sufficient in the outdoors and develop an environmental consciousness all while gaining skills and knowledge.

We’ll be taking a short hike at Metea County Park and then learning how to make candles. We’ll also have a light snack.

Cost is $5 per person. Please register 5 business days prior to the program at 260-449-3777. Five people must register in order for the program to run.

TREADS – All Around

February 14, Saturday, 2:00 PM

Treads is a hiking program that will take the participant through the many different areas/programs at Metea County Park.

During this hike, naturalist Karie Divelbiss-Harding will take you to different parts of the park in search of animal homes, scats and tracks, and other interesting things! This program is suitable for beginners and recreational walkers.

Please pre-register by February 16 by calling 449-3777 or emailing kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants to offer the program.

Certified Interpretive Guide Training at Metea County Park

Feb. 17 – 20, Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 -4:30

Calling all naturalists and wanna-bee!

Allen County Parks is offering the National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide class. This internationally-recognized certification stresses proven education and interpretation methods and planning strategies leading to improvements in message retention and positive perception. Be the best naturalist you can be!

To learn more, including class fees, visit: Interpnet or contact bdispenza@allencountyparks.org or call 449-3777.

Preschool Adventure – Love Bugs

February 12, Thursday, 10:00 AM OR 2:00 PM

Bring your preschool-aged “Love Bugs” to Metea Park and have a lot of fun. We will be learning about insects – where they are, what they are doing, etc. We will read a story, play a game, have a craft and snack.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (required). Please pre-register by February9 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie at kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Home School Series

February 5 & March 5, Thursdays, 2-4 PM

Metea County Park is offering a home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. Participants in this project must pre-register and prepay by February 13 at 449-3777 or by emailing Karie Harding at kharding@allencountyparks.org (preferred method). We will not accept walk-ins.

The fee for this program is $10.00 per student, $4.00 per adult and includes both month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve your space.

**NOTE: YOUR SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID.**

Classes begin promptly at 2:00 PM!

	Beginner (Grades 1-3)	Intermediate (Grades 4-6)	Advanced (Grades 7-12)
Session 1: February 5	Mammals Let’s find out all about those warm, furry residents of our parks and what makes them special. Maximum 15 participants – must be prepaid.	Dissection – Fish The participants in this study will learn about the internal and external anatomy of a perch. All equipment and materials provided EXCEPT gloves. Maximum 10 participants – must be prepaid.	Microscope Study The students will be learning how to use compound microscopes to see tiny things around them. Maximum 10 participants – must be prepaid.
Session 2: March 5	Amphibians They’re slimy, small and change a lot as they grow up. Explore the world of frogs, toads and salamanders.	Dissection – Frog The participants in this study will learn about the internal and external anatomy of a frog. All equipment and materials provided EXCEPT gloves.	Microscope Study Continuation of above-mentioned study.

Groundhog Day Celebration

February 2, Monday, 10 AM

As the weather continues cold, we all wonder when spring warmth will be arriving. One of our native animals has a reputation for being able to tell when – the groundhog. We are going to encourage him with a little celebration held in his honor.

Come to the Metea County Park Nature Center to learn about hibernation and the history of woodchuck weathermen, sing some Groundhog Day songs, and go out looking for our own Metea Park Marvin. Will he see his shadow, or will he be out cross-country skiing? Come and find out on Wednesday, February 2, 10 AM!

Call 449-3180 to reserve your space. $2.00 per person.

Salamander Research Presentation at Aboite Library

January 26, Monday, 7-8:30 PM, Aboite Library

Little River Wetland Project’s Leslie Hamilton and Allen County Parks’ Rachel Rossiter Smith will present the conclusion of 2008’s Salamander Research Project. We had a great time and got lots of information.

Come out to Aboite Library, 5630 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, in the large meeting room to see what these two research sites found out.

Cost is free, donations are welcomed. For more information, call the Little River Wetland Project at 260-478-2515.

Winter Trail Guide Training – Survival Skills

January 25, Sunday, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Go through the Metea County Park nature preserve and learn different parts of winter survival, from fire-building to shelter making. During this program, a naturalist will point out different ways to use the resources around you to help survive in the wilderness during the winter.

This program is free to volunteers, call 449-3777 or email kharding@allencountyparks.org to sign up.

Take a Hike! Learning to Track Animals

January 17, Saturday, 11-12 AM

Ever wish you knew what animal was sniffing around your house during the night after seeing the tracks it left? Come out to Metea County Park for a hike with Rachel Rossiter Smith to learn more about animal tracks and behavior. Dress for the weather.

Cost is $2 per person, kids 6 and under are free. Please register at 260-449-3777

Wilderness Women: Natural Fibers and Knitting

January 17, Saturday, 3-5 PM

Wilderness Women is a program designed for women and young ladies from about 12 years and up to become more self sufficient in the outdoors and develop an environmental consciousness all while gaining skills and knowledge.

Time to bundle up against the cold! Come to Metea County Park to learn about natural fibers and the basics of knitting. Materials will be supplied, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them. We’ll also be having a light snack.

Cost is $5 per person. Please register at 260-449-3777. Minimum five registered to run the program.

TREADS - Winter Tree Identification

January 10, Saturday, 2:00 PM

Treads is a hiking program that will take the participant through the many different areas/programs at Metea County Park.

During this hike, naturalist Karie Divelbiss-Harding will give tips on how to identify trees when they don’t have leaves. We will hike through the nature preserve identifying as many trees as we can. You won’t look at a tree the same way after this interesting hike.

This program is suitable for beginners and recreational walkers. $2.00 per person. Please pre-register by January 12 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie Harding at kharding@allencountyparks.org. We must have a minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.