Hikes, Hikes, Hikes

Looking for a birding challenge?  Try your hand, and binoculars, at identifying migrating songbirds in their fall plumages. It’s not easy to sort them all out. Some of them have changed colors and the sounds they make have changed from songs to various chirps.  Join a Lake County Parks naturalist for a walk through the trails at Gibson Woods to learn a few tips on identifying migrating songbirds as they make their way South for the winter. Join a Lake County Parks naturalist, as well as other bird enthusiasts, to seek out and learn more about these colorful migrants. Dress for the weather.  Bring binoculars, a field guide, and wear sturdy shoes.  Bird field guides are available for sale at the Gibson Woods gift shop.  Registration is required.  To register and for more information call 219-844-3188.

Fall Color Walks
Gibson Woods                  Saturday, October 22, 2011                           9:30 a.m.

There are plenty of places to see beautiful fall color in Lake County Indiana. Start by taking a leisurely walk with a Lake County Parks naturalist at Gibson Woods to enjoy the range of colors in an untouched natural landscape. Mid October is the peak time for seasonal changes to occur.  Learn more about our natural areas and find out how leaves change color. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Registration is required. Call 219-844-3188 to register.  

Be sure to visit your other Lake County Parks to see more fall colors at their best. They're one of nature's best shows in town in the fall.

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Nature Discovery Camp at Gibson Woods  
“Elements, Minerals, Rocks – Oh My”
Wednesday, June 29               Ages 9-12
Friday, July 1                          Ages 5-8
10 a.m. to Noon                      $3 per person
Pre-registration is required at least three days in advance: 219-844-3188

This is a fun way for rock hounds to learn more about what really makes a rock. Children will be introduced to elements, explore different minerals and explore how rocks are formed. Outside games and activities will be included so be sure to dress for the weather.

Nature Discovery Camp II 
“Water Our Most Renewal Resource” 
Wednesday, July 13                Ages 9-12        
Friday, July 15                        Ages 5-8        
10 a.m. to Noon                      $3 per person               
Pre-registration is required at least three days in advance: 219-844-3188

Summer is the time for trips to the beach and backyard sprinklers, so it’s a great time to expand your knowledge about water.  Children will have a fun, hands-on learning experience about water, what lives in it, how it becomes polluted and how we can protect it. Some activities will be held outside, so dress for the weather. 

Summer programs for Groups:  It’s a Wild, Wild Woods, Discovery Camp, and Discovery Nature Camp II are available for reserved groups of up to 15 children. $3 per person fee applies. Registration and a $20 deposit are required at least 10 days in advance by calling 219-769-PARK.

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 “Birds of a Feather” (feathers and other bird parts)
Tuesday, June 14 and Thursday, June 16       Ages 5-8
Wednesday, June 15 and Friday, June 17      Ages 9-12
10 a.m. to Noon          $3 per person per day              
Pre-registration is required at least three days in advance: 219-844-3188

Did you ever stop and think about the birds you see daily in your neighborhood? In this 2 day program we will look into the many ways birds are different from every other animal on earth. Children will have an opportunity to exam feathers, feet and beaks. They will also learn about the ecological importance of birds through games and activities. If you have ever wondered about our beautiful feathered friends come and learn more. Be sure to dress for the weather and don’t forget sunscreen.

Insect Study
Gibson Woods            Saturday, July 9          2 p.m.
Register by July 7       219-844-3188

Learn about the jungle in your back yard and the roles they play in our lives. Topic covered will include insect anatomy, behavior, and metamorphosis. Participants will learn how to distinguish between some of the principal orders of insects. Participants should wear or bring protective clothing for nature hike. This program is geared for Boy Scout merit badge, but is open to anyone 12+ years. Call 219-644-3188. For merit badge, ask about prerequisites.

Walkin’ & Talkin’ Gibson Woods Family Program
Sunday, October 2 • 1 p.m. • $5 per craft • Hike only – Free • Reservations required to determine supplies needed: 219-844-3188

What better way to spend a fall day that a walk through the woods? We will start by decorating your very own walking stick that you can take home to use on this and other hikes. Afterwards we will explore Gibson Woods on a naturalist-led hike though the preserve. Dress for the weather and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Soil & Water Conservation Boy Scout Merit Badge
Gibson Woods • Sunday, October 16 • 1 p.m. • Registered Boy Scouts only – Age 12+ • Free

Gibson Woods in cooperation with the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District will present a merit badge program about conserving our resources for future generations. Learn about the types of soils found in our region, watersheds and contour map reading. Soil and water pollution and what can be done to reduce its effects will be discussed. Registration is required: 219-844-3188.  Prerequisites: 2d, 3c, 5, 7

A Geologic Perspective of Northwest Indiana
Gibson Woods • Sunday, November 13 • 1 p.m. • Adult program • $2 per person • Reservations required: 219-844-3188

The landscape of Northwest Indiana is a laboratory for understanding glaciers, lake evolution and geologic time. During the presentation, Dr. Erin Argyilan will be discussing the evolution of the Great Lakes and the creation of local landforms. In addition, we will examine how changing lake levels created the area we know as northwest Indiana including the unique landscape of the Indiana dunes. Lastly, we will learn about the mechanics of the modern shoreline to better understand the impacts of human activities.

Have you visited Gibson Woods and want to learn more? We have developed interactive educational programs that are designed for special interest or home schooled groups to do on their own.  These programs, which are available free on our website, meet Indiana and Illinois educational requirements for 5^th to 7^th grade science. Topics available now are “Poison Ivy” and “Fire Ecology”. Click on the Educational Resources button

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WILD ONES
The Gibson Woods Chapter of Wild Ones continues to grow as the interest in gardening with native plants increases. The meetings are held at Gibson Woods on the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. The  gardeners learn more about native plants, from what works well for your soil type to what attracts birds and butterflies. After all, the purpose of natural landscaping is to put something back for the original inhabitants of any given area and make the landscape more environmentally sound. It is also interesting and educational to learn about native plants and their traditional uses. Members research a different plant each month and share the information at each meeting. Guest speakers are scheduled when possible and a native plant sale is held each spring. If you are interested in incorporating natives in your landscape, Gibson Woods Wild Ones would be glad to help.

Local native plant enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge of growing wildflowers and grasses.  This group can help you start naturalizing your yard to attract butterflies and birds and to make it more environmentally friendly. Field trips and guest speakers may be scheduled throughout the year. Contact Gibson Woods at 219-844-3188 for more information.

Wild Ones Upcoming 2011 Schedule
July                             No meeting
August                        No Meeting
September 10              Kankakee Sands with Marianne Hahn
October 1                    Let Sleeping Logs Lie with Donna Gonzalez
November 5                 General Meeting
December 3                Making Natural Christmas Ornaments
January 7                    Greenhouse Orientation at Oak Ridge Prairie
February 4                  General Meeting

Gibson Woods Wild Ones 12^th Annual Native Plant Sale
Watch for 2012 information in January

Native plants are a popular choice for busy gardeners. These easy to care for wildflowers and grasses attract butterflies and birds while making a beautiful display in your yard. Since they are adapted to the local environment, growing them requires less water and fertilizer, which saves money as well.

If you are interested in a natural garden, come to Gibson Woods Wild Ones Native Plant Sale. This year’s sale will offer more types of native plants than ever before.  More than 100 species of wildflowers, grasses, sedges and ferns will be available (no cultivars). Wild Ones members will be on hand to help you find the right plants for your growing conditions. Plants are sold on a first come first serve basis, so arrive early for the best selection. Proceeds from the sale help fund resources, projects and programs for the Lake County Parks. For more information and to obtain a list of plants, call 219-844-3188.

Many species of birds pass through Northwest Indiana during the spring and fall migration and many stop to rest and feed in natural areas, like Gibson Woods, that contain insects, caterpillars and other sources of food that help sustain migrating birds on their journey. That means we get a chance to see many colorful birds along the trails and at our feeders.

A wonderful way to spend some time, especially in late April and May, is to walk slowly along the trails or sit quietly in the wildlife observation room at the Gibson Woods Environmental Center. You'll likely see Baltimore Orioles, Hummingbirds, bright yellow Goldfinches, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and many other gorgeous birds.

While you're at the park, don't forget to check out the displays, including an impressive collection of taxidermy mounts of birds and other animals inside the center. The animal mounts, labeled with names and information, allow visitors to get a good look at many birds and animals that they wouldn't be able to get close to in the wild. None of the animals were killed for display purposes. All came by way of donations to the park department for educational purposes.

Bird Feeding Basics
Gibson Woods                        Saturday, January 21, 2012              1 p.m.              $3 per person       Ages 8+
Registration is required three days in advance.  Call 219-844-3188 to register

In the winter, it’s always a pleasurable experience to be inside a warm house while watching wild birds outside at the feeder. If you're new to feeding birds, there are many types of seeds and feeders to choose from. Join a Lake County Parks naturalist on a wintry afternoon to learn the basics of feeding birds. Learn about the different birds that you may attract by using the right food and the right feeder. If you like you may even make a feeder to take home.

Winter Bird I.D.
Gibson Woods                       Friday, February 17, 2012                10 a.m.                        Free          Adult program
Adult program                        Registration is required – 219-844-3188

Many species of birds winter over in northwest Indiana, from small songbirds and waterfowl to various raptors. Join a park naturalist at Gibson Woods to find out what birds you may find and where to look for them. You may be surprised by some of the “unexpected” birds that stay around when conditions are right. If the weather cooperates, we may take a short hike, then return to the building to warm up in the “bird room” while watching the birds at the feeder.

Birding 101 at Gibson Woods in 2011

March 20         Birding Basics/Misc. Songbirds         
March 27         Sparrows and Finches            
April 3             Waterfowl and Wading Birds           
April 10           Shorebirds
April 17           Birds of Prey
April 24           Warblers and other Neo-tropical Migrants

Fee: $30 covers all six workshops.
Class size: Limited to 20 participants so sign up early.
Registration deadline: March 11.  Call Gibson Woods at 219-844-3188.

The Dunes Calumet Audubon Society and the Lake County Parks are sponsoring “Birding 101”, six weeks of workshops designed to help birding enthusiasts develop their bird identification skills. This course is an easy way to learn bird identification for aspiring, beginning birders. Those with more experience will find it a good way to review and brush up on the basics.

The first week, bird ID basics will be covered with subsequent classes focusing on different groups of birds. All classes are on Tuesday evening. Doors open at 6 p.m. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. A field trip will be offered later in the course.  Join fellow bird enthusiasts for a chance to learn more about our feathered friends.

• Oak Ridge Prairie
• Earth Day Wednesday, April 18, 2012

• 7:15 p.m.  Meet at the shelter

• For more information or to sign up call 219-844-3188

• Please no groups for this activity 

• Deep River             

• Saturday, September 10, 2011                        

• 10 a.m.

• $2 program fee                       

• $2.50 for booklet “Identifying the Trees of the Lake County Parks”

• Reservations required: 219-844-3188

• Gibson Woods on Saturday, December 3, 2011 
• 1 to 3 p.m.

Stop in at the Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center any time between 1 and 3 p.m. for "Tree Decorating Naturally." Trimming the tree at Gibson Woods is a tradition that has been going on for a long time. Join us for some holiday fun as we use unique items that nature has provided to fashion one-of-a-kind ornaments for our holiday tree. Acorns, pinecones, seedpods and other dried natural "finds" will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own materials to share as well. Make an ornament for the tree at Gibson Woods and make one to take home. Stay to enjoy some holiday music and stop by the "Bird Room" to see who’s visiting the feeders. Registration is required. For further information or to sign up call 219-844-3188.

• Gibson Woods on Saturday December 10, 2011
• 1 to 3 pm

Don’t forget our furry and feathered friends during the holiday season. Stop by Gibson Woods any time between 1 and 3 p.m. for the "Wildlife Holiday Program." We will be making edible ornaments for our wildlife visitors. Popcorn garland, peanut butter pinecones and mini-donuts are just a few of the special treats we will be hanging on the trees and shrubs outside the windows of the bird observation area. Afterwards, sit back, relax and enjoy watching as the animals outside as they find the tasty ornaments we have made them. Registration is required. For more information and to sign up, please call 219-844-3188.

Last updated June 23, 2011