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GIBSON WOODS NEWS Scroll down for more Gibson news
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. Attention Scouts!!! Are you looking for fun and exciting ways to earn badges?
Come to Gibson Woods Nature Preserve and let our staff help you explore
the wonderful world of nature. We
offer various workshops to fill some of the requirements for badges (badge not
included in program). GIRL SCOUTS Brownies: "Watching Wildlife" • "Earth and Sky" • "Water Everywhere" (spring only)Juniors Cadettes and Seniors CUB SCOUTS Bear Webelos Troop Registration:
Badge programming is $1 per person, including adults, with a $10 minimum
and a 30 person maximum. Workshops
are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
Boy Scout Environmental
Science Merit Badge
Boy Scouts are invited to sign up for the Environmental Science Badge offered at Gibson Woods. Staff will be conducting four different experiments to meet the requirements for this badge. There is a $5.00 fee to cover the cost of materials. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 219-844-3188 to register. This badge program is for active Boy Scouts from 6th grade to high school only. Summer Camps in 2008 Amazing Animals Camp (ages 7-9) Monday, June 16, 2008 Wednesday June 18, 2008 Friday June 20, 2008
Step into an animal’s world through
games and activities about adaptations, predator and prey, and habitats.
Fly faster than a falcon, feel a fox’s fur, hold a turtle, find
tracks, and hug a bug. One day
will focus on birds and mammals. Another
will focus on reptiles and amphibians. There
will even be an entire day about bugs and grubs. Participants will learn about animals through various hands-on
activities. There
will be animal furs to feel, turtles to hold, tracks to find, and bugs to hug.
Come dressed for the weather. Insect
repellent is recommended. Backyard
Discovery Camp (ages 10-12) Monday, June 23, 2008 Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Friday June 27, 2008
We will begin by grabbing a lens and microscope to seek out and find
any microscopic organisms that may live in the woods.
Then we will discover how the weather affects all organisms.
This will involve reading weather instruments, looking at radar, and
making predictions. Finally
we’ll look out into space by constructing a model solar system and maybe
even safely look at sunspots. Come dressed for the weather. Insect repellent
is recommended. It's a Wild, Wild Woods in 2008
You never know what will happen when you walk into the woods. Watch your step and look hard so you don’t get wet, step in a mole hole, or get slimed by a salamander. You may encounter many mysteries, odd animals, or make a wrong turn. But by the end of the day you’ll come home with many exciting and interesting stories to share. Come to one or come to all three. Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Registration required: 219-844-3188 From mushrooms to moles we will investigate all the elements of soil. Dirt is more than just the stuff we sweep off the floor. It’s made from rock and holds the ingredients for life. Find out how plants soak the dirty mess beneath our feet and turn it into the stuff we eat. Then conduct a nature FBI investigation to reveal what scavengers do to return nutrients back into the soil. “Reptiles
and Amphibians” (ages 7-12)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 16
Fee: $5 It’s all about snakes and turtles, frogs and salamanders. We’ll have turtle races, live like a snake with no arms or legs, and play secret salamander. There will even be opportunities to touch a turtle and snake. It’s a “hoppin good time. We won’t forget about lizards. “UG! It’s A Bug”
(ages 7-12) 10
a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23 Fee: $5
The best way to overcome our opponent is to become the opponent. We’ll play mosquito tag, investigate dragonflies, and become bees. Then we’ll take a look at the lighter side of bugs like butterflies and discover that these crawly critters may not be bad after all. Interpretive Programs Tales
From The Mighty Oak
With 500 species from around the world, the oak has influenced many cultures across the globe. Indiana’s number one forest product is oak. The dominant tree at Gibson Woods is oak. Come discover the mystical, magical, true and real properties of the oak and what makes it so mighty. Call 219-844-3188 for reservations. The
Fabrics of Fire
Wildfires can rip through a forest with hurricane force, power and destruction. Fire is also a tool that promotes growth of certain species. Take a look at how fire is used as a management tool to benefit our forests. Call 219-844-3188 for reservations. Weather
Wise
What do you know about the weather? Will it be sunny or cloudy, rain or shine? All around the world since the beginning of time, everyone’s favorite question has been, “How’s the weather?” Learn about the phenomenon that affects all of our lives from a guest speaker from the meteorology department at Valparaiso University. Registration is required for this free program. Call 219-844-3188. This program fulfills BSA requirements. Frog Call Campfire
There are only a handful of types of frogs and toads found in Indiana. However, they produce some of the most interesting sounds. Frogs ‘ribbit’ day and night and can be heard up to ¼ of a mile away. Discover how to distinguish different frog and toad calls and the best time to listen for them. Learn what frogs like in their pond. We’ll have a hoppin’ good time! Bring a stick to toast marshmallows. Register at 219-844-3188 Get Skunked Campfire
Skunks, raccoons, and opossums come to life around this comfortable and cozy campfire. This program will not stink as we look into their survival skills. See what can be done to keep ‘coons out of coolers. Find out why opossums are so abundant. Discover that some animals will eat skunks. Bring a stick to toast marshmallows. Register at 219-844-3188 Summer Solstice Celebration
It’s the time of year where the sun aligns with the constellation cancer and begins its backward journey marking shorter days to come. This astronomical landmark has been significant since the days of prehistory. This year we will explore myths, legends and heritage of African cultures. We will travel trade routes in search of gold, paint artifacts, and enjoy the setting sun around a cozy campfire. Registration is required and space is limited. We will be outside so dress for the weather. Register at 219-844-3188 Solar Energy
Learn how our greatest energy resource is being used for “green” energy. From calculators to buildings, energy from the sun is making our world a cleaner place to live. Make your own “solar oven” to take home. If it is sunny, we will make a snack using the oven. Reservations are required along with a $2 fee to cover cost of materials. This program is for ages 10 and up. Register at 219-844-3188 Campfire Fireflies
Come to this cozy campfire to enjoy what lights up the night. Lightning bugs will highlight the night, but there other evening illuminators as well. Secrets of glow worms, mushrooms, and the moon will be revealed. Bring a stick to toast marshmallows. Register at 219-844-3188 Insectology: Crickets and Kin
Investigate adaptations behind these singing insects. Common crickets are cool, but their brothers, the grasshoppers, have an alternate reputation. Discover how they sing, where they spend the winter, what they eat and their ecological significance. Register at 219-844-3188 Water,
Water, Everywhere
Tree
Decorating Naturally
Stop in at the Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center any time between 1 and 3 p.m. to help trim the holiday tree. This has been an annual tradition for many years and it is always exciting to see what unique ornaments can be created out of nature’s bounty. Acorns, pinecones, seedpods and other dried natural “finds” will be available and you are welcome to bring your own materials to share. 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 and to sign up, call 219-844-3188. Wildlife
Holiday
Every year during the holiday season we like to spend some time making edible ornaments for our wildlife visitors. Stop by Gibson Woods any time between 1 and 3 p.m. for the “Wildlife Holiday Program”. We will be making popcorn garland, peanut butter pinecones and many other special treats to hang on the trees and shrubs outside the windows of the wildlife observation area. Afterwards, we will sit back, relax and enjoy watching as the animals outside find the tasty ornaments we have made them. Registration is required. For more information and to sign up, call 219-844-3188. Camp COLD!
Though winter may seem calm and quiet, it’s really full of animal activity. Break the ice and warm up your senses. Spend a day looking for life in the ice, under logs and into the woods. Work with ice art. Chill out with many amazing winter activities. For more information and to sign up, call 219-844-3188. Interactive
Educational Programs
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 5th to 7th grade science. Topics
available now are “Poison Ivy” and “Fire Ecology”. Click on the
Educational Resources button Campfire Programs for 2008
Leaf
ID Workshops
Before you start collecting leaves for your leaf collection, you’ll want to attend the Leaf ID Workshop. It’s a great way to learn how to sort out all those leaf arrangements, shapes, lobes, margins, etc. With a few simple tips, you will be well on your way to finishing your collections quicker and easier than ever before. Insect repellent is recommended for this outdoor program. Two sessions will be available. Payment may be made at the program. Meet at the north end of the visitor center parking lot. Gibson Woods Wild Ones and Native Plant Sale 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 group does not meet in January. Members of Wild Ones can help 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 Schedule Note: schedule is subject to change without notice. Gibson Woods Wild Ones
8th
Annual Native Plant Sale
Gibson Woods
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Native plants are becoming a more 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. 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. BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS 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. Birding 101 at Gibson Woods March 25 Birding Basics/Misc. Songbirds April 1 Sparrows and Finches April 8 Waterfowl and Wading Birds April 15 Shorebirds April 22 Birds of Prey April 29 Warblers and other Neo-tropical Migrants Registration deadline: March 14. Call Gibson Woods at 219-844-3188. Fee: $30.00 covers all six workshops. Class size: Limited to 20 participants so sign up early. 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. BIRDING Spring
Bird Count
The spring bird count is one of the favorite activities
of birders nationwide. It is a true marathon of birding that challenges the
beginner as well as the most experienced. Birders will be out in force
throughout Woodcock Stalks at Oak Ridge Prairie
The American Woodcock is best known for the male’s spectacular courtship flight displays over its breeding grounds. These displays occur at dusk and again at dawn. The birds circle up to hundreds of feet high and then descend in a zigzag flight. Once they have landed, their distinctive “peent” calls penetrate the silence of the evening or early morning hours. Anyone who has witnessed the flight of the woodcock recognizes it as one of the earliest signs of spring. Some woodcocks return as early as February and “perform “ while snow is still on the ground. Join us at dusk as we stake out an area to usher in spring with our fascinating crepuscular friend, the American Woodcock. Registration is required for this free program. Please call 219-844-3188 for more information and to sign up. Spring Migration Hike at Gibson Woods
Many birds returning in the spring are actually considered tropical birds. Ornithologists believe that these neo-tropical birds are “spreading out” in the spring to find breeding space after spending the winter in their true home, the tropics. Birds like warblers, vireos, tanagers, and orioles are among the neo-tropical migrants that can be seen in our area in early to mid May. Natural areas like Gibson Woods are critically important for these migrants to find the right kinds of foods that help sustain them during their long journey north to their breeding grounds. 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. EARTH DAY OPEN HOUSE
Scheduled Events* 9:30
– 11:00 a.m.
Nature Walk -- American
toads are croaking, birds are singing, and the ground is green.
Join us on this walk as we enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as
spring awakens with life. 11:15
– 11:45 a.m.
Turtle
Races --Take your
time and enjoy the show at your leisure.
We have three different species of turtles that may move faster
than you think. Come and vote
for the fastest turtle in the park. 12:00
– 12:30 p.m.
Snakes
Alive -- Visit Gibson Wood’s resident corn snake.
Here’s your
chance to touch our snake, find out what it eats, discover where it lives
and what it really is. 12:45
– 1:45 p.m.
Pond Dip -- There are more than
fish and frogs found frolicking in the water.
A naturalist will saunter down to a swale to show us some
sensational swimmers. Bring
your keen eye to spy these cool critters. 2:00
– 3:00 p.m.
Are You Smarter Than A Naturalist?
Turn
off the TV and test your nature knowledge against a panel of Master
Naturalists with this fun filled exciting game show.
Can you identify one of Indiana’s venomous snakes?
What tree produces acorns? What
is Indiana’s state insect? Come
early and sign up to be a contestant. All
Day Activities: Join
us inside where, throughout the day, you can make a buzzing bee, plant a
flower or fill out your own coloring book.
Test your nature smarts at the Guess Me Table and try to identify
poison ivy, scat and skulls, or figure out the puzzles in the Nature
Action Book. See our resident
snake and feel a live turtle. *All activities are rain or shine because the weather is always fine at Gibson Woods Family Fun in the Outdoors Leaf
ID Workshop Kids, are you stressing out about your
leaf collection for school? Are you confused about where to find the leaves you
need and how to identify them? Well don’t freak out just yet. A Lake County
Parks naturalist can help. Join us for the Leaf ID workshop to get the basic
skills required to identify trees by their leaves. There is a $4.00 fee per
family group or individual which includes a presentation on leaf ID and the
book, “Identifying the Trees of the Lake County Parks.”
Additional books are available for $2.50 each. After the workshop, stick
around for a hike on the trails to find some of the trees whose leaves you may
need. Insect repellent is
recommended for this outdoor program. Space is limited and pre-registration is
required. Please call 219-844-3188 to sign up. Tree Decorating Naturally
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. Wildlife Holiday
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. "Walk and Talk" about invasive species at Gibson Woods On Sunday, June 1 at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve Derek Nimetz, Regional Ecologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves, will host a "Walk and Talk" from 9:30 a.m. to Noon (Central Time). The topics will focus on invasive plants and different methods of invasive species control, but will also feature information about native plants and butterflies. Gibson
Woods is a great location for this event because it offers the
Environmental Awareness Center, a maintained native plant garden, ample
parking, and hiking trails
in the dune and swale. The
Lake County Parks and Recreation Department has spent the past two winters
restoring oak savanna and prairie habitats by controlling and removing
invasive trees and shrubs through the use of partnerships, volunteers and
grants. Last updated April 23, 2008
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