GIBSON WOODS NEWS

Park hours at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve

  •     Park gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through October

  •     Park gates are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through February 

  •     The Environmental Awareness Center is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. year round

  •     Both the EAC and the park gates will be closed on Mondays and Holidays 

Scroll down for more Gibson news

Family Nature Crafts

Gibson Woods                                    1 p.m.

Our popular Family Nature Crafts program has returned.  Bring the kids.  Spend an afternoon with your family at Gibson Woods. Learn something new about nature while making a craft project to enjoy at home.  A fee will be charged per project. Fees vary depending on project materials.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Call 219-844-3188 to sign up.

        Date

        Subject

        Fee

        Sunday, March 14

        Wind: Try your hand at some wind experiments. Make a wind chime to hang outside.

        $2

        Sunday, April 11

        Earth Day: Celebrate the earth and all its bounty. Make a recycled sculpture. Come visit our milk jug dome and learn some interesting and unusual facts about recycling. Bring your creativity to construct a sculpture out of recyclable materials. (Please bring some recyclable materials to share and a glue gun if you have one).

        $2

          HOME
        Back to PARKS main page

Educational Experiences for groups at Gibson Woods

The Outdoor education staff at Gibson Woods Environmental Awareness Center offers a variety of reserve group programs. All programs include an indoor presentation and outdoor activity, so groups should dress weather appropriate. Reserved programs are 1½ hours for K-12 groups, 1 hour for pre-school groups.  Programs are tailored to suit the age and experience of individual groups. All programs have a $1 per person fee with a $20 minimum per group and a 40-person maximum; specialty programs may have a smaller capacity. Reservations and pre-payment required at least ten days in advance by calling 219-769-PARK. For more program information call Gibson Woods Nature Preserve at 219-844-3188.

            Program

            Into the Woods

            Aquatic Ecology

            Tree Identification

            Season

            All Year

            Spring 

            Fall

            Grades

            All

            3 and up

            3 and up

            Description

             

             

            Provides an overview of the Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. Emphasizes endangered animals, habitat, and conservation. A chance to meet some live animals and hike in the woods.

            Go beyond fish and frogs to search for all organisms hidden in the water.  Learn about food webs and the importance of aquatic organisms. 

            It takes more than a leaf to identify a tree. Learn the essentials of tree identification that will turn tree I.D. from impossible to easy.

            HOME
            Back to PARKS main page

Hikes, Hikes, Hikes

Spring Bird Migration Hike 

Gibson Woods                   Friday, May 7, 2010              8 a.m.

Registration required (Please no groups).  Call 219-844-3188

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.

Wildflower Walks

Gibson Woods                        Register at 219-844-3188.      Free

Friday, May 28, 2010           9:30 a.m.

Friday, June 11, 2010          9:30 a.m.

More than 300 species of native plants are found in Gibson Woods, including a variety of rare and unique species.  Many plants produce sweet smells and odd fragrances, while some produce no scent at all.  There are plants pollinated by hummingbirds.  There are even plants that eat other plants.  Join a Lake County Parks Naturalist to enjoy our native flora.  Come see the many colors of reds, blues, yellows, and white that these flowers produce.  Gain a few identification tips and discover how they benefit our environment.

Tall Grass Prairie Walk

Oak Ridge Prairie            Friday, August 20, 2010                               9 a.m.

Reservations required: 219-844-3188.  Very few remnants of Tall Grass Prairie remain in the Midwest.  Those that have survived provide some of the most biologically diverse habitats in our area.  Visit an example of the once vast Tall Grass Prairie and learn how preservation and restoration have worked together to make Oak Ridge Prairie a prime example of these efforts.  Explore the flora and fauna that inhabit these places.  Comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent are recommended.  Meet in the parking lot by the kiosk.

Fall Color Walks

 Gibson Woods                  Saturday, October 16, 2010                            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.

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). Offered September through May at Gibson Woods

GIRL SCOUTS:  

CUB SCOUTS

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 3:30 to 5 p.m. September through May.  To register, call the park department office at 219-755-3685 or 219-945-0543.  Groups must register at least two weeks in advance.  Only one badge per session.

Boy Scout Environmental Science Merit Badge

  • Gibson Woods

  • Sunday, January 17, 2010

  • Noon to 2 p.m.

  • $5 fee per scout – bring pencil and notebook

    Boy scouts are invited to sign up for the Environmental Science Merit Badge workshop. Staff will conduct four different experiments for this badge.  Other required topics will also be discussed. This program is open to active Boy Scouts from 6th grade through high school. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 219-844-3188 to reserve your place.

HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Summer Discover Nature Camps in 2010

Discover Nature Camp at Gibson Woods

“Archaeology, Can You Dig It?”

Fee:  $10 (includes both sessions)

June 16 and 18            10 a.m. to 12 p.m.       Ages 9-12

June 23 and 25            10 a.m. to 12 p.m.       Ages 5-8

Did you ever want to become an Archaeologist? Spend the morning at the Discover Nature Camp and you will learn how sites are chosen and the tools used.  You will even participate in a mock archaeological dig.  On Wednesday we will dig for cultural artifacts. On Friday we will be digging for mastodon bones. Some activities will be outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent. Pre-registration required:.219-844-3188.

HOME
 Back to PARKS main page

It's a Wild, Wild Woods in 2010

“Mother Nature’s Touches, Textures and Shapes”

Fee: $5 per session

Wednesday, July 14         10 a.m. to 12 p.m.     Ages 9-12

Wednesday, July 21         10 a.m. to 12 p.m.      Ages 5-8

Join a Lake County Parks naturalist at Gibson Woods for a morning of exploring and learning about nature through touches, textures and shapes. Some textures and shapes found in nature have a more significant purpose than you might think. Be sure to dress for the weather. Insect repellent is recommended. Pre-registration is required: 219-844-3188.

HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Interpretive Programs

Weather Wise

Gibson Woods                        Sunday, April 18         1 p.m.              Ages 12+         Free

Register at 219-844-3188      

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.  Join us for this informative presentation. Attention boy scouts, this program fulfills most of the requirements for the Weather Merit Badge. 

 

Reptile & Amphibian Study

Gibson Woods                        Sunday, May 16          1-3p.m.            Ages 12+         Fee: $7

Registration is required: 219-844-3188          Register early, class size is limited

Reptiles and amphibians are an important natural component of our environment. Discover the differences between species and how environmental conditions directly affect their populations. We’ll find out where they live, what they eat and how they reproduce. We will be listening to frog songs and learning how to identify species by what we hear. Help uncover myths and superstitions about these important creatures. Attention Boy Scouts, this program meets some of the requirements for the Reptile and Amphibian Merit Badge.

 

Leave No Trace

Gibson Woods

Sunday, July 18          1-3 p.m.                       Fee - $15 per person paid in advance

Registration and payment by July 2               Call: 219-769-7275

Attention teachers, youth leaders and outdoor enthusiasts!  Become a Leave No Trace facilitator for your group. Learn the seven principals of LNT and ways to teach your group about the fundamental use of front country and back country outdoor ethics. Be prepared to conduct your own teaching experience for the class.

Visit www.lnt.org for more information about the seven principals of Leave No Trace.  This facilitator training class is limited to 15 participants so be sure to sign up early. 

 

Get Skunked Campfire

Oak Ridge Prairie       Tuesday, June 8          7:30 p.m.         Register at 219-844-3188       Free

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.

 

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

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

  • Saturday, April 10                  10 a.m.                        Plant Study, What is a Fern?

  • Saturday, May 1                     9 a.m.- 2 p.m.             Annual Native Plant Sale

  • Saturday, June 5                    10 a.m.                       Plant Study, Indiana Endangered Plants

  • July                                                                         No meeting

Note: schedule is subject to change without notice

Gibson Woods Wild Ones 10th Annual Native Plant Sale

  • Saturday, May 1, 2010

  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.

Bird Feeding Basics

  • Gibson Woods
  • Saturday, January 23, 2010              1 p.m.              $3 per person

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. Registration is required. Call 219-844-3188 to sign up.

Birding 101 at Gibson Woods 2010 Dates

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.

March 23, 2010         Birding Basics/Misc. Songbirds         

March 30, 2010         Sparrows and Finches            

April 6, 2010             Waterfowl and Wading Birds           

April 13, 2010           Shorebirds

April 20, 2010           Birds of Prey

April 27, 2010           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 12, 2010.  Call Gibson Woods at 219-844-3188.

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.

BIRD COUNT

Spring Bird Count 2010 Dates

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 Lake County on Saturday, May 9 to try to find as many species as possible. Each team will try to check as many habitats as they can to try to increase their numbers. All the teams as a whole will try to find more species than last year to break their own county record.  Territories will be assigned and teams will be assembled. More counters are needed to cover areas all over Lake County including areas within the Lake County Parks. Don’t be intimidated if you are a beginner, you can be teamed up with those who have more experience. Feeder watchers are also needed for those who prefer armchair birding. Call 219-844-3188 for more information.

EARTH DAY WOODCOCK WATCH

The American Woodcock is best known for the male’s spectacular 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.

Leaf ID Workshop

  • Deep River             

  • Saturday, September 11, 2010                        

  • 10 a.m.

  • $2 program fee                       

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

  • Reservations required: 219-844-3188

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.  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.  

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.  

Tree Decorating Naturally

  • Gibson Woods on Saturday, December 4, 2010 
  • 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.

HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Wildlife Holiday
  • Gibson Woods on Saturday December 11, 2010
  • 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.

Good web sites to visit for information about nature preserves

DNR Website - http://www.in.gov/dnr/3553.htm
TNC Website - http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/indiana/work/art21863.html

Last updated February 19, 2010