• Youth Astronomy Camp at Conway Observatory
• Calumet Astronomical Society Public Observing Days
• Veterans Programs
• CSRI Programs (Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative)
• Leaf ID Workshop
• National Public Lands Day
• Hikes and More
• Campfire Chillers
• Hayrides
• CAN'T MISS Nature Programs Great for the whole family
• Gibson Woods Wild Ones
• Indiana State Disc Golf Tournament
• Learn to Geocache
• Geocaching Event
• Sailing lessons for beginners
• Learn to Swim at Deep River Waterpark
• Guard Start Life Guard Program at Deep River Waterpark
• Birds, Birds, Birds -- Annual Bird Count

   

  ---

  Youth Astronomy Camp at Conway Observatory Field Lab at Buckley Homestead

  The Calumet Astronomical Society and astronomy professors from Purdue University Calumet will run their 3rd annual Youth Astronomy Camp at the Thomas Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead.  The purpose of the camp is to introduce young people, ages 10-18, to the science of astronomy. Advanced registration is required by June 20 or until filled. Call the Lake County Parks at 219-769-PARK to sign up.

  The camp is recommended for students between 6^th and 12^th grade. The fee for the four sessions is $30 ($5 for each additional participant from the same family), which includes membership to the Calumet Astronomical Society. Minimum number of participants is 10. Maximum number is 40. Parental supervision is highly encouraged for all and required for children in grades 6 - 8. Bring along a lawn chair for seating.

  Registrants who participate in at least three of the four sessions will be awarded a “Certificate of Beginning Astronomer” from CAS and PUC.

  Camp sessions will be held rain or shine. In the event of cloudy or rainy weather, discussion topics will still be held, either on-site (clouds) or indoors at Buckley Homestead (rain) with the posted rain date to be used for the observing portion of the camp session.

  Click here for 2008 description and schedule YOUTH ASTRONOMY CAMP

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

The Calumet Astronomical Society invites you to explore the wonders of the universe when they present their popular free public programs.  Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars as they observe the majesty of the skies.  Star charts, club information, and astronomy-related activities. The programs are outdoors, so dress for the weather.  More information about CAS may be obtained online at www.casonline.org

The events are open to everyone.  Families and school groups are especially welcome.  Because observing is conducted in a “lights-out” environment, parents are requested to keep their children under close supervision.  For the safety of our visitors and members, and to prevent damage to equipment, running or other reckless activities will not be permitted.  Please do not use standard flashlights in the observing area.  Exposure to white light, even briefly, will seriously impair night vision making observing difficult.  Red filtered flashlights can provide illumination without affecting night vision.  You can easily make a red light by cutting the end off a red balloon and putting it over a standard flashlight. 

Remember, after sunset temperatures may drop rapidly so dress appropriately for changeable weather. 

Programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions.  Inclement weather will cause these programs to be cancelled without advance notice.

Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead is located 4.5 miles west of Interstate 65 just south of Route 2. Exit I-65 west at Rt. 2 toward Lowell to Hendricks Road , then south to the “T” at Belshaw.  East (left) on Belshaw to the first right ( Chase Street ) and south for one mile. 

Each year many school children are required to complete a leaf collection. This can be a challenging task for parents and children alike. Lake County Parks has just what every leaf collector has been hoping for, a workshop on identifying trees by their leaves. So before you start pulling leaves off the trees, plan to attend the Leaf ID Workshop at Deep River. You'll be surprised how easy leaf ID can be once you have learned the fundamentals. After the workshop, take a short walk with a Lake County Parks naturalist who will help you find the leaves you need. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Insect repellent is recommended. There is a $4.00 fee per family group or individual which includes the book "Trees of the Lake County Parks." Additional books will be available for $2.50 each. Registration is required. Call 219-844-3188 to register.

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Saturday, September 29, 2008        

Enjoy a walk in your favorite Park and take a trash bag with you.  If everyone picks up a little bit of litter, we can keep our parks clean.  Better yet, don't litter in the first place.

Hikes and more

Woodcock Stalks at Oak Ridge Prairie

• Deep River                     Friday, May 23, 2008                      8:30 p.m.  

• Lemon Lake                   Monday, August 4, 2008                 8 p.m.

• Stoney Run                     Friday, September 5, 2008            8 p.m.

• Oak Ridge Prairie         Friday, October 17, 2008                7 p.m.

Fall Color Walk

• Gibson Woods        Saturday, October 18, 2008            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.

Meet in the meadow across Deep River - Just look for the campfire

Who doesn't love sitting around a crackling campfire, telling scary stories and watching the flames dance in the dark? Your family can experience this during our annual Campfire Chillers.

Master Storyteller Karen Slager, a member of Northwest Indiana Storytellers Guild, will lead the stories, telling many of her favorites. But she also invites students to stand up and tell their own short tale. While you may experience the proverbial "chill down your spine" from time to time, this program is suitable for the entire family.

Bring your own lawn chairs, marshmallows and roasting sticks to use after the storytelling. Be prepared for the weather. Dress warmly. The program will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held inside Wood's Historic Grist Mill.

Be prepared to get goose bumps! BOO! Gotcha!

Reservations for tractor drawn hayrides are offered at the following park sites in September and October: Lemon Lake, Stoney Run, Oak Ridge Prairie, Deep River, and Buckley Homestead County Parks. Maximum number per ride is 25 adults (may hold more if all children).  Call 219-769-PARK. Click Here for information about fees and reservations 

SPECIAL NEEDS?  The hay wagon at Oak Ridge Prairie can accommodate people in wheelchairs.  Call the park office for information for special needs hayrides.

Buckley Homestead - Enjoy the quiet, steady pace of the horses as they pull the hay wagon around the back 80 acre trail. Look for pheasant, deer, and coyote as you travel through the wooded areas and open fields past the pioneer log cabin. Individuals and families may ride on a first-come, first-serve basis on Saturdays and Sundays, September 21 through October 26 (except October 4 & 5 during the Fall Festival) at 1 and 2 p.m. for only $3 per person. Remember: Groups may reserve evening hayrides by calling the business office at 219-769-PARK.

Deep River - Take a ride over the river and through the woods along the trails of Deep River. Individuals and families may ride on a first-come, first-serve basis on Saturdays and Sundays, October 4 - 26 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. for only $3 per person. Groups may reserve evening hayrides by calling the business office at 219-769-PARK.

Interpretive and Nature Programs Great for the whole family

Tales From The Mighty Oak

• Gibson Woods           Saturday, February 23, 2008                1 p.m.         Free                

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

• Gibson Woods           Wednesday, March 19, 2008            7 p.m.   Free                            

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

• Gibson Woods                        Sunday, April 6           2 p.m.            Free

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

• Stoney Run                 Monday, April 28       7:30 p.m.                Free

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

• Oak Ridge Prairie       Monday, June 2          7:30 p.m.          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.  Register at 219-844-3188      

Summer Solstice Celebration    

• Stoney Run                 Saturday, June 21       6:30 – 8:30 p.m.          Free

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

• Gibson Woods                        Sunday, June 29          1 p.m.              Fee: $2

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

• Oak Ridge Prairie       Monday, July 21                     7:30 p.m.           Free

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

• Gibson Woods                        Friday, July 25                        2 p.m.              Free

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 -- Our GREAT Lake at Whihala Beach the week of September 22-26, 2008

• Whihala Beach   

• 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 to 1 p.m.

• For Grades 6-8            

• Fee: $2.00 per person ($20 deposit required)

• Information: 219-844-3188

• Reservations: 219-769-PARK

Lake Michigan has shaped the Calumet Region and its people.  Look at the natural history of the lake from glaciers to its present ecology.  Then gain an understanding of how people have relied on Lake Michigan from fur trading to modern industry.  We will test water quality, identify the composition of sand, and study beach dwelling animals.

Tree Decorating Naturally

• Gibson Woods                    Saturday, December 6, 2008                        1 to 3 p.m.

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

• Gibson Woods                   Saturday, December 13, 2008                 1 to 3 p.m.

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!

• Gibson Woods                         Monday, December 29, 2008          Noon to 2 p.m.

• Fee: $5.00/person                    For ages 7-10

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 5^th to 7^th grade science. Topics available now are “Poison Ivy” and “Fire Ecology”. Click on the Educational Resources button

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Great Reads

Love to curl up under a tree with a book on a breezy summer day?  The following books are recommended by the Lake County Parks naturalist staff at Gibson Woods and are available at the Hammond Public Libraries and other libraries near you.

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More – Karen Beaumont  (Recommended for age 3-7 years)

Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth – Alison McGhee  (Recommended for age 4-8 years)

Hana’s Suitcase – Karen Levine  (Recommended for age 10 years and up)

Red Kayak – Priscilla Cummings  (Recommended for age 8-12 years)

A Year Down Yonder – Richard Peck (Recommended for age 3-7 years)

The Witch of Blackbird Pond – Elizabeth Speare  (Recommended for age 12 and up)

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Gibson Woods 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 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.

WILD ONES - NATURAL LANDSCAPERS, LTD.

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

 HOME
Back to PARKS main page

Lake County Indiana is part of a major migration route in North America called the Central Flyway. This provides an opportunity for us to see many species of birds passing through our area during migration.  Many warblers and other songbirds wing their way through with each passing weather front. You may see warblers dressed in their fall plumage, looking quite different than what you saw in the spring.  If you are lucky, you may spot a “green” scarlet tanager heading back to the tropics for the winter. Many other species of first year birds will be along for the trip and you may see them in their immature plumage as well. 

These many species of birds pass through Northwest Indiana during the spring and fall migration and may 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 Gibson Woods, 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.

2008 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 Lake County on Saturday, May 10 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.

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.

CSRI Programs

Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative Events

The Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative is a partnership between Community Hospital, Crown Point Parks & Recreation, Dyer Parks & Recreation, Highland Parks & Recreation, Lake County Parks & Recreation, Merrillville Parks & Recreation, Munster Parks & Recreation, Schererville Parks & Recreation, St. John Parks & Recreation, and several volunteers.  CSRI is a cooperative venture seeking ways to increase recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages who have special needs and abilities.  Please call the coordinating agencies at the phone numbers listed below for times, locations, and registration details for specific events.  

Help save postage and be more environmentally friendly by going paperless.  We are keeping a CSRI email list so notifications of events can be sent out as they approach.  If you are interested in being added to the CSRI mailing list or need to correct an address, name or contact person, please email csri2004@yahoo.com

CSRI Hayride 2008 date set for Sunday, September 28, 2008                      

• Oak Ridge Prairie County Park         

• Sunday, September 28, 2008

• $2 per person

• Advance registration required                        

• Call 219-769-PARK

Come for the hayride, stay for the fun.  Live music and fall fun will round out the day.  The first hayride leaves at 2 p.m. and the last hayride leaves at 4 p.m.  This hayride is wheelchair accessible.  Participants need to check in between 1:30 and 2 p.m. to get their hayride tickets.

CSRI Event Schedule for 2008