www.indiancreeknaturecenter.orgNatureCenter@indiancreeknaturecenter.org

6665 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403(319) 362-0664

Now our popular Trail Trekkers summer programs for preschoolers are offered all year long, and best of all, they are free!

Preschool Trail Trekkers takes children and their parents on learning adventures with experienced naturalists at Indian Creek Nature Center. Hands-on activities, games, crafts, stories and songs make learning about nature interactive and fun.

Offered twice each month from September through May at 10 AM, Preschool Trail Trekkers will encourage your child to interact with nature and discover the animals, bugs, and plants that make the outdoors come alive. We can’t wait to see you at the Nature Center!

Trail Trekkers 2015-2016

Preschool

Treats for the Animals Tues., December 8 or Wed., December 9Not all animals have it as easy as we do in a cold, snowy winter. Let’s make them a variety of snacks to help them out. We’ll read a story or two and talk about how animals survive, find food, and even find friends out in the snow. To end, we’ll head outside to see how many of our animal friends have been out and about, and look for great places to leave our treats.

Winter Water Wonders Tues., January 12 or Wed., December 13Investigate the wonders of water—snow and ice—in the winter. How does snow actually help plants and animals? Make sure to dress for the weather as we plan to spend time outside enjoying this beautiful season.

Cats and Dogs of the Wild Tues., February 9 or Wed., February 10Do you have a pet cat or dog? Come learn about their ”wild” cousins. Find out what bobcats and coyotes have in common with your pets and each other. Explore the Nature Center like your wild friends!

Maple Syruping Tues., March 1 or Wed., March 2This unique, fun pioneer activity can only be experienced in late winter. Listen to a Native American legend, tap a tree, learn how we gather and boil maple sap, and visit the Maple Sugar House to see how sap is turned into syrup. The hour ends with a taste of our real maple syrup on ice cream! There is a fee for this program; children and adults are $4.00 each.

at Indian Creek Nature Center

Spider SafariTues., September 8 or Wed., September 9Why are there so many spider webs outside in the fall? How are spiders different from other bugs? Learn about this and more as we study these wonderful eight-legged creatures. Discover fun facts about spiders and go on a spider “hunt.”

Bat BusinessTues., October 6 or Wed., October 7Discover the many good things bats do for our environment. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game. Spend time outside to see if we can hear bats!

Fall Harvest, Winter RestTues., November 3 or Wed., November 4Plants and animals prepare for winter in various ways. Hibernation, Migration, and Adaptation are the words of the day as we explore what different creatures do! We’ll play animal games to see how well you can hibernate, and we’ll talk about what animals do to get ready for winter.

Rabbits and Rodents Tues., April 5 or Wed., April 6 Find out interesting facts about these backyard creatures and what helps them survive in the wild. What makes their teeth so special? Act out the many ways a squirrel can use its tail.

Sounds of Spring Tues., May 10 or Wed., May 11 An exuberant frog chorus welcomes the arrival of spring. Come learn about the frog life cycle and what’s so special about frogs, sing frog songs, and go on a frog-watching hike.

Tell me more! All Preschool Trail Trekkers programs except for Maple Syruping are free, and all are held from 10-10:45 AM. Please call (319) 362-0664 to register for all programs. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress for the outdoors in all seasons.

Trail TrekkersPreschool