Butterflies, bees, beautiful prairieland; Fall is fabulous for outdoor learning

Families interested in outdoor education, a cornerstone of our annual Make a Mighty Difference campaign, may want to check out upcoming events at the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids and with the Johnson County Heritage Trust here in town.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m., Indian Creek will host an information session about the struggling monarch butterfly, a species in decline due to lack of habitat and food sources. The nature center is raising about two dozen monarch caterpillars, which they plan to tag and release that afternoon. Children will also have the opportunity to catch monarchs on the prairie and help naturalists tag and release them. The cost is $4 for members, $6 for non-members and $2 for children. Advance registration is encouraged; call 319-362-0664 or register online.

Indian Creek will celebrate another troubled species with HoneyFest on Sunday, Sept.  15 from 1-4 p.m. Spend a fun afternoon as a family learning about the important role bees play in your life--meet bee-keepers, see a live bee beard, play old fashioned games, make crafts to take home, and eat bee-licious treats. KCRG-TV9 meteorologist Justin Gehrts will talk about the challenges weather poses to bees and other pollinators. Tickets are $5 at the door or $3 in advance.

Also on Sept. 15, the Johnson County Heritage Trust will host a free Family Day at Belgum Grove, four miles west of Hills on the south side of 500th St. It’s the perfect time to get outside, smell the wildflowers, soak up the sun, explore the creek, fish in the pond and reconnect with the best that nature has to offer. Move through different stations, visit with local naturalists and experience fun, hands-on activities that teach about Johnson County’s natural prairies, streams, wetlands, and woodlands.

Dress comfortably and wear boots or sturdy shoes to enjoy all of these natural areas. Children are welcome to bring their own fishing poles. Two kayaks will be available for exploring the pond. The event is free, happens rain or shine, and all are welcome.

Johnson County Heritage Trust is a local, non-profit conservation land trust made up of citizens committed to the conservation, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of locally significant natural areas. For more information, call 319-338-7030 or email info@jcht.org.

For more information about Lucas's outdoor education and playscape initiative, contact committee chair Sarah Lynch.