Upcoming Events of Interest to Nature Lovers
ALL PROGRAMS
A Walk in the Wetlands
Thursday, May 28, 9:30 a.m.
Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve, 6801 Engle Rd.
Join us for a walk and talk in the wetlands at Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve. We will meet at the Eagle Marsh trailhead and learn about how this large urban wetland is helping our community’s quality of life. Wetlands not only provide cleaner water, but also are a great place to experience and photograph wildlife. After the talk, join the group for a short guided walk down the paved multi-use Towpath Trail. Please dress for the weather and possible wet conditions at the marsh. This activity is free; however, you will need to call 427-6460 to register by May 21.
Wonderful Wildflower Walks
Enjoy the spring wildflowers along the Trail Of Reflection (1 mile), Oak Paradise (.75 mile) and Trillium Trail (.5 mile) in two separate wildflower hikes. These hikes offer a wide variety of beautiful wildflowers including Hepatica, Spring Beauty, Bloodroot, Jacobs Ladder, and of course the Trillium. On May 9, Doug Peconge of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma will be joining the hike and will discuss which wildflowers are edible and the ones used for medicine in his tribe. This program is free and no pre-registration is required.
Date Day Time
4/18 Sa 10-11 am
5/9 Sa 10-11:30 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/FREE
Location: Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave.
City Nature Challenge!
Bioblitz Hike
Saturday, April 25, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve
600 Lindenwood Ave.
City Nature Challenge is a 4 day global bioblitz-style competition using the iNaturalist app, that aims to document the nature found in our urban areas, while engaging citizens in a fun community science project. Bioblitz challenge is April 24-27. Fort Wayne and surrounding counties will be participating alongside Indianapolis and South Bend in a friendly Indiana competition, as well as with hundreds of cities around the world! The hike is free and open to all ages. For more information check the Lindenwood Nature Preserve Facebook page.
Land Navigation
Learn how to use a map and compass with skill and leave this class feeling confident in any terrain or weather condition. Instructor Russ Kolkman is a survival expert known both locally and nationally. He has over 25 years of experience teaching people how to fight and survive in the most hostile environments in the world. Registration deadline: May 1. Min. 5. Max 10.
Code Date Day Time
248106-S1 5/9 Sa 9 am-12 pm
# Sessions/fee: 1/$110
Location: Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Hands-On Wilderness Survival Course
A canoe trip on a fast river, an epic mountain bike ride or even just a simple hike in the woods can take an unexpected turn. A twisted ankle on a solo trip, a casualty in your group, getting lost or a rapid change in the weather can change a fun excursion into a serious situation. When you are prepared for these scenarios you will feel confident in venturing out and enjoying the peace and solitude of nature. This three-hour course will cover survival priorities and planning, search and rescue, austere medical treatment, shelter building, fire starting, signals, and finally, gear selection and review. You will learn by doing in this hands-on class. Instructor Russ Kolkman is a nationally known survival expert with over 25 years of experience teaching people how to survive in the most hostile environments in the world. Registration deadline: April 17. Min. 5. Max 10.
Code Date Day Time
248105-S1 4/25 Sa 9 am-12 pm
# Sessions/fee: 1/$110
Location: Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave.
Plein Air Painting Drop-In
Saturday, May 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave
Join us for this fun art event at Lindenwood Nature Preserve. Meet other art enthusiasts while you paint in the great outdoors! This program is in partnership with the Fort Wayne Artist Guild. Meet and discuss different techniques with members of this local guild. This event is free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Please bring your own canvas, paint and brushes. Please email eden.lamb @cityoffortwayne.org or call 427-6008 for more information.
Parks on Tap!
Wednesday, May 20
— 6 pm Hike —
at Shoaff Park, 6401 St. Joe Rd.
— 7:30 pm Trivia —
at Corner Pocket Pub, 3215 St. Joe Center Rd.
Parks on Tap! is a competitive trivia event featuring local parks and pubs. Your team of 2-5 players (all team members must be 21+) will attend a guided hike in a local park where you will learn about one or all of the following: local plants, trees, wildlife, park history and pub facts before moving to a pub where the trivia competition will determine how closely you were paying attention on the hike. Prizes will be awarded and fun will be had! Get your team together and sign up today. When registering please list team members and team name. Registration code: 248310-W1. Fee: $15 per team. Min. 5 teams. Max. 12 teams.
Lindenwood Field Trips & Outings
May-December
Lindenwood Nature Preserve offers a variety of environmental education field trip opportunities varying from one to two hour programs. Our programs can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers on our ADA compliant Trail of Reflection. For a complete list of programs, please visit Lindenwood’s page at fortwayneparks.org. Cost is $2/participant/hour; a minimum fee of $20/$40 will be charged for 1-hour/2-hour programs, respectively. Teachers, caregivers, and adult chaperones are free-of-charge. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling Eden at 427-6008 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Wild Walkers pose for a group picture at Pokagon State Park. Photo credit: Steve Hague
Wild Walkers 2020
Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Please call Eden at 427-6008 or e-mail eden.lamb@cityof fortwayne.org if you have questions.
2020 Wild Walkers Schedule
For additional ways to "Plug-In To Nature" check out the following link:
