Saturday, May 25, 2013

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Nature Oriented Programs

Summer Programs

Information is now available in the Current Fun Times including information on Wild Walkers, Fiber Arts Celebration, Volunteer Orientation, Trek the Trails, and the 5th Annual Games! Dogs! Play! and a variety of Nature Oriented classes and much more.

Register on-line for programs/events

May

Spring Market at the Farm (Check out the NEW Spring Market at the Farm page)

Mondays, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

April 22-June 10

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Visit our new Spring Market at Salomon Farm for homemade items such as clothing, decorative crafts, and jewelry, baked goods, plants, spring crops and much more! Search for Salomon Farmers’ Market and “Like” us on Facebook for updates, special events calendar, pictures and more! Those interested in vending should contact Renee at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 427-6005.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve

600 Lindenwood Ave.

Open for the Season

Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve is a 110-acre wooded park featuring 4 hiking trails of varying length (one is wheelchair and stroller accessible), a pond and an open-air pavilion. Hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking and just relaxing are a few of the activities you’ll enjoy at the preserve. In addition to the Department-sponsored programs listed here, the Lindenwood staff also provides programs for scout groups, church and school groups, home school, clubs, and private parties (see below or visit www.fortwayneparks.org for more information).

Trek the Trails

Tuesdays in May, 6:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with over 70 miles of trail winding through the city. Join local trail users for our fourth season of weekly bike rides this spring along the Rivergreenway, the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Aboite Trails, the Pufferbelly Rail-to-Trail and the Salomon Farm Trail to experience Fort Wayne in a whole new way. You’ll love reconnecting with nature along the linear parkways of the Rivergreenway or learning the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal along the Towpath Trail or enjoying the many miles of new trails in southwest and northwest Fort Wayne. Load up your family and your bikes and join the fun! Helmets are strongly encouraged. For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228. Tuesday rides will continue through the summer. Ride locations for June, July and August will be released in the Summer Fun Times.

Date Trail Miles

May 21 Towpath Trail 9

Meet at the trailhead in Rockhill Park near 1400 Catalpa St., east of the intersection

for W. Jefferson Blvd and Freeman St.

May 28 Rivergreenway: St. Joseph 8
Pathway to Shoaff Park

Meet at IPFW in the parking lot on the east side of the Venderly Family pedestrian bridge over the St. Joe River.

June

Salomon Farmers’ Market

Wednesdays, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

June 19-September 25

The Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park

817 W. Dupont Rd.

Come to Salomon Farm for our local, organic farmers’ market and stay for the fun! In addition to locally grown/made, organic produce and other goodies, our market offers free family entertainment too! Each week in 2013 we will be offering cooking demonstrations with locally raised produce! Cooks from Affine Food Truck, the Ragin’ Cajun Food Truck and Jumby’s Joint will buy product from our vendors and cook it for the public! Come see how to prepare some of the less familiar veggies or jazz up the “same old thing.” David Paul Bell, the one-man acoustic band, will entertain shoppers on the last Wednesday of each month. All special events are free-of-charge and will run the entirety of the market. Search for “Salomon Farmers’ Market” on Facebook and “like” us for market information, updates and the special events schedule! Call Renee Sinacola at 427-6005 for more information

Flower Pounding

Using flowers to color fibers has been done for thousands of years. Until the mid 1800’s natural dyes were the only option available. These dyes are still used to a lesser extent today and come from all types and parts of plants. Flowers provide one of the main sources of pigment for many dyes and their vibrant hues can be used in many different ways. One way to use the pigment from flowers is flower pounding. It’s a great way to preserve the colors of summer or a special bloom that means so much. The finished product can be used in quilts, made into a pillow, a bookmark or stationary or even framed and hung on the wall. All necessary supplies will be provided. Ages 6+. Children under 12 must register with an adult. Registration deadline: June 2. Min. 8. Max. 20.

Code Date Day Time

353912-S1 6/8 Sa 10-11:30 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Trek the Trails

Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne has one of the finest trail systems in the Midwest with nearly 70 miles of trail winding throughout the city. Load up your family and your bikes and join us for our weekly ride. Please bring water and wear a helmet. All participants ride at their own risk. For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.

Date Ride Start Locations Length

6/4 Lawton Park Trailhead 8 miles

Meet at the gravel parking lot on 4th St. across from Lawton Park

6/11 Foster Park Trailhead 9 miles

Meet at the trailhead parking lot at the end of the main park drive near Pavilion #1 – near 3900 Old Mill Rd.

6/18 North River Road Trailhead 8 miles

Meet at the North River Road Trailhead, commonly known as the “boat launch” just west of Kreager Park – near 7300 N. River Rd.

6/25 Johnny Appleseed Park 8 miles

Meet at the tank on H.W. Baals Dr. near Coliseum Blvd.

7/2 Rockhill Park Trailhead 8 miles

Meet at the trailhead parking lot near 1400 Catalpa St.

7/9 Indian Trails Park Trailhead 8 miles

Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park near the gazebo – near 10300 Aboite Center Rd.

7/16 Swinney Park W Trailhead 8 miles

Meet at the parking lot near the old swimming pool in Swinney Park West – near 2200 W. Jefferson Blvd.

7/23 Rockhill Park Trailhead 9 miles

Meet at the trailhead parking lot near 1400 Catalpa St.

7/30 IPFW 8 miles

Meet in the parking lot on the east side of the St. Joseph River near the new Venderly Family Bridge – near 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.

8/6 Deer Ridge Elementary 8 miles

Meet in the elementary school parking lot at 1515 S. Scott Rd.

8/13 Moser Park 8 miles

Meet in the trailhead parking lot near the baseball diamonds – near 601 W. Main St. in New Haven

8/20 Tillman Park 8 miles

Meet in the parking lot near the softball diamonds – near 7500 S. Hanna St.

8/27 Shoaff Park 8 miles

Meet at the parking lot near the Conklin Pavilion on the south side of the park – near 6401 St. Joe Rd.

Saturday Trail Rides

Second Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

With nearly 70 miles of trails in the greater Fort Wayne area, there are many miles of trails to explore! Are you interested in riding further and exploring more of our trails? Join us on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. for longer trail ride excursions! We will start with a 14-mile trail ride in June and gradually build up to 20 miles in September. Participants are asked to wear helmets and bring water and a snack in order to be sustained during each ride. All participants ride at their own risk. These longer trail rides are intended for intermediate bicyclists. Please be ready to ride at 9:00 a.m. For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.

Date Ride Start Locations Length

6/8 Lawton Park Trailhead 14 miles

Meet at the gravel parking lot on 4th St. – near 250 E. 4th St.

7/13 Indian Trails Park 16 miles

Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park – near 10300 Aboite Center Rd.

8/10 Lawton Park Trailhead 17 miles

Meet at the gravel parking lot on the south side of 4th St. – near 250 E. 4th St.

9/7 North River Rd 20 miles

Meet at the North River Rd Trailhead, commonly known as the “boat launch” just west of Kreager Park – near 7300 N. River Rd.

Trek the Trails - Trail Mixers

While Trek the Trails is typically a biking event, on every 2nd Tuesday this summer we’ll also be offering guided walks! After each bike and hike, we’ll gather together to socialize and eat. We’ve invited local food trucks out to our Trail Mixer events to provide participants with nourishment after the trail activity. The bike ride starts at 6:00 p.m. and the hike at 6:05 p.m. Food will be available for purchase at 6:45 p.m. All participants walk and ride at their own risk. For more information, call the Greenway office at 427-6228.

Date Start Location Bike/Walk Miles

6/11 Foster Park Trailhead 9B/2W

Meet at the trailhead parking lot at the end of the main park drive near Pavilion #1 – near 3900 Old Mill Rd.

7/9 Indian Trails Park Trailhead 8B/2W

Meet at the back of Indian Trails Park near the gazebo – near 10300 Aboite Center Rd.

8/13 Moser Park 8B/2W

Meet in the trailhead parking lot near the baseball diamonds – near 601 W. Main St. in New Haven

25th Annual

Kids’ Fishing Derby & Casting Contest

Saturday, June 1, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Hurshtown Reservoir

16000 Roth Rd., Grabill

Bring the whole family and enjoy a day at Hurshtown Reservoir. In celebration of our 25th year we’re adding a casting contest and all sorts of free goodies for the kids. There will be food and drink for sale and even door prizes for the adults. The Kid’s Fishing Derby and Casting Contest are open to boys and girls ages 16 and younger. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and fishing begins at 8:00. The casting contest will be announced during the morning. You will weigh in your catch at 11:00 a.m. and prizes will be awarded at noon. You must be present to win. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in 6 age categories and a grand prize to the child that catches the biggest fish of the day. Each participant may enter only one fish. You will need to bring your own bait, tackle and a bucket to hold your fish. The derby is catch-and-release only. For more information, please call Tony Acosta at 427-6008. Admission to Hurshtown Reservoir is $4/car. The derby is free! Many thanks to the Harlan, St. Joe, Anthony Wayne and Chapel Ridge Lion’s Clubs for their assistance with this event.

Mini Big Day: Birdwatching for Beginners

A Big Day in birding is a competition or personal goal to positively identify as many different bird species as possible in a single 24-hour period. We’ve shortened the time to just 2 hours, but assure you there are many different bird species to identify in the park. Representatives from the Stockbridge Audubon Society and our own park naturalist will offer an introduction to birding to get you started. See how many bird species you can find in the woods! For those who have mobility impairments, our bird feeders will bring the birds to you! Bring your binoculars and field guides. All ages are welcome. Registration deadline: June 19. Min. 12. Max. 30.

Code Date Day Time

348110-S1 6/22 Sa 1-3 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$7

Location: Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave.

July

Americana Concert

Friday, July 19, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Enjoy an evening of Americana/Folk music at Salomon Farm. The Old Barn will come alive with the toe tapping rhythms of Lee Miles & the Illegitimate Sons, Brendan Rawlins, The North River Agents,with Hope Arthur.

Sandwiches and brews from Mad Anthony will be available for purchase. Admission: $5/car.

Call Renee at 427-6005 for more information.

Scavenger Hunt by Bike

It’s a great day for a bike ride in Fort Wayne! You’ll begin at Lawton Park (playground parking lot) and cover about 7 miles while you decipher riddles and clues that lead you to various destinations. The route will lead you along trails, sidewalks and streets. Along the way, you will locate landmarks and learn a little about the history of Fort Wayne. Individuals/teams that complete the hunt with all the correct answers will receive a prize! Helmets are required. Ages 7+. Children under 18 must register and ride with an adult. Registration deadline: June 23. Min. 10. Max. 40.

Code Date Day Time

348320-S1 7/6 Sa 9 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$15

Location: Lawton Park, 1900 N. Clinton St.

Intro to Lake Kayaking

Whether you are paddling serenely across a quiet lake or braving the rapids in a raging river, a kayak is the way to go! Learn about the different types of kayaks, safety equipment and accessories before learning some basic paddle strokes and trying them out on the water. You should wear shorts and sandals or water socks. A hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water are also recommended. Ages 21+. Registration deadline: July 24. Min. 5. Max. 8.

Code Date Day Time

348303-S1 7/27 Sa 1-4 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25

Location: Hurshtown Reservoir, 16000 Roth Road, Grabill

Kids’ Survival Skills Course

Could you survive in the wild? Learn how to read a compass, start a fire, build a shelter and other basic survival skills. Class ends at 11:00, but you are invited to hang out until 12:00 p.m. and eat lunch in the park. We’ll build a campfire each day, so you can roast a hotdog or make tinfoil stew. A supply list will be provided on your registration receipt. Ages 7-10. Registration deadline: June 23. Min. 5. Max. 15.

Code Dates Days Time

348109-T1 7/9-7/11 T-Th 8-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 3/$60

Location: Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave.

August

Tai Chi on the Farm

Originating in China as a self-defense strategy or martial art, tai chi has developed into a gentle exercise technique. Tai Chi’s slow, smooth body movements are designed to promote relaxation of both mind and body while also strengthening the cardiovascular and immune systems. Described as “meditation in motion,” tai chi consists of a standing person performing a series of postures or bodily movements in a slow and graceful manner, with each movement flowing without pause to the next. Instructor Alan Clayton is a certified Tai Chi instructor, associated with Dr. Paul Lam, a world renowned Tai Chi for Health Master. Alan has studied various forms and styles of Tai Chi for 16 years. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: July 31. Min. 8, Max. 12. There will not be class on September 2.

Code Dates Day Time

353810-M1 8/5-9/30 M 6:30-7:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 8/$60

Location: Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Parks Poker Rally

Are you a poker player? Get in the game! The fun begins at Franke Park and continues as you travel from park to park stopping at various checkpoints and drawing cards. The person who reaches the final checkpoint with the best poker hand wins and all enjoy prizes and a party. The Ragin’ Cajun Food Truck will have food and drink for purchase. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: July 28. Min. 15, Max. 50.

Code Date Day Time

348322-S1 8/10 Sa 1-6 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20

Location: Franke Park Nature Lodge, 6411 Sherman Blvd.

October

Handmade Homemade Sale

Sunday, October 20, 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

If it was grown locally or made by hand you can sell it here. Farmers, bakers and crafters are welcome to sell your homemade/home-grown goods at Salomon Farm Handmade Homemade Sale. Vending fee is just $25. Call or email Renee Sinacola at 260-427-6005 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by June 17 to receive an application.

Tips for Teaching Environmental Science

Join our naturalist and long-time educator LuAnn Watson to learn the 5 E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate) of Environmental Science education. LuAnn will walk you through Environmental Science education modules for grades K-5. Teachers and homeschool parents will learn how to help their students develop explanations for the natural world. Participants will model lessons and learning in small groups and will leave with a teaching kit. Please bring a sack lunch, snack and beverage, if desired. Registration deadline: September 15. Min. 4, Max. 8.

Code Date Day Time

448323-S1 10/5 Sa 9 am-4 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$55

Location: Franke Park Nature Lodge, 6411 Sherman Blvd.

Wild Walkers

2nd and 4th Fridays of each month

Share your knowledge of nature as you explore some of Indiana’s finest outdoor areas in this nature-oriented group. 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. The 2013 schedule is posted at www.fortwayneparks.org or call 427-6005 to request a schedule by mail.

Lindenwood Field Trips & Outings

May 2-October 31

Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Lndenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave., is a popular destination for school and scout field trips. Groups can enjoy guided nature hikes, pond studies and even a campfire for roasting hotdogs. You may request a specific topic of interest to fulfill a scout badge requirement or opt for a general nature lesson. The program includes the naturalist guide, firewood and campfire and hotdog roasting sticks. Fee: $2/child/hour with a minimum fee of $20 (1-hour) or $40 (2-hour). Teachers and adult chaperones are free. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling Renee Sinacola, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, at 427-6005.

On-Going

Lindenwood Field Trips & Outings

May 2-October 31

Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Ave.

Lindenwood Nature Preserve offers the field trip opportunities for school, scout and day care groups. Choose from Nature Hike (1 hour), Pond Study (1-2 hours), Campfire (1 hour) or Campfire & Nature Hike. Focus on a specific topic of interest such as a scout badge requirement or opt for a general nature lesson. Each program includes a naturalist guide, firewood and campfire and hotdog roasting sticks. The cost is $2/child/hour with a minimum fee of $20 (minimum $40 for a 2-hour program). Teachers and adult chaperones are free-of-charge. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling Renee at 427-6005. (Note: We CAN schedule trips when the park is not open to the public.)

Field Trips on the Farm

Available May 1-June 7 and August 12-September 27

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Salomon Farm Park makes a great field trip! Select one of the following topics for a fun and educational day on the farm: Nature Hikes, Pond Studies, Farm Animal Tours, Farm Life Tours and Garden Tours. Field trip scheduling is subject to availability. Please call Renee Sinacola at 427-6005 for more information or to schedule your group. Fee: $3/child/hour with a $30 minimum per group. Teachers and adult chaperones are free-of-charge.

Wild Walkers Welcome 2013

2nd/4th Fridays of the month

Beginning Friday, January 11, 8:30 a.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.

Share your knowledge of nature as you explore some of northeast Indiana’s finest outdoor areas in this nature-oriented group. 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. Join us for our first walk of the new year at Salomon Farm Park on January 11. We will have the 2013 hiking schedules available. Please RSVP to Renee Sinacola at 427-6005 if you are interested in attending. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may call 427-6005 or go to www.fortwayneparks.org for a copy of the 2013 schedule and join us any time. It’s free.

2013 Wild Walker Schedule

Nature Programs at Other Fort Wayne Parks

Our Naturalists will meet you and your group for field trip and outings at other area parks too! Want to explore Franke Park, Buckner Park or Salomon Farm Park? Call 427-6005 to speak with Renee Sinacola.

Hurshtown Reservoir

Open for the season

16000 Roth Road, Grabill, IN

Hurshtown Reservoir may be the best fishing spot in Allen County! Besides great fishing, the reservoir also features a 2.75 mile walking path, areas for picnics and outdoor volleyball, and row boat rentals. For more information call Tony Acosta at 260.427.6008 or Hurshtown, during the season, at 260.627.3390.