Ruth Edwards Nature Center

Plan your visit at the Ruth Edwards Nature Center. Stop in for the latest park information and recreational opportunities.

Hours are variable. Call 815-284-3306 to confirm the hours.

Programs

Nature Fun for Little Ones March 5th

Register here for March Nature Fun for Little Ones.

March 5th from 10 -11 AM. March theme: Bird Beaks! This class is designed for kids 3 – 5 years old. Parents should plan to stay on-site during the session. Max 8 children with one parent each. Masks will be required for the duration of class indoors and out.

Whose toes are those!? March 6th

Register here for Whose toes are those!?

Is that a bobcat or a coyote track!? If you don’t know, come and find out and learn how to make different animal track footprints for an identification chart of your own. Don’t forget to bring a print shirt to cover your clothes.

This class will be held at Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Lowell Park. It is best for ages 7 and up. Space is limited, this class is free.

Habitat Shrink March 13th

Register here for Habitat Shrink

March 13th, 1:30- 3 pm. Habitat Shrink is a game where participants learn about how human development can cause habitat loss for the plant and animal population.
Participants will pretend they are rabbits who must find food, water, and shelter after a shopping mall is built nearby their home. Kids will learn about concepts like endangered species and biodiversity. Please dress for the weather as this is an outdoor event.

Spring Equinox Art Activity March 20th

Register here for Spring Equinox Art Activity

Celebrate Spring with a finished craft to take home.
Saturday, March 20th from 1:30-3:00 pm
At Ruth Edwards Nature Center in Lowell Park.
This class is good for kiddos up through 5th grade.
Younger kids will need parent/guardian assistance.

Easter Egg Painting

Register Here for Easter Egg Painting

We will provide blown-out eggshells, paint, and markers. You provide the imagination. We will look at designs from several ethnicities and choose one to try out. The eggshells can be hung with thread. This class is best for ages 11 to adults.

Easter Paper Quilling

Register here for Easter Paper Quilling

Come create some fantastic designs with paper quilling! This class is free, but registration is required. This class is for ages 8-12 with parent support recommended for younger kids.

All of the events are FREE and open to the public except as indicated.

Environmental Education:

Environmental education classes are available for students of all ages. Classes are designed to provide students with structured, hands-on learning that promotes a better understanding of the natural world and strengthens positive environmental values.

We invite you to schedule a whole or half-day visit. Please provide a minimum of 3 weeks advance notice prior to the date you wish to reserve. Our naturalist will work with you to choose the activities and curriculum that best fit your needs. Call the Nature Center at 815-288-5209