Events

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Stop by the Cowan Lake Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils at a touch table, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth’s history. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

1:00 pm All participants go through instructions near the SUP HUT together starting at 1pm. We will continue additional water sessions throughout the afternoon to get everyone through. Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get …

Read more "Stand-Up Paddle Board"

2:00 pm All participants go through instructions near the SUP HUT together starting at 2pm. We will continue additional on water sessions to get everyone through. Must be onsite at the beginning of instruction to participate. Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding Wear water …

Read more "Stand-Up Paddle Board"

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Join us to learn about local amphibians and reptiles on a short, guided hike, where we’ll search for them and explore their habitats, with a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward. The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique. Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native …

Read more "Learn and Conserve"

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for birds of prey. Participants will learn about daily raptor care, safe handling routings, feeding, enclosure upkeep, and the specialized equipment used in falconry and educational bird programs. We’ll also explore how falconry equipment is made from leather crafting, …

Read more "Raptors – Behind the Scenes"

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Meet us at the Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others. Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one …

Read more "Archery – Robin Hood Style"

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center, and a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about plants and wildlife you may see in the park. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Meet at the campground amphitheater. Discover the colorful science behind one of nature’s most familiar mysteries. In this hands-on program, we’ll explore how sunlight, water droplets, prisms and angles work together to create rainbows. Participants will learn about the visible light spectrum and how rainbows help us understand light, weather, …

Read more "Science of Light – Rainbows and Prisms"

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Lakeview and Beechnut trails. Learn how to identify trees, while uncovering how different species support wildlife and shape the landscape around you. Meet at the Cowan Lake Commissary Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp