Click here to view our Public Programs Cancellation Policy.
COVID19 Communications for Program Participants:
Please note due to COVID19 we conduct the full program outside, the staff wears masks at all times and we request participants and chaperones wear masks. A porta-potty is available on site. We don’t have participants share equipment if possible. If the equipment is shared it is sanitized between use.
NOTE: Although we are hopeful that our upcoming public programs will be able to run, we understand that we are currently in uncertain times throughout this COVID-19 situation and may need to cancel or modify our programs at any given time. Because of this, we are temporarily modifying our cancellation policy. We will do our best to give at least a 48-hour notice prior to a program if it needs to be canceled or modified, however, at any point before the program, regardless of if we cancel the program or if you are unable to make it because of safety concerns or because of the modifications that we did, we will offer a 100% program refund. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns or questions regarding our programming. Thanks!
All Ages
Youth Programs
Adult Programs
Programs for All Ages
New Moon Hike
Wednesday, May 12th, 8-9:30pm
Explore the nature center after dark with a naturalist guide! Along the way we will learn about animal adaptations to the dark and talk about phenological changes happening in the park.
$3/member, $5/non-member, $9/member family of 3+, $15/non-member family of 3+
Register here. Registration required for each event. Registration closes two days before each event.
BioBlitz
Saturday, May 29th
Sunday, June 27th
Sunday, August 1st
How many organisms can you find in an afternoon? Strap on your citizen science cap and join us to find and identify as many species as we can in the park. We recommend bringing a camera or a smartphone or tablet with the iNaturalist.org app downloaded.
This event is free to attend. Staff will be available from 9-5pm to assist with identification.
Youth Programs
Youth Learning Series
Monthly on the second Tuesday, 9-11 am
Whether you’re a distance learner, homeschooler, or anything in between, join us for a morning of exploration and investigation. Participants will be split into groups grade K-5 and 6-12.
Pond Study: Tuesday, May 11th
Who is living in Frog Pond? We’ll ‘dive’ in and see what critters make our pond their home, learn about pond ecology and more!
Buzz! Buzz!: Tuesday, June 8th
Let’s learn about insects! These six-legged creatures are some of the most abundant on earth. We’ll learn what makes an insect an insect and bring out the bug nets to see how many we can find!
There will not be a Youth Learning program in July; check out our other public programs and summer camps! Programs will resume in August.
$5 per student. Register here. Registration required for each session. Registration closes two days before program. Maximum of 20 participants.
KidVenture
In this exploratory, youth-guided program, participants will decide as a group the activity of the day. With the support of our naturalists, youth will have the opportunity to explore the pond, head down into the ravine, track critters in the woods, and get up close and personal with prairie plants. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for a variety of activities (getting wet and muddy, for example). A snack will be provided; please let us know if your youth has any dietary restrictions. Please bring a water bottle and backpack if you have one. Ages 8-11.
This program is for youth only. We invite their adults to enjoy a walk around the nature center or drop off their child.
Sunday, May 23rd, 1-4pm
Sunday, June 27th, 1-4pm
$5 for members/$8 for non-members. Register here. Registration required for each program. Must register two days in advance.
Merit Badge Workshop: Insects
Saturday, May 29th, 9-12pm
Insects are one of the most common creatures on Earth. Learn more about these six-legged critters as you earn your Insect Study Merit Badge! Ages 11-18.
$10/scout
Register here. Registration required for each event. Registration closes two days before each event.
Summer Day Camp
Spend the summer at Ney! We offer day camps for students age 6-14. Visit our Summer Day Camp page to see the full line-up of camps on offer this year!
Adult Programs
Lifelong Learner Series
Monthly on the second Thursday, noon-1:30 pm
Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. Lifelong Learner is back in person starting in April! We will meet outside, weather permitting for lunch and conversation. Ages 18+.
Fabulous Ferns: Thursday, May 20th
Spring is in full swing! It’s fun to see green in the forest again, and ferns are part of that greenery. We’ll talk about fern life cycles and learn some basic fern identification.
Insects: Thursday, June 17th
Insects are some of the most abundant and diverse creatures on Earth. This month we’re learning about the role insects play in native ecosystems, some of their fascinating adaptations, and how we can help mitigate the impact of invasive insects.
$15/member; $18/non-member. Registration required one week in advance.