Public Programming

Join ornithologist Dr. Neil Bernstein for a special bird banding program. Be our guest and drop in at Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Rd) anytime to watch Dr. Bernstein net, band, and release birds from Nature Center property. You’ll get a chance to see the equipment he uses, observe the banding process, and learn about the...

Play animal games and explore different animal habitats found at the Nature Center. Search for clues animals leave behind and make your own animal nest or home. Meet animals up close and make a bird feeder to share with the wild animals in your backyard. This workshop will take you on part of the 5...

Who lives in your wild backyard? Discover several animal habitats at the Nature Center. Explore animal homes and create your own bird feeder to help the birds. Investigate endangered prairie habitats. How can we help protect them? Discover who lives in your own backyard habitat. This completes most of the Animal Habitats badge. Fees: $10...

Join Director of Education, Marcy Fratzke, for a look at Creekside Forest School. Prospective families, interested community members, current or pre-service educators are welcome to attend. Register

Learn the basic information you need to raise hens in urban and suburban areas during class. Participants will receive a certificate of completion, enabling them to get a permit to legally keep chickens in Cedar Rapids and other communities. ​This class is geared towards adults. Please note: If your registration contains multiple participants, a certificate...

Hibernation, migration, and adaptation are the words of the day as we explore what different creatures do to get ready for winter! We’ll play animal games to see how well you can hibernate, and see who we can find still active outside. For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities. Fees: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5),...

Learn about and meet a nocturnal animal. Explore the Nature Center trails at night with all of your senses. Examine the night sky and constellation stories. This completes most of the Night Owl badge, except for step #3. Fees: $10 per scout, Scout leaders free (limit 2 per group), $5 per adult Registration deadline: 2...

Lace up your hiking shoes and venture out at dusk to join a small group of adventurers for a guided night hike. The ICNC prairie and woodland trails will be lit by the light of the full moon, but you'll also want to bring a flashlight or headlamp, just in case of cloud cover. Encounters...

Hibernation, migration, and adaptation are the words of the day as we explore what different creatures do to get ready for winter! We’ll play animal games to see how well you can hibernate, and see who we can find still active outside. For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities. Fees: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5),...

Let’s paint a pine bough and some pinecones! This is a beginner level painting class and participants do not need any previous watercolor experience. Bring a positive attitude ready to learn a new skill. Supplies included in class fee: watercolor palette, brush, coldpress 140lb watercolor paper, Peerless Transparent Watercolors sample pack, as well as backing...

Let’s paint a pine bough and some pinecones! This is a beginner level painting class and participants do not need any previous watercolor experience. Bring a positive attitude ready to learn a new skill. Supplies included in class fee: watercolor palette, brush, coldpress 140lb watercolor paper, Peerless Transparent Watercolors sample pack, as well as backing...

Parents and their children from birth to school age are invited to join the Cedar Rapids Hike It Baby chapter for a family-friendly hike at the Nature Center! Hike It Baby is a national non-profit organization that offers new parents an opportunity to connect and get into nature with their young children. Dress appropriately for...