Public Programming

Insects are everywhere and an important part of our world. Become an amateur entomologist and learn all about bugs. Observe bugs in nature and learn the usefulness of many insects. Capture bugs in our prairie and learn about their role in nature. This completes most of the Bug badge. Meet at the Penningroth Barn. Fees:...

Let’s paint a dragonfly! Choose your own colors for your dragonfly and make this project your own. 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,...

Let’s paint a dragonfly! Choose your own colors for your dragonfly and make this project your own. 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,...

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

Join ornithologist Dr. Neil Bernstein for a special bird banding program. Be our guest and drop in at the back of 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...

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...

Discover the many good things bats do for us. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game. For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities. Meet at the Penningroth Barn Fees: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and...

Discover the many good things bats do for us. Where do they live? What do they eat? How do these flying mammals hunt? Listen to a story and play a bat game. For preschoolers with adult. Dress for outdoor activities. Meet at the Penningroth Barn Fees: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and...

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...