To restore and preserve the park for quiet enjoyment, environmental education and research.

PROJECTS

Sat, Sep 21
September 21: 9-11 am (rain date Sept 22: 1-3 pm) Kayla Lindquist Nature Photography
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Sep 21, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
September 21: 9-11 am (rain date Sept 22: 1-3 pm) Kayla Lindquist Nature Photography Kayla Lindquist Photography. Please bring your camera or phone. No ticket needed.
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Sat, Sep 28
Sept 28: 9-11 am (rain date Sept 29: 1-3 pm) Artist Tilly Woodward: Rock Painting and Combining Art with Nature
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Sep 28, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Bring your creative spirt and let our Big Rock inspire you! We will have rocks, or bring your own.
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Sat, Sep 14
Plants at Big Rock--including poison ivy!
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Sep 14, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
September 14: 9-11 am (rain date Sept 15: 1-3 pm) Drake Botanist Tom Rosburg: native plants including poison ivy identification! No RSVP needed
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Sat, Sep 07
Monarchs, butterflies, and amphibian and reptiles
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Sep 07, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT
September 7: 9-11 am (rain date Sept 8 1-3 pm) Marla Mertz, Marion County Naturalist, and Central Biologist Kristin Siewert: Monarch tagging and insects; and Professor Nicole Palenske Ladner: reptiles and amphibians. No RSVP needed. Meet at the shelter.
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Mon, Aug 05
Owl Orbs Hunting
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Aug 05, 2024, 7:00 AM – Aug 11, 2024, 5:00 PM
This month, look for orbs near Shagbark Hickory on the North Side of the Park. Let us know if you find one!
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Sun, Jul 21
Wild Plants and Their Uses
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Jul 21, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Learn about "ethnobotany" from Dr. Paul Weihe. Meet at the shelter. No ticket needed.
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Fri, Jul 12
Bats of Big Rock
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Jul 12, 2024, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Biologist Russ Benedict will share information about our park's bats and even catch a few. 8 pm (rain date is July 13) Free. No tickets needed. Bring flashlights, bug spray, and chairs or blankets to sit on
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Sat, Jun 22
Special Events
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Multiple Dates
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Jun 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Come learn all about the natural beauty of our park.
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Sat, May 25
What's the Buzz?
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May 25, 2024, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Learn about native bees from biologist Paulina Mena. No rsvp needed. Meet at the shelter house for a walk through our meadows.
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Thu, Nov 09
Big Rock Park Grant Celebration & Owl Orb Auction
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Nov 09, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:05 PM CST
Hear about the treasures of Big Rock Park from our scientists and citizen scientists in an informal setting. You'll have a chance to become a member, buy some stickers, and join our silent auction for three owl orbs. The event is at the Central College BMW Room
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