Family Events   

Step into the wild and wonderful Spring Creek Preserve for a morning of discovery, exploration, and connection with nature! This guided adventure invites participants to explore part of the preserve’s 262 acres of diverse habitats—grasslands, woodlands, bottomlands, and creek beds. Together we’ll search for wildflowers, insects, birds, trees, moss, rocks, and maybe even fossils!

Designed for nature enthusiasts ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger adventurers (ages 7–9) with an accompanying adult. Nature exploration helps build stronger family bonds, promotes physical and mental well-being, sparks curiosity, and encourages environmental stewardship—all while having fun in the great outdoors.

Get ready to breathe fresh air, splash through shallow waters, spot buzzing insects, hear birdsong, and maybe find a small aquatic creature in the stream. This is a hands-on, feet-wet kind of day!

Where to Go: Spring Creek Preserve - located at the bottom of the hill across from Thornton's gas station on Rt. 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes that can get wet or muddy
• A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket (just in case!)
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be April 25.

Join us for an unforgettable morning that blends outdoor fun with discovery and learning!

Get ready for a hands-on outdoor adventure through woodlands, boardwalks, and riverbanks! This Nature Explorations event begins at Cooper Park South, where we’ll explore a sandy beach and wade into the river in search of mussels, fish, and macroinvertebrates. As we identify the organisms we find, we’ll also learn about water quality and how these small creatures help tell the story of a healthy ecosystem.

Ideal for curious minds ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger children (ages 7–9) when accompanied by an adult. Exploring nature together not only strengthens family bonds but also supports physical and mental health, sparks curiosity, and builds a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Whether you’re watching insects flutter by, hearing the call of a bird in the trees, or gently uncovering aquatic life in the shallows, this is a morning full of discovery and connection to the natural world.

Where to Go: Cooper Park South - Park behind Jonah’s Seafood, near the playground off Route 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes and shoes that can get wet or muddy
• Water shoes or rain boots for wading (optional but encouraged)
• Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket if there’s light rain in the forecast
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be May 16.

Join us for a refreshing morning outdoors—where the river meets the forest, and every step is a chance to learn something new!