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Calendar of Events

For more information or to register for any program below, e-mailJennifer Schrock, coordinator of public programs or call 260-799-5869. Can't make it to a public program? You're welcome to hike our trails anytime between dawn and dusk. Trailheads at the Learning Center and the Farmstead contain maps. What's it like to hike at Merry Lea? Click here to take a walk!

Is cost your issue? Talk to us and we'll see what we can do.

Spring Birding Challenge
March 1 through May 31

Give yourself an excuse to get outdoors this spring by entering a team in Merry Lea’s annual birding competition. Teams may include up to four adults and any number of children. Track all the species seen by at least two members and report sightings to Merry Lea. Weekly email updates keep you informed of exciting sightings and the challenge ends with a pizza party. Email lisarz@goshen.edu to register your team at either the Novice, Experienced or Super Crazy Birder level. Cost:  $10 per team.  

Citizen Science: Tracking Nature's Changes
Beginning March 1, ongoing

Phenology is the study of reoccuring natural phenomena and the times theyoccur. For centuries, records of emergence of leaves, times of harvest, appearance of butterflies and insects, and so forth, have been useful for people trying to understand and predict their ecosystems. Today, in the era of global warming, these kinds of records take on a new significance. If you spend time outdoors, even in your own backyard, join our citizen science watch and help us gather data on what's happening when and where. More information available February 1.

Sugar Bush Open House
Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Yoder Farm, Huntertown  
      
Bring your favorite children for a hands-on experience making maple syrup. Pre-registration required. Suggested donation: $4 per family.
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Greener Congregations: Taking the First Steps
Monday, March 30, 9 – 11 a.m. at the Farmstead

This workshop is designed for pastors who take God’s call to care for the earth seriously and would like to work at this in their congregations. Other church leaders or interested individuals who are free at this time are welcome as well. Luke Gascho, Merry Lea’s executive director and author of Creation Care: Keepers of the Earth will lead this biblically based seminar that encourages holistic stewardship in the daily life of the congregation. Cost: $10 per person

Friends of Merry Lea Dinner
Saturday, April 4, 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
at the Farmstead site

Friends of Merry Lea are invited to join us for a spring hike followed by dinner at the Farmstead and a sampling of stories from daily life at Merry Lea. The dinner is free to Friends; others may attend for $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Monday Morning Hike Series: Signs of Spring
Mondays in April: the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 9 - 11 a.m.
Meet at the Learning Center

These weekly hikes will focus on the changes that take place in Merry Lea's woodlands and vernal ponds during a month's time. We will visit the woods near the Learning Center and its vernal ponds and Bear Lake Prairie and the north side of Onion Bottom. We'll watch as frogs, salamanders, buds, wildflowers and birds appear. Cost: $5 per person; $15 if paid April 6th for the series. Maximum per family: $20.

Noble County Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet at the Farmstead site

Many of us do not know where and when to look for the best wildflower displays. Friend of Merry Lea John Smith is a long-time wildflower enthusiast who can help us with this. With John to guide us, we’ll begin in the woods near Merry Lea’s Kesling Wetland, then proceed to Crooked Lake Nature Preserve, Bender Nature Preserve, Londidaw Nature Preserve and Bixler Lake City Park before returning to Merry Lea.   Bring a picnic lunch.  Cost: $25.

Midwest Birding Expedition
Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3, 2009
Meet at the Sauder Music Hall parking lot, Goshen College

Thanks to the variety of habitats Lake Michigan adds, northwest Indiana has more species of birds than any other part of Indiana. This year's annual birding expedition will head for birding hotspots along the Indiana Dunes. Guided by Merry Lea’s Lisa Zinn and Friend of Merry Lea Paul McAfee, the group will visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana Dunes State Park, Michigan City Harbor, Beverly Shores, Pinhook Bog, and more. Cost: $475 covers transportation, lodging, guides. Meals not included.

NatureFest
Friday, May 15, 7 p.m. through Saturday, May 16, 4p.m.
at the Farmstead site

Join us for hikes and seminars for people of all ages. Hunt for birds and bugs, take your family on a wetland investigation, learn more about the environmental health of our region, canoe on High Lake, enjoy homemade ice cream and more! Overnight camping available. Events meet at the Farmstead. Cost: $5 per meal or event; $15 covers all day Saturday; $20 covers the weekend including camping. Family and group rates also available.

Natural History of Wetlands
Friday, May 29, 9 a.m. through Sunday, May 31
at the Farmstead site

In this in-depth workshop, we will explore the geology and biology of wetlands as they exist in Merry Lea’s landscapes, especially Merry Lea’s fine wooded wetlands. The skills and knowledge you will acquire will help you examine other wetlands that might be under your care and protection. Led by Dr. Mary Linton, Merry Lea's Lindsey Fellow from 1989 - 2002, and Alice Thompson of Thompson and Associates, a wetland consulting firm in Wisconsin. Cost: $175 includes meals, 2 nights lodging, instruction and supplies.

Sunset Canoeing and High Lake Camp-Out
Friday evening, June 13, 6:30 p.m. through Saturday, 11 a.m.
at Luckey's Landing

Sunset at Luckey's Landing is a beautiful thing and what better place to view it than in a canoe? Bring your family for an evening of canoeing on High Lake; camp out overnight if you wish. Space is limited: we only have 8 canoes. Cost: $10 per canoe used; $5 per tent pitched.

Community Picnic
A Saturday evening in August. Date to be announced.
at Luckey's Landing

Merry Lea’s neighbors and all those interested in local history and culture are invited to Luckey’s Landing for a potluck picnic. Children’s activities and a presentation will follow the meal.

Wilderness First Aid
Friday & Saturday, August 14—15, 8:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
at the Farmstead site

This 16-hour course will be taught by the SOLO School of Emergency Medicine and Rescue and comes with a two-year certification recognized by the American Camping Association, US Coast Guard, and various guide licensing boards. The curriculum covers patient assessment, rescue techniques, fractures/dislocations,  splint improvisation, spinal cord injury management of environmental emergencies, soft tissue injuries, shock, long-term patient care and preparedness.

Cost is $195; $115 for Goshen College students. Includes lunches; lodging available at $15/night.

Autumn Hope Conference

Beyond the Front Porch: Finding Our Place in Nature
Friday, September 18, 6 p.m. til Saturday, September 20, 12:30 p.m.
at the Farmstead site

Each year, Merry Lea offers a faith-based conference integrating fieldwork outdoors, reflection, discussion and worship. This event emphasizes the hope embedded in the natural world rather than the despair we sometimes feel when considering environmental damage. Cost: $100  Lodging available on site for $15/night.

Monday Morning Hike Series: Shades of Autumn
Mondays in October: the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, 9 - 11 a.m.
Meet at the Learning Center

These weekly hikes will focus on the changes that take place in Merry Lea's fall foliage and prairies as nature readies itself for the winter. Cost: $5 per person; $15 if paid October 5th for the series. Maximum per family: $20.

Nature Photography Workshop
Thursday, October 8, 5:30 p.m. til Sunday, October 11, 1:30 p.m.
at the Farmstead site

Join experienced photographers for three days in the woods with your camera. The weekend includes slide-illustrated lectures, time outdoors for shooting photographs, critique of student work and help with digital issues. The cost of $475 includes lodging and all meals from Thursday supper through Sunday noon. 

Enchanted Forest
Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 7.p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
at the Farmstead Site

This Halloween alternative offers children a chance to meet and talk with the animals that live at Merry Lea. Take a night hike by lantern light and find out what opposums eat, how many eggs a garden spider lays and what muskrats fear most, among other things. The Enchanted Forest is geared for children ages 4 – 9, but all ages will enjoy the experience and learn something new.