Merry Lea Milers: Bites and & Biodiversity – March

This month, learn about the world of frogs! Join us on this hike to get a sampling of some of their musical stylings as they call for mates and get excited that spring is well and truly on the way.

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March Tales & Trails

This month at Tales & Trails we will be reading Ducklings and Pollywogs by Anne Rockwell. We will explore along the edge of Kesling wetland to discover what is living and growing there in the early spring. Be sure to wear boots or other footwear that will get wet and muddy. Also be sure to wear clothing appropriate for the weather - we will be in damp conditions the whole program time.

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Spring Break Day Camp 2026

K-5th learners, come join us at Merry Lea to become animal analysts! Explore a variety of wildlife including insects, amphibians, birds and much more through fun investigations! Hike through different wildlife habitats, swing a net to catch interesting insects, and build your own bird nest!

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Homeschool Series #6 (AM): Feathered Frenzy

Let’s soar into exploring our feathered friends! Examine feathers, talons and beaks up close, see what it’s like to have a beak, and learn to identify birds with binoculars and field guides with interactive avian activities!

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Homeschool Series #6 (PM): Feathered Frenzy

Let’s soar into exploring our feathered friends! Examine feathers, talons and beaks up close, see what it’s like to have a beak, and learn to identify birds with binoculars and field guides with interactive avian activities!

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Merry Lea Milers: Bites & Biodiversity – April

This month, learn about urban wildlife with Jessica Merkling. She is the Urban Wildlife Biologist for Indiana DNR, Division of Fish, Wildlife, & Nature Preserves. Jessica will present on the importance of urban habitat, why it’s important, and what we can all do to benefit wildlife. Her roles are to help people co-exist with wildlife, create wildlife habitat and provide education and outreach while incorporating green infrastructure and sustainability. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Indianapolis and received her M.S. in Biology from Purdue University Fort Wayne for her research on environmental DNA and eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.

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April Tales & Trails

This month at Tales & Trails, we will be reading The Mystery of the Golden Feather by Tessa Strickland. We will be listening for our feathered friends at Luckey’s Landing and observing what kinds of birds are here in the spring! Be sure to wear boots or other footwear that will get wet and muddy. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather.

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Homeschool Series #7 (AM): Bountiful Biodiversity

Join us at Merry Lea to discover the diversity of the plants and animals that live here! Go on a hike to look for signs of animals, and discover the different ecosystems they inhabit. Analyze some of our native plants up close, and see how they help build habitats.

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Homeschool Series #7 (PM): Bountiful Biodiversity

Join us at Merry Lea to discover the diversity of the plants and animals that live here! Go on a hike to look for signs of animals, and discover the different ecosystems they inhabit. Analyze some of our native plants up close, and see how they help build habitats.

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Native & Garden Plant Swap 2026

Join Merry Lea for our first ever Vegetable and Native Plant Swap in partnership with Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS). Pot up your extra plants and join other growers and plant enthusiasts to trade them. Don’t have a plant to swap? We’ve got you covered! Everyone who attends will be able to participate. This is a great event to meet other plant enthusiasts in the community, learn about new plants, and of course take home a new plant!

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