Seeds aren’t the only way to get more native plants. Many of our favorite grasses, sedges and forbs can be propagated through root division. Learn how to select which plants work best for this process and how to make individual plants cover more ground. If you do start seedlings in a flat, what do you do when they start filling their space? We will also go over methods for potting up seedlings you may start in the future.
So many kinds of insects come out at night! Join us as we use “light lures” (lights on a sheet) to attract a wide variety of winged critters. We will also search for moths and other insects that glow under black lights while learning more about these fascinating creatures!
Join us to explore how Bowers School Farm serves as a powerful educational resource and community hub. Discover how the farm’s programs foster hands-on learning, from agriculture and animal care to nature exploration, while creating meaningful connections among students, families, and educators. Learn about the unique ways the farm is integrated into everyday learning, enriching academic experiences and nurturing a sense of community rooted in shared growth and curiosity.
The IMN program features various nature topics for local youth to discover Indiana's outdoor world through hands-on activities, outdoor investigations, volunteering and learning from local experts across different career paths, interests and organizations.
Do you like insects? Do you like to catch them to study their color, shape, and size? If you said yes to those questions, you should come to Merry Lea to look for some local critters! We will be reading a story about the kinds of insects we can find then we will be using sweep nets to explore the area for interesting insects!
August’s Powered by Plants program will allow students to investigate plants on a deeper level. Students will learn parts of flowers and trees, do a simple flower dissection, and even make some art with the plants and trees that we explore. We will also discuss how animals may interact with the plants like beneficial pollinators and other animals.
Let’s make pickles! Salty, crunchy pickles! Children will help cut up cucumbers and make a quick pickle. Then we will read a book and taste some seasonal produce while identifying which part of the plant we eat. Before the end we will taste the pickles!
Investigate insects and learn about their many features! Explore the wonders of these tiny creatures by netting for them in a prairie to identify them and learn about their anatomy. Afterwards, create your own insect from recycled and natural materials. Join us to totally bug out!
Investigate insects and learn about their many features! Explore the wonders of these tiny creatures by netting for them in a prairie to identify them and learn about their anatomy. Afterwards, create your own insect from recycled and natural materials. Join us to totally bug out!
Join us to discover the world of bats! These little creatures are a vital part of Indiana’s ecosystems and are greatly misunderstood. We will discuss the most common types of bats found here at Merry Lea and their benefits. We will also make a bat craft and see if we can hear or see any bats at dusk.
