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CHAPLIN NATURE

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CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER PROGRAMS
The following programs are for the whole family and are free. Exact times and dates may be subject to change. Please call ahead to verify at 620-442-4133.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 24, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. FALL NATURE DAY & BUTTERFLY TAGGING Don't miss this once a year opportunity to participate in the Monarch Butterfly migration. Once instructed on proper handling and capture techniques for butterflies, adults and children will enjoy the challenge of the hunt as they search out these beautiful creatures. The butterfly tagging program is part of on-going research conducted by the University of Kansas. This is an all day event, so come early and plan to spend the day. There are lots of additional activities like crafts for children, bird and reptile hikes. Early birders will have a chance to shop the country store for homemade products like jams, breads, and desserts. Lunch will be available for a fee, or bring your own. Admission is free.
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 22, SATURDAY, 7:30 - 9 p.m. ASTRONOMY PROGRAM Join the Kansas Astronomical Observers at the Chaplin Nature Center for a night under the stars. Learn about the planets, constellations and other heavenly bodies. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes to join in on the fun.
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 11, FRIDAY, 7 - 8:30 p.m. MOON HIKE Moon madness is upon us. Take a hike by the light of the moon to the Arkansas River. During this two mile hike, we'll search for our moon shadow, do moon trivia and discover the strange effects of the moon.
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 23, FRIDAY, 8 a.m. ARKANSAS CITY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT This is an all day survey of bird populations in the Ark City area. Meet at 8 a.m. in Newman Park on Highway 177 in Arkansas City. Teams will meet for supper and a compilation of results at Chaplin Nature Center in the evening. Participants pay a fee of $5 to the National Audubon Society.
JANUARY
JANUARY 28, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. to noon, EAGLE WATCH Mid-winter is a great time to view Bald Eagles in Kansas. Searching for open water, many eagles migrate down to Kansas to spend the winter. The group will take a 1.5 mile hike down to the Arkansas River to search for over-wintering eagles. If you have binoculars, bring them; if not, the Center can loan you a pair.
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 4, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. to noon, EAGLE WATCH The eagles are here all winter, so if you missed the first watch, here is your opportunity to join in on the fun.
MARCH
MARCH 9, FRIDAY, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. NIGHT HIKE Who is afraid of the dark? Participants will hike through the woods without flashlights to learn how their senses can be used at night. We will also listen for and identify the sounds of night and learn about nocturnal animals. Dress for the outdoors and wear sturdy shoes.
APRIL
APRIL 7, SATURDAY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. SPRING CLEAN-UP With Earth Day right around the corner, why not get an early start and volunteer at the Chaplin Nature Center? The center needs your help with a variety of outdoor projects to help get the trails and facility in tip-top shape for school programs and visitors. Be sure to wear old clothes and bring a pair of work gloves. Call the center for more information.
MAY
MAY 12, SATURDAY, 10 a.m.- Noon BUTTERFLY WALK Check out the butterflies that make Chaplin Nature Center their home. Swallowtails, hairstreaks, blues, crescents, emperors and skippers will be on our top ten list. A pair of close-focus binoculars will help you get a closer look at these creatures.
JUNE
JUNE 4 - 8, MONDAY - FRIDAY, 9:30 a.m - 2 p.m.. NEWMAN QUEST DAY CAMP Tracking! Trading! Traveling! The Chaplin Nature Center, Cherokee Strip Museum and Arkansas City Public Library are hosting their annual week-long day camp to teach 3rd and 4th greaders. Free of charge.
JULY
JULY 14, SATURDAY, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. BUTTERFLY COUNT Help count and identify butterflies as part of a North American Butterfly Association official count. This one-day survey will count all the butterflies seen in a 15-mile diameter area. More experienced counters will be teamed up with novices, so everyone is welcome to help. For more information call CNC. Meet at the visitor's center at 8:30 a.m.
AUGUST
AUGUST 18, 2012, SATURDAY 9 - 11 a.m. WILD EDIBLE PLANT WALK Take a walk on the wild side and discover some of nature's natural bounty. Participants will hike along the trails and identify some of the more common edible and poisonous plants. Advance registration required.