Calendar

CHAPLIN NATURE

CENTER

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 22, 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 6, SATURDAY, 7 - 8 p.m. EYE SHINE What goes bump in the night? Bring your flashlight and search the woods for the gleaming eyes of spiders, moths, and possibly something bigger. Dress for the outdoors and bring a powerful, narrow-beamed flashlight for every family member.
DECEMBER
DECEMBER 22, SATURDAY, 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 26, 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 2, 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 22, SATURDAY, 7:30 - 9 p.m. ASTRONOMY Take a tour of the night sky and learn the legends of the spring constellations. We will use telescops to search for galaxies, nebulas, and double stars.
APRIL
APRIL 5, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. SPRING CLEAN-UP Help get the Chaplin Nature Center in shape for the coming year. Help is needed in all areas, from building clean-up to trail maintenance. Light work loads or heavy, your choice. There is a place for you to help, no matter what your skills are. APRIL 19, SATURDAY, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. STREAM ECOLOGY Whether you like playing in water or have that special place in your heart for things that crawl, wiggle and swim, this is the program for you. Children will enjoy digging through the mud of Spring Creek to get a close-up look at dragonfly nymphs, bloodworms, scuds, and other invertebrates. The Nature Center will provide collecting and holding containers. Wear old clothes and shoes.
JULY
JULY 12, SATURDAY, 8:30 a.m. BUTTERFLY COUNT Help count and identify butterflies as part of a North American Butterfly Association official count. Meet at the visitor's center at 8:30 a.m. We'll split into teams to cover the area.