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.

APRIL 6, SATURDAY, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. SPRING CLEAN-UP
Come celebrate spring at the nature center while lending a helping hand. The center needs your help to get the facility ready for visitors and school groups.Clearing trails of debris, raking, sprucing up the area around the building and small repair projects will be on our to-do list. No matter what your age, you can contribute. A simple lunch will be provided for those staying for the whole day. Be sure to wear old clothes and bring a pair of work gloves. Branch clippers and yard rakes are needed. Call the center for more information.

APRIL 20, SATURDAY, 9 a.m. KAYAKING FOR CHAPLIN NATURE CENTER
Special kayak trips down the Arkansas River have been planned to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Chaplin Nature Center. These guided trips, led by the CNC naturalist will includes kayak, paddle, life jacket and instructions on kayak use. Your $25.00 donation will help support our educational programs at the Center. All equipment is provided by Ark City Kayak Rentals free of charge, so 100% of your donation will go to CNC.  Space is limited, so call the Center to reserve your space. For more information call (620) 442-4133.
Trip 1:  Saturday, April 20, 2013
Early morning, 3-4-hour trip. Meet at 9:00 am at the CNC Visitor Center.
Cost: $25.00 donation.
Trip 2:  Friday, May 24, 2013
Late evening; full moon, 2-3-hour trip.  Meet at 8:30 pm at the CNC Visitor Center
Cost: $25.00 donation.

MAY 4, SATURDAY, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m ASTRONOMY PROGRAM.
Take a tour of the night sky at the Chaplin Nature Center.  Volunteers of the Nature Center and members of the Kansas Astronomical Society will be bringing out their telescopes for the public to use.  Double stars, nebulas, and star clusters can be viewed through the telescopes and common constellations will be identified.  If you have your own telescope, you may bring it. Dress for the outdoors.

JUNE 8, SATURDAY, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BREAKFAST
There is nothing better than breakfast on a shady porch surrounded by the beauty of nature and a melody of birds. After a hearty breakfast we will walk the trails of Chaplin Nature Center in search of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. To make reservations call the center by June 5th. A donation of $5 is suggested.

JULY 13, 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. Anyone interested in butterflies is welcome to participate. 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.

JULY 20, SATURDAY, 10 - 11:30 a.m. STREAM EXPLORATION
If you have ever been curious about the aquatic invertebrates that lurk just beneath the surface, this program is perfect for you. Adults, children and families will collect samples from the stream to dig through in search of dragonfly nymphs, bloodworms, scuds, and other invertebrates. The Nature Center will provide collecting equipment. Be sure to wear old shoes and clothes that can get muddy.

SEPTEMBER