Star Stories
Friday, March 28, 6:30-8:30pm
Join us for an evening of stars. We will learn about astronomy and the stories people have put into the stars over the millenia. We will come up with our own stories for the stars as well as act out some of the Greek myths tied to the constellations while sitting by a campfire. This is a family friendly program designed for ages 5+.
Cost: $5 per person
Speaker: Kate is a third year Fellow at Dunes Learning Center. One of her favorite parts of programs is leading night hikes, and she likes to focus them on the stars whenever possible.
Herpetology Hike: Frogs, Salamanders, and Turtles, oh my!
Saturday, April 5, 9am-12pm
Search for reptiles and amphibians, learn about their hidden lives, and familiarize yourself with some of Indiana Dunes National Park's most exciting critters. This introduction to the world of herpetology includes an interpretive talk on Reptiles and Amphibians led by Alex “Burdy” Burdsall and a hands-on "herping" hike within the National Park. This session is family-oriented and geared for ages 10+.
Families will take home a goodie bag with a guide to local reptiles and amphibians, as well as information on protecting and creating herp habitat in your community.
Cost: $5 per person
Speaker: Alex “Burdy” Burdsall is a third year Fellow at Dunes Learning Center. He loves to hike and particularly loves herping!
Freshwater & Crayfish Ecosystems Curriculum Workshop
Tuesday, April 15, 8am-3:30pm
Join this day-long workshop designed to support educators in implementing the new Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems Curriculum. This workshop includes a presentation from an expert aquatic ecologist, and educators will also take part in hands-on science through crayfish sampling at Little Calumet River. Participants will earn six professional development hours during this interactive experiential learning workshop.
Open to all 2nd-5th grade formal or informal educators.
Cost: Free
Forest Bathing
Sunday, May 18, 1-4pm
Enjoy a fully guided practice in the art of Shinrin~Yoku (Forest Bathing) with Cynthia Smith. Forest Bathing has been proven to provide many benefits for the spirit, mind, and body. This program is an invitation to be in nature that brings one closer to the “nurture of nature.” Upon registration, a list will be provided to help you prepare for your experience. Hot tea will be provided.
Cost: $37 per person
Cynthia Smith is an experienced Forest Bathing guide. She is also a meditation and restorative yoga teacher of 26 years. In her love of nature, she finds sanctuary and enjoys sharing this deep and honored connection with others.
Earth Systems: A Great Lakes Perspective
Friday August 8—Saturday, August 9
By NASA - http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=45615, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124044749
A two-day, water-themed workshop for educators to explore the natural world, network, and receive exclusive access to the newest Project WET Educator's Guidebook: Water in Earth Systems.
Open to all 5-12th grade formal and non-formal educators.
Cost: $50 per person
Arts activities made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Dunes Learning Center events are supported by our 2025 Corporate Event Sponsors, including BP America, Cleveland Cliffs, Franklin Pest Solutions, Friends of Indiana Dunes, Keramida Inc., Mark J. Mihalo Family Dentistry, NIPSCO, Shinka Sustainability Consultants, and Wickcraft Boardwalks.
