Calendar of Events for 2010

Upcoming activities are still being added. A complete listing of 2010 events will be posted by January. For more information or to register for any program below, e-mailJennifer Schrock, coordinator of public programs or call 260-799-5869. Can't make it to a public program? You're welcome to hike our trails anytime between dawn and dusk. Trailheads at the Learning Center and the Farmstead contain maps. What's it like to hike at Merry Lea? Click here to take a walk!

Is cost your issue? Talk to us and we'll see what we can do.

Springtime Day Hikes
Tuesday mornings, 9-11 a.m., April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4

Every day brings a change as the weather warms in the springtime: new migrating birds arrive, new flowers open; frog mating calls dominate and then subside; trees are suddenly in leaf. Don't miss this dynamic time of the year cooped up inside: join us for two-hour hikes with trained naturalists. Cost: $5 per person; $12 maximum per family.

Annual Friends of Merry Lea Dinner
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

This event will begin with a visit to a lesser-known portion of Merry Lea's property: we'll hike through some west side areas that are also classified as a state nature preserve. Dinner will follow a Russian theme. After dinner, meet Dr. Dave Ostergren, director of Merry Lea's graduate program in Environmental Education and learn about his research on nature preserves in Kamchatka, Russia. Free to Friends of Merry Lea. Others welcome; $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Noble County Wildflower Tour
Saturday, May 8, 2010, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pack a picnic lunch and join Friends of Merry Lea John and Joanne Smith for a grand tour of Noble County's best wildflower spots. Trillium and Blue-eyed Mary should be at their peak at this time of year.

NatureFest
Friday evening and Saturday, May 14 -15

Our annual family-friendly bash with camping overnight and hikes and outdoor activities for all ages and interests. This year we are DEFINITELY DUE for nice weather!

Midwest Birding Expedition
Thursday, May 27 - Sunday, May 30, 2010

Our birders will venture north to Whitefish Point, Michigan. Whitefish Point is at the northernmost tip of the Upper Peninsula and many birds on the Lake Superior flyway stop over. Whitefish Point also contains a lighthouse and a shipwreck museum.

Wilderness First Aid
An early September date at the Farmstead

This 16-hour course will be taught by the SOLO School of Emergency Medicine and Rescue and comes with a two-year certification recognized by the American Camping Association, US Coast Guard, and various guide licensing boards. The curriculum covers patient assessment, rescue techniques, fractures/dislocations, splint improvisation, spinal cord injury management of environmental emergencies, soft tissue injuries, shock, long-term patient care and preparedness. Cost is $195 which includes lunches; lodging available at $15/night if desired.

Autumn Hope Conference
Friday evening - Sunday noon, September 17 - 19, at the Farmstead

This year, our annual hope-filled, faith-based conference will take on the challenges of global climate change.

Nature Photography Workshop
An early October date at the Farmstead

This workshop is a mix of slide-illustrated lectures, photo critique and time spent outdoors with your camera. Meals and lodging provided.

News at Merry Lea

Calendar of Events for 2010