2008 Public Programs

BioBlitz
Saturday, July 12 , 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A BioBlitz is an inventory of all living organisms in a given area. Scientists, educators and ordinary citizens band together to find and identify as many organisms as possible within a period of time. The public is invited to be part of this event from 9:30 - 11:00 and from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Meet at the Learning Center. Free to all.

Community Picnic
Saturday, August 9, 5 - 8 p.m.

Merry Lea’s neighbors and all those interested in local history and culture are invited to Luckey’s Landing for a potluck picnic. Children’s activities and a presentation will follow the meal. This year’s theme will be health care. Come and learn about medicinal plants that grow at Merry Lea and the community hospital era in Wolf Lake. The Community Picnic is jointly sponsored by Merry Lea and the Luckey Hospital Museum. Free to all.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Workshop
September 5 - 6, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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: $195 includes lunches; lodging and breakfast available at no charge if desired. Goshen College students pay $115.

Autumn Hope Conference
September 19, 6 p.m. through September 21, noon

Each year, Merry Lea offers a faith-based conference integrating fieldwork outdoors, reflection, discussion and worship. This event emphasizes the hope embedded in the natural world rather than the despair we sometimes feel when considering environmental damage. The 2008 theme will integrate the arts, spiritual practices and our relationship with the natural world. Through a partnership with Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN, attenders can earn one credit hour for a course based on this weekend.
Cost: $75;  lodging available on site for $15/night.

Nature Photography Workshop
October 9, 5:30 p.m. – October 12, 5:30 p.m.

Join a professional photographer for three days in the woods with your camera. The format includes slide-illustrated lectures, time outdoors for shooting photographs, critique of student work and help with digital issues. Cost: $475 includes lodging and all meals from Thursday supper through Sunday noon.