Insects are an underappreciated, yet a very important part of our ecosystem.  Retired arborist and educator Donna Danielson will help you learn more about the importance of insects, their life cycles, anatomy, and more. We will use microscopes and magnifiers to look at them up close.  Don't worry, they will all be dead when we […]

Rock Island’s rich history started long ago, many years before it became a state park. Join Brian Grube, Park Manager of both Newport and Rock Island state parks, as he shares Rock Island’s amazing story including indigenous peoples, European explorers and settlers, the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, and the influence and vision of inventor Chester Thordarson. Meets […]

Beautiful, diverse, and ancient, ferns reproduce in a mysterious alteration of life forms. Join Master Naturalist and horticulturist Holly Smith as she delves into fern evolution, life cycle, reproduction, diversity, and identification. This program is geared to adult participants. Meets at the Nature Center (Lot 1), with time at the end to look at some […]