Indian Creek Nature Center General Operations Friends Fund
Indian Creek Nature Center's purpose is to promote a sustainable future by nurturing individuals through environmental education; providing leadership in land protection and restoration; and encouraging responsible interaction with nature.
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ABOUT
This fund supports the operations of the Indian Creek Nature Center. ICNC’s key programs focus on environmental education, with an emphasis on youth and family-oriented public programs on diverse outdoor topics. ICNC hosts school field trips, Boy and Girl Scout programs, immersive nature experiences for K-3rd grade children at Fresh Air Academy, summer Creek Camps, and other public programs such as Preschool Trail Trekkers, Hike It Baby, naturalist-guided hikes, educational workshops, and more. In September 2021 the Center launched its nature-based preschool, Creekside Forest School, which expands its efforts to create a new generation of nature champions. The Nature Center also provides opportunities for nature-oriented outdoor recreation – such as hiking and wildlife observation – and hosts special events for the community, including its annual Maple Syrup Festival. In 2023 we hosted our 40th Festival! We also offer maple syruping programming and highlight our on-site syrup production throughout March. ICNC conducts ecological restoration and management activities on nearly 500 acres of woodlands, wetlands and tallgrass prairie, and a national recreation trail. Much of the Nature Center’s land, declared a National Environmental Study Area by the National Park Service, is open to free public use year-round. ICNC provides media outreach on nature and environmental topics and serves as a community resource for information on nature and the environment.