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4-H Spin Club – Junior Master Naturalist
The University of Illinois Extension Junior Master Naturalist Program in partnership with the Canton Park District provides science-based educational opportunities that connect kids with nature and helps them become engaged environmental stewards. Ages 9-12 are welcome to join this group to gain a sense of place with hands-on exploration through nature!
Attendance at each session is highly recommended.
Location: Baker Recreation Center *dress in layers and be prepared to go outside.
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Date: Wednesday, January 17th – Wildlife of Illinois
Location: Donaldson Community Center
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Date: Wednesday, February 21st – Fossils/Geology
Location: Donaldson Community Center
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Date: Wednesday, March 20th –Weather & Water Cycle
Location: Lakeland Park – Ranger Station
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Date: Wednesday, May 15th Pond Explorers/Aquatics/ Insects
Location: Big Creek Park Pavilion
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Date: Wednesday, June 12th – Camping Adventures
Location: Big Creek Park Pool
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Date: Wednesday, July 17th – Pool Party & Plans for next year
Cost: $20 per child (4-H membership)
Max Participation: 20 Members
NATURE DAY
Let’s celebrate Earth Day and connect with nature! Learn about the natural environment around us: native birds, fish, and wildflowers. Dress for being outside and wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails. Registration is required.
Location: Lakeland Park – Ranger Station
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Date: Saturday, April 20th
Cost: FREE – ALL ages welcome!
Tree Meditation
Join U of I Extension Master Naturalists Renee and Kim each month to experience the benefits of meditating outdoors and discover how nature can be healing. During this nature retreat, you will be taken through a short 15-20-minute guided meditation, learn a fun fact about nature, and participate in an engaging activity that you can easily recreate at home. This experience will reignite your inner child and remind you of the joy of playing outside. Let us reintroduce you to nature and before you know it, you’ll be seeking out new nature trails and discovering a newfound love for nature. No cost for this program; all ages 9+ are welcome!
Location: Big Creek Bottom Area
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Dates: Saturday, May 4th – Flower Mandalas
Location: Big Creek Fire Circle Area
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Dates: Saturday, June 1st – Painting with Mud
Location: Lakeland Park – McCamey Lake
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Dates: Saturday, July 6th – Nature & using your 6 senses
Paddle the Park
Have you ever wanted to kayak or canoe Lakeland, but didn’t want to go alone or unguided? Maybe you are a novice but want to try it with a guide. Canton Park District is offering guided tours on Fitch and Bond Lake. You can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for this 2-hour trip. A limited number of kayaks and canoes are available, and registration is required. If you are new to paddling, we will do an instruction course before starting.
Location: Lakeland Park
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dates: Saturday, June 8th
Cost: $3 per person
Monarch Migration
Join the BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT with a local expert! Learn and see close up a butterfly’s life cycle, make your own butterfly to take home, and sing the monarch song! Be a part of tagging and releasing monarchs and watch them on their journey. Monarch Watch is an international system that tracks their patterns and identifies trends that will help us plan how to protect butterflies from extinction, as well as understand the effect of climate change on wildlife. This is a family-friendly event.
Location: Lakeland Park – Bond Lake
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Date: Saturday, September 7th
Cost: $2 per person with a max of $10 per family (3 and under free)
Fall Hike
Hike the trails of Big Creek Park with one of the U of I Extension Master Gardeners and see the stunning views of the changing colors of fall. Learn to identify native trees along the path. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We will be staying on the trails. Leaf rubbing activity to follow the hike.
Location – Big Creek Park Pavilion
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Date: Monday, October 14th
Cost: FreeD
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