• Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a seasonal summer job? We have availability across the department! Deep River Waterpark will be hosting a Job Fair this Saturday, March 14 from 10 am - 2 pm. You can fill out an application in advance here. We also have several other spring/summer positions available at other parks. Check them out, and fill out an application here.
• If you are interested in our response to the current global health situation regarding COVID-19/Coronavirus, please click here for our official statement. To summarize, we're doing everything we can to keep our spaces as clean and safe as possible, and unless we hear otherwise from county health officials we'll continue to operate as usual. If anything changes we will post updates on our social media feeds, on the website, and will send out an updated statement through this email channel. 

Spring Break Night Hike 

Gibson Woods | Friday, March 27 | 7-8 PM
Come explore and enjoy early spring sights and sounds as we explore the park at night. Please dress for the weather, as trails will be wet this time of year. Pre-registration required; please call 219-844-3188. 

Friday, March 27

Nature Survival Skills

1:30-3:30 PM | Meet in parking lot | $5 per child with caregiver

Animals have amazing adaptations to survive in nature, but humans have some handy tools to get along, too. Join us as we learn about 3’s of survival, and try our hand at fire building and wild shelter making. Wear shoes/clothes you do not mind getting dirty.
Pre-registration required; please call 219-844-3188.

Basics of Coin Collecting 

1-2 PM | Workshop in Main House | Free

Learn about different types of American Currency. We will examine American and world coins and currency, including different types of gold and silver currency from mid-1800’s through 1964. We will also discuss topics including the purchasing power of money throughout the centuries. The workshop will be in the main house. The program is free, but the gift shop will be open.

Heritage Poultry Discussion

1-2 PM | Carriage House | Free

Do you have questions about poultry? Join for Chicken Chat with Chris, our park manager! Together will learn how to take care of and handle different types of poultry species. We will also help you discover what varieties and breeds are best to keep on your homestead or farm. This will be a hands-on experience so bring your questions along with a pair of gloves.  

Moon, Venus and Seven Sisters

7:30-9:30 PM | Down the street at the Calumet Astronomy Center | Free

See the moon, Venus, and the Seven Sisters also known as the Pleiades, which are a cluster of young stars. Members will be bringing their telescope and you can get a chance to get a closer look at each.  For weather updates check out the casonline.org website.

Afterschool in the Woods

Gibson Woods | Thursday, March 19 | 4-5 PM
Nature is amazing and there’s so much to learn! Join us each month as we discover something new about nature together! This month's theme is Spring Begins!
Pre-registration recommended. 

Nature Playdate

Big Maple Lake at Deep River | Friday, March 20 | 10-11 AM

Spring Break Day Camp

Gibson Woods | Thursday, March 26 | $20 per camper-must pre-register
Spring has sprung and nature is a great way to spend some time during spring break. Campers are asked to bring their own lunch in a reusable container. A light afternoon snack will be provided. Camp is for children K-5th grades. Must pre-register; call 219-844-3188.

Nature is full of lots of surprises –maybe even fairies! Participants will build a house in the woods for fairies and nature’s friends to visit. The simple challenge of creating a fairy house gives children a unique activity that encourages them to go outside and connect with the natural world, while nurturing care and respect for the environment. Please dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required; call 219-844-3188. Homeschool, scout and other groups are welcome to attend, but each family within a group must register individually.

Name That Tune: Frogs and Toads 

Gibson Woods | Wednesdays, March  4, 11, 18 | 9:30-11 AM | Free
Frogs and toads make all sorts of unusual sounds. Learn the peeps, croaks, grumbles, and groans of the Calumet Region’s amphibian crooners. Pre-registration recommended; please call 219-844-3188.

Bird Migration Presentation 

Gibson Woods | March 6 & 20 | 9:30-11 AM
The excitement of spring migration will soon be upon us. Join a park naturalist and fellow bird enthusiasts to learn more about what birds will be moving through our area. At each program, a video and slide show on a specific group of birds will be offered. The presentations will feature many tips on identifications. Ages 12 + Pre-registrations required; please call 219-844-3188.
Dates and Topics: Friday, March 6 –Raptors
Friday, March 20- Sparrows and Finches

Woodcock Watch 

Oak Ridge Prairie |March 25 |7:15 PM
Known for their spectacular flight and distinctive call, the American Woodcock is recognized as one of the earliest signs of spring! Join us at Oak Ridge Prairie and usher in spring with the American Woodcock. Pre-registration is required; please call 219-844 3188. Rain Date April 1!