(6-Adult) In this adapted version of the popular Escape Room games, race against the clock to solve puzzles and unlock secret codes to complete the mission of saving the captured animals. This exciting, critical-thinking adventure is both fun and educational. Learn about common animals you might encounter at Riverbend Park, what threats they face, and what we can do to protect them. End the event with prizes and a meet and greet with one of our box turtles.

(All Ages) Come stay and play at our Nature Center on select Fridays of every month. Spend time together as a family reading books, making crafts, playing games, exploring natural objects with a microscope, doing puzzles, digging in the sandbox and many more play opportunities. Enjoy a short presentation or read-aloud story by a naturalist every hour. Each month the space will transform into a different theme and activities will be refreshed so there will always be something new to discover. A staff member will be in the building if you have any questions or need assistance, but this event is designed as self-guided play time accompanied by a parent or guardian. You are not required to stay for the entire length of time. Once you receive a wristband you may come and go as you please.

(6-Adult) Enjoy nature's tranquil beauty and the night sky under a full moon. Take a hike through the woods to listen and look for signs of nocturnal animals that may be flying overhead or stirring beneath our feet. Enjoy a campfire after the hike with s'mores provided. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(14-Adult) Much of our food, personal care, and cleaning products are filled with toxins that harm our bodies and the environment. With so many products and claims saturating the market, it's hard to know which ingredients to avoid and which ones we can trust. Learn how to read labels, spot "greenwashing" tricks and become a savvy sustainable shopper in this interactive workshop. We will explore common products and find healthier alternatives by using a cosmetic scanner app. Then we will end the class by crafting our own personal care products made with simple, natural ingredients.

(14-Adult) Explore the 5 parameters of what makes a food system truly green and gain the skills and knowledge to be a part of the solution to food issues. Learn the truth about the pollinator plight, factory farming and food deserts and how we can support regenerative farming practices through eating locally. Take a hike through the park in search of edible plants, learn how to recycle food scraps through composting and practice basic homesteading by make your own hummus and nut milk from scratch.

(14-Adult) Single-use plastics and papers are pervasive in every aspect of our modern life. So much time, energy, money and resources go into creating something that is destined for the landfill-what a waste. Join us as we take a deeper look at what we throw away and learn simple ways to minimize your individual impact. Test your recycling knowledge with a sorting game, play bingo for a chance to win some eco-friendly products, and make your own all-natural cleaning spray to take home.

(4-Adult) Learn about the prehistoric sharks, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates that roamed Riverbend Park millions of years ago. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs on a short hike, search for fossilized shark teeth in an archaeological dig, and complete a dino-themed craft to celebrate our park’s rich history.

(3-9 yrs.) Children will build and race penguins and create a snowman as they learn about penguins, polar bears and other animals who enjoy the chilly temperatures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(6-Adult) Learn ancient techniques of how to start a fire, go on a short hike and brush up on basic plant ID, and try your hand at archery with a primitive bow and arrow.

(4-Adult) Learn the science and art of building a fire and then test your skill with primitive fire bows and modern fire-making techniques. Use your new skills to roast some s'mores at the end. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

(8-Adult) To many people, the winter season is often seen as cold and dark and foreboding. But to the earth, this is a vital time of rest, beauty and restoration. Join us for a short lecture about the joys of winter from the perspective of nature and venture out on a hike in the woods to see what the plants and animals are up to during this silent season. Conclude the event with a warm drink and meet one of our resident animals.

(4-Adult) Take a hike through the woods with a naturalist to listen and look for the park’s winter avian residents and migrants. Find out what birds do to survive the winter weather. Feel free to bring your own guides, binoculars and spotting scopes. Site will have a limited number of supplies for participants to borrow for the duration of the program.

(6-Adult) Celebrate the winter solstice at Riverbend Park. Take a hike with a naturalist through the peaceful forest, craft an ornament with natural materials, sip on warm spiced cider and pine leaf tea, and cozy up around the campfire. Conclude the program with a fire ritual to set new intentions or let go of negative thoughts by releasing them into the flames. Program canceled in case of inclement weather.