Maple Syrup Days
2025-03-08 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
It’s syrup season! McCloud Nature Park is full of sugar maple trees which produce sap with a high sugar content. Once the daytime temperatures start rising, the sap starts flowing, and is ready to begin collecting it. Sugar maples can be tapped by boring holes into their trunks. Buckets catch the dripping sap and are placed in an evaporator where it is made into maple syrup.

Come on out to McCloud Nature Park in early March and join us in discovering the rich deliciousness of maple sugaring at our 15th Annual McCloud Maple Syrup Days! Bring the whole family because Maple Syrup Days are FREE to attend!

This event is held entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. See you there!

Homeschool Ecology: Wondrous Wildflowers
2025-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Indiana has one of the most beautiful displays of wildflowers! Although it’s pretty cold, we should see some signs of life starting to pop through! Either way, we will learn how to identify wildflowers! *Program includes approximately ½ mile walk on natural surfaces. *
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6-11 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN. SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $10/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY APRIL 11 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=912
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS.

SENIOR CENTER: The Buzz About Pollinators
2025-08-27 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Did you know that there are plenty more pollinators besides bees? Come learn about our range of pollinators here in Indiana. We’ll also discuss the best way to support pollinators and keep them comfy in your garden or flower bed. Some of your worst insect enemies may become your best pollinator pals!
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

SENIOR CENTER: Invasive Plants Chat
2025-09-17 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Curious about all the talk concerning invasive plants? Join us Sept. 17 at the Hendricks County Senior Center! We will discuss the negative impacts invasive plants have on our native species and ways to prevent them; all while playing a game of Bingo!
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

HOMESCHOOL ECOLOGY SERIES: Forestry Forensics
2025-09-19 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Put your detective skills to use! We’ll examine “crime scenes” in different habitats to learn about what plants, insects and other things exist there. Participants will learn the basics of plant ID and try to identify and document their findings.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7-17
FEE: $10/STUDENT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY SEPT. 12 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=943
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

TADPOLE TIME: Fall Forest Fun!
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Delight in the magic of the season during Tadpole Time: Fall Forest Fun! This gentle, nature-filled adventure invites young explorers to collect colorful leaves,
observe how the forest is changing, and discover the wonders hiding under autumn’s golden canopy. With stories and hands-on exploration, it’s a cozy celebration of fall that’s perfect for little nature lovers and their grown-ups.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $5/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=945
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Seedling Workshop: Germination
2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This 3-part series will explore the fascinating process of seed germination, seasonal planting and gardening (including recipes and harvest calendars), and will culminate in the planting of a variety of seasonal seedlings into planters made from recyclable materials to jumpstart your successful fruit and veggie planning this Spring! Join us in the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud for any or all of these engaging and educational weekends!
Winter and early Spring are critical periods for nurturing soil health. Although the cold weather may appear to hinder plant and soil productivity, there is actually a complex and beautiful system of growth and renewal occurring beneath the surface. Join our naturalists to explore these concepts through a presentation and handouts you can take home!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 AND UP, BUT ALL AGES WELCOME
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Senior Center: The Story of Maple Syrup
2026-02-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Curious about how maple syrup goes from forest to flapjacks? Come along for a journey through the rich history and time-honored traditions of maple sugaring. You’ll learn how to identify maple trees, explore the sap collection process, and discover how that clear liquid transforms into golden syrup through boiling. Walk with us through each step—and leave with a newfound appreciation for every sweet drop.
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Homeschool Ecology Series: Sap to Syrup
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Ever wondered how maple syrup is made? Join us for this hands-on program to learn the whole process and get to try some maple syrup straight from McCloud Nature Park. Make sure to bundle up!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7-17 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $10/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE)
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY FEB. 13 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=969
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Seedling Workshop: Garden to Table
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This 3-part series will explore the fascinating process of seed germination, seasonal planting and gardening (including recipes and harvest calendars), and will culminate in the planting of a variety of seasonal seedlings into planters made from recyclable materials to jumpstart your successful fruit and veggie planning this Spring! Join us in the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud for any or all of these engaging and educational weekends!
Join us in this hands-on seasonal planting and gardening workshop. We will discuss how to incorporate seasonal plants into your garden and plan for harvest to best take your plants from garden to table. We’ll share recipes on paper and to taste!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 AND OLDER, BUT ALL AGES ARE WELCOME
FEE: $5/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY FEB. 14 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=970
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Seedling Workshop: Seed Sowing
2026-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This 3-part series will explore the fascinating process of seed germination, seasonal planting and gardening (including recipes and harvest calendars), and will culminate in the planting of a variety of seasonal seedlings into planters made from recyclable materials to jumpstart your successful fruit and veggie planning this Spring! Join us in the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud for any or all of these engaging and educational weekends!
Let the planting begin! Recyclable materials and seeds will be provided, but attendees are invited to bring materials such as egg cartons, cans, or plastic bottles to use for planter construction.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 AND OLDER, BUT ALL AGES ARE WELCOME
FEE: $5/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY FEB. 28 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=971
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Maple Syrup Days
2026-03-14 10:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
It’s syrup season! McCloud Nature Park is full of sugar maple trees, which produce sap with a high sugar content. Once the daytime temperatures start rising, the sap starts flowing, and is ready to be collected. Come on out to McCloud Nature Park in March and join us in discovering the rich deliciousness of maple sugaring at our 16th Annual McCloud Maple Syrup Days! Bring the whole family because Maple Syrup Days are FREE to attend! This event is held entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Learn how to tap a tree, stop by our nature center to enjoy a pancake breakfast (8 a.m.- 2 p.m.) and buy syrup from Harris Sugar Bush to take home with you. See you there!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 5 HOURS (ONGOING)
Would you like to volunteer some time during Maple Syrup Days? It’s all outdoors, so dress for the weather! There’s a free pancake breakfast in it for you! Thank you! We appreciate you very much!
Click here to sign up to volunteer!

Tadpole Time: Flower Power!
2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Come along with us as we explore the wonderful world of flowers, nature’s true superheroes! We’ll chat about different kinds of flowers, the animals they help, and much more. Afterward, we’ll have fun creating and decorating our own flower masterpieces. If the flowers are blooming nearby, we’ll take a lovely walk to see if we can spot some!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM).
OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $5/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY APRIL 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=976
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR.

Tadpole Time: Flower Power!
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Come along with us as we explore the wonderful world of flowers, nature’s true superheroes! We’ll chat about different kinds of flowers, the animals they help, and much more. Afterward, we’ll have fun creating and decorating our own flower masterpieces. If the flowers are blooming nearby, we’ll take a lovely walk to see if we can spot some!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM).
OLDER SIBLINGS, AGES 6-7, ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $5/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY APRIL 2 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=977
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR.

NATURE DISCOVERY: Naturalist Crossing: McCloud Horizons
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Welcome! The naturalists invite you to explore a new “island”: McCloud Nature Park! There are many activities to complete at McCloud including fishing, bug collecting, fossil finding and more! We’ll explore each activity, just like in the classic game Animal Crossing. Don’t worry, you can leave your video games at home.
FOR AGES 7-12 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/PARTICIPANT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MAY 15 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=988
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Plant ID Hike
2026-05-26 13:30 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Ever wondered, “What is that plant, flower or tree?” Our Plant ID Hike is just the activity for you! Our naturalists will lead you on a guided hike and point out plants of interest on the way. Though we will not cover every plant we see, we will try to discuss different plants each hike! We will also share historical uses of the plants, if any. Feel free to bring any supplies on your hike to make your experience better. We hope to see you there!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 AND UPFEE $3/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY MAY 25 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1001APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS

TADPOLE TIME: Natural Dyes!
2026-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Come join us for a fun and creative time as we explore how to make natural dyes from things you can find right in your backyard! Plus you’ll get to dye a piece of fabric to take home and cherish!
FOR AGES 2-7 WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN
FEE: $5/CHILD
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 10 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1011
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

ROOTED IN NATURE CLUB: Wildflower Walk
2026-08-20 16:00 - 17:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
What better way to end the summer season than by saying farewell to our wonderful wildflowers? Take a walk around the park with our naturalists as we make our very own wildflower bouquets. We will identify and discuss the perennial blooms we find along the way. Participants are also welcome to create their very own flower “junk journal” to secure their new collection. Snacks provided.
NOTE: The collection of plants in our parks outside of permitted program use is prohibited without written permission from park management.
FOR AGES 13-18
FEE: $10/TEEN
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY AUG. 17 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1016
APROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Wildflower Bouquets
2026-08-22 14:00 - 16:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Have you seen the beautiful buds of late summer in W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park? For this special program, the naturalists will guide participants on a short nature hike through the park to our Pollinator Plot. There, we will discuss the importance of pollinators, what colors attract which pollinators, and then make our own wildflower bouquets!
Note: The collection of plants in our parks outside of permitted program use is prohibited without written permission from our park management.
Meet at the Bluegill Pavilion.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FEE: $5/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY AUG. 20 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1003
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Plant ID Hike
2026-08-26 13:30 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Ever wondered, “What is that plant, flower or tree?” Our Plant ID Hike is just the activity for you! Our naturalists will lead you on a guided hike and point out plants of interest on the way. Though we will not cover every plant we see, we will try to discuss different plants each hike! We will also share historical uses of the plants, if any. Feel free to bring any supplies on your hike to make your experience better. We hope to see you there!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 AND UPFEE $3/PERSONADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY AUG. 25 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1002APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS
