Nature Fun For Little Ones

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Hands-on activities designed to connect our youngest explorers (ages 3–5) and their families with the wonders of the natural world.

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• Ages: 3–5 (Parent/Guardian must attend)

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Cost: FREE | Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Birds: How They Eat: Friday, June 5, 2026​

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Birding 101 Series

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Whether you're looking for a quiet morning in the forest or a high-energy family night, there is a perch waiting for you. All sessions include expert tips on binoculars, "Lifer Lists," and nature stewardship.

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The Master Series (Adults Only)

• When: Tuesdays: May 5, 12, 19, & 26 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

• The Vibe: A 4-part intensive rotating through Lowell Forest, Dixon’s Prairie, the Riverfront, and Hidden Trails. Focus on identification by sight and sound during peak hours.​​

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Special Events & Fundraisers​

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​NAMI Wild Flower Pressing Workshop

Date: Wednesday, May 20th 2026

• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center | Cost: FREE 

• Description: Embark on a guided hike along the North Loop, where you'll discover and learn about a diverse array of wildflowers in their natural habitat. After the hike, participate in a plant pressing art session to transform your finds into beautiful keepsakes.

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Outdoor Adventure & Athlete Series​

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The King & Queen of Lowell: Hill Challenge

• The Race: A high-intensity, timed "King of the Hill" sprint for the trail-running and biking community.

• The Crown: Top overall Male and Female finishers will be crowned! Medals for Top 3 in all age divisions (Youth to Seniors). All participants receive an official Lowell Park event T-shirt.

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Paddle & Feast: The River Excursion

• Date: July 19, 2026

• Description: A guided kayak trip along the Rock River focusing on the scenic rhythm of the water, concluding with a curated community meal.

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Clay Series: Sculpting Spring

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• Dates: Every Thursday, March 5 – May 28, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center | Cost: FREE

• Description: Observe and document the awakening of the park. From spring ephemerals to migratory birds, we foster a deep appreciation for the seasonal transition through art.

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Summer Camp Series

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Adventure Athletes Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, June 1–5, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Location: Lowell Park

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: Kick off the summer with forest relays and nature-inspired obstacle courses designed to get you moving and exploring the park!

 

Nature's Masterpieces Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, June 8–12, 2026

• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 4–8

• Description: Use the park as your studio! Create art from natural materials, including leaf rubbings and twig sculptures.

 

SPARK Camp (Session 1)

• Date: Tuesday & Thursday, June 16 & 18, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: The Meadows

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: A high-energy event featuring a nature-inspired obstacle course in collaboration with the Dixon Park District. No other camps are scheduled this week so we can focus on the fun!

 

Junior Master Naturalist (Session 1)

• Date: Monday & Wednesday, June 22 & 24, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: Partnering with the U of I Extension - Lee County, this certification program trains the next generation of park stewards.

 

Forest Fairies & Woodland Gnomes Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, July 6–10, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Lowell Park

• Ages: 4–8

• Description: A magical week of building tiny houses and creating enchanted nature crafts tucked away in the trees.

 

SPARK Camp (Session 2)

• Date: Tuesday & Thursday, July 14 & 16, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: Lowell Park

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: The second installment of our high-energy obstacle course event with the Dixon Park District!

 

Messy Mud-Goghs Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, July 20–24, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 4–8

• Description: Get ready for tactile art! Finger painting with mud and splattering berry pigments—getting super messy is a requirement for this camp.

 

Junior Master Naturalist (Session 2)

• Date: Monday & Wednesday, July 20 & 22, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: Our second session for naturalist certification in partnership with the U of I Extension.

 

Nature's Paintbox Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, July 27–31, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 7–14

• Description: Learn to make your own paints from berries, mud, and charcoal to create unique, eco-friendly masterpieces.

 

Fort Building & Survival Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, August 3–7, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Lowell Park

• Ages: 9–14

• Description: Engineering outdoor shelters and learning the essential basics of "living off the land."

 

Pollinator Party Camp

• Date: Monday – Friday, August 3–7, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Ruth Edwards Nature Center

• Ages: 4–8

• Description: The perfect mix of nature, glitter, and garden magic! We’ll spend the week crafting sparkly butterfly wings and building cozy bee cottages.​