The Explorer Magazine Fall 2024 | Page 9

Fall into the Season Wednesday , September 25 • 12:30 p . m . Hendricks County Senior Services , Danville
You may have noticed the leaves changing , the temperature dropping , and pumpkin spice returning to the menu at your favorite restaurant , but what other seasonal changes happen as we shift into autumn ? See page 14 for more information .
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS • FREE TO ATTEND
Astronomy Saturday , Oct . 12 • 7 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Take stargazing to new heights by escaping the light pollution of the city and heading to McCloud Nature Park , where thousands of stars twinkle like jewels in the dark night sky !
The Indiana Astronomical Society partners with Park Naturalists to hold this sky seminar and viewing . These programs , led by expert sky watchers , are geared for the novice astronomer . This program will begin with a brief informational session (“ sky seminar ”) where you will learn which planets and constellations will be visible that night .
These seminars last about 30 minutes and are best suited for ages 8 through adult .
IMPORTANT NOTE : Sky seminars will take place rain or shine , but sky viewings are dependent upon clear skies . If poor weather is forecasted or any severe weather advisories are issued , the sky-viewing portion of the program will be canceled . For updates regarding the seminars , follow the Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Facebook page or call the Weather and Program Hotline at ( 317 ) 718-6111 .
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 THROUGH ADULT FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 2 HOURS
Fall Colors Run Saturday , October 19 • 8 a . m . McCloud Nature Park
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the crisp air while running the trails at McCloud Nature Park during the Fall Colors Run on October 19 . Hosted by RaceMaker Productions , this event will feature a 5K and a 10K walk or run . Scenes will include forest , prairie , Big Walnut Creek , and the historic truss bridge ! After the professionally timed race , stick around for the McCloud Fall Colors Festival which includes food , atlatls , hayrides , prairie maze , games , and more for the whole family !
For more information , including how to register , visit HendricksCountyParks . org .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES FEE : $ 20 / PERSON ( 5K ); $ 30 / PERSON ( 10K ) ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Fall Colors Festival Saturday , October 19 • 10 a . m . to 3 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Autumn is a beautiful time of year , and McCloud Nature Park bursts into colorful splendor in October and November every year . As such , we celebrate the fabulous fall foliage every October with our fun , FREE , family-friendly Fall Colors Festival . We have 232 acres of natural beauty to explore while you ’ re here , including 6½ miles of trails , the McCloud Nature Center , and our bicentennial-themed 2024 McCloud Prairie Maze ( see page 7 ). We have hands-on activities for everyone to enjoy at the Fall Colors Festival , such as axe-throwing , throwing an atlatl ( an ancient hunting weapon ), hayrides , yard games , crafts , and more !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 5 HOURS ( ONGOING )
Eeeek ! Or Neat ? Wednesday October 23 • 12:30 p . m . Hendricks County Senior Services , Danville
Do snakes make you break into a cold sweat ? Does the sight of a cockroach make your skin crawl ? Do bats make you want to shriek in fright ? Well , have we got a deal for you ! Join one of the HCP & R Naturalists as we look at the animals that make Halloween a frighteningly good time . When you understand them better , will you EEEEK ? Or will you think they ’ re neat ? See page 14 for more information .
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS • FREE TO ATTEND Fall 2024 • 9