BioBlitz at Hendricks County Parks
July 1-31
McCloud Nature Park , W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park and Vandalia Trail
Do you enjoy scavenger hunts ? What about one where you may discover a surprise , an unexpected animal or plant , or even a new species ? That ’ s what a BioBlitz is ! A BioBlitz is a fun event where participants find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time . Simply download the free iNaturalist app to your phone or smart device , create an account , and take pictures of plants , animals , and fungus while on the trails at McCloud Nature Park , W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park , and the Vandalia Trail . This data will be used by the parks department to make management decisions , and this information is also shared with scientists around the globe !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO PARTICIPATE NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Color Me a McCloud Saturday , July 9 • 10 a . m . to 4 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Spend some time in the beauty of McCloud looking for all the colors that nature provides . Stop in at the Nature Center to pick up a scavenger hunt of nature and color to find while you are exploring the park your preferred way : hiking , fishing , bird viewing , picnicking . Then return to the Nature Center and become part of a community mural by sharing what you saw through various art mediums . You don ’ t have to be an artist to contribute !
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 6 HOURS ( ONGOING )
Christmas in July “ Snowball ” Fight Saturday , July 2 • 2 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Are you longing for cooler temperatures ? Take a break from the warm summer weather by participating in a “ snowball ” fight in July ! Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet , and bring swimming goggles if you have them .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 1 HOUR
STEAM Challenge : Pool Noodle Structures Saturday , July 16 • 10 a . m . to noon W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park
Let your imagination go wild with building pool noodle structures ! Maybe you will build a jungle gym or maybe a skyscraper . How tall can you make your structure ? Meet at the playground .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 2 HOURS ( ONGOING )
Photo by Kabir Bakie
Summer Fun Run Wednesday , July 6 • 4 to 7 p . m . Vandalia Trail , Amo Trailhead
The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County ’ s Summer Fun Run Series is back for 2022 ! Enjoy an untimed stroll or run with family and friends at your convenience anytime between 4 and 7 p . m . on the Vandalia Trail ! Meet at the Amo trailhead ( see page 3 for address ). We will offer a short and a long course to run or walk on the paved trail , which is ideal for wheelchairs , standard strollers , bicycles , scooters , and roller blades / skates . We ’ ll have ice cold water for you to cool down with when you ’ re done . Please call our Weather Hotline at ( 317 ) 718-6111 for any weather-related concerns .
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES • FREE TO ATTEND NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 3 HOURS ( ONGOING )
Gourd Birdhouses Saturday , July 16 • 2 p . m . McCloud Nature Park
Paint your very own gourd birdhouse ! Pick from a variety of paint colors to design a completely unique birdhouse . Learn which birds are likely to use your birdhouse .
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6 THROUGH ADULT • FEE : $ 3 / PROJECT ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY JULY 12 APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION : 1 HOUR
Summer 2022 • 7