Friday, April 11th

2 pm: Flower Press- (Workshop) Come to the Nature Center to paint your own plant press and learn tips on how to use them. Plant Presses cost $10. Remember plant collecting is not allowed within the State Park without a research permit.

5:30pm - 7:00pm: Kick Off Event- We are happy to promote the lovely MyPath trail which will one day bring walkers from Spencer to McCormick’s Creek State Park! Join Owen County Soil & Water at the trail head for an overview and then a stroll along the path itself. Identify the flowers we see along the way as well as the tree planting area, the Monarch Way Station, the food forest and more. Join us for this fun event! Meet: 788 Pottersville Road, Spencer. Owen C. SWCD office.

Saturday, April 12th

9:30 am-12 pm: Native Plant Sale- Every year some dedicated Friends members dig up lovely perennials from their yards and woods and donate them for this fundraising event. Plants will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will be happy to label and set your purchase aside to allow you to participate in the scheduled hikes and talks. Cash is preferred! Sale is happening at the Nature Center.

10 am- 12 pm: Succession Habitat Hike- (Hike)
Join Nature Preserves Community Ecologist`s, Wyatt Williams, to learn how the tornado of 2023 has had an impact on the plant community in Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. We will take frequent stops to see how this environmental change has reset the clock and how these new plants are interacting with the ecosystem. This hike starts and ends at the Nature Center. This hike is rated moderate and is a 2.8-mile round trip.

2 pm: Rugged Plants- (Hike) Join David Mow, Invasive Specialist and Master Gardener Instructor, at Centennial Shelter for a short hike on our new Echo Canyon Trail. You will discover how the acidic soil in this habitat and rock cliffs make it home to rare plants in the park.

3:30 pm-4:30 pm: Wild Teatime Presentation-(Presentation) Learn about some early spring edibles that make flavorful tea. This presentation is best for adults, but all is welcome to learn. Come study plants that make the perfect cup of tea and try some yourself. This program will be held in the Nature Center.

6:30 pm-8:30 pm: Wildflower Wine & Canvas- (Workshop) This event requires pre-registration by calling the Canyon Inn at (812) 829-4881. The cost for this program is $40 per person and includes art supplies, 1 glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, and a small personal cheese board. Space is limited. The event is held in the Oak Room at the Canyon Inn. Must be 13 years or older to register for the painting workshop. For more information available on on.in.gov/mccormicks.

Sunday, April 13th

10 am: Wildflowers at the Waterfalls- (Hike)
1.5 mile hike, moderate. Gate fees will apply to attend program. Join David Mow, Invasive Specialist and Master Gardener Instructor, for a hike at Owen Co.’s largest waterfall, observe the different habitats along the creek as staff help to identify flowers along the way. Meet: 2605 N. Cataract Rd., Spencer, Cataract Falls State Recreational Area.

2 pm: Wild Edibles- (Hike) Take a hike with Andrea Oeding, Seven Ridges Farm, to learn what the forest has to offer. Meet at Deer Run Shelter to begin this our hike on Trail 9. This hike is rated easy and is 1.2 miles long.