Join us at the Center as Claire Burkum shares her enthusiasm for all kinds of fungi. Participants will see lichens, shelf fungi, and probably mushrooms, and also perhaps distinguish these fungi from similar (but non-fungal) organisms like slime molds. Bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if possible. Leader: Claire Burkum, (315) 261-1884

Say goodbye to the summer sky with an evening of star gazing. You'll take a tour of the sky using a telescope, binoculars and the unaided eye. We'll explore the mythology behind some of the constellations, and view star clusters, the Andromeda galaxy, and Saturn. Feel free to bring your own binoculars.

Come enjoy a fall bird walk at Indian Creek Nature Center. Participants will view a wide variety of species on a hike through shrubland, marsh, wetland, and forest habitats along the Tower and Succession Trails. A spotting scope will be used to view birds on Lower Lake from the top of the observation tower. Bring binoculars!

Join Anne Johnson at for a stroll along the edges of the ponds and marsh at Indian Creek Nature Center to look at and identify late flowering plants. Please meet at Nature Center Parking area in Rensselaer Falls. 

Photo: purplestem aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum), Melissa Burchard

Join John Bursnall, Geology professor at St. Lawrence University, for a unique trip that will explore the fascinating geology of the area between Canton and Gouverneur. Meet John at the Main Entrance of Indian Creek Nature Center to begin a journey that will include visiting several rock outcroppings and road cuts along State Routes 11, 58, and a few others. John will explain the formations and participants will get close-up looks at some unique and beautiful rocks. This trip will be longer than others in the past to allow for exploring spots that are rarely visited.

Learn some of the historic and current uses of many common wild plants, both native and naturalized. Focus is on edible plants, but will touch on herbal medicine as well. Come dressed for the weather, and for ticks, too.
Leader: Paul Hetzler, Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, (315) 379-9191, ext. 232.
Date: Saturday, July 21st from 8:00 – 11:00

In conjunction with National Moth Night, Indian Creek will be hosting an exploration of moth diversity at the Nature Center. We will set up a black light and discuss the major features of the many different groups of moths that we see.
Leader: Ray Erickson (315) 379-9235
Date: Wednesday, July 25th, 9:00 - ?

Photo: Luna moth, shared by Lyndsay LaBarge

A leisurely walk at Indian Creek Nature Center to discover what butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies are out and about. As we seek out the colorful butterflies, we’ll discuss adaptations that help them survive, the plants they lay eggs on, and those they get nectar from. Some dragonflies and damselflies will be breeding nearby in a shallow pond. We’ll learn about their lives as we observe their fascinating behaviors. Meet at the end of the access road (note DEC Sign) about a mile north (towards Canton) of the nature center drive on the east side of Rt. 14.

Join Board members for a workday to set the Center in order for the summer.  Tools will be supplied, or bring your own.  There’s plenty of work for all.
 

Photo: Waiting for Spring, Nic McPhee, Flickr Creative Commons, Some Rights Reserved

The ICNC hosts a wonderful array of interesting animals and fauna throughout the year. Peter O'Shea, local naturalist and author, will lead the group in identifying various creatures by their tracks and other unique features. If snow is sufficiently deep, trackers can bring their snowshoes or borrow them from the nature Center. If no snow, we'll scout the trails on foot. Dress appropriately and please call to register. Photo: Snowshoe hare tracks in snow, Luke Harvey.