April Programs

Friday, April 5 - Zion Nature Center OPEN


  • When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
We’re OPEN! Visit us at the Zion Nature Center this spring break.


Saturday, April 6 - Perfect Plant Labels

  • Registration Required
  • When: 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Zion Nature Center, 690 Beech Street
  • Ages: 6 years and up with an adult
Plant labels are a must to help identify plants, whether you’re growing food or want to avoid losing your bulbs every year! However, store bought labels can get expensive. Looking for some inspiration for DIY plant labels? Plant markers are quick and easy to make. We’ll explore different options re purposing everyday items, and get create making a few labels to take home. Registration is required as space is limited.
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RaptorIDWorkshop

Wednesday, April 10 - Raptor ID Workshop



Raptors are fascinating birds, but they can cause some confusing identification situations. Join Sabrewing Nature Tours owner Rob Ripma as he shares his top tips and tricks for identifying these incredible creatures. We’ll work on identifying raptor species both while perched and in flight and then practice a few days later in the field. He will cover all of our commonly occurring raptors (eagles, hawks, and falcons) as well as some less common species that on rare occasion find their way to Indiana. Join us to learn all about these powerful birds! All participants will receive a copy of Hawks in Flight. Registration is required as space is limited.


Friday, April 12 - Animal Adventures: Eagles

  • Register at www.zionsvillelibrary.org
  • When: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library and Zion Nature Center
  • Ages: 3 – 6 years with an adult
Meet at the Library for story time fun. Afterwards, we will walk to the Zion Nature Center to eagles, hawks and other birds of prey.


Saturday, April 13 - Raptor ID Bird Walk

This is part two of our Raptor ID Workshop (Part one is Wednesday, April 10). We’ll practice our new identification skills in the field as we search for raptors and other species.


Saturday, April 13 - Zionsville Citizen Science Day

  • When: 12 - 3 p.m.
  • Where: Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library and Zion Nature Center
Citizen science is any project where volunteers partner with scientists to answer real-world questions. Join us as we celebrate the first ever Zionsville Citizen Science Day. Odds are there is a citizen science project that coincides with a hobby, interest, or curiosity that you may have. The fields that citizen science advances are diverse, and for many projects you don't have to go farther than their own backyards to contribute! Visit www.zionsvillelibrary.org for more information and a list of presentations.


Saturday, April 13 - Explore iNaturalist

iNaturalist is an online social network of people who help each other learn about nature. You can use it to record your own observations, get help with identifications, and collaborate with others. Since 2017, Zionsville Parks has been using iNaturalist to collect information on the plants and animals found in our parks. Park Naturalist Mindy Murdock will run you through the steps to set up your own iNaturalist account as we explore and collect date in the Zion Nature Sanctuary. You will need to bring a smartphone, iPad or other internet ready electronic device.

Wednesday, April 17 -  Pull for Parks

April is pull for parks month! We are searching for groups and individuals interested in helping remove invasive garlic mustard from target areas in the Zionsville Parks. The location of the pull will be decided closer to the date.

Saturday, April 20 - Pull for Parks

April is pull for parks month! We are searching for groups and individuals interested in helping remove invasive garlic mustard from target areas in the Zionsville Parks. The location of the pull will be decided closer to the date.

Saturday, April 20 - Spring Wildflower Photography Workshop

Learn to capture the beauty of spring in photographs! Join Naturalist Jackie Curts of Jackie Curts Photography for a workshop on spring wildflower photography. This workshop is designed to develop your creative and technical skills. You will learn about composition, lighting, depth of field, creative blur, and much more. The workshop will consist of classroom time to learn to see through new eyes and a hands-on session to practice your new skills with the instructor’s guidance. Bring your own camera – preferably a DSLR or bridge camera – and a tripod if you have one. Dress for the weather, as a portion of this workshop is outside. Registration is required as space is limited.

Saturday, April 20 - Pull for Parks

April is pull for parks month! We are searching for groups and individuals interested in helping remove invasive garlic mustard from target areas in the Zionsville Parks. The location of the pull will be decided closer to the date.

spring photography workshop
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Friday, April 26 - Mommy & Me: Eggs

Give your toddler a fun and interactive introduction to nature in our Mommy & Me classes! Each month we will focus on a different topic and will feature live animal encounters, stories, crafts and nature exploration. Due to school being in session, parking is not available at the Zion Nature Center. We will meet at the elementary school gates at 9:30 a.m. and walk to the Nature Center together.

Saturday, April 27 - Monthly Dog Walk 

  • When: 10 – 11 a.m.
  • Where: Starkey Nature Park, 667 Sugarbush Drive

Enjoy the sights and smells of spring as we walk the Starkey Nature Park trails. We might even stop to sniff a few flowers. Trails may be muddy.

Saturday, April 27 - Spring Wildflower Walk 

  • When: 1 – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Starkey Nature Park, 667 Sugarbush Drive

Every week brings new wildflower blooms along our forest trails. Join Park Naturalist Mindy Murdock as we discover what’s blooming this week. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture their beauty.