Events & Programs

FREE NATURE PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE

For years, our community has benefited from free wetland education programs, thanks to generous donors and volunteers like you! Your support, whether through donations or your time, is vital in enabling us to carry on our crucial mission. Join us in making a difference today!

GUIDED VISIT REQUEST FOR TEACHERS & GROUPS

Click here for an application to bring a class/group to a LRWP preserve

Teachers, let us know what you're studying and we can tailor a program that's relevant to the classroom. Scouts, our staff and volunteers can work with you to meet requirements for different badges. Trips are arranged on a first come, first served basis.

Adult groups may also wish to visit our preserves or volunteer. Please call us if your employee group, club, hiking group, birding group, church group, senior program or other community group is interested in a guided visit or might like to volunteer at an event or for stewardship.

Offsite presentations can be given about our preserves and programs to businesses, clubs or other community groups through special arrangements with our staff. Classroom presentations on wetland topics may also be arranged on a limited basis.

For more information, or to discuss an event for your group, please email Aly Munger at a.munger@lrwp.org.

Donate

LARGE community events

Community Events

World Wetlands Day
Earth Day Fort Wayne - Smaller EDFW events throughout April! See below!
Urban Turtle Festival
Frog-a-palooza (fundraiser)
Monarch Festival - Save the date!

EARTH DAY 2024 EVENTS 🌎

While we're shifting from our usual large event this year, we're gearing up for four smaller Earth Day gatherings! Engage with us at our volunteer kickoff to learn about our initiatives, participate in our Spring Clean Up to protect habitat and wildlife, delve into our family education program focusing on wetland health, and join our native plant giveaway to foster pollinator gardens in our community.

Volunteer Kickoff/ VolunBeering:Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Annual Spring Clean-up: Postponed to Tuesday April 9th, 2024 from 10AM to 12:00PM
A Dip In The Wetland: Saturday, April 13th, 2024 from 12:30PM to 2:00PM
Native Plant Giveaway: Monday, April 22nd, 2024 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM

Find more information below!

MONARCH FESTIVAL 2024 🦋
Sunday, September 8th, 2024 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM

Join us for the Monarch Festival, a free large community event. It is apart of Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown while learning and experiencing the importance of the wetlands right in the community. Experience the beauty of the marsh while celebrating the Monarch's Trip back to Mexico.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

If applicable, please register at least 24 hours in advance by clicking the link under each event. Feel free to contact Aly Munger, our Wetland Educator, at a.munger@lrwp.org, or by calling 260-387-0399.

PUBLIC HIKES & PROGRAMS

Pond Dip in the Wetland an Earth Day Fort Wayne Event

Saturday, April 13th from 12:30pm to 2pm
Join us at Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Road, and take a closer look at what lives in the water. We will examine these critters under a microscope and learn about what they can tell us about our water quality. This event is fun for everyone!

Native Plant Giveaway an Earth Day Fort Wayne Event

Monday, April 22nd, 2024 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM

Eagle Marsh Barn: 6801 Engle Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Celebrate Earth Day by creating wildlife habitat in your own backyard! Get started with some free native plants grown with the help of our Seed to Marsh participants. Supplies
are limited, so pick one up while you can!

SHORT HIKES FOR SHORT LEGS
This event is fun for children ages 3 to 5 with a responsible adult. Join us at the Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. Please dress for the weather and boots are recommended.

Birds!

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 10:00am-11:00am
Meet us at the Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, for this event. Join us for a feathery expedition as we discover the world of Birds. Through stories, crafts, and outdoor bird spotting, children will learn about different bird species and their habits. Prepare for outdoor exploration by dressing appropriately for the weather, with boots recommended for muddy trails. This event is designed for children aged 3 to 5, accompanied by a responsible adult. RSVPs are appreciated, but walk-ins are chirpily invited to join in the bird-tastic journey.

LITTLE RIVER RAMBLERS
Every Tuesday, from 9:00am to 11:00am

Join the Little River Ramblers, a group of adult nature enthusiasts, as we explore the everchanging landscapes of Eagle Marsh, Button Bush Bottoms, and our Arrowhead Preserves. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy rain boots, and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. Experience dynamic outdoor adventures while fostering a deeper connection to nature in our preserves. No registration necessary, see our weather policy for cancelation info.

April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd - Eagle Marsh Barn at 6801 Engle Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804
April 30th - LRWP Offices at 5000 Smith Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Special thanks to Beth Ricketts, a long time volunteer, for leading this event!

BREAKFAST ON THE MARSH
Each month on the 2nd Thursday at 8:30am - Well-seasoned nature lovers (50+), join us for a nature presentation. We provide a light breakfast of muffins, fruit, and coffee. We encourage all attendees to bring their own mug to cut down on waste.

Topic: Landowners as Stewards of Wildlife Habitat

Thursday, April 11th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Indiana Wesleyan University Conference Center: 8211 W Jefferson Blvd, FW IN 46804

Presented by Jessica Merkling, the Urban Wildlife Biologist for the IDNR & FWS
Rapid changes in land use and human dynamics are reshaping the relationship between humans, wildlife, and their habitats. By understanding shifting wildlife behavior and human attitudes, we can identify how private landowners can contribute to wildlife conservation. Your backyard could be vital for Indiana's wildlife survival and growth with the right habitat.

Public Hikes & Programs

Short Hikes for Short Legs

Ramblers Hike

Breakfast on the Marsh

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

Feel free to contact Eva Curtis, our Preserve Steward, at e.curtis@lrwp.org, or by calling 260-667-3414.

VOLUN-BEERING
Join us the 1st Wednesday of every month at Hop River Brewing Co. for an evening of stewardship amongst new and seasoned LRWP volunteers! This is an all ages venue, so bring the whole family.

Volunteer Kickoff At VolunBeering an Earth Day Fort Wayne Event

Wednesday, April 3rd from 6pm to 8pm

LRWP Offices: 5000 Smith Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Are you interested in volunteering at LRWP? Join us and other volunteers, at Hop River Brewing Co. (1515 N Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808) for our Volunteer Kickoff and an evening of stewardship! This is a great way to support us at Little River Wetlands Project and a local brewery. This is an all ages venue, so children are welcome. If you don't enjoy beer, that's okay, they have plenty of food options and non-alcoholic beverages too.

Thank you Hop River Brewing Co. for allowing us to use your space!

Register Here: https://forms.gle/ribSp6nXo5AyTr3NA

TRASHY THURSDAYS

Join us on the first Thursday of each month to volunteer in keeping our wildlife safe and our preserves clean. We alternate between Smith Road and Engle Road every other month from 10 am to noon. Please wear close-toed shoes and long pants. We'll provide safety vests, gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and snacks. This program is not suitable for children under 15; they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, please call with any questions. Cleanup will be cancelled if it's raining.

Spring Clean Up an Earth Day Fort Wayne Event

Postponed to Tuesday April 9th, 2024 from 10AM to 12:00PM
LRWP Offices: 5000 Smith Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Thursday, May 2nd from 10:00am to 12pm

Eagle Marsh: 6801 Engle Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46804

STEWARDSHIP WEDNESDAYS
Invasive Species Removal at the east side of Eagle Marsh
5000 Smith Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804

On April 10th, 17th, and 24th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, we invite the public to join us in preserving our natural habitats by removing invasive species. Protect the biodiversity of Eagle Marsh East while learning about the importance of native plant conservation. No prior experience is necessary; we'll provide all the tools and guidance you need. Register by clicking the links below!

Register Here: https://forms.gle/zt4uDr7LDe1PQZ547

Volunteer

Weather policy

All programs are cancelled if any of the following conditions occur within Allen County:

Southwest Allen County Schools close due to inclement weather
A winter storm warning is issued
A thunderstorm warning is issued
A tornado warning is issued
Hikes are cancelled if the heat index is 100° F or greater
Hikes are cancelled if the wind chill is 10° F or colder

For other inclement weather or dangerous site conditions not mentioned above (ie. flood conditions, downed power lines), programs may be subject to cancellation if deemed unsafe.

If there is lightning seen or thunder heard (by an adult) during a hike, ALL PARTICIPANTS AND LRWP VOLUNTEERS must return to the barn. The scheduled event on the marsh can continue 30 minutes after the last lightning was seen or thunder heard. The program is allowed to continue in the barn.

Weather Policy

Directions

ARROWHEAD MARSH & PRAIRIE

8624 Aboite Road, Roanoke, IN 46783

Both Arrowhead preserves are on Aboite Road southwest of Fort Wayne, Indiana. From Fort Wayne, take Route 24 (Jefferson Blvd.) past Homestead Road and turn left on Redding Drive. Proceed about 1.5 miles to where Aboite Road T’s into Redding Drive. Turn left and go about a block: Arrowhead Prairie is on the right--park near the buildings. Arrowhead Marsh is on the left--parking to access either preserve will be at Arrowhead Prairie. The gate will be open for scheduled programming only. Please do not park in front of gate when closed, you may park in front of the split rail fence area.

Google Map of Arrowhead Preserves

EAGLE MARSH GREEN GATE

6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

From West Jefferson Boulevard, turn east on Engle Road. Travel approximately 1/2 mile and turn south on gravel road. Travel down the gravel road to the red and tan barn. Weather permitting, the gate is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11am-3pm. Please do not park in front of gate when closed, you may park at the Gateway Parking Lot paralleling Engle Road.

Google Map of Eagle Marsh

LITTLE RIVER WETLANDS PROJECT OFFICE

& EAGLE MARSH EAST PARKING

5000 Smith Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Located on the southwest side of Smith Road from the intersection of Smith and Engle.

Google Map of Little River Wetlands Project Office

EAGLE MARSH WEST PARKING AT SCOUT OFFICE

8315 W. Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Turn off at Olde Canal Place Road (opposite Lutheran Hospital entrance on W. Jefferson Blvd.) and proceed to the end of the road.

Google Map of Boy Scout Office