Events & Programs
LRWP’s free nature programs and events serve all ages!
Field Trips for Classes/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.
Little River Wetlands Project Day Camps
Join us this summer for camp! LRWP is offering 3 camp options for kiddos to learn about and connect deeper with local wetlands. These camps are $75 each. Our camps will be held rain or shine, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 11:30AM during their designated week. LRWP will provide a snack each day however, campers are required to bring a water bottle, and come wearing sunscreen. If signing up multiple children, please use the form multiple times.
Who: Grades K-6th
Pricing: $75/camp
Where: Eagle Marsh, 6801 Engle Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Seed to Marsh Camp - June 26th - 30th
Come explore our Eagle Marsh wetland restoration this summer with Little River Wetlands Project. Seed to Marsh Camp is a native plant focused summer camp for children in grades K - 6th. Through fun activities like hiking, transplanting seedlings, and planting in our preserve, participants will learn about native plants and restoration, why it’s important, and be actively involved in our restoration efforts.
Wonderful Wetlands Camp - July 10th - 14th
See Eagle Marsh come alive this summer! Wonderful Wetlands Camp is a hands-on environmental focused summer camp for children in grades K - 6th. This camp will introduce students to the importance, values, and functions of wetlands through themes such as weather, pollution, plant and animal life cycles, and more. Campers will become student scientists by investigating our wetland habitat, then collecting and analyzing their data to better understand and learn about our wetlands.
Nature Art Camp - July 31st - August 4th
Explore wetlands as an artist! Nature Art Camp is an art integrated environmental focused camp for children in grades K - 6th. By using nature as our guide, we will explore colors, textures, and different patterns in our wetland. Campers will learn about the basics of art and how they apply to nature through hands-on activities and hikes. Campers will be inspired by new discoveries and express their creativity through the creation of one-of-a-kind nature art!
Children must register for camp based on the grade they are currently in. For example, if your child is currently enrolled in third grade, you may register them for the k-3rd grade camp. If they are in the 5th grade, you may register them for the 4th- 6th grade camp.
Questions? Email us at a.munger@lrwp.org or call us at 260-478-2515. Register here.
community events
-
World Wetlands Day
-
Earth Day Fort Wayne
-
Urban Turtle Festival
-
Frog-a-palooza (fundraiser)
-
Monarch Festival
Frogapalooza
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Tickets are on sale now to join us for our largest fundraiser for the year. The evening will include hors d'oeuvres from The Charcuterie Shop and silent auction and raffle. This event will help raise a large portion of the money used for restoration and preservation of the preserves, the free educational program, and other events we host throughout the year. We are looking for sponsors and donations to help make this evening a success. Please email Chelsea if you would like to purchase your ticket or donate to the event.
Monarch Festival
Sunday, September 10th, 2023 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM
Join us for the 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. There will be conservation partners, vendors, and food trucks. Please email Chelsea if you would like participate in the event.
public hikes & Programs
Volun-beering
First Wednesday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hop River Brewing Co.
Join us, and other volunteers in the community, at Hop River Brewing Company (1515 N Harrison Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46808) for an evening of stewardship and volunteering! 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 good food and non-alcoholic beverages too.
2023 Dates
June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd, September 6th, October 4th, November 1st, December 6th
Trashy Thursday
First Thursday of the month from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Volunteer with us to keep our wildlife safe and our preserves clean. We'll be picking up trash along Smith and Engle roads on the 1st Thursday of each month, from 10 am - Noon. Wear close-toed shoes and long pants. We'll provide safety vests, gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers and snacks! Cancelled if raining.
2023 Dates
June 1st, July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th
Mugs on the Marsh
Saturday, June 10th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Join us on the 2nd Saturday each month for a phenology hike. These hikes are FREE and will be led by knowledgeable volunteers from the Northeast Chapter of the Indiana Native Plant Society and Little River Wetlands Project. We'll meet at 10:30am in front of the LRWP offices, and then head out to hike. The hike will end at between 11:30 am and noon.
Please dress for the weather and wear rubber boots for muddy terrain. Binoculars are always good to bring, too. Hope to see you there!
Volunteer Orientation
Thursday, June 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at 5000 Smith Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Come learn about what volunteer opportunities LRWP has to offer! Lead by experienced volunteers who will share their experience, and introduce you to the various volunteer roles at LRWP. You must fill out a volunteer application at lrwp.org/volunteerapplication and receive an invite before attending.
Invasive Species Training Part 1 Classroom Presentation
Wednesday, May 31st from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at LRWP Office 5000 Smith Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
What are invasive species and why should we care? Freya Berntson, MNRS of NE Indiana Native Plant Society will lead this classroom session to discuss the definition of an invasive species and the identifying characteristics of some of the worst and most threatening invasive plant species in our area. We'll also discuss how to prevent spreading these plants, and how to treat them if you find them on your property. Please RSVP by Tuesday May 30 via our google form, or by emailing Maraiah (m.russell@lrwp.org) or calling the office (260-478-2515).
Invasive Species Training Part 2 Field Training
Saturday, June 3rd from 10:0AM to 12:00PM at Boy Scout Office 8315 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
What are invasive species and why should we care? Freya Berntson, MNRS of NE Indiana Native Plant Society will lead us on an invasive species hike that will allow you to examine first-hand the invasive species we encounter at Eagle Marsh. This training will sharpen our abilities to identify species in the field and differentiate them from possible look-a-likes. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle! The barn is not air conditioned, so it can be warm inside. For the hike, wear sturdy shoes and plan to be in full sun the majority of the time. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats are highly recommended. Please RSVP by June 1 via our google form, or by emailing Maraiah (m.russell@lrwp.org) or calling the office (260-478-2515).
Public Hike: Wild Edibles
Saturday, May 20th from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at Eagle Marsh Barn 6801 Engle Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Carrie Vrabel, a wild edible expert, will be leading a hike through Eagle Marsh. While out and about we will identify wild edibles and learn more about them! Please dress for the weather and possible wet conditions at the marsh. Boots are recommended. This event is fun for all friends and families! RSVPs are appreciated, walk-ins welcome.
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. Please register at least 24 hours in advance by clicking the link under each event. Feel free to contact Aly Munger at a.munger@lrwp.org, or by calling 260-387-0399 with any questions.
Summer Solstice: Nature Journaling
Wednesday, June 21st from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Join us at Eagle Marsh, 6801 Engle Road, for a celebration of the summer solstice. We will be diving into nature journaling, phenology, and how you can keep up with what is going on around us in our own nature journals. Please dress for the weather, rubber boots are recommended. This event is fun for children ages 3 to 5 with a responsible adult. RSVP's are appreciated, walk-ins welcome.
Wildflowers
Wednesday, July 19th from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Join us at the Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, as we investigate wetland plant seeds, how they travel and also teach how everyone can help, no matter how small, by seed planting for the continuing restoration of Eagle Marsh. Please dress for the weather, boots are recommended. This event is fun for children ages 3 to 5 with a responsible adult. RSVP's are appreciated, walk-ins welcome.
Little River Ramblers
Every Tuesday, from 9:00am to 11:00am
Dress for the weather, boots are recommended. Bring binoculars if you'd like a close-up view!
May 2023 - Boy Scout Office (Meet at the Boy Scout office entrance 8315 W Jefferson, Fort Wayne, IN 46804)
May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
Last Tuesday in May 2023 - Eagle Marsh East (Eagle Marsh East (Meet at office 5000 Smith Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46804)
May 30th
June 2023 - Arrowhead Preserves (8625 Aboite Rd, Roanoke, IN 46783)
June 6th, 13th, 20th
Last Tuesday in June 2023 - Buttonbush (Meet at 8533 Amber Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46814)
June 27th
Breakfast on the marsh
Each month at 8:30am - Well-seasoned nature lovers (50+), join us for a nature presentation. Feel free to contact Aly Munger at a.munger@lrwp.org, or by calling 260-387-0399 with any questions.
Breakfast on the Marsh: Sustainability in Action
Thursday, June 8th from 8:30 am to 9:45 am at Indiana Wesleyan University
(8211 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804)
Join us, June 8th, for the Breakfast on the Marsh to hear from Justin Davis from Republic Services. At Republic Services, they have long been a leader in providing sustainable solutions for customers across their operations. Learn more about Republic Services' sustainability practices from Justin at our June Breakfast on the Marsh program.
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.
Directions
Arrowhead Marsh & Arrowhead 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. The gate is open Monday-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.
Little River Wetlands Project Office
(Parking for Eagle Marsh East)
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
West Entrance to Eagle Marsh
(Boy Scout Office Parking Lot)
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.