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.
community events
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World Wetlands Day
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Earth Day Fort Wayne
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Urban Turtle Festival
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Frog-a-palooza (fundraiser)
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Monarch Festival
Save the Date: Earth Day Fort Wayne 2024
Sunday, April 21st 2024 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Join us for the a free large community event. Celebrate our planet with us! There will be education stations, vendors, food trucks and fun! Learn for our fellow conservation partners on how you can make a difference today!
Save the Date: Monarch Festival 2024
Sunday, September 8th, 2024 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.
LRWP Spring Break Camp
Spring Break Nature Camp
April 1st-5th, 2024 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Come and be a part of Little River Wetlands Project's Spring Break Nature Camp! Immerse yourself in the marvels of the four elements- Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. This week will be for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This week we will learn about the importance of wetlands and their unique inhabitants, explore meteorology and seed dispersal, unravel the foundation of healthy ecosystems through soil health, and learn about the ecological role of fire and prescribed burns. Early bird registration is $65 if registered before January 3rd. $75 per student after January 3rd.
Register here.
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
December 6th
2024 Dates
January 3rd, February 7th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, June 4th, July 3rd, August 7th, September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th, December 4th
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
December 7th
2024 Dates
March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd, June 5th, July 4th TBD, August 1st, September 5th, October 3rd, November 7th, December 5th
Mugs on the Marsh
Saturday, December 9th 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, December 14th 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.
Weed Wrangle: Honeysuckle Removal
Wednesday, December 13th from 3:30PM to 5:30PM at 5000 Smith Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Please join us this Wednesday, December 13th, from 3:30 to 5:30 at the LRWP office (5000 Smith Rd., Fort Wayne IN) for a Weed Wrangle at our Eagle Marsh East property! It will be cold, so please wear warm layers and gloves! We will be removing invasive honeysuckle bushes, and learning how to identify this shrub without foliage! If the weather is too cold, we will use this time to clean seed at Eagle Marsh Barn.
Public Hike: Winter Solstice
Thursday, December 21st from 5:00PM to 6:30PM at the Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a guided hike at Eagle Marsh on December 21st from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at 6801 Engle Road. As daylight wanes, join us to explore the tranquil trails while learning about the significance of the solstice—a symbol of renewal and the triumph of light over darkness. Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and connect with nature as we embrace the seasonal shift together. Boots are recommended, RSVPs encouraged, 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.
Wetland Wonder: Clouds
Wednesday, December 20th from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Join us at Eagle Marsh on December 20th from 10:00 to 11:00 am for a cloud program! Designed for ages 3-5, this outdoor adventure at 6801 Engle Road will spark curiosity as your little ones explore the magic of winter clouds. Fun fact: Clouds can come in all shapes and sizes, just like snowflakes! Bundle up and let the exploration begin. Discover the joy of connecting with nature as your child's imagination takes flight in the winter sky. 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!
December 2023 -Arrowhead (8624 Aboite Road, Roanoke, IN 46783.)
December 5th, 12th, and 19th
Last Tuesday in December 2023 - Buttonbush (8533 Amber Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46814)
December 26th
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: John Gevers and Shandie Steele Stillwater Hospice
Thursday, December 14th from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at Indiana Wesleyan University
(8211 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804)
Mark your calendars for a compelling presentation by John Gevers and Shandi Steele from Stillwater Hospice at Breakfast on the Marsh on December 14th at 8:30 am. Shandi will speak on Stillwater Hospice and John will delve into the captivating story of the two-acre Stillwater prairie. This prairie is a tranquil retreat planted 16 years ago behind Hospice Home to offer solace and inspiration to patient families. Hear about this transformative initiative as John shares his experiences leading a multi-year project to restore the Stillwater prairie to its natural native state. The Prairie Posse, a dedicated volunteer group, collaborates under John's guidance to contribute to this ongoing restoration effort.
Weather policy
All programs are cancelled if any of the following conditions occur within Allen County:
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Southwest Allen County Schools close due to inclement weather
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A winter storm warning is issued
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A thunderstorm warning is issued
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A tornado warning is issued
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Hikes are cancelled if the heat index is 100° F or greater
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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.