18th Annual Fish-O-Rama
Offered in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Wheaton, this is a fishing event you’ll never forget! Elliot Lake, the pond south of Cosley Zoo, will be stocked with fish of catchable size. Kids 15 and under, with an adult, are invited to participate in the open fishing from 8 am to noon. Affordable food concessions are available and prizes are awarded for a variety of novelty contests. Some fishing poles are available for those who do not bring one. Registration began Jan. 30. Space is limited, so sign up early! You must sign the waiver at the event to participate in this program.
• Ages 4-15 w/adult (only kids win prizes)
June 14 (rain date June 21)
Sat., 8 am-12 pm (1627-2)
Limit 500
Elliot Lake (South of Cosley Zoo, Gary Ave. & Prairie Ave.)
Preregistration is suggested.
• No fee!
• Only kids up to 15 are entered for prizes.
• Fishing licenses are required for people 16 years of age and over.

Archery Program
Ready, aim, fire! Develop the Olympic sport of archery with National Archery Association instructors who teach the accurate and safe way to handle and shoot a bow and arrow. Each session is progressively more challenging and introduces new equipment and advanced style techniques. Spend time in an exciting and safe environment to learn to shoot arrows like Robin Hood!

Beginning Archery 1 – The Basics
Take the first step in the archery adventure. This
session introduces the basics of archery, including how to use a recurve style bow, basic finger tab, an arm guard and safety glasses. Master range safety, whistle commands, the proper stance, and draw and release of arrows starting at a 10-yard distance. Register with family members or friends to increase the fun!
• Ages 8 & over

Session 1: June 4-July 16
Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm (2604-1)
Session 2: July 23-Aug. 27
Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm (2604-2)
Parent/Child Classes
Session 3: June 4-July 16
Wed., 6:30-7:30 pm (2604-3)
Session 4: July 23-Aug. 27
Wed., 6:30-7:30 pm (2604-4)
Northside Park
Limit 20/session
$65/res./person; $98/nonres./person*
*Parent and child must register separately.

Basic Canoeing
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife at Northside Park while you learn basic strokes, safety skills and how to maneuver your canoe in special conditions. Please register each family member separately. To participate in this program, you must sign the waiver on the registration form.
• Ages 8 & over
Session I: June 10-July 1
Tues., 4:30-5:30 pm (2605-1) or
Session II: July 22-Aug. 12
Tues., 4:30-5:30 pm (2605-2)
Northside Canoe Cabin
Limit 14/session
$27/res.; $41/nonres.

Camp Wild Ones
Come explore the Lincoln Marsh inside and out. Discover the predators, plant eaters and habitats of our natural area. There are six different themes to explore this summer–sign up for one or all! Camp meets over lunch. Please be sure to bring a waste-free lunch with you.

• Entering grades 3-6
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 10/session
$93/res./session; $140/nonres./session

Camp Wild Ones–Wild Wonders
What wild things live at Lincoln Marsh? Explore and discover unusual plants and animals, play games, observe trees and hidden wildlife. Use field equipment, take hikes and experience nature while exploring Lincoln Marsh habitats.
• June 9-13
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-2 pm (2628-1)

Camp Wild Ones–Wet & Wild
Be prepared to get your hands wet as we explore the world of water and the magic of wetlands. Become an explorer and learn to be a protector of this unique habitat during this week of discovery.
• June 16-20
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-2 pm (2628-2)

Camp Wild Ones–Teaming with Nature
Spend a week at Lincoln Marsh discovering the wonders of nature and building team skills. Search for life in the wetland, participate in the teams course Whale Watch and River Crossing, and play eco-jeopardy and toxic waste. This camp combines environmental and experiential activities to form a unique experience at Lincoln Marsh.
• July 7-11
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-2 pm (2628-4)

Campfire Magic
Bring the kids over to Lincoln Marsh for an evening of stories, folklore and songs around a blazing fire. We’ll sing about what’s happening around the marsh in the spring, then wrap up the evening with s’mores and beverages. Audience participation is a must!
• Families (children & adults must all register)
May 2
Fri., 7-8:30 pm (1695-4)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 25
$7/person/res.; $10/nonres./person

Canoe Exploration
Want to add a day of adventure to your summer? Join us as we seek to tackle the Kankakee River! Get ready to put all of your basic canoeing skills into practice and to have lots of fun. You’ll receive detailed information after registration. Participants must have completed the Basic Canoeing Course. To participate in this program, you must sign the waiver on the registration form.
• Ages 12 & over
Session 1: July 10
Thurs., 7 am-5 pm (2605-3) or
Session 2: July 17
Thurs., 7 am-5 pm (2605-4)
Limit 13/session
$70/res.; $105/nonres.

Critter Camp
It's an exciting week of discovery and adventure as you learn about the animals and habitats found at Lincoln Marsh! Each day campers discover a new adventure filled with stories, explorations, and crafts.

• Age 4 – Entering Kindergarten
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 16/session
$68/res./session; $102/nonres./session

Critter Camp – Animal Friends
Hopping toads, swimming turtles and leggy walking sticks…come discover what makes each group of animals special.
• Session 1: June 9-13
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-4)
Session 2: June 23-27
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-5)
Session 3: July 14-18
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-6)
Session 4: July 28-Aug. 1
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-7)

Critter Camp – Nature's Neighborhoods
Discover nature's neighborhood, and the critters that call them home while exploring Lincoln Marsh.
• Session 1: June 16-20
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-1)
Session 2: July 7-11
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-2)
Session 3: July 21-25
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-Noon (2630-3)

Curiosity Camp
Want to explore the Lincoln Marsh firsthand? Join us for Curiosity Camp and discover the wonders of the natural world. There are eight different themes to explore this summer. Sign up for one or more!
• Entering grades 1-3
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 16/session
$83/res./session; $125/nonres.session

Curiosity Camp–Wetland Explorers
What is a wetland and who calls it home? Become a wetland explorer using dip nets and magnifiers. Explore the Lincoln Marsh firsthand as we answer these questions and discover why wetlands are so important.
• Session 1: June 9-13
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-1)
Session 2: June 9-13
Mon.-Fri., 12:30-3:30 pm (2629-2)

Curiosity Camp–Those Amazing Animals
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the lives of animals such as hopping toads, swimming turtles or six-legged creatures. Each day we’ll investigate the lives of a different animal group, find out what makes them special and seek them out in the forest, prairie and wetland.
• June 16-20
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-3)

Curiosity Camp–Groovy Growing
Discover plant mysteries and magic as we use plants in games and activities. We’ll experiment with sunlight, air, soil and water, take a plant discovery walk, plant and dissect seeds and flowers, and dig in the dirt. We’ll have a groovy time growing!
• June 23-27
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-4)

Curiosity Camp–Nature Sleuths
Are you a “nature sleuth?” Put on your detective cap and solve the mysteries of camouflage, tracking and other nature secrets.
• July 7-11
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-5)

Curiosity Camp–Jurassic Giants
Take a journey back in time, dig into our prehistoric past and discover the world of dinosaurs and fossils. Discover the wonders of Jurassic giants–learn where they lived, how they moved, what they ate –all while uncovering the mysteries of the past.
• Session 1: July 14-18
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-6)
Session 2: July 14-18
Mon.-Fri., 12:30-3:30 pm (2629-7)

Curiosity Camp–Nature’s Surprise
We’ll let nature be our guide and inspiration to create art, play with dirt, crawl through the cattails or hide in the trees. Explore the endless possibilities of free play in nature, and let natural materials be our tools and treasures.
• July 21-25
Mon.-Fri., 9 am-Noon (2629-8)

Curiosity Camp Minicamp–Bird Brains
Feathers, wings, hollow bones and beaks! Discover the wonders and mysteries of birds as we search Lincoln Marsh for our feathered friends.
• June 30-July 2
Mon.-Wed., 9 am-Noon (2629-0)
$50/res.; 75/nonres.

Go Fish!
Meet us at Rathje Park for a little fishing fun. Learn a few fishing techniques, types of bait and where the best fishing holes might be. Rathje Park is a catch and release area. All equipment and bait are provided for children or you can bring your own. Anyone 16 and over is required to having a fishing license to fish.
• Families (only children register but they must be accompanied by an adult)
July 19
Sat., 9-10:30 am (2694-1)
Rathje Park
Limit 15
$7/res./person; $10/nonres./person

Hand in Hand…Parent/Child Explorers
Spend time with your child and discover the many wonders of nature. We'll explore the Lincoln Marsh in search of its many colors and the critters that call it home. The camp includes stories, songs, and outdoor experiences for you and your child to share together.
• Ages 3-5 with adult
Aug. 4-8
Mon.-Fri., 9-11 am (2613-1)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 12 pairs
$62/pair/res.; $93/pair/nonres.

Junior Naturalists
Join other “nature nuts” in our Junior Naturalist program designed for 6 to 11-year-olds. Investigate and discover the natural world while spending time with a Lincoln Marsh naturalist. We combine
activities and exploration that help answer every child’s science and nature questions. Complete all three classes and earn a Lincoln Marsh patch!
• Ages 6-11
Limit 12/class

Individual classes:
$6/res.; $9/nonres.

Take all three classes at a discounted rate:
Junior Naturalist Series - $15/res.; $24/nonres. (2696-7)

Insectmania
Check out the unique world of insects by meeting a “buggy” friend of ours and by embarking on an insect search.
• June 25
Wed., 1-2 pm (2696-8)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Birds! Birds! Birds!
Explore the woods, fields and wetlands in search of our feathered friends.
• July 23
Wed., 1-2 pm (2696-9)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Can You Catch a Butterfly?
Learn about these amazing insects and catch them if you can!
• Aug. 13
Wed., 1-2 pm (2696-0)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Kids N Critters
It’s the who, what and whys of
animals and nature at Kids N Critters. Each week we’ll explore a different theme through hands-on activities, crafts, games and stories.
• Ages 4-Kindergarten
Limit 12/class

Individual Classes:
$6/res.; $9/nonres.

Take all 5 classes at a discounted rate:
Kids N Critters Series – $25/res.; $40/nonres. (2696-1)

Ducklings and Polliwogs
Join us for tadpole tales and ducks in the muck!
• June 17
Tues., 1-2 pm (2696-2)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

The Quiet Hunter
Come find out why herons are such sneaky fish snatchers.
• July 8
Tues., 1-2 pm (2696-3)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Ant Antics
Share an adventure that’s all about ants.
• July 22
Tues., 1-2 pm (2696-4)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

I-Spy a Butterfly
Spy on butterflies with your eyes and catch them with a net.
• Aug. 12
Tues., 1-2 pm (2696-5)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Something’s Fishy
Let’s get fishy as we discover these underwater swimmers.
• Aug. 26
Tues., 1-2 pm (2696-6)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Lend-A-Hand Days
Lincoln Marsh covers more than 140 acres and includes wetlands, woodlands and prairie ecosystems that require special care. We could use your helping hands! Volunteer your time and spend a morning at the marsh working with other volunteers and park district staff to restore the biodiversity of the natural area communities. Make a difference and meet new friends as you join us in this special effort. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of a special natural area right in your own community. We need people to assist us with exotic and invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, planting, seeding, seed collection, trash removal and more! Details...

Native Ways
Paddle the waters of Northside and send arrows flying as we explore the life, skills and pastimes of Illinois Native American tribes. We'll also play Native American games, make crafts and hear stories – discovering together what life was like without shopping centers, video games and computers.
• Entering grades 3-6
Aug. 4-8
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-3 pm (2645-1)
Northside Park Boy Scout Cabin
Limit 20
$104/res.; $156/nonres.

Nature Adventure Camp
Through cooperative games and hands-on activities, we'll discover the wild and wacky world of nature. We'll investigate insects and animals, explore life underwater, try archery and go canoeing.
• Entering grades 2-5
Aug. 4-8
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 am-3 pm (2639-1)
Northside Park Shelter House
Limit 45
$104/res.; $156/nonres.

Nature Play Days
Become your child’s nature buddy! Together, we will sing, fiddle, jiggle, and journey into the wild, learning how to encounter nature through play. We’ll explore a new theme each session, so venture out often! This is the perfect way to foster in your tiny explorer, an appreciation for the natural world.
• Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs. w/adult
Limit 12/pairs/session
$6/res./pair; $9/nonres./pair
$3/res./additional child;
$5/nonres./additional child

Session 1: July 3
Thurs., 9:30-10:15am (2612-7)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Session 2: Aug. 15
Fri., 9:30-10:15am (2612-8)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Nature Tots
Join your child for a little discovery and exploration of animals and nature. Each week we’ll discover a different joy of nature, foster a sense of wonder, and pique your curiosity about all things wild.
• Ages 3-5 w/nonpaying adult
Limit 12 pairs/class

Individual Classes:
$6/res.; $9/nonres.
$3/res./additional child;
$5/nonres./additional child

Take all 5 classes at a discounted rate:
Nature Tot Series
$25/res.; $40/nonres. (2612-1)

Duck, Duck, Polliwog
Quack! Ribbit! We’ll investigate ducklings and tadpoles and see how they grow.
• June 19
Thurs., 1-2 pm (2612-2)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Hooray for Herons
Take a walk on the wild side of a long-legged fish nabber.
• July 10
Thurs., 1-2 pm (2612-3)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

The Ants Go Marching
Two by two or three by three let’s learn how neat ants can be!
• July 24
Thurs., 1-2 pm (2612-4)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Flutterby Butterfly
Search the Lincoln Marsh for the best place to flutterby as a butterfly.
• Aug. 14
Thurs., 1-2 pm (2612-5)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Splish, Splash
Uncover the underwater secrets of fish.
• Aug. 28
Thurs., 1-2 pm (2612-6)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Scout Badge Days
Is your scout looking for an exciting way to earn a badge? Look no further! We’re offering the following hands-on programs to help your scout earn requirements for badges.
• Limit 12
$5/scout/res.; $6.50/scout/nonres.

Brownie – Sensational Senses (Earn the Senses Try-it)
Grades 1-3
Aug. 13
Wed., 10-11 am (2695-1)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Junior Girl Scouts – Nature Inspiration (Earn the Outdoor Creativity Badge)
Grades 4-6
Aug. 14
Thurs., 10-11:30 am (2695-2)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Bear – Achievement 5
Grade 3
Aug. 12
Tues., 10-11:30 am (2695-3)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Webelos – Forester
Grades 4-5
Aug. 15
Fri., 1-2:30 pm (2695-4)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

Sense-ational Summer
It’s the first official day of summer! We’ll embark on an adventure of the senses as we explore what the summer has in store for Lincoln Marsh.
• Families (children and adults must all register)
June 21
Sat., 10-11am (2695-0)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 25
$6/res./person; $9/nonres./person

Tear It Up! Nature Craft Workshop
Tear, measure, mix, and shake it up to create your own paper using recycled and natural materials. We’ll make up our own paper slurry and pour it into molds. All materials are provided.
• Families (children & adults must all register)
May 10
Sat., 9:30-10:30 am (1695-5)
Northside Park Girl Scout Cabin
Limit 16
$9/person/res.; $14/person/nonres.

Wadin’, Dippin’ & Scoopin’
The wetland at the Lincoln Marsh is alive with frogs, tadpoles, aquatic insects, turtles, and a host of other critters. This is your chance to wade along its edges, equipped with nets, to catch and learn about the fascinating wildlife of this valuable ecosystem. All creatures are released at the end of program. Bring an extra pair of shoes and a towel for clean up. Each session is the same program – pick the date that works best for you!
• Families (children & adults must all register)

Session 1: May 31
Sat., 10:30-11:30 am (1695-6) or
Session 2: June 4
Wed., 10-11 am (1695-7) or
Session 3: June 5
Thurs., 1-2 pm (1695-8)
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area
Limit 25
$6/person/res.; $9/person/nonres.