Fishing 101 with Jeremy Beavin

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish but weren't sure where to start? Join us for Fishing 101, a fun, hands-on program designed for beginners of all ages! While we won't be fishing on the water, participants will practice the basic skills every angler needs and learn what it takes to have a successful day at the lake, river, or pond.

Whether you've never baited a hook or "wet a line," this program will introduce you to fishing essentials, including the parts of a rod and reel, basic casting techniques, simple knots, and responsible fishing practices. It's a great opportunity for individuals, families, and aspiring anglers to build confidence and get ready for their first fishing adventure.

When: Saturday, August 8th                         

Time: 10:00-11:30am                           
Where: Park at the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead Parking Lot and Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Behind the Parking Lot
Address: 398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129
Audience: All are welcome!

Nature Detectives: Astronomy

Look up and explore the wonders of the night sky! During this out-of-this-world Nature Detectives adventure, participants will discover the fascinating world of astronomy and learn how people have used the stars, moon, and planets to understand our place in the universe. Young detectives will investigate celestial clues through a hands-on scavenger hunt and interactive activities focused on constellations, the phases of the moon, planets, meteors, and other amazing objects found beyond Earth.

Participants will learn how to identify patterns in the sky, discover the stories behind famous constellations, and explore how the night sky changes throughout the year.

From shooting stars to distant galaxies, there is always something exciting to discover above us. Join us as we explore the science and wonder of the cosmos and sharpen our detective skills by searching for clues hidden among the stars. Participants who successfully complete the hunt will receive a prize. Attend all five Nature Detectives programs and you'll be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series. Please dress comfortably for the outdoors and bring water. 

When: Wednesday, August 12th, 5:30–6:30 PM

Ages: All Ages Welcome

Note:  A parent or guardian must be present.

Where: Park at the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead Parking Lot and Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Behind the Parking Lot

Address:398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

Nature Detectives Series at Origin Park

Calling all young explorers and curious minds! Join us for the Nature Detectives Series, a free monthly adventure designed to help participants discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and exciting scavenger hunts.

Each month, Nature Detectives will investigate a new topic and uncover clues throughout Origin Park while learning about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our region unique. Participants who successfully complete each hunt will earn a prize, and those who attend all five programs will be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series.

2026 Nature Detectives Schedule

• June 10: Water Cycle
• July 8: Animal Tracks
• August 12: Astronomy
• September 9: Monarch Butterflies
• October 14: Trees
  
  

Watershed Program with Purdue Extension Floyd County and Floyd County Soil & Water Conservation District

Join Purdue Extension Educator Gina Anderson and Floyd County SWCD Educator Angel Jackson for a fun two hour learning experience on what a watershed is, how the watershed plays a role in our daily lives, and what you as an individual can do to help keep the watershed healthy. During the program, there will be a chance to help build a watershed model and to play the Watershed Game. Both of these activities will help enhance the learning experience.

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm

Where: The Vista at Origin Park                                             
Address: 1784 Mill Creek Parkway, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

Audience: Children

Note: Parent or Guardian must be present during the programming time (please claim a ticket for each guardian and kid participating)

Nature Detectives: Monarch Butterflies

Spread your wings and join us for a butterfly-filled adventure! During this Nature Detectives program, participants will explore the incredible life cycle and migration of monarch butterflies while learning why these remarkable insects are so important to our environment. Through a hands-on scavenger hunt and interactive activities, young detectives will search for clues about monarch habitats, discover the special relationship between monarchs and milkweed plants, and learn how these delicate butterflies travel thousands of miles each year during one of nature's most extraordinary migrations.

Participants will investigate the four stages of a monarch's life cycle from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly, and discover simple ways they can help support pollinators in their own communities. Along the way, they'll learn about the important role butterflies and other pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and vibrant landscapes. Participants who successfully complete the hunt will receive a prize. Attend all five Nature Detectives programs and you'll be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series. Please dress comfortably for the outdoors and bring water. 

When: Wednesday, September 9th, 5:30–6:30 PM

Ages: All Ages Welcome

Note:  A parent or guardian must be present.

Where: Park at the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead Parking Lot and Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Behind the Parking Lot

Address:398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

Nature Detectives Series at Origin Park

Calling all young explorers and curious minds! Join us for the Nature Detectives Series, a free monthly adventure designed to help participants discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and exciting scavenger hunts.

Each month, Nature Detectives will investigate a new topic and uncover clues throughout Origin Park while learning about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our region unique. Participants who successfully complete each hunt will earn a prize, and those who attend all five programs will be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series.

2026 Nature Detectives Schedule

• June 10: Water Cycle
• July 8: Animal Tracks
• August 12: Astronomy
• September 9: Monarch Butterflies
• October 14: Trees
  
  

Bird Walk with Andrew Melnykovych

This will be an easy-paced walk intended as a learning experience for beginning birders. The leader will be Andrew Melnykovych, who is the field trip coordinator for the Beckham Bird Club of Louisville, as well as the club's past president. He began birding at age 10 and has seen more than 600 species of birds in the US and Canada, and twice that many worldwide, in 50 countries or territories and in Antarctica.

When: Saturday, September 26th 8:00-9:30am
Where: Park at the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead Parking Lot and Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Behind the Parking Lot
Address: 398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129
Audience: All are welcome!

Nature Detectives: Trees

Become a tree detective and uncover the secrets of the forest! During this Nature Detectives adventure, participants will explore the diverse trees that make Origin Park's wetlands, woodlands, and natural areas such a vibrant habitat for wildlife. Through a hands-on scavenger hunt and interactive activities, young detectives will learn how to identify trees by their leaves, bark, seeds, and shapes while discovering the important role trees play in our environment. Participants will investigate how trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, improve air and water quality, and help create healthy ecosystems.

From towering oaks to colorful maples, each tree has a story to tell. Participants will explore how trees change with the seasons, learn about tree rings and growth, and discover why forests are essential to both people and nature. Along the way, they'll sharpen their observation skills and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world around them. Participants who successfully complete the hunt will receive a prize. Attend all five Nature Detectives programs and you'll be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series. Please dress comfortably for the outdoors and bring water. 

When: Wednesday, October 14th, 5:30–6:30 PM

Ages: All Ages Welcome

Note:  A parent or guardian must be present.

Where: Park at the Buttonbush Woods Trailhead Parking Lot and Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Behind the Parking Lot

Address:398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

Nature Detectives Series at Origin Park

Calling all young explorers and curious minds! Join us for the Nature Detectives Series, a free monthly adventure designed to help participants discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and exciting scavenger hunts.

Each month, Nature Detectives will investigate a new topic and uncover clues throughout Origin Park while learning about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make our region unique. Participants who successfully complete each hunt will earn a prize, and those who attend all five programs will be entered to win a special grand prize drawing at the end of the series.

2026 Nature Detectives Schedule

• June 10: Water Cycle
• July 8: Animal Tracks
• August 12: Astronomy
• September 9: Monarch Butterflies
• October 14: Trees