Join Us for a Fungi Walk at Origin Park with Nathan Cochran!

Join us for an engaging and educational mushroom program designed for school-age children, led by Nathan Cochran, a lifelong Kentucky native and dedicated mushroom enthusiast. As an officer with the Bluegrass Mycological Society, Nathan brings years of experience and a deep passion for fungi.

 The program will begin with an introduction to mushroom basics, including where they grow, how to identify them, common myths, and important safety tips. Following the discussion, participants will head into the woods for a guided foray, where children can explore and observe mushrooms in their natural environment.

This hands-on experience is a fun and interactive way for young learners to connect with nature and discover the fascinating world of fungi.

Ages: School-age Children

When: Saturday, June 20th 10:00-11:30am

Where: Buttonbush Woods Trailhead/Outdoor Classroom

Address: 398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

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

Clark County Weed Wrangle at Origin Park!

Join the Clark County Harmful Invasive Removal Project (CCHIRP) in a workday dedicated to removing invasive Japanese Chafflower! Learn about conservation, invasive species, and make an impact on local public land.

Participants are urged to bring water, bug spray, and a pair of work gloves. Long sleeves and pants are recommended with closed-toed shoes.

When: Saturday, June 27th, 9:00-12:00 PM

Where: Buttonbush Woods Trailhead

Address: 398 Emery Crossing, Clarksville, Indiana 47129

Nature Detectives: Animal Tracks

Put on your detective hat and discover the hidden stories animals leave behind! During this exciting Nature Detectives adventure, participants will learn how to identify animal tracks, signs, and clues found throughout Origin Park's wetlands, forests, and trails. Young detectives will explore the outdoors in search of footprints, scat, nests, feathers, and other evidence that reveals which animals call Origin Park home. Through a hands-on scavenger hunt and interactive activities, participants will learn how wildlife moves through different habitats and how scientists use tracks and signs to study animals in the wild.

Can you tell the difference between a deer track and a turkey print? Do you know what clues animals leave behind when they're searching for food? Join us to sharpen your observation skills and uncover the secrets of Southern Indiana's wildlife. 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, July 8th, 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
  
  

Photography Workshop with John Dattilo

Join us for a fun nature photography workshop designed to help participants explore nature photography while enjoying the outdoors with John Dattilo. The program will include a 30-40 minute presentation covering simple photography tips, followed by a walk through Origin Park's Buttonbush Woods to reinforce what you've learned and capture beautiful nature shots. 


When: Saturday, July 11th, 10:00-12:00 PM

Ages: 6-14 years old

Note:  A parent or guardian must be present for the presentation and walkabout.

Required item to bring A camera such as a disposable or parent's cell phone.

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: 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
  
  

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
  
  

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