CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Drip, drip, drip. Sap from over 200 trees provides the sweet goodness of maple syrup to thousands of people each year. The annual Maple Syrup Festival is a sticky celebration of each year’s syrup harvest and is one of hundreds of events that Indian Creek Nature Center holds annually. Unique events like this are one of many ways ICNC creates champions of nature. Over 81,000 people from throughout Iowa and the Midwest are educated and inspired each year. Visitors experience the beauty of the prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and natural waterways on 473 acres. Over five miles of trails meander through the property providing a unique outdoor experience for all ages. Thousands of school kids get to experience the magic of holding a snake or learn to identify animal tracks in the dirt. Inspirational activities continue by showcasing the beauty of the summer prairie at the Practice in the Prairie weekly yoga series and outdoor music concerts for adults. Summer is a great time for education as kids splash in a creek or get their hands dirty at Creek Camp. Unique farm to table dinners connect people directly with farmers and local chefs getting a direct experience with local food. All of these provide visitors an opportunity to visit one of Iowa’s only net-zero energy buildings, Amazing Space. They also learn more about innovative regenerative, organic practices being pioneered at Etzel Sugar Grove Farm. Thousands of people leave ICNC having grown to become a champion of nature!
Topics: Spotlight Site
