Fishing Clinics
In this catch-and-release fishing program, participants learn the basics of fishing, how to properly cast a rod and bait a hook, while also learning about the science of water quality and the aquatic species that live within the Lake Michigan and Calumet River habitats.
Participants also learn the importance of aquatic wildlife in local ecosystems and how to keep waterways healthy for fish and for people.
Paddle Clinics
Our paddle clinics change our local waterways into a place of recreation, learning, community-building, and fun. Participants learn kayaking & canoeing basics and safety while learning about the science, history, geography, and culture of our regional lakes and rivers.
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Our waterway experiences engage youth to cultivate a stewardship ethic while learning how to keep waterways healthy for a thriving ecosystem of plants, fish, and other aquatic wildlife.
Archery Clinics
Our family-friendly archery clinics teach basic archery skills, safety, and technique -- encouraging local participation in the outdoor sport of archery. Participants also learn about protecting and stewarding our natural resources and green spaces -- a fun and exciting screen-free way to learn and grow in nature!
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Horseback Riding
Our equine program provides a range of experiences from riding and caring for a horse, to learning empathy, leadership, and compassion in the stable or on the trails. From beginners to experienced riders, our trail-riding program is open to youth ages 7 years to adults of any age.
Evening Campout
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Our evening campout experience offers an accessible and welcoming retreat designed to make nature inclusive for everyone, particularly first-time campers and families of color. Held at local Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland natural spots, these evening outdoor experiences eliminate common barriers to entry by providing hands-on guidance with tent setup and outdoor safety, fostering a deep community connection around the campfire with shared meals, storytelling, stargazing, and guided hikes, while embedding environmental education on local wildlife, water health, and regional ecology into the adventure.
Hiking & Birding
Our hiking and birding programs create accessible, beginner-friendly entry points for racially diverse communities to explore local nature at a welcoming, mindful pace. The Hiking Program focuses on building outdoor confidence and community connection through guided, low-pressure trail walks across regional parks and preserves, while the Birding Program uses birdwatching as a tool for mental clarity—providing free loaner binoculars and field guides so participants can slow down, observe wildlife, and connect with nature across diverse urban and wetland habitats.
Whether you’re hiking in the dunes on the East side of Gary, or at Ivanhoe Prairie on the West side, there’s so many different species of plants and wildlife living within these globally rare and unique ecosystems of black oak savanna and dune & swale. Grab a pair of loaner binoculars and a hiking pack, and join us to learn about the local bird species as we hike along the trails of Northwest Indiana.
Eco-Workshops
Our eco-workshops are hands-on educational sessions designed to build environmental literacy, community empowerment, and conservation stewardship. These interactive workshops cover topics ranging from native plant species and wetland restoration to urban conservation, river stewardship, and wildlife identification.
By breaking down barriers to environmental education and providing actionable ecological skills, these interactive workshops aim to close the historic "nature gap," foster creativity, local pride, and empower residents to play an active, informed role in protecting and restoring their regional green spaces.
Health & Mental Wellness
Our health & mental wellness programs create safe, inclusive nature-based healing sanctuaries for people of all backgrounds from diverse communities to heal, connect, and recharge. By combining gentle outdoor recreation with mental health awareness, the program offers transformative experiences like Sunsets & Sisterhood — a restorative evening space for women featuring guided mindfulness and sunset trail walks — and the Men’s Trailgate Hike & Hangout, which pairs approachable group hikes with post-walk fellowship to foster brotherhood and open conversation around well-being. Beginner-friendly and rooted in belonging, these gatherings empower everyone to step away from daily stress and step into the healing power of nature.
