Adopt A Critter

ADOPT A CRITTER

Become part of the adopt a critter program to help us generate funds for the various animals at the Earth Discovery Center!

HOW IT WORKS

“Adopt A Critter” helps Eagle Creek protect wildlife and educate others on the benefits of wildlife protection!

All adoptions are symbolic and in no way signify ownership.

Animals may not be held or touched. All animals may be adopted by more than one person.

Donations to Adopt A Critter are considered “restricted funds” and go specifically to support the Earth Discovery Center.

Thank you so much for your support!

Adopt a Critter

WHY ADOPT A CRITTER?

These funds are restricted to supporting the Earth Discovery Center at Eagle Creek Park.

The Earth Discovery Center is home to all manner of ground dwelling critters from turtles, frogs, snakes, possum and many other species who live under the care of the EDC staff.

All of the animals have been injured or otherwise cannot live in the wild and are now ambassadors to help educate people about the natural world around us.

They rely on donations from people like you for their feed and care. Your help is needed and appreciated!

Choose your critter

Adopt a Critter Gallery

Some critters are on permanent display in the Earth Discovery Exhibit Hall, like the ones you can see in this gallery, while others spend their time away from the public. These other critters, like the bats, act as ambassadors for their species during specific times and programs.

A tiger salamander with yellow spots resting in a clear container with moisture on the surface.

Close-up of a box turtle eating a variety of fruits and greens on a plate.

Aquarium featuring a bluegill fish swimming in a tank with children observing.

A box turtle with a patterned shell resting on a bed of wood chips and bark.

Three box turtles eating a mixture of vegetables and greens in a terrarium setting.

Bluegill fish swimming in an aquarium with reflections of the surroundings visible.

A black rat snake resting inside an enclosure with a branch and wooden platform.

A black rat snake coiled around branches in a terrarium setting.

A stinkpot turtle swimming just below the water surface in an aquarium setting.

Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Park frequently works with volunteer groups and individuals in a variety of ways to help beautify the park, educate patrons on the environment, and fundraise to enhance park amenities.

Their service plays an essential role in Eagle Creek Park’s overall success to the public. As patrons visit the park, we want to provide them with unsurpassed customer service and an opportunity to create a memorable experience.

Park naturalists can especially use volunteers who are willing to be trained in helping with structured hikes for school groups and the public, assist with programs or as docents in the center’s exhibit rooms, and help to cover our front desks/phones.

We’d like to thank our 100+ regular volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication to our park. They selflessly volunteer around 8,000 hours per year.

Contact Us >

How to volunteer

Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age.
Volunteers must complete and submit a volunteer application.
If you are between the ages of 13-16, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Parents and guardians must also fill out a volunteer application.
Adults must pass a background check before volunteering, which usually takes 2 weeks to process.
The need for volunteers may vary throughout the year.

For more information on volunteer opportunities and how to apply to become a volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator Anne Cecere.

Eagle Creek Park Administration Office
7840 West 56th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46254
317-327-7123

Email Anne >

| FOUNDATION OPPORTUNITIES |

Fishing Derby

Flyer and goody bag distribution, registration, set-up & tear-down, food & beverage, parking, fishing gear distribution, grilling, fishing guidance, EMT stand-by.

LEARN MORE >

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Water aid stations, road crossings, medal distribution, registration, t-shirt distribution, boat management, after party.

LEARN MORE >

| PARK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |

Welcome Desk
Answer phones, greet visitors.

Docent
Engage and interact with visitors in exhibit areas.

Public/School/Scout Programs
Give or assist with presentations and hikes

Gardening

Email Anne >

STRIKE TEAM

Wild Leek

INVASIVE SPECIES STRIKE TEAM

The Strike Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty battling invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and wintercreeper.

Volunteer opportunities occur at least monthly, with no commitment. You don’t have to be an official Eagle Creek Park Volunteer to participate.

Contact Brenda Howard if you would like to be notified of Strike Team events.

Email Brenda

Autumn Sneezeweed

Bikes

Bikes at Eagle Creek Park

Bike Through Eagle Creek Park

Biking through Eagle Creek Park offers a new perspective on the park compared to hiking, driving or otherwise. You can cover more ground and see more of this amazing Park!

Ready to ride but don’t have a bike? Eagle Creek Outfitters > offers seasonal bike rentals so you can explore the park with ease.

For a unique experience, try the Self-Guided E-Bike Tour >. With a half-day or full-day electric bike rental, the Outfitters provide you with everything you need to see the best of Eagle Creek Park without breaking a sweat. It’s the perfect way to see all the amazing sights the park has to offer at your own pace.

More on Biking

Learn more about biking at Eagle Creek Park, visit our biking page >

Give Back with A Foundation Pass

For frequent visits to the Park, we recommend a Foundation Pass. They grant unlimted gate entry and are the easiest way to give back to the Park!

Get A Pass

LOCATION:

7840 West 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

HOURS:

Open Dawn to Dusk

Monday-Sunday 7:00am-8:30pm EST

WEBSITE:

EagleCreekPark.Org

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Rent Bikes and More

Eagle Creek Outfitters offers rentals on all kinds of outdoor equipment. From kayaks and boats to e-bikes, you can enhance your visit by renting from the Outfitters.

Foundation Members > can get discounts on select rentals from the Outfitters

Visit Eagle Creek Outfitters

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Outfitters

Rent all the gear you need at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Sailing Club

Come sail away with us: The Eagle Creek Sailing Club.

Soccer Complex

Kick it around at the Soccer Complex.

Boats

BOAT RENTAL

Boat Rentals at Eagle Creek

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDY PARKS

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

BOAT RENTAL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

Eagle Creek Outfitters is your one-stop shop for outdoor recreation at Eagle Creek Park! Start your self-guided tour by renting a single/double/pedal kayak, canoe, sup board, paddle boat, small jon boat, small pontoon boat, or E-bike down at the Marina.

During summertime, we offer Guided Sunset Paddles on Tuesday evenings. Daily Specials are available June through August

Team-building programs are also available. They can vary in length from 2 hours to half-day experiences, and can be customized for large groups. All paddling and safety gear is provided with every piece of equipment.

WATERCRAFT RENTALS

Canoes – Kayaks – Pontoons – Row Boats – Paddle Boards

Need a watercraft to explore the water? Canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, row boats, paddle boats, and even stand-up paddle boards are available to rent down at Eagle Creek Outfitters.

GO TO EAGLE CREEK OUTFITTERS