Spring Newsletter 2025

Spring 2025

Spring 2025 Newsletter

Spring Newsletter 2025

Eagle Creek Park Foundation has been going through an exciting period of change and growth and we want to thank you for being a part of it! For many reasons, we’ve decided to change the format and frequency of our newsletter.

We hope you like the new format and would love to hear from you. You can reach out to adam@eaglecreekpark.org with comments, questions, or things you’d like to see featured in the next newsletter.

New Blog > Adam’s Understory

Give Back: Partner Pass Program

Subscribe to this newsletter >

Adam’s Understory

Adam’s Understory S1P1 What’s an Understory?

What’s an understory? It makes the forest and the park possible

What’s an Understory?

In ecology, the “understory” is the layer of life beneath the forest canopy—where shade-loving plants grow quietly, often overlooked. At Eagle Creek Park, it’s where you’ll find wild violets and ginger, young trees, and yes, even invasive honeysuckle.

But the understory isn’t just about plants—it’s the quiet work, thoughtful choices, and everyday moments that help the park thrive. The understory sustains Eagle Creek as more than a destination. It makes the park a place where people connect with nature, each other, and something bigger than themselves.

In my new blog series, Adam’s Understory, I’ll share seasonal reflections and behind-the-scenes stories that don’t always make the headlines—but still shape the park we all love.

Read the first blog >

back to table of contents >

Park Events

May 2025

With April showers thoroughly dousing the park (and a tornado, too!), it’s time to enjoy some warmer weather, spring wildflowers, and the spectacular seasonal migration of birds through Eagle Creek Park.

The park has provided their monthly calendar for May 2025, which features Bird Fest and some regular programming that happens every month in the park. Download the .pdf below to see those details.

Get the May Schedule

Past Event: WildFlower Weekend

Hosted at: Earth Discovery Center >

April 18 – 20, 2025

Wildflower Weekend at Eagle Creek Park showcased over 30 wildflower species, including Trout Lily, Bloodroot, and Drooping Trillium, despite rainy conditions.

The event raised over $2,000 through t-shirt and native plant sales (curated by Manager Dawn VanDeman), benefiting the Earth Discovery Center’s animal ambassadors that serve thousands of field trip visitors annually.

If you’d like to support the Earth Discovery Center, you can give to the Earth Discovery Fund here >

Five individuals wearing matching black t-shirts with a floral design, posing together outdoors.

A woman with short red hair smiles while holding a jar filled with flowers in a public space.

A person sitting on the ground showing a turtle to a group of people during an outdoor activity.

Cluster of Virginia bluebells with blue and purple flowers surrounded by green leaves.

Group of small pink flowers with green leaves growing among dried leaves and grass.

Cluster of blue violets with green leaves growing near a log in a natural setting.

Close-up of pink blossoms on an Eastern Redbud tree branch with green background.

Close-up view of a yellow dandelion flower with numerous petals and a central cluster.

Wildflower Weekend Gallery from 2025

Upcoming: BirdFest ’25

Hosted at: Eagle Creek Ornithology Center >

May 11 – 12, 2025

Birdfest celebrates migratory birds heading north for summer, complementing Wildflower Weekend’s spring celebration!

Join expert naturalists from the Ornithology Center and visiting specialists for guided hikes all weekend, including Mother’s Day! Join to spot warblers, sandhill cranes, and more. See the schedule graphic and event list below.

This fundraiser supports the Ornithology Center’s raptor ambassadors, providing food, care, and veterinary services for these birds that engage visitors from across the Midwest.

If you’d like to support Ornithology Center’s work donate here >

Schedule of Events

Graphic for Birdfest 2025 featuring a yellow warbler and event details.

Schedule graphic for Birdfest at Eagle Creek Park, detailing events and times for May 10-11, 2025.

back to table of contents >

Upcoming Foundation Events

Kid’s FREE FISHING DERBY

Time: 9 am – 1 pm

Location: Lilly Lake >

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event.

Kids ages 4-14 and their families are invited to this catch-and-release event from 9 am to 1 pm. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own gear.

Click here to learn more >

Kids Fishing Derby

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Hosted at: Earth Creek Park Beach and Marina

Time: Boat drop starting at 6:30 am

Saturday August 9, 2025

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, a t-shirt, and access to the post-race party. Click here to learn more >

> Foundation Members receive a $10 discount on registration: check email for promo code.

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Indy’s most enjoyable outdoor challenge. Iron Eagle Paddle and Run is for all ages and ability levels!

back to table of contents >

Recent Foundation Member Events

Member Event: Pi in the Sky Lunar Eclipse Photo Contest

March 13th, 14th

Members joined Adam to learn about photographing the moon before the March 14th Total Lunar Eclipse. Following this virtual session, participants practiced by capturing the full moon, resulting in over 40 submissions across digital camera and phone categories.

Member voting selected these two stunning “Blood Moon” images, captured around 3 am on March 14th. Congratulations to Jim and Adrian for their exceptional photographs!

Our own Adam Hibshman’s composite image of the eclipse phases taken over 3 1/2 hours, from near downtown Indy.

Camera Category

Winner: Jim Fessenmeier

Phone Category

Winner: Adrian Ball

Member Event: Wildflower Wandering

April 24th, 2025

After Wildflower Weekend, Adam and Board Vice President Tabitha led members around the Eagle’s Crest Nature Preserve loop trail (1.25 miles).

Despite its short length, the group spent nearly two hours identifying abundant wildflowers and wildlife, including jack-in-the-pulpit, drooping trillium, and late-season trout lilies.

Park staff recommended this spectacular wildflower hike, which exceeded expectations. The trail begins behind the house at the Crest and is highly recommended for your next visit!

> Get a trail map by clicking the button below.

Get West Side Trail Map

A group of people hiking along a forest trail with trees and greenery in the background.

Drooping trillium flower with large green leaves in a forest setting.

A green plant with a curled leaf emerging from the ground among dried leaves.

Individual crouching beside a log to photograph a mushroom in a forested area.

A group of hikers standing together in a forested area with trees in the background.

Close-up of spring beauty wildflowers with pink and white petals growing among green grass.

Cluster of light purple wildflowers with five petals each, surrounded by green foliage.

Golden ragwort plant featuring clusters of yellow flowers and green leaves.

Gallery of our Wildflower Wandering Member hike

If you’ve never used the Seek or Merlin Apps, they are excellent ways to learn about your surroundings at the park.

back to table of contents >

Upcoming Foundation Member Events

Nature Journaling

In partnership with the Hoosier Environmental Council

May 22nd

Experience Nature Journaling with James Todd at Eagle Creek’s Earth Discovery Center. This session combines journaling art with meditation in a natural setting. Please bring your own journal and writing tools.

James Todd, who works with the Wild Wonder Foundation, will guide you in capturing nature’s tranquility through writing. Explore his resources and blog below.

Wild Wonder Foundation >

James’ Blog (One Bright Pearl) on Nature Journaling >

James’ Intro to Nature Journaling >

> Members will receive details & registration via email

Hand holding a colorful booklet titled 'Your Quick Start Guide to Nature Journaling' with illustrations.

Hand holding a nature journaling guide with illustrations and prompts for observation and reflection.

A group of individuals seated in a classroom, some smiling and engaging with the camera.

Nature journaling page featuring sketches of various plants and handwritten notes.

Paddles & Poetry: A Floating Writing Workshop

June 23rd

Join Angela Barnes—Foundation member, teacher, poet, and paddling enthusiast—for “Paddles & Poetry,” where nature and creativity converge on Eagle Creek Park’s tranquil waters.

Kayak through scenic views while pausing to write nature-inspired poetry in this immersive workshop. No prior kayaking or poetry experience needed—just bring your sense of adventure and love for words. Paper, pen, and kayak rentals available.

Get Angela Barnes’ book of poetry, “Tiger Out of the Cage” >

> Members will receive details & registration via email

A woman with glasses and curly hair smiling while resting her chin on her hands.

back to table of contents >

Eagle Creek Summer Camps

Eagle Creek Park Summer Camps

Five Eagle Creek Park Day Camps still have openings (as of this writing), running from June 2nd through the end of July.

Options include Avian Adventure Camp and Tree Huggers Camp—perfect summer activities to engage the young people in your life!

Peace Learning Center Camps

Enroll your child in a summer camp experience they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Several summer camp options are still available!

Founded in 1997 as an AmeriCorps program teaching youth peacemaking and nonviolence, Peace Learning Center (PLC) sits overlooking Eagle Creek Park’s waters. From these beginnings, PLC has evolved into a comprehensive educational hub for individual and community transformation.

Over 300,000 people have participated in PLC programs, extending its influence statewide, nationally, and globally.

Check out their site or their calendar of events here >

Give Back This Spring

Give a Pass, Build a Future

We heard back from over 850 respondents from our survey in February, and our members and supporters overwhelmingly reported that they visit the park to escape the stressors of their daily lives.

If you seek peace, togetherness, and calm at Eagle Creek Park, then you’re not alone! We want to encourage you to support our Partner Pass Program to provide free access to the park for young people in Indianapolis.

With a $50 tax-deductible donation, you can provide a Foundation pass to a local charitable organization that works with young people – this ensures access to the park and all the amazing benefits of being immersed in nature.

Note: In 2024 this program was called “Buy One, Give One”. We hope the name change brings clarity to donors.

Find out more about the Partner Pass Program >

Give a Pass, Build a Future

Partner Pass Program

Give a pass to a youth-serving community partner. Help build a future

back to table of contents >

Fishing Derby Registration

Kids Fishing Derby

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Cost: Free!

Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

back to table of contents >

Subscribe to our email newsletter and be the first to know the latest news about all things Eagle Creek Park!

Wildflower Weekend

Fire Pinks at Eagle Creek

Get Full Schedule

Wildflowers for All!

Wildflower Weekend is a celebration of the beautiful variety of wildflowers that emerge each spring. Whether you love trout lilies, mayapples, goldenrods, or other spring ephemerals, you’re sure to see stunning blooms during your visit.

In addition to wildflower hikes, the weekend features exciting programs like Frog Call Frenzy, Box Turtles and Blooms, and Nature’s Stinkers. The outdoor education staff at the Earth Discovery Center has decades of combined experience—you’re bound to learn something new and have a blast doing it!

Wildflower Weekend is a fundraiser for the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers. Proceeds from the event support the care of the center’s animal ambassadors, including turtles, salamanders, a skunk and more. So whether you take home the new event t-shirt or purchase some native plants, you’ll be supporting the work of the Earth Discovery Center!

Support the Earth Discovery Center >

Give Back

*registration not required for most hikes and events

LOCATION:

Earth Discovery Center (other locations for specific events)

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

DATE and HOURS:

Friday April 18, 2025, 1:00 – 5:30 pm

Saturday April 19, 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday April 20, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

EVENT DETAILS:

Indy Parks Wildflower Weekend Event Page >

Flowers and Fundraising

Support the Earth Discovery Center

Wildflower weekend: More than just a good time

Wildflower Weekend is more than a hike—it’s a chance to explore spring blooms with local experts and support the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers.

Many kids visit the Earth Discovery Center on their first trip to the park. It’s home to snakes, turtles, fish, salamanders—even axolotls—and plays a big role in nature education.

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation helps cover costs Indy Parks can’t—like animal care, food, and vet services.

You can support this work by picking up the Wildflower Weekend shirt, buying native plants, or making a donation. Sales take place at the Earth Discovery Center, with events happening throughout the park all weekend.

Donate!

Wildflower Weekend Photo Gallery

Five women wearing matching black t-shirts with a floral design, standing together outdoors.

A wildflower with purple petals and green leaves growing among fallen leaves on the ground.

Eastern Redbud tree with vibrant pink flowers in a natural setting during spring.

Branches of an Eastern Redbud tree covered in pink flowers during springtime.

Golden ragwort flowers with yellow petals growing among green foliage and twigs.

Cluster of small yellow flowers known as Golden Ragwort growing among foliage and twigs.

Purple violets and white wildflowers growing among dried leaves on the forest floor.

White wildflower with purple violets and brown leaves in a natural setting.

Cluster of bluebell flowers with purple accents growing among green leaves.

Cluster of Virginia bluebells with purple and blue flowers surrounded by green leaves.

Find Your Favorite Blooms

Wildflower Weekend offers all kinds of programming from paper making to wildflower tea time to hikes in search of your favorite local blooms.

Wildflower Weekend hike leaders often report seeing upwards of 30 different wildflower species on their hikes!

All the flower photos in this gallery were taken on the Pin Oak Loop trail behind the Earth Discovery Center.

Updates Straight from the Source

Follow on Facebook

Hike updates, tips and tricks

The naturalists at the Earth Discovery Center do an excellent job keeping the public up to date with programming and events. Besides the schedules and links above, following the Facebook page is one of the best ways to stay informed and engaged!

Get Full Schedule

Kids Fishing Derby

KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby

No license, no fees, just fun!

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event—so you can enjoy a full day at Eagle Creek Park.

Many families bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable, fun-filled day!

Watch: A look back at Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby Registration

Register

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Cost: Free!

Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to Volunteer?

Eagle Creek Park Foundation needs volunteers to make the Kids Fishing Derby a reality! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. We need help before, during, and after the event with any of the following:

Fishing Guidance
Registration
Setup and Tear-Down
Parking
Distribution of Fishing Gear

Reach out about volunteering >

Directions

The easiest way to access Lilly Lake is to enter through the 71st Street entrance, and then take your first left (65th St.), then take the first right (Lilly Lake Dr.), then right at the tee in the road.

As you enter the park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for the Fishing Derby, participants will have gate fees waived.

Fishing Derby Photo Gallery

A young girl with braided hair fishing by a serene lake, wearing a blue hoodie and holding a fishing rod.

A child wearing a mask holds a caught fish while fishing by a lake, showcasing a fishing rod and bobber in the background.

A family fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a child and an adult casting fishing lines into calm waters surrounded by greenery.

Eagle Creek Park Foundation table setup near a pond, showcasing brochures and promotional materials for visitors.

Group of children fishing by a lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and family bonding moments.

A mother and her child fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a bonding moment in nature with fishing gear and a calm water backdrop.

Outdoor pavilion with people preparing food and snacks on a table, surrounded by greenery.

Two volunteers at a charity event with a snack table featuring chips, condiments, and drinks in a natural outdoor setting.

Children fishing by a serene pond surrounded by greenery, showcasing outdoor family activities and nature exploration.

A vibrant community gathering along a lakeside with people enjoying nature and activities amidst lush greenery.

Group of people fishing by a pond, showcasing community engagement in outdoor activities.

Group of people fishing by a lake, including adults and children with fishing rods and tackle boxes.

A child with curly hair fishing by a serene lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and nature.

A child fishing from the shore while an adult stands nearby, surrounded by greenery and a calm water body.

Owl Fest 2024

OWL FEST 2024

Obi the Barn Owl

Plan your 2024 Owl Fest

Vote in Raptor Election

Presenting Sponsor

Wild Birds Unlimited

Map Options Full-Screen Share Map Navigate

What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is two days of owl-themed fun and Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family! There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

In 2024 you can vote to elect your favorite raptor!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center >

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Date and Time:

Sat. October 26th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Sun. October 27th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm



Support the Birds

The best way to support the Ornithology Center is to contribute to Adopt a Raptor, which gives directly to the Ornithology Center (OC) Fund. This fund, exclusive to the Ornithology Center and managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today!

Silent Auction

Vote in Raptor Election