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.

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 >

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.

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 >

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 >

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

Register the whole family for the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Eagle Creek Park!

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

Register your child by clicking the button below!

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 >

Partner Pass Program

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

Fishing Derby Registration

Kids Fishing Derby

Register the whole family for the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Eagle Creek Park!

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!

SUBSCRIBE

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

Hiking

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THIS IS AN IMAGE CAPTION

 

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If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

Little short strokes. It all happens automatically. We must be quiet, soft and gentle. Only eight colors that you need.

You should get a pass!

This is an area for a call to action for things related to the topic, like donations, etc. or purchasing 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

Additional content goes here that is specific to the topic.

Special rules, regulations, and so forth.

 

If you don’t think every day is a good day – try missing a few. You’ll see.

You can create beautiful things – but you have to see them in your mind first. A beautiful little sunset.

Let’s make some happy little clouds in our world. The man who does the best job is the one who is happy at his job. Just make a decision and let it go.

Maybe there’s a happy little Evergreen that lives here.

ADD RELATED CONTENT BY CATEGORY BELOW

Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Marina

Marina

Dock your boat at the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Trails

TRAILS

View of reservoir from CofferDam Trail

SUPPORT THE TRAILS

Whether you love the Red Trail, West Side Hiking Trail, or ADA paths, Eagle Creek Park’s Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining them.

Donations to the Trail Fund are used exclusively for trail maintenance and can only be invested in the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation oversees and ensures all funds are dedicated solely to trail upkeep or expansion.

 

Learn More > 

In partnership with Indy Parks

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

Plan your adventure

TRAIL SAFETY

NO MOTOR VEHICLES

No motor vehicles of any kind are allowed on the running and hiking trails. This includes cars, trucks, SUV’s, motorcycles, ATV’s, or any other form of transportation that uses a motor. 

NO bicycles, etc.

The hiking and running trails are for hiking and running. No bicycles, scooters, skateboards or other modes of wheeled transportation are allowed on the trails. There are specific bike paths for  bicycles.

IF YOU GET LOST . . .

Use one of the handy trail maps below to plan your visit in advance. Feel free to print it out and keep it with you, as paper never runs out of batteries. If you are lost, contact Ranger Assistance at 317-327-3811.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY

The West Side Trail project includes two ADA-accessible trails,

pedestrian bridges and scenic overlooks.

East Side Trails

The East Side of Eagle Creek Park contains the majority of the park trails, amenities, and both nature centers. The East Side can be thought of as the “main park”

West Side Trails

The West Side Trail Complex was completed in 2024. The park’s West Side contains the Eagle Creek Golf Course, Eagle’s Crest Nature Preserve, and Starling Nature Preserve. Though less traveled, the West Side offers two ADA trails, a 5-mile through stunning canopy.

ADOPT A TRAIL

Your donation helps support Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s mission to Promote, Protect, Preserve and Enhance Eagle Creek Park!

Explore Top Hikes on

Top Hikes East Side

Check out which trails All Trails users like most on the East Side of Eagle Creek Park.

Waterfowl Sanctuary (Cofferdam) Loop

2.4 mi (easy)

Red Trail Loop

6.75 mi (moderate)

Top Hikes West Side

Check out which trails All Trails users like most on the West Side of Eagle Creek Park.

Scott Starling Nature Sanctuary

ADA accessible 0.6 mi (easy)

Scott Starling via Eagle’s Crest Loop

1.9 mi (easy)

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

PARK TRAIL MAP

RUNNING COURSE MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

ORNITHOLOGY CENTER TREE MAP

EARTH DISCOVERY CENTER TRAILS

FISHING MAP

STATE NATURE PRESERVES

GREENWAYS MAP

DONATE

Your donation helps support Eagle Creek Park Foundation's mission to Promote, Protect, Preserve and Enhance Eagle Creek Park!

Fitness Trail

FITNESS TRAIL

FITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

 

In partnership with Indy Parks

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

 

A WILD WAY TO GET HEALTHY AND FIT

Ready to workout in the wild? Visitors can jump on the trail near the 56th Street entrance, and enjoy a workout with 32 self-guided exercises, along with some help from signage on how to monitor your heart rate.

The Foundation recently provided $9,200 (half of the total cost) to replace 20 old exercise stations with new equipment, along with signage supplied by Indy Parks.

 

ADOPT A TRAIL

Whether you love the Fitness Trail, West Side Hiking Trail, or ADA paths, our Trail Crew is responsible for maintaining them.

Donations to the Trail Fund are used exclusively for maintenance and can only be invested in the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

FITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK

 

FITNESS TRAIL

With 20 exercise stations and a total of 32 exercises, the Fitness Trail on the north end provides a unique opportunity for a vigorous hike as it brings the indoor gym outdoors.

Signage at each station explains every exercise and how to monitor your heart rate.

DOWNLOAD TRAIL MAPS

RUNNING COURSE MAP

PARK TRAIL MAP

WEST SIDE HIKING TRAILS

GREENWAYS MAP

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

 

IRON EAGLE PADDLE RUN

This all-ages adventure showcases the trails and reservoir at Eagle Creek as participants run-paddle-run their way through the park, all while raising money for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.

Run 2.6 miles on a wooded trail from the swimming beach to the marina, hop in a canoe or kayak for a 1.5 mile loop on the water and then hit the trails again for a 2.6 mile run back to the swimming beach. Both individual and relay teams can participate. 

All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the Quaff ON! Brewing CO. post-race party.

EXPLORE MORE PLACES

Main Office

Main Office

EAGLE CREEK PARK OFFICEEMERGENCyFor Emergency Dispatch: CALL  911Non-EMERGENCyRANGER ASSISTANCE: 317-327-3811DNR HOTLINEDNR HOTLINE: 317-847-4367Eagle Creek Park OFFICE  LOCATION: 6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 CONTACT: 317.327.2473 (BIRD) HOURS:...

Parking

Parking

Where to park when traveling to Eagle Creek Park.

Trails

Trails

Check out the trails at Eagle Creek Park.

Fitness Trail

Fitness Trail

FITNESS TRAILFITNESS TRAIL AT EAGLE CREEK PARK   In partnership with Indy ParksFor Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.  A WILD WAY TO GET HEALTHY AND FIT Ready to workout in the wild? Visitors can jump on the trail near the 56th Street...

Playgrounds

Playgrounds

Have some fun at our Playgrounds throughout the park!

Shelters

Shelters

Find and rent shelters throughout the park.

Bark Park

Bark Park

The Bark Park, specifically for 4-legged friends!

Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake

Explore the beauty of Lilly Lake at Eagle Creek Park.

Marina

Marina

Dock your boat at the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

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

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

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

Sailing Club

Sailing Club

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

Golf Club

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Airport

Airport

Flying in for a visit? Learn about Eagle Creek Airport.