Adam’s Understory

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 >

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 >

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.

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.

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.

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 >

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.