Statue at entrance to Reedy Creek Nature Center

December is a special time of year, with early darkness, cold nights and ancient traditions. The Nature Center at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve has six daytime and evening programs in December that will help your family get outdoors and have fun.

Reedy Creek Nature Center is within Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road, about a mile east of East W.T. Harris Blvd. The center is open for general visitors 9 am- 5 pm Mondays-Saturdays and 1-5 pm Sundays. 980-314-1119

Here are the programs. Be sure to register either online or by calling 980-314-1119, since most have limits on the number of people who can take part, and a few are nearly full!

• Weekly hikes for your health – 5-6 pm Tuesdays. Ages 12 and up. Get outside, get moving and get healthy! Enjoy fresh air, sunshine and beautiful surroundings with like-minded people. Free. come early and join the group. starts and ends at the Nature Center. Registration not required, but come a few minutes early.
• Enchanted Forest Bash – 2-3:30 pm Dec. 17. Ages 1 and up. The winter wind whips around your neck as you take a stroll through the forest listening closely for anything that stirs. As the walk is coming to an end, your mind wonders to the thought of the hot chocolate that will warm you up as you create an ornament, handmade soaps and decorations as a family to celebrate the holiday season. Parents are required to stay with children. Register.
• Holiday campfire – 1:30-3 pm Dec. 19. Ages 1 and up. After a brief hike in the forest, there is nothing better on a cold day than sipping hot chocolate and roasting chestnuts around an open fire. With the holidays around the corner; this afternoon will surely get you in the spirit. Register
• Winter Solstice Hike and Fire Celebration – 6-7:30 pm Dec. 21. Ages 6 and up. Celebrate the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year with a one mile hike followed by a campfire complete with roasting marshmallows. We will discuss the traditions of this day and share community together as we officially bring in the winter season. Participants must be able to hike up to 1 mile by flashlight over uneven terrain. Register.
• Winter Sun Extravaganza – 2-3 pm Dec. 30. Ages 8 and up. The sun is in short supply during the winter months so why not celebrate its return! We will experiment with magnifying glasses, mirrors, and shadows. You will make a sundial and learn to tell time with it. You can also make a compass to tell direction using the sun. Register.
• Bird Bingo – 2-3 pm Dec. 31. Ages 8 and up. BINGO with a nature twist! Birds each have their own songs that are a useful way to identify who they are. In this version of Bingo you will use your ears to identify bird songs and match them to the bird. It is a great way to learn a few bird calls. Small prizes for those who get BINGO! Register