Find Freshwater Friends

Name: Find Freshwater Friends
Start: 2025-04-12T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-04-12T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park

Schedule

Sat Apr 12 2025 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park | Iowa City, IA

Join us for a hands-on adventure where you'll explore the vibrant world of freshwater wildlife! From darting dragonflies to slippery salamanders, croaking frogs to secretive turtles, we’ll uncover the many creatures that thrive in and around our local waterways—and discover how to create welcoming spaces for them in your own backyard.
You’ll gain fascinating insights into the behaviors and habitats of local reptiles, amphibians, and other freshwater species. Learn expert tips on where and how to spot them, uncover their vital roles in the ecosystem, and find out how simple changes in your landscaping can support their survival.
You'll also learn how to use identification apps and citizen science projects to document discoveries, contributing valuable data to conservation efforts. Pre-assembled exploration kits will be available to help you connect with your newfound freshwater friends.
No experience is needed—just curiosity and a love for nature! All are welcome.
We will be walking on and off-trail, mostly on level surfaces. If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to us before the class—we’re happy to help ensure everyone can participate fully.
THINGS TO BRING
* Water bottle
* Good shoes for being outdoors
* Insect repellent
* Anything else that might help you feel comfortable being outdoors
REGISTRATION
Give what you can—every bit helps nurture our community and environment. Your generous contribution supports our mission to connect families with nature and protect our precious ecosystems.
QUESTIONS
Call 319-325-6810 to reach the educator.
INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
We need a minimum of 10 attendees to host the class. Please invite friends and family to ensure the event happens as scheduled. We would love to meet your loved ones.
EDUCATOR
Melinda Licht is the founder of Extant Relatives, a business based in Iowa City dedicated to the education and care of reptiles and amphibians. Her work emphasizes the importance of ecology and evolution in herpetoculture, ensuring ethical and informed care for all animals.
LOCATION
Thornberry Dog Park, 1867 Foster Road, Iowa City
We'll gather in the parking lot.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
This class was developed in collaboration with many community partners. It would not be possible without these sponsors and supporters. Please frequent these generous organizations to thank them for donations of time, materials and funds.
* Hills Bank
* Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
* 100 Grannies
* Master Gardeners of Johnson County
* New Pioneer Food Co-op