Programs and Activities, July 23-26 (Monroe Lake: Paynetown SRA)

In addition to the programs and activities listed below, the Paynetown Activity Center is open Thursday-Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Drop by to make a different craft each day, view our live snakes, check out the wall exhibits and taxidermy collection, the reference library, spend time at the puzzle table, or play in the kids' corner - or ask a question of the park naturalist.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Painted Garden Rocks from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Paynetown SRA, Activity Center: Patio
DROP BY to paint a rock to decorate your garden or yard at home – and learn why you can’t leave painted rocks on Indiana State Park properties.
Painters and Sliders from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Watch for a naturalist roving the CAMPGROUND… learn how to tell the difference between two similar-looking aquatic turtles, the Painted and the Red-eared Sliders, and check out real shells from both species.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
American Beaver from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Watch for a naturalist roving the CAMPGROUND to learn a few facts about the American Beaver and how you can tell they’re in the area (even if you don’t see them!). We’ll have a real beaver skull and a beaver “chew” to share with you!
Snake Chat from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Activity Center
DROP BY to meet and touch one of our live education snakes and get your questions about snakes answered!
Amazing Metamorphosis at 2:45 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Activity Center: Shelter
ARRIVE ON TIME! Explore the incredible changes that insects experience as they transform from eggs to adults, a process known as “metamorphosis!” We’ll introduce you to some specific insects, share cool facts, and help you discover how to protect insects as they change.
Don’t Get Slimed from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Campground Playground
DROP BY to make your own slime – a craft that will help you learn about blue-green algae at Monroe Lake and why you should avoid it!
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Magnificent Mallards from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Paynetown SRA, Campground Playground
DROP BY to learn about the importance of waterfowl to wetland ecosystems and make a Mallard duck paper craft.
Cute as a Mouse from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Activity Center: Patio
DROP BY to make a cute mouse hand puppet – and learn about the types of mice that live in our fields and forests.
Beaded Snakes from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Campground Playground
DROP BY learn how snakes use colors and patterns for both camouflage and warning – and then design your own beaded snake.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
Butterfly Rings from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Paynetown SRA, Campground Playground
DROP BY to learn about the parts of a butterfly and their role in pollination while making a cute butterfly ring.
From Flora to Fabric from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Paynetown SRA, Activity Center: Patio
DROP BY to transfer colors from nature onto fabric by whacking them with a hammer (really!) and learn how plants produce their different colors.