Programs
LITTLE RIVER RAMBLERS
Tuesdays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am
April 7, 14, 21 - Eagle Marsh
April 28 - Eagle Marsh East
Explore all facets of Eagle Marsh with a varied group of nature enthusiasts during this free hike. Don't forget to dress appropriately for the weather, and bring binoculars if desired. The starting point every Tuesday (except the last) in January, April, July and October will the Eagle Marsh barn (6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne). On the last Tuesday of the month, the starting point will be Eagle Marsh East.
BREAKFAST ON THE MARSH
Rainbows, Cloud-coronas and the Heiligenschein: The Beauty of Atmospheric Optics
Laura Ainsle, FW Astronomical Society
Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 8:30-10 am
LRWP Office Conference Room
8315 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Admission is $8 or free for LRWP members.
Have you ever seen something in the sky you couldn’t explain? You may not have heard of atmospheric optics, but you’ve likely seen it in action. Rainbows, halos, mirages, and auroras are just a few of the phenomena Laura Ainslie of the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society will cover in her talk, Rainbows, Cloud Coronas, and the Heiligenschein: The Beauty of Atmospheric Optics. Inspired by a mysterious sighting she experienced in 1983, Laura will share what to look for and how to better understand these natural displays. Come learn what to look for and be amazed.
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/breakfast-on-the-marsh
SHORT HIKES FOR SHORT LEGS: Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Join us at Eagle Marsh, 6801 Engle Road for a Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt. Participants will search the wetlands for early signs of spring, including buds, tracks, and bird activity. Dress for the weather and come ready to move. This event is for children aged 3 to 5, accompanied by a responsible adult. RSVPs are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.
EARTH DAY FORT WAYNE
April 19, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Environmental Resources Center, Purdue Fort Wayne
Join Us at the Environmental Resources Center for Earth Day Fort Wayne
For years, Little River Wetlands Project has hosted Earth Day at Eagle Marsh, bringing the community together to celebrate nature and local conservation.
As Earth Day Fort Wayne has grown, we’re moving to the Environmental Resources Center along the riverbank of the St. Joseph River and Rivergreenway Trail at Purdue Fort Wayne. The new location gives us more space to welcome visitors, expand hands-on activities, and ensure the event is enjoyable for everyone, rain or shine.
While the setting is different, the heart of Earth Day Fort Wayne remains the same. At its core, this event is about learning, action, and community.
What You Can Expect
-
Educational activities for all ages
-
Native plants and local environmental organizations
-
Sustainability-focused partners
-
Food trucks, music, and a welcoming community atmosphere
The Environmental Resources Center gives us more space for hands-on activities, demonstrations, and ways to connect with local conservation efforts. Whether planting native species, learning about wetlands, or enjoying a walk along the river, Earth Day Fort Wayne is a place to explore, learn, and make a difference in your community.
We can’t wait to see you there!
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/earth-day-fort-wayne-1
Earth Day Extravaganza At Allen Co. Public Library
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Allen Co. Public Library Main Branch
Celebrate Earth Day at the library! Explore hands-on activities, learn about local wildlife and conservation, and discover ways to protect the environment in your own backyard. Fun and educational for families and kids of all ages.
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/earth-day-extravaganza-at-allen-co-public-library
Invasive Species 101: Identify, Understand, Act
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
LRWP Office, 8315 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne
What does it mean when we call a plant "invasive?" How do these plants impact our local ecosystems? What can you do as an individual to create positive change? Join Freya Berntson to discuss these questions and more. We'll cover what defines an invasive species, how to find out if a plant is considered invasive, what you can do to address this issue at home and at your favorite outdoor spaces.
Freya is the Natural Resources Manager at Merry Lea ELC of Goshen College and the Northeast Indiana Native Plant Society Stewardship Chair. She has a Masters of Natural Resource Stewardship degree and nearly a decade of ecological stewardship experience.
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/invasive-species-101-identify-understand-act
BYO BINOCULARS BIRDING HIKE
April 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, USA
Come and join us for our April bird hike at Eagle Marsh! We will meet at the barn entrance and take the berm trail after passing the barn and pond. The hike will last about 2 hours and cover a total distance of about 2 miles. The trail might be damp in spots, so adequate hiking shoes will be helpful. We will get a chance to see some of our winter residents and maybe even some travelers passing through. The berm trail is great for spotting our area birds.
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/byo-binoculars-birding-hike-3
EXPLORE & RECORD: City Nature Challenge at Eagle Marsh
April 26, 2026, 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Eagle Marsh Barn, 6801 Engle Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, USA
Bring your phone or camera and explore Eagle Marsh! Learn about the plants, wildlife, and insects that call our wetlands home, and participate in the City Nature Challenge—a worldwide event where you document what you see. Compete with friends or families to spot the most species while helping scientists and land managers protect habitats.
RSVP: https://www.lrwp.org/event-details-registration/explore-record-city-nature-challenge-at-eagle-marsh