Porter County Parks Briefs: August 1, 2014

sunsetpathWalk Dawn of the Dunes-Half Marathon Training Program
Thursdays at Sunset Hill, Aug 7, 14, 21 at 6pm
Sundays, Locations TBD, Aug 24 – Oct 19 at 7am
$755

Do you want to do something amazing? This 12 week program will guide, coach, and encourage you – helping to fulfill your goal of completing a half marathon – Dawn of the Dunes in Gary, IN on Sunday, October 26th.

You must be able to walk 3 miles in 45 minutes. Includes race registration and t-shirt, weekly training schedule, check-ins, workout tips and motivational emails. Open to men and women 18 years or older.

Meet the Animals
Friday, August 8th, 11-12pm , Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Families are invited to stop by Sunset Hill Farm and meet the animals and their caretakers.

Family Hikes
Friday, August 8, 10-11am, Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Each month you can come out and enjoy Sunset Hill Farm with the park naturalist. A new month will always bring a new topic for exploring and discussing from geology to history and beyond. There is always more to explore at Sunset Hill!

Canning Techniques-By Purdue Extension
Thursday, August 14th, 10-11am, Free5

An Educator from Purdue Extension will provide tips and techniques for canning a variety of foods.

Young Artists at Sunset Hill
Saturday, August 9th (First Saturday of each month), 1-2pm, Sunset Hill Farm, $85

Youth painting instruction for all skill levels, where the focus of the project is different each month. Participants will create and take home their project the same day.

Aug 9: Paint your summer

Dream Circle Share
Saturday, August 9th, 12-2pm, Brincka Cross Gardens, $105

Come share and explore your dreams in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Take time to consider what wisdom your dreams may offer for your life. With Instructor, Dr. Joyce Scully.

Reiki Level 1
Sunday, August 17th, 1-4pm, Brincka Cross Gardens, $505

Reiki is a Japanese technique for working with the life energy that flows through our bodies. This Reiki Level 1 class, taught by Kate Schlobohm, teaches techniques to increase and direct that energy for relaxation and optimal well being. Participants must take Reiki 1 before participating in Reiki 2. Evening Escapades

Wednesday, August 20th (Third Wednesday of each month), 6-7pm, Sunset Hill Farm , Free5

Escape the weekday grind by coming out to enjoy a relaxing evening activity with the Park Naturalist. Sunset Hill is a vast area full of many different things just waiting to be discovered. Take a break during the week to enjoy all that nature has to offer at Sunset Hill Farm!

Senior Hikes
Wednesday, August 20 (Third Wednesday of each month), 3:30-4:30pm, Sunset Hill Farm, Free
August 20: “Our Forest Transition”5

Colonel Murray planted most of the trees that would create this forest at the top of the hill. Interestingly over the 80 years of the farm at Sunset Hill major things have started to change. Our once mostly pine forest has slowly transitioned over to deciduous naturally in many areas. Come out for a cool hike through the woods to explore.

Gardenside Chat
Mondays & Wednesdays from June-October, 10-12pm, Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Meet the Park Horticulturist at Sunset Hill to help plant, weed and maintain the garden and ask your own gardening questions.

Meditation Mondays
Mondays, 6-7:30pm, Brincka Cross Gardens, $75

Join our Cynthia Smith each Monday at Brincka Cross Gardens to learn the ins and outs of meditation, which will focus on both the mind and body.

Year Round Run Club
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 8-9 a.m., Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Join the Sunset Hill Run Club for a run to discover the beauty of Sunset Hill. The length of the run varies but will traverse grass, hills and woodland trails.

Women’s Walk Club at Sunset Hill Farm County Park-Sponsored by Porter Regional Hospital
Tue/Thur, 8-9am, Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Come to Sunset Hill for a walk on the challenging terrain of the park. The walk will traverse grass, hills, and woodland trails. Must be 18 years or older. For more information or to register call 219-734-0203 or email bkreiger@porterco.org.

Sunset Dog Walkers at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Tue/Thur, 10-11am, Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Bring your 4-legged friend on a leash for a walk on the trails at Sunset Hill Farm. The walk will offer wellness information and encouragement for the dogs and their walkers. Must be 18 years or older. For more information or to register call 219-734-0203 or email bkreiger@porterco.org.

Weekday Walk at Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Wednesdays, April 23-Oct.29, 6pm, Sunset Hill Farm, Free5

Come to Sunset Hill for a walk on the challenging terrain of the park. The walk will traverse grass, hills, and woodland trails. Open to men and women 18 years or older. For more information or to register call 219-734-0203 or email bkreiger@porterco.org.

Weekly Open Studio with Acrylics
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunset Hill Farm, $5

Beginners will learn basic painting techniques from an experienced acrylic painter. Seasoned artists are also welcome to come and bring their own ideas for projects. No personal supplies needed.