Ernie Miller Nature Center

Ernie Miller Nature Center's mission is to enhance the quality of life in Johnson County by providing high-quality parks, services, and recreation programs.

Address: 909 N Highway 7, Olathe, KS (Actual event locations vary)

Partner Mission: To enhance the quality of life in Johnson County, Kansas, by providing high-quality parks, services, and recreation programs. Check out Ernie Miller Nature Center's website for a full list of events!

Registration Requirements: All girls participating as a Girl Scout in these activities must be registered Girl Scout members. If attending as a troop, all volunteers also need to be registered members and/or have completed and approved background checks. If non-registered individuals (adults or tags) are allowed to participate in this activity supplemental insurance is required. Use the Insurance Purchase Form to purchase insurance at least 3 weeks prior to the event. Completed forms can be emailed to programapprovals@gsksmo.org.

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Ampitheater Programs

Bring the family to the Amphitheater on Friday evenings this summer for entertainment and educational experiences. The Amphitheater is an outdoor facility with seating for approximately 150 people. During inclement weather or excessive heat, programs will be held in the Nature Center. For more information, call (913) 826-2800. Each program is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length and begins at 7 pm. Sorry, no credit card admission sales.

Date: Fridays: June 7, 14, 21, 28, and July 12, 19, 26,
Time: 7:00 - 7:45 pm

Cost: $3/person cash or check (no cards)

STORIES UNDER THE STARS (June 7) - Join our park staff as we share stories of animal encounters, mysterious legends, and tales to tickle your funny bone. All ages are welcome to experience in the wonder and magic of storytelling.

KILLER BEAKS AND FEET (June 14) - See live raptors and discover their adaptations that make them such excellent hunters.

DOWN BY THE POND (June 21) - Enjoy an evening of stories, pictures, and poems celebrating the unique inhabitants and ecosystem of ponds just like the one found at Ernie Miller Park. This program will also explore the remarkable metamorphosis that happens over the life cycle of the American toad, who will also be in attendance!

SNAKES ALIVE (June 28) - Why is it that these creatures seem so terrifying? Could all the stories you have heard about snakes be true?

See Kansas snakes as we explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world.

WILDLIFE WHO’S WHO (July 12) - Meet an amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal. Learn about these animals and discover their similarities and differences.

PREDATORS ON THE PROWL (July 19) - Discover predators large and small that call Kansas home. Are there mountain lions or bears here? Examine skulls, teeth, furs, and tracks.

KANSAS SYMBOLS (July 26) - Celebrate our Kansas History! Learn about our natural state representatives, the salamander, box turtle, bison, and more! We will examine our official state symbols and visit with two live animals which represent our great state.

Registration & Questions: Call 913-826-2800

Family Kayak Lessons (Ages 10+ with adult) Ambassador

Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking in this introductory class featuring a combination of lecture and hands-on experience. The class is designed for beginners. Course topics include safety, equipment, and stroke techniques. Both parent and child must register and will have individual kayaks and life jackets. Basic swimming skills required.

Location: Shawnee Mission Park Lake - 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66219
Date: July 13
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am & 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $19 Johnson County resident/$20 nonresidents

Registration: Advanced registration required at JCPRD.com or 913-831-3359. No walk-ins. July 13, 9am course #19264; July 13, 11am course #19265

Beginning Archery (Ages 8-12)

Experience the challenging sport of archery in this coed class designed for beginners, for ages 8-12 years. Safety, basic fundamentals, techniques, and equipment will be covered. Participants will have time to practice and develop their skills. Equipment is provided.

Location: TimberRidge Adventure Center - 12300 S Homestead Lane, Olathe, KS 66061
Date: June 25 & 27, 2019; July 9 & 11, 2019; or July 23 & 25, 2019
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Cost: $34 Johnson County residents / $37 nonresidents

Registration: Advanced registration required at JCPRD.com or 913-831-3359. Advanced registration required at JCPRD.com or 913-831-3359. No walk-ins. June 25 & 27 course #19266; July 9 & 11 course #19267; July 23 & 25 course #19268

YOU SCHEDULE IT EVENTS:

Nature Walks - Fall

Experience autumn’s beauty on a guided walk through the park. Our walks can be tailored for special interests and/or specific scout requirements.

Cost: Rates below are for the group, not individual.

1–10 people $32 JoCo resident/ $34 nonresident
11-15 people $37 JoCo resident/ $40 nonresident

1 adult per group of 5. Based on availability.

Days/Times: September-November scheduled by appointment Tuesday -Thursday afternoons between 12pm – 4pm (last walk scheduled at 4pm). 45 minute session

Additional info: We recommend close toed shoes, a good sturdy tennis shoe is best. No sandals or flip flops. Wear bug spray/sunscreen and a hat. Bring a water bottle. The hike is only one hour. We ask that you use restrooms before we leave and do not carry any food or snacks with us along the trail.

Registration & Questions: Call 913-764-7759 or visit jcprd.com.

Archery: Clinic (Grades 3 & Older)

Experience the challenging sport of archery at Ernie Miller Park. This clinic is designed to teach safety techniques and basic fundamentals of archery. Hands-on activities will allow children to develop their skills. Equipment is provided. Maximum 10 per group.

Date and Time: Scheduled by appointment September - November

Cost: For the group, not per person: One 60 min. clinic - $41/$45 nonresidents

Registration & Questions: Call 913-764-7759

Map and Compass Clinic (Grades 4 & Older)

Enjoy the fun and excitement of using a map and compass. Hone your survival skills learning the basic parts of a compass and map reading. Combine the two through games, and you should never get lost again.

Date and Time: Scheduled by appointment September-December

Cost: For the group, not per person: One 60 min. clinic - $38/$41 nonresidents. Maximum 15 per group.

Registration & Questions: Call 913-764-7759

Outdoor Skills: Survival Hike (Grades 1 & Older)

Do you have the “right stuff” to survive? Using the power of imagination and real physical challenges, participants will problem solve as they hike through the wilds of Ernie Miller Park. Emphasis will be on teamwork, decision making, and staying safe outdoors. This activity can be tailored to groups, age, and experience level.

Date and Time: Scheduled by appointment September-December

Registration & Questions: Call 913-764-7759

Hayrides: Fall Groups

Enjoy fall with a 2 hour group hayride that concludes with a warm campfire with marshmallows and apple cider. For scheduling and information, call (913) 831-3359. Two weeks advance registration is required.

Dates: Sept. 15 - Nov. 18

Locations:

Oak Ridge at Shawnee Mission Park: 7 days/week
Heritage Park: Fri, Sat, & Sun

Cost Per Girl: $7; minimum fee $80 for fewer than 12 persons
Cost Per Adult: $7

How to Register: Register online at JCPRD.com.

For more info contact the Nature Center at 913-826-2800.