Aquarium Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9AM-4PM Friday-Sunday: 9AM-5PM
NATURE STORIES WALKS
Home » Nature Stories Walks
Join us on the third Sunday of each month for a FREE I-hour guided walking tour of the Niagara Gorge on the trail system that surrounds the Aquarium. Each month, you’ll hear stories and interact with our local environment and the animals that call it home. Breathe in the smells of a changing season, hear the sounds of local species, and spot signs of life hiding in plain sight, all with the guidance of an Aquarium educator.
The trails are paved, mostly flat with moderate inclines in some areas, and easy to navigate; however, closed toe shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Families and friends of all ages are welcome! There is no fee for this event, but pre-registration is strongly recommended.
We will meet outside the front doors of Great Lakes 360 at 10:30am.
When: October 20, 2024 Terrifying Trees and Tales
In October, scary stories are everywhere. These stories might include a spooky ghost, a cobweb, or even an ominous tree! For the month, we will learn about the basics of tree ID and make leaf inspired bookmarks to mark the pages of our favorite scary stories.
When: November 17, 2024 Textures and Colors of Fall
In November, the environment around us changes. We will focus on the colors and textures that give us clues as to what is happening. Using these colors and textures, we can create stories of change through artwork.
When: December 15, 2024 Winter Solstice
In December, we will encounter the Winter Solstice. This solstice is all about celebrating the shortest day of the year and the return of more daylight. We will take a peaceful walk through our trails and be reminded that even on the darkest days, there is still light.
When: January 19, 2025 Wonders of Winter and Tracking
For the month of January, we will focus on the winter season and the animals overwintering here, as well as the stories their tracks tell. If there is enough snow, we will use snowshoes to enjoy the trails. Snowshoes will be provided.
When: February 16, 2025 Winter Birds – Birds on the Niagara Winter Birding Festival
For the month of February, we will focus on overwintering birds, in partnership with the Birds on Niagara International Bird Festival. Binoculars will be provided for participants to borrow.
When: March 16, 2025 Animals’ Awakening
For the month of March, we will focus on the emergence of Spring. This is a great time of year to observe plants and animals as they awake from winter’s slumber. To help some of these just awakened animals, we will learn ways to provide healthy food and water sources for them.
When: April 27, 2025* Nature Notes
For the month of April, we will observe the bustling environment around us, from the frogs on the ground to the birds in the sky. We will then go over the basics of nature journaling, with your own entry to take home by the end. *Note: April’s Nature Stories takes place on the 4th Sunday of the month.
When: May 18, 2025 Spring Bird Migration
For the month of May, we will focus on the spring bird migration. Binoculars will be available for participants to borrow.
When: June 15, 2025 Powerful Plants
For the month of June, we will focus on one way the environment has thrived, through native plants! Join us as we walk the trails looking for examples of these vital plants and observe ways they help the world around us. We will end the program by planting a native plant seed to take home and grow!
When: July 20, 2025 Wonderful Wildflowers
For the month of July, we will focus on the colorful wildflowers emerging around us. We will learn some basics of flower identification and create vibrant wildflower- inspired artwork with watercolor.
When: August 17, 2025 Pollinators and Perceptions
For the month of August, we will focus on the lives of pollinators. Be ready to observe and record firsthand some of the work pollinators do through nature journaling and scavenger hunts!
When: September 21, 2025 Late Bloomers
For the month of September, we will focus on the last flowering plants of the year, asters and goldenrods! These plants offer a vital late-year food source for bees and other pollinators as they prepare for winter. We will take a walk to identify some of these flowers and then take time to make our own versions of them as a reminder of these important parts of our environment.
SPECIAL EVENTS
From seasonal celebrations and animal-centric soirees to fundraisers and educational opportunities, special events offer so many ways to experience the Aquarium.