Turkey Run nature center has something for everyone

MARSHALL -- There's something for everyone at the Turkey Run State Park nature center.

Visitors to the center can observe wild animals outside the wildlife viewing room, see a nature movie on a giant screen, experience live snakes and turtles, or attend one of the nature or history hikes and programs offered there each week.

On Thursday at 9:30 a.m., visitors to the nature center can help a naturalist stock the wildlife observation area with seed and suet and then relax in the viewing room to watch birds and squirrels (and sometimes hawks, foxes and woodchucks) eat and interact.

There is a planetarium star show in the nature center at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended for this 40-minute look at the night sky.

At 3 p.m., gather in the basement of the Salmon Lusk Home for a 1-hour tour of an 1841 mansion. Cellar doors open at 2:45 p.m. A $2 per person donation is suggested, but not required.

On Friday, visitors can again enjoy helping a naturalist stock the wildlife area at the nature center with seed and then watch for the animals to come to eat for the day at 9:30 a.m. Then watch for a naturalist from 10 a.m. to noon out on the trails to see what exciting thing from nature she has with her. There is another planetarium star show, again at 2 p.m.

Saturday is Pioneer Heritage Festival. At 9:30 a.m., visitors can again help stock the feeding area and then relax in the viewing area to watch birds and squirrels eat and interact.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can stop by the nature center to see and experience the life of a pioneer, from pioneer toys and Dutch oven cooking to candle-making and cross-cut sawing.

There is a planetarium star show in the nature center at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended for this 40-minute look at the night sky.

At 3 p.m. gather in the basement of the Salmon Lusk Home for a 1-hour tour of the mansion. Cellar doors open at 2:45 p.m. A $2 per person donation is suggested, but not required.

At night, learn all about the sounds that scared the pioneers. These sounds aren't so scary, once you know what animals make them. Come to the amphitheater (near the big pool) at 9:15 p.m. for this fun program.

On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., you can again help with feeding the birds in the nature center observation area, followed by a one-hour rugged hike into the canyons of Turkey Run at 10:30 a.m. There is another planetarium star show at 2 p.m. and Lusk Home tour at 3 p.m.

There is another chance to help feed the birds at 10 a.m. and another star show at 2 p.m. on July 12, 13 and 14.

Also on Tuesday, come to the Lusk Home at 3 p.m. for a tour.

These programs are free unless otherwise indicated, and are designed to entertain and educate folks of all ages. The nature center is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. While visiting the nature center or attending programs children ages 14 and under must be with an adult.

Call 597-2654 with any questions.