(SBA) - The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is inviting the public to enjoy a diverse lineup of outdoor programs this August, ranging from nighttime insect exploration to yoga with a view and meditative forest walks.
On Saturday, August 16, the center will host Bug Night Out from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. As the sun sets and the forest awakens, participants will delve into the world of nocturnal insects. Staff naturalists and local experts from FSS will demonstrate blacklight techniques to attract moths and introduce attendees to the iNaturalist app for citizen science. A short hike will follow, offering a chance to spot spider eyes and other signs of nighttime wildlife. Attendees are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear sturdy shoes. The event is sponsored by FSS.
Midweek on Wednesday, August 20, nature and wellness will come together during Outdoor Yoga at Mount Lucia, held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Participants will hike about a mile roundtrip to a scenic overlook, where a gentle yoga flow will focus on stretching and relaxation. The class is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners. In case of inclement weather, the session will be moved indoors. Attendees should bring a towel or yoga mat. This class is free and open to the public.
The following Saturday, August 23, the center will offer a Pollinator Garden Walk from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Visitors will tour the center’s three-tiered pollinator gardens, which have undergone a transformation since 2021 thanks to grants from Loess Hills Wild Ones and the Sioux City Garden Club, along with the help of many volunteers. Staff and LHWO volunteers will share the garden’s design plan and highlight the native plants that flourish in the space.
Closing out the month, Siouxland Zen in Nature will take place on Saturday, August 30, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Attendees will meet near the picnic tables for a morning of sitting meditation (zazen), a meditative walk through the woods (kinhin), and gentle movement practice (qigong). The session is beginner-friendly and designed to help participants connect with the healing qualities of stillness and nature. Participants should dress for the outdoors and bring a cushion or chair. Siouxland Zen also holds regular meditation sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on any of these programs, contact the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at 712-258-0838 or email camps@woodburyparks.org. Details about Siouxland Zen can be found by emailing dpecaut@gmail.com or visiting their Facebook page.
