Henry's ark - weekend visit

Last weekend was unusually sunny (although still cold and windy) so we decided to visit "Henry's Ark" in Prospect. As its winter, we had not expected to see many animals here(although it mentions on the facebook that its open all year round!). We were taken by surprise on seeing a vast farm full of animals along with some of the exotic animals (that you would not expect to see here) like emu, llama, zebra, deer, bison and ostrich.


cute llamas

Pygmy goat

Emu and llama

elk

ostrich

bison

"Henry's ark" is an open farm with farm animals as well as others mentioned above. And the best part is that it is free and operates on donations from the visitors. We went on a Sunday afternoon and the place had less than 15 visitors while the time we were there. On this farm you can even bring food (carrots, lettuce and grains) to feed the animals.


sheep

bunny

peacock and peahen

The animal collection includes: Water buffalo, chickens, donkey, ducks, elks, llamas, goats, sheep, pygmy goats, peacocks, peahens, camel, ostrich, bunnies, geese, turkey, zebra, bison, cow, cat.





My kids loved this place and we are looking forward to visit this farm again to feed the animals.
 

Exploring the great artists - Alexander Calder

This weekend afternoon was spent by kids at the local Louisville Public Library, exploring and re-creating the art of  Alexander Calder. "Sandy", the name he was known by, was an American artist in the late 1800's  who  'made sculptures move'. His sculptures were made from metal wires and he was passionate about making metal wire mobiles.


The program host started by reading a story about Mr. Calder and then the kids were given pipe cleaners, papers, scissors and sponges to incite their imagination.

Let's get to work!

Work in Progress!

  

 This is what "A" and "I" came up with....

Aditi's art

Fork and Spaghetti
 

Ishani's art

Ishani's art

 
The Library is hosting this monthly series of "Exploring the great artists" and we can't wait to join another of these sessions.

Squirrel appreciation @Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve

This weekend, for a change, the weather was good here in Louisville. Although it was windy, the sun was out and we took the opportunity to visit a nature program, "Squirrel appreciation" @ Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.  As "A" had a game, "I" accompanied me to the program.

It started with a slide show and introduction to ground and flying squirrels. Kids learnt about  characteristics, food habits of ground squirrels such as the Chipmunks and gray squirrels and tree squirrels such as the fox squirrel and flying squirrels. They learnt that the flying squirrels don't fly, but glide and they are nocturnal.

We also got to see a flying squirrel and an Eastern Gray squirrel.



Flying Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel



Gray squirrel

A short Disney video of flying squirrel and Donald duck was played.

There were few coloring and craft activities and face painting. A new magical forest toddler area was dedicated in the name of naturalist Joe Yurt.

This Preserve has a some great displays of animal hides and paw prints, bird eggs, magical forest, pond ecosystem, rocks, fossils, Native Americans etc.

Magical forest

Squirrel hide

Native Americans

Paw prints

Exploring fossils

Bird eggs










Programs like these help stir the curiosity about nature in the little hearts!