Spirit & Place, IU Indianapolis

The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour: Discover Ancient Life Around You!
2025-11-08 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Putnam County Museum, 1105 Jackson St., Greencastle, 46135, United States
Self-Guided Walks: Nov. 7 – 16
Guided Walks & Activities: Saturday, Nov. 8 & 15
Download a self-guided map and daily schedules by clicking here!
Join an all-ages community-wide fossil adventure blending science, nature, and art! Explore Greencastle’s buildings and the DePauw Nature Park on your own with a custom map or participate in a guided tour. Visit Fern Cliff’s vivid green sandstone, make fossil prints and poems, hear from experts, and trade your Paleo Art for a fossil cookie.
The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour was designed with flexibility in mind!

Self-Guided Walks: Pick up a walking tour “fossil map” of downtown Greencastle and the DePauw Nature Park at the Putnam County Museum (1105 N. Jackson St.) or the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau (aka, “Welcome Center,” 12 W. Washington St.). Hours vary but are open most weekdays until 3PM. After touring the area—and noting what you saw—return to the Welcome Center to collect your fossil-shaped cookie!

Saturday Sessions & Guided Walks: On Saturdays, guests and their families can attend interactive presentations at the Putnam County Museum with paleo-artist Janet Panoch (11/8) and geologist Tim Cope (11/15). Activities include fossil rubbings, art displays, short poetry exercises, and optional guided fossil walks in the DePauw Nature Park (1400 W. CR 125 S.). Saturday sessions are from 1 – 4PM. There is a more detailed agenda posted on the registration page.

Special Instructions: Please verify hours for the DePauw Nature Park, Putnam County Museum, and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau before picking up a self-guided walking tour map.
Most areas on the tour are ADA compliant.
Questions? Contact 317-748-8462 or jpanoch@iu.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between paleo-artist Janet Panoch, Putnam County Museum, DePauw University, DePauw Geosciences Club, and The Doc’s Inn.
Registration: Click here to register.

Nature Journaling
2025-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Broad Ripple Park, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, 46220, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center (and its restrooms) will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter #1.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

Thin Spaces: Where Heaven Meets Earth
2025-11-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Rd., Indianapolis, 46216, United States
Free park admission – tell gate attendant you’re there for a Spirit & Place event.
Walk through a peaceful urban park while reflecting on nature’s spiritual power. With pauses for poetry, scripture, and quiet conversation, this contemplative walk explores “thin spaces”—where heaven and earth feel especially close—and invites you to reconnect with self, spirit, and creation.
Join a contemplative walk through Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, blending movement, reflection, and conversation. Along the Harrison Trace Trail, participants will pause for readings from Biblical and literary texts, explore “thin spaces” where the divine and natural world meet, and engage in quiet meditation. The walk concludes at the Nature Center, where participants learn about the park’s history and restoration. Gentle, reflective, and accessible, this experience invites participants to connect deeply with nature, spirituality, and community.
Questions? Contact 317-359-5467 or events@lutheranfamily.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Lutheran Child & Family Services of IN/KY, Inc.; Indiana Department of Natural Resources at Fort Harrison State Park; and Pastor Dave Schreiber.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details: Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot. Dress for the weather!

Ft. Harrison State Park, Sven Schumacher

Nature Journaling
2025-11-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson, 46017, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center and restrooms will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center and restroom will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter #13.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

Nature Journaling
2025-11-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis, 46260, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour: Discover Ancient Life Around You!
2025-11-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Putnam County Museum, 1105 Jackson St., Greencastle, 46135, United States
Self-Guided Walks: Nov. 7 – 16
Guided Walks & Activities: Saturday, Nov. 8 & 15
Download a self-guided tour map and daily schedule by clicking here!
Join an all-ages community-wide fossil adventure blending science, nature, and art! Explore Greencastle’s buildings and the DePauw Nature Park on your own with a custom map or participate in a guided tour. Visit Fern Cliff’s vivid green sandstone, make fossil prints and poems, hear from experts, and trade your Paleo Art for a fossil cookie.
The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour was designed with flexibility in mind!

Self-Guided Walks: Pick up a walking tour “fossil map” of downtown Greencastle and the DePauw Nature Park at the Putnam County Museum (1105 N. Jackson St.) or the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau (aka, “Welcome Center,” 12 W. Washington St.). Hours vary but are open most weekdays until 3PM. After touring the area—and noting what you saw—return to the Welcome Center to collect your fossil-shaped cookie!

Saturday Sessions & Guided Walks: On Saturdays, guests and their families can attend interactive presentations at the Putnam County Museum with paleo-artist Janet Panoch (11/8) and geologist Tim Cope (11/15). Activities include fossil rubbings, art displays, short poetry exercises, and optional guided fossil walks in the DePauw Nature Park (1400 W. CR 125 S.). Saturday sessions are from 1 – 4PM with the guided walk beginning at TBA times.

Special Instructions: Please verify hours for the DePauw Nature Park, Putnam County Museum, and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau before picking up a self-guided walking tour map.
Most areas on the tour are ADA compliant.
Questions? Contact 317-748-8462 or jpanoch@iu.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between paleo-artist Janet Panoch, Putnam County Museum, DePauw University, DePauw Geosciences Club, and The Doc’s Inn.
Registration: Click here to register.

A Nature Walk Down a Peace Path
2025-11-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Shalom Mennonite Church, 6100 E. 32nd. St., Indianapolis, 46226, United States
ADDRESS CORECTION:
The festival event guide lists an incorrect address. Shalom Mennonite Church is at 6100 E. 32nd St.

Experience the healing nature of the woods through a guided walk and hands-on crafts followed by an evening of poetry, stories, and songs around a campfire. All are welcome to experience nature as a place of peace, connection, and renewal at this come-and-go style event.
Step into the woods for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and community connection. Guided nature walks along a groomed woodland trail will introduce guests to native trees and plants with moments to pause and consider quotes from poems and scripture. Families are especially welcome—children can join in hands-on craft projects and plant seeds in take-home containers to watch them grow long after the event. As the day winds down, everyone is invited to gather around a campfire for poetry, storytelling, and song—an experience that blends art, reflection, faith, and the healing power of nature.
Questions? Contact 317-549-0577 or office@shalommennonite.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Shalom Mennonite Church; Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association; Audubon Gardens Neighborhood Association, Inc.; and Indianapolis Public Library – E. 38th St. Branch.
Event Details:
3 – 5PM – Enjoy the trail and other activities
5 – 6PM – Storytime and campfire programming begins
Rain or shine! Dress appropriately, wear walking shoes – the trail is flat wood chipped and about 500ft long – and bring a lawn chair for the campfire!
Registration: Click here to register.

Youth Rising for Nature: Getting Community in Action through Service & Advocacy
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Fall Creek Trail, 30th & College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46025, United States
Community Forum & River Clean Up. Attend one or both gatherings.
Join Sea Scope’s youth Eco-Warriors for a two-part event exploring environmental justice, community dialogue, and a Fall Creek cleanup. Facilitated by local experts and inspired by Laudato Si, this experience blends spiritual reflection and action. Connect with neighbors of Martindale-Brightwood and our living earth—come for one or both days!
This two-part experience (attending both Saturdays is optional) connects storytelling, faith, Martindale-Brightwood neighbors, and environmental action. The first session features an expert and youth-led community forum exploring local ecological challenges and reflections inspired by Laudato Si’ – a 2015 papal encyclical focused on environmental stewardship, climate change, and ecological responsibility, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of caring for the Earth. A week later, participants engage in a hands-on cleanup along Fall Creek restoring natural spaces in disinvested communities while learning how local actions connect to global environmental issues. Through dialogue, reflection, and collective action, attendees will deepen their understanding of stewardship, equity, and the sacred responsibility to care for our shared planet.
Questions? Contact 317-203-9397 or seascopeincindy@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Sea Scope Inc., Earth Charter Indiana, Indiana Conservation Voters, The Garden Community Church, and Indy Parks and Recreation.
Registration: Click here to register for the Nov. 16 river clean up.
Community Forum Details (Nov. 9): See Nov. 9 event.
River Clean Up Details (Nov. 16): Dress for the weather – with sturdy shoes and work gloves – for the clean-up. Additional details will be provided upon registration.
