Upcoming programs and activities at Lake Red Rock include the following:
• Finding Your Way — 10 a.m. Friday at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Believe it or not, people didn’t always have MapQuest to help them get from place to place. Attendees will learn about old-time navigation through the use of things such as stars, the sun, or a compass and map. At the end, participants will put their skills to the test with an orienteering course.
• Tree ID Hike - 1p.m. Friday at North Overlook Picnic Area. Join Dr. Lee Wymore, biology teacher at Indian Hills Community College, and see the forest for the trees. Take a look at some of the different species growing around the North Overlook area and pick up a few tips how to identify them on your next outing.
• Let’s Go Paddling — 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Wallashuck old ramp. Enjoy this chance to experience both canoeing and kayaking in the same day. Give one or both types of watercraft a try and see how much fun paddling can be. Participants must be at least 10 years old to use kayaks. Life jackets will be provided. Programs may be canceled if inclement weather/wind conditions.
• Habitat and Population — 10 a.m. Saturday at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Learn about how Mother Nature is able to regulate populations of animals so well, focusing on terms such as carrying capacity and population density. Participants will play a game to help visualize these.
• Sounds of Nature — 1 p.m. Saturday at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Have you ever gone in the outdoors just to sit and listen? There’s a lot going on. Come learn about why animals make so many different noises, and what it all means. Finish up the program with a fun activity!
Hunt Like an Animal — 10 a.m. Sunday at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Learn what features and characteristics help predators find and consume their food and how their prey has adapted to keep themselves safe. Go on a “hunt” of to practice.
• Iowa History: Just Dig It — 1 p.m. Sunday at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Learn about the history of Iowa. From glaciers carving the land to prehistoric fossils to Native American history, there is a lot to discover. Get hands-on by digging for fossils and artifacts.
• Precious Prairies — 10 a.m. Aug. 6. at North Overlook Beach on north end of parking lot. Prairies used to cover 30 million acres of land in Iowa — now less than .1 percent of that remains. Learn about some of the plants and animals that inhabit this diverse ecosystem. Additionally, find out why prairies are so important and what is being done to save them.
• Kids’ Craft Day — 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Visitor Center. Got creative kids? Bring young artists to enjoy make-and-take nature craft activities.
Programs are free, and reservations are not needed. Outdoor activities may be canceled if raining or inclement weather. For more information, contact the U.S. Corps of Engineers office at (641) 828-7522, (641) 628-8690 or lakeredrock@usace.army.mil.