Homegrown: October 2011 calendar

Following are gardening and eco-events happening in Eastern Iowa during October 2011:

Sat., Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,  Annual Solar Tour & Energy Efficiency Open House, Prairiewoods 120 E. Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, and Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE. You may begin your free tour at either location. At Prairiewoods, pick up an Eco-living Brochure and then check out one of the largest solar PV arrays in Iowa, a trombe wall, solar hot water systems, solar tubes, the I-Renew training facility, eco-friendly architectural designs, straw-bale hermitages and much more. At Indian Creek, pick up a self-guided tour brochure that describes ICNC's solar panels, passive solar design, sun tunnel, soy-based closed cell insulation, window quilts and efficient windows. For more information, call Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or Indian Creek at 319-362-0664.

Sat., Oct. 1, 3-7 p.m., Farmers Mark Quee and Dana Foster will share the latest research from Practical Farmers of Iowa on cover crops, sweet potatoes and asparagus at Scattergood Friends School, 1951 Delta Ave., West Branch.  Participants will also examine whether free-range poultry makes economical sense, a collection of youth-led research projects, using high tunnels for season extension, and NRCS programs and technical assistances available for non-traditional farmers. Scattergood Friends School is a small Quaker boarding school about 15 miles east of Iowa City, with approximately 10 acres of IDALS-certified organic gardens and orchards and about 30 acres of pastures, upon which they grass-finish beef and lamb. Scattergood also raises a few heritage breed Guinea hogs, a small flock of turkeys, occasional broiler flocks, and a laying flock of about 100 chickens. Scattergood primarily grows food for their school, but also markets some products through New Pioneer Coop in Iowa City and Coralville. This is event is free, open to the public and includes a meal. Participants should arrive at 3 p.m., the farm tour begins at 4 p.m. and dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. This Practical Farmers of Iowa Field Day is being held in conjunction with Iowa City's Field-to-Family Festival. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sally Worley, 515.419.9551, sally@practicalfarmers.org. Directions to the field day: Exit 254 off of I-80, north into West Branch; east on Main St., turns into Herbert Hoover Highway, 2 miles east; right (south) on Delta Ave. for a 1/2 mile. Practical Farmers of Iowa and its members will be hosting more than 30 field days in 2011. Most field days are free, and everybody is welcome to all of them. For a copy of the 2011 Field Day Guide, you can call the PFI office at 515.232.5661 or down load a printable PDF at http://practicalfarmers.org/events/field-days.html.

Sat., Oct. 1 and Sun., Oct. 2, Anamosa, 23http://www.anamosachamber.org/pumpkinfest

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annual Pumpkinfest & Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off: “Rockin' Round the Pumpkin Patch”.  Enjoy the fun of a true Main Street festival with activities that include a Scarecrow Contest, Pumpkin Carving Displays, Kids' Games, Big Wheel Race, Car Smash, Arts & Crafts Vendors, a huge Parade and, best of all, GIANT PUMPKINS. For everyone who enjoys food, there is a Chili Cook-off and a Pumpkin Recipe Contest plus several Food Vendors serving up delicious eats.  There is downtown entertainment throughout the day and a horseshoe tournament in the park.  Saturday night has the Calcutta Bowling Tournament starting at 7:00 pm. The Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off was first held in 1989.  This competition was started by Tom Norlin, as a memorial to his nephew who had lost his life in a boating accident.  Tom had been growing giant pumpkins and Ryan had become increasingly involved in it with him.  The annual Weigh-Off generated such enthusiasm that several community leaders organized the Pumpkinfest. In 1993, Tom and other area pumpkin growers organized the Mid-West Pumpkin Growers Association, which is affiliated with an international organization, the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.  The Iowa Legislature named Anamosa the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa that same year.  In 1994, the Weigh-Off and the Pumpkinfest committees united to bring even more to the event.  Growers from all over the Midwest bring their giant pumpkins to compete for over $10,000 in prizes.  There are ugly pumpkins, pretty pumpkins, pumpkins grown by men and women of all ages, and some big enough to compete for the coveted “World's Largest Pumpkin” title.  There are also categories for squash, watermelon and long gourds.  The award ceremony takes place at noon on Saturday and the huge vegetation can be seen until 4:00 pm at the Lawrence Community Center. Sunday's activities include a Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast and the 4-Man Best Shot Golf Tournament sponsored by the Wapsipinicon Country Club. For more information on this great event contact the Anamosa Chamber of Commerce at 124 East Main Street, Anamosa, IA 52205  Phone:(319) 462-4879 email: director@anamosachamber.org.  Also visit us on the web:

Sun., Oct. 2, 2 p.m., Slithering Snakes. Bring your questions about snakes to the Indian Creek Nature Center as “Snake Man” Don Becker shows you some live snakes that live in Linn County. Adults and children alike will enjoy a close encounter with these fascinating and ecologically important reptiles. Program begins at 2:00pm. The Indian Creek Nature Center is located at 6665 Otis Road SE in Cedar Rapids. Fee: $3/member; $4/non-member; $7/member family; $10/non-member family. Advance registration strongly recommended. Call 362-0664 to register by phone or register online at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

 Sun., Oct. 2, 1-4 p.m., The University of Iowa Gardeners Open House and Day of Service. The event will include tours, workshops, and the construction of a raised bed to be donated to the Iowa City Shelter House, whose members have helped us extensively this growing season. In addition, we will end the afternoon with a communal pull of our movable greenhouse to it's winter plot followed by a potluck dinner. A brief itinerary will be as follows: 1:00-3:30pm - garden tours, workshops, & Shelter House raised bed construction

3:30-4:00pm - greenhouse pull

4:00pm onward - potluck dinner The event will be held at the Student Garden: https://sites.google.com/site/uiecstudentgarden/find-us located on the Hawkeye Campus, across from the recreational soccer fields, off of Hawkeye Park Drive. In order to accurately estimate the supplies and resources needed for this event, we ask that you reply with an RSVP by Monday, September 26th. Friends and family are more than welcome, so if you believe you will be coming with company please estimate the number of additional guests.

 Sun., Oct. 2, 1-4 p.m., Nature Fest at Prairiewoods: Outdoor Family Fun for People and Pets! Celebrate Prairiewoods' 15th Anniversary, get close with nature through kid-friendly activities and have a blessing bestowed on the four-legged members of your family during Nature Fest at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha.) Both people and pets are invited to honor Earth and connect with the natural world through this afternoon of family-friendly entertainment. In addition to the traditional Blessing of the Animals and ice cream social, the event will include storytelling, face painting, live music and a multitude of family-centered activities. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with performances by both Bob Ballantyne and the Deep Dish Divas and with a variety of games and nature activities. Celebrate the beauty of October and experience the bounty of Earth by taking part in environmental games, creating art from nature, having your face painted to look like a wild animal (for $5–$10 per face) and taking guided hikes on the woodland trails. Members of I-Renew will provide on-site tours of Prairiewoods' renewable energy features. Ice cream will be served at 1:45, followed by a short message by State Senator Rob Hogg. He will speak on a message dear to the heart of Prairiewoods: living with environmental awareness. Storytellers will then engage the imaginations of kids and parents alike with traditional creation stories. At 2:45, Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders will bless your pets in our traditional St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals. Little Paws Dog Rescue will also be on hand with a number of dogs available for adoption. They will even microchip your pet in case it ever gets lost-just bring $20 and proof of ownership, such as a vet record. Throughout the day, you will also be able to enjoy environmental art and poetry from the Iowa winners of the 2011 River of Words. This is a competition for youth aged 5 to 19 that allows them to express their personal experiences in the natural environment. Prairiewoods is the only eastern Iowa host of the 2011 River of Words, so you won't want to miss this opportunity to see it! Nature Fest celebrates the 15 years of commitment Prairiewoods has made to its mission of furthering the vision of its sponsors, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and the Franciscan tradition by offering a theological and spiritual framework that connects the human with the natural world. This is done by offering space and opportunities for spiritual growth joined to a belief in the sacredness of all of creation. We hope to see many of you, our friends, as we celebrate these first 15 years of our history! This party is free, although there will be a charge if you chose to have your pet microchiped ($20) or your face painted ($5–$10). Please bring your pets on leashes or in carriers (and their clean-up bags), your lawn chairs or blankets, and your willingness to have a great time! For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or www.prairiewoods.org.

Mon,.Oct.3, 6-7 p.m., Plants for Problem Areas, Cedar Rapids Public Library at Westdale Mall, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Matt Pieper  

Have that one spot where nothing grows?  Matt Pieper, explores plants that will fare well along walls, fences and curbsides.  He will also address gardening on a slope and landscaping along rocky embankments found near creeks and ravines.  Matt will take a look at landscaping in areas with excessive moisture and areas that are in windy conditions most of the time, as well.

Wed., Oct. 5, 10 a.m., REAL Walk: Bena Brook. REAL walkers take a moderately vigorous and wet hike as we explore the geology and unique flora and fauna of Bena Brook at the Indian Creek Nature Center. Meet in the Lynch Wetland parking lot and wear boots or wading shoes. REAL Walks are geared for adults aged 50 or better.  Cost is $3 for ICNC members; $4 for non-members. Advance registration is strongly suggested.  Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or register online at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

Wed., Oct. 5, 6-7 p.m.,  Raised Bed Gardening, Hiawatha Public Library, 150 West Willman Street, Hiawatha. presented by Linn County Master Gardener Deb Walser

No space for a garden?  You can plant enough vegetables in a 4' X 4' garden to feed two people for the season or a family of four, using only 4' X 8' in space. Hate the weeding and bug control? Having trouble getting up from the ground? Raised bed gardening is for you. Pass on the fun of gardening to your children and grandchildren. Deb Walser has been gardening in raised beds for fifteen years. Come see her gardens and learn.

Sat., Oct. 8, 1-4 p.m., Tour de Coop, Visit six chicken coops in the Cedar Rapids area. CR-CLUC fundraiser for the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter. Water, snacks and chicken gifts will be available for purchase at coop site homes. Tickets, $10/adults. Free for children. Buy at Indian Creek Nature Center, www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

Sat., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Harvest Celebration Potluck & Barn Dance,  Local Harvest CSA/ZJ Farm 5015-120th Street NE, Solon. Join Local Harvest CSA/ZJ Farm for the annual end of the season farm tour and harvest celebration featuring the Gilded Bats. Farm Tours 3:30pm, potluck 5pm, Music and dancing 6pm-8pm. Bring a dish to share, a beverage and your own place setting.

Sat., Oct. 8 and Sun., Oct. 9, Annual Harvest Festival at Seed Savers Exchange Heritage Farm. On Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  See how apple cider is pressed, tour the seed processing facilities, attend a harvest workshop, go on hayrides through the valley or guided hikes to the historic orchard, sample and vote for your favorite soup. Kids will enjoy a variety of special harvest activities as well. For a fee of $4, visitors can sample a small bowl of each of five different soups, made with a secret Iron Chef-like ingredient by different area restaurant chefs. Vote for your favorite soup, with the winning restaurant carrying home the Harvest Festival traveling trophy and the bragging rights that accompany it.   Tours, workshops, hayrides and guided hikes begin at 1 p.m.  Harvest workshops include:  Root Cellaring with David Cavagnaro; Food Drying with Mary Bell; and Canning with Diane Ott Whealy.  Other events taking place at Harvest Festival include cider press demonstrations, giant pumpkin carving by Lynn Staley, and apple sampling and purchase.  For the garden enthusiast, full-day workshops on the fundamentals of seed saving will be held on Sunday, October 9, including an introduction to seed saving, saving biennials, wet and dry processing and storing seeds.  Participants will get hands-on seed saving experience.  Pre-registration required.  $40 for members; $60 for non-members.  Fee includes a box lunch. For more details, visit www.seedsavers.org and click on the Harvest Festival link.  Seed Savers  Exchange is a member supported, non-profit organizations dedicated to saving the world's diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations by building a network of people committed to collecting, conserving and sharing heirloom plants, while educating people about the value of genetic and cultural diversity.  For more information about Seed Savers Exchange, contact us at 563-382-5990, 3074 North Winn Road, Decorah, www.seedsavers.org.

Sun., Oct. 9, 2 p.m., INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER CELEBRATES THE TRANSFORMATION OF BENA FARM. When the Indian Creek Nature Center purchased Bena Farm in mid-1990, it was 70 acres of cultivated farmland, but Carrie Bena had a different vision for the land that she had lived on for much of a century.  She pictured children exploring and playing in fields filled with wildflowers. The former Bena Farm was opened to the public in October, 1996 and over the past 15 years, the Nature Center has worked to restore the land to its natural prairie state.  Enjoy live music, beautiful fall scenery, prairie and woodland walks and the dedication of a newly restored wetland in memory of former Nature Center board president Judy Moore.  Special guests include those involved in the Bena Farm project and ICNC Shooting Star Society members, who provide financial support to the Nature Center through endowed and planned gifts.  The public is invited to participate in this celebration. Please park along Otis Road near the Lynch Wetland and join the crowd near the new wetland just north of Otis Road. In case of rain, activities will take place in the barn. Free admission.  For more information, call the Nature Center at 319-362-0664.

Mon., October 10, 6-7 p.m., Companion Gardening/Insect Control, Cedar Rapids Public Library,presented by Linn County Master Gardener Ellen Skripsky

Go Green!  Need help?  Learn the secrets that Ellen Skripsky, knows for vegetables through Companion Gardening, insect controls and common diseases.

Wed., Oct. 12, 6-7 p.m., The Monet Garden, Hiawatha Public Library, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Zora Ronan

Claude Monet's garden in Giverny, France is one of the most visited gardens in the world.  Linn County Master Gardener Zora Ronan will give you ideas on color and plant selection to replicate Monet's garden in Iowa.

Thurs., Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m., Pumpkin Totem Carving Class at Prairiewoods. Want to stand out in your neighborhood this Halloween? Create your own, personalized Pumpkin Totem for your home or yard. You can decide to make it spooky, funny or traditional. In class we will design, carve and assemble a Master Totem for Prairiewoods and you will get started on your own Personal Pumpkin Totem. Pumpkins will be provided, but you are asked to bring your own carving tools/knife. You will leave with a Personal Pumpkin Totem Starter Kit at the end of the evening. Families and individuals are welcome, but parental supervision is required for youth 16 and under. Cost is $13 per Personal Pumpkin Totem Starter Kit. For more information, go to www.prairiewoods.org. Registration is required by Monday, October 10, so please contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

Sat., Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m., Brucemore's Autumn Landscape Hike.  Set amid the subtle and spectacular dressings of the 26-acre autumnal landscape, this 90-minute walk will blend a discussion of current preservation issues, the importance of public use, and the seasonal chores that preserve the historic grounds. Participants will see how planting choices with sensitivity to native species and seasonal display affect the overarching impact of a landscape design. The colors of the season – from dusky plum to rusty barn red – will naturally highlight the “outdoor rooms” of the original landscape design by O.C. Simonds. Participants will have the opportunity to seek advice about their own gardens and landscapes fromBrucemoreGardenersDeb EngmarkandDavid Mortonor ask questions ranging from the cultural needs of particular plants to landscape design issues past and present. Admission is $10.00 per person and $7.00 per Brucemoremember. Space is limited. Advance ticket purchase required. Please call (319) 362-7375 or stop by the BrucemoreStore to purchase tickets. For more information, visit www.brucemore.org.Brucemore,Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at2160 Linden Drive SE,Cedar Rapids,Iowa.

 Sat., Oct. 15, 1:30 p.m., NATURALIST ADVENTURERS EAGLE'S NEST HIKE. Attention teens and ‘tweens! Lace up your hiking boots and come to the Indian Creek Nature Center for a hike to the site of an eagle's nest!  We'll look at the nest and examine the surrounding area. Be prepared for a 4-mile round-trip hike. We'll also be planning future adventures so come and share your ideas. Naturalist Adventurers is an exploratory program for students 6th grade and beyond. Call or check the website for information on additional fall activities. Cost: $3/member; $4/non-member. Advance registration required! Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or register online at www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.

Sun., Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m., Concert for the Woods with Richard Bruxvoort Colligan at Prairiewoods. Come for a relaxed afternoon of music and connection with the earth in the beautiful and tranquil setting of Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha)! Join Richard Bruxvoort Colligan for an outdoor concert on the Prairiewoods deck with music for the woods. The concert will include some original songs from Richard's study of the Psalms, as well as some songs you know. Richard's acoustic guitar work accompanies his storyteller's voice with a spirit of welcome-think James Taylor, Paul Simon and David Wilcox, and you're close. This concert is part of Richard's "Concerts for the Earth" series. As St. Francis preached to the birds and the flowers, Richard is singing for the planet. Around the world for the next year, Richard will be performing concerts in honor of the prairie, forests, rivers, and mountains. This is an outdoor concert, so please feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside Prairiewoods. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 17 and under. All ages are welcome. For more information about Richard, visit www.worldmaking.net or www.riversvoice.com. For more information, go to www.prairiewoods.org. To register, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.

Mon., Oct.  17, 6-7 p.m., Spring Flowering Bulbs,  Cedar Rapids Public Library at Westdale, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Zora Ronan

This class looks at the major spring flowering bulbs that are hardy in Iowa:  tulips, daffodils, alliums, and frittallaria.  There are bulbs that bring early spring color to almost every location in your garden. 

Tues., Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Mount Mercy University, Busse Center viewing room, documentary showing of "Fresh." Fresh is more than a film; it is a reflection of a rising movement of people and communities across America who are re-inventing our food system.  Fresh portrays a movement that is happening in America and worldwide.  The alternative food market is the fastest growing market in the United States, even though it still makes up a minuscule percentage of the food economy, and it's incredibly energetic. Where will it lead us? Free. 

Wed., Oct. 19, 9:30 a.m., The Cedar Rapids Garden Club presents: René van Rems;  Cedar Rapids Country Club, $50.00 per person includes lunch. Pay at event. RSVP to Julie Taylor, by phone 319-362-4494 or email jewels636@mac.com  René van Rems is a world-renowned ambassador of the floral industry. Originally from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, René has called San Diego, California, home for over 20 years. He is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), The National Speakers Association, and the Professional Floral Commentators International (PFCI). René was formally educated in the entire spectrum of Floriculture/Horticulture through his studies at the Rijksmiddelbare Tuinbouwschool at Aalsmeer (Floral Institute). He has led design shows, workshops, and seminars throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia on the styling of fresh-cut flowers. A frequent speaker at leading art museums including the Minneapolis Art Institute and San Francisco's de Young Museum, René has also been featured in numerous national publications like California Florists, Sunset Magazine, Flowers & Magazine, Floral Management, Florist Magazine, and Flower News. René's design work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens as well as the Florists' Review publication of 101 Wedding Bouquets. René and his work have been covered on television (HGTV), particularly for his European influence on trends in American floral design. In 1995, the American Horticultural Society awarded him the Francis Jones Poetker Award, and in 2001, Van Rems was the recipient of the Los Angeles Flower Market's first annual René van Rems Award for excellence in design education. www.renevanrems.com

Wed., October 19, 6-7 p.m., Coral Bells, Hiawatha Public Library, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Wil Carew

Ring my bells for Coral Bells!  If you thought coral bells were just green plants with tiny pink flowers that your grandmother grew, think again.  This class will cover what they are, where and how to plant, and the rainbow of colors available.

Wed., Oct. 19, 6:30-8 p.m., Green Living Group at Prairiewoods: Ecospirituality. The Green Living Group meets the third Wednesday of every month at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha). Facilitators Maggie Anderson, Emmy Ball and Emy Sautter will help participants explore the subject of a sustainable and healthy environment through books, articles, films and speakers. This is an ideal opportunity for education and for an ongoing support system for happy and healthy green living, and participants may join at any time. This month's focus is ecospirituality. The group will watch and discuss the newly released film Journey of the Universe. Before the meeting, feel free to visit www.journeyoftheuniverse.org to watch a trailer and for more information. A free-will offering will be accepted. For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700 or go to www.prairiewoods.org.

Mon., Oct. 24, 3:30 p.m., National Food Day Celebration, Iowa City Public Library, Room A. Check out the calendar for more Field to Family 2011 Events

Mon, Oct. 24, 6-7 p.m., Ornamental Grasses, Cedar Rapids Public Library at Westdale Mall, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Deb Walser. Did you want to plant ornamental grasses with wonderful fall seed heads?  Are you worried about the grasses spreading?  Deb Walser, will show you which grasses are non-spreading/clump forming and hardy for eastern Iowa.  Many she grows herself.  Come see and start planning for next spring.

Wed. Oct. 26, 6-7 p.m., Flowers Hummingbirds Love,  Hiawatha Public Library, presented by Linn County Master Gardener Jean Murray. Jean Murray will bust some myths about hummingbirds and she will share her experiences in attracting hummingbirds to a garden.  Attracting hummingbirds is easier than you might think; you don't need a large garden, many plants, or expensive feeders.  Learn how to set up a feeder and some flowers that hummingbirds love.

Sat., Oct. 29, 9 a.m. Hickory Hill Park, woodland burn. After 2 years of site preparation, Friends of Hickory Hill Park will conduct its first prescribed woodland burn in an area just to the northeast of the Bloomington Street entrance to the park. The burn will be conducted under the direction of Liz Maas and a professional land restoration crew from Transition Ecology. All planning and preparation for the woodland burn has been done under the direction of land restoration professionals and the project is coordinated with Iowa City Parks Department and the Iowa City Fire Department. FHHP has secured a permit from the IC Fire Department. Volunteers will arrive at 9 AM at the Bloomington Street entrance to secure the surrounding area and trails. The controlled fire will begin at 10 AM and will last 4-5 hours depending on conditions. Site monitoring will last several more hours after the fire is out. Because controlled burns require particular weather conditions (esp. wind speed and direction and humidity), a rain date has been set for Saturday, November 5th. Some of the trails will be closed to ensure the safety of the public. The burn will be a slow and low controlled fire that will not be visible from other areas of the park, though it will generate smoke. FHHP has conducted prescribed burns in the grassland areas of the park for several years. Prescribed woodland fires are a natural and beneficial element in the development of a healthy and thriving woodland. A prescribed burn has neither the heat nor intensity of wild forest fire and will not harm native herbaceous plants or mature trees but will help to control some invasive species that threaten the park. Fire provides additional benefits by stimulating native seeds in the ground to germinate, opening up space for sunlight, and replacing nutrients in the soil. This leads to more plant diversity, which increases the health of the forest as animal habitat. To find out more about the Friends of Hickory Hill Park, visit our website at www.hickoryhillpark.org or friend us on Facebook.

Sat., Oct. 29, 1-4 p.m., Great Pumpkin Atlatl Hunt,; The Linn County Conservation Department and the Office of the State Archaeologist are holding the Great Pumpkin Atlatl at Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center near Toddville.  Come and try your hand at using an ancient hunting tool, the spear thrower at the elusive pumpkin targets. Equipment and instruction will be provided. There will also be a collegiate contest with Iowa college teams competing to gain the highest team score. For more information contact Gail Barels at 892-6485.  There is no charge for this program.

Sun., Oct. 30, 2 p.m., MUSIC IN THE LOFT: DEEP DISH DIVAS, Indian Creek Nature Center. The Deep Dish Divas serve up an eclectic blend of time-tested tunes, sweet songs, tasty licks and wholesome harmonies. Deb Hunemuller plays fiddle and really knows how to shake an egg. Carrie Kriz adds bass and flute to the mix and Karen Pierce blends in guitar and hammered dulcimer. Bring your favorite snacks and beverages to enjoy.  Cost is $5 for adults; $1 for children.