Nature’s Noel fundraiser for Indian Creek Nature Center back to in-person event on Saturday

CEDAR RAPIDS — Indian Creek Nature Center’s signature holiday fundraiser, Nature’s Noel, is returning in-person this year on Dec. 4 after being online only last year. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature fresh green arrangements, frozen foods and artisan gifts as in years past. There also will be a selection of gently used decorations available for sale in Noel’s Attic.

Unlike previous years, there will not be family activities or crafts; however, all are invited to shop and stay as long as they’d like. Shoppers are encouraged to come early for the best selection. Masks are required indoors, as well as outdoors if a safe distance cannot be maintained.

Nature’s Noel is presented annually by the Friends of the Nature Center, who have hosted fundraisers for the Nature Center for 46 years. Many in the group have been actively volunteering for decades, spending countless hours to plan and execute more than 100 successful fundraisers to benefit environmental education at Indian Creek Nature Center. In total, they’ve raised $1,531,154 for the Nature Center, and have supported more than 1 million children in experiencing the benefits of nature. This year they were recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Eastern Iowa) with the Benjamin Franklin Award for their efforts.