Are nets and buckets provided?

Yes. Volunteers supply nets, buckets, and hand lenses so participants can sample and observe pond life.

Is there an age minimum?

No minimum age is listed; the program is family-friendly and suitable for young children when supervised by adults.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 48 hours prior to the program are eligible for a full refund less processing fees; cancellations inside 48 hours are handled case-by-case.

Is the site accessible?

Most areas are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but expect some uneven terrain at the pond edge.

Should I expect to get muddy?

Yes. The description notes a small chance of getting muddy or wet—bring spare clothes if concerned.

Pets are not mentioned in the program information; contact Ogden Nature Center or check your booking confirmation for venue pet policies.

Earth Day Pond Dipping: Hands-On Pond Science at Ogden Nature Center

EARTH DAY: Pond Dipping at the Ogden Nature Center offers a one-hour, hands-on chance to scoop into freshwater life and watch micro-ecosystems pulse beneath the surface. Located at the Ogden Nature Center in Ogden, Utah, this short program is staged on a shallow teaching pond where volunteers and educators guide visitors through netting, sorting, and observing aquatic invertebrates. The scene centers on a quiet pond edged with cattails, emergent reeds, and patches of submerged vegetation; look closely and you’ll find dragonfly nymphs, mayfly larvae, water beetles, snails, and sometimes tadpoles. For families and curious adults alike, the thrill is in seeing creatures we usually miss: the segmented legs of a backswimmer, the feathery gills of a stonefly nymph, the slow spiral of a pond snail. What makes this offering special is its mix of accessible field science and deliberate simplicity. The program is short—about one hour—wheelchair and stroller accessible in most areas, and intentionally low-tech: nets, buckets, hand lenses, and the patient instruction of trained volunteers. That hands-on approach transforms a pond into a classroom where ecology is immediate and tactile, and where a little mud means meaningful inquiry. It’s an ideal Earth Day activity because it links celebration with curiosity, translating conservation concepts into real observations for all ages. As part of Ogden’s outdoor recreation fabric, the nature center provides an urban-adjacent refuge where wetlands and riparian plants anchor local biodiversity. The pond’s freshwater habitat is a useful reminder that even small water bodies play outsized roles for pollinators, amphibians, and migratory birds that pass through the Ogden area near the Wasatch foothills. Unlike a passive exhibit, this program emphasizes stewardship: volunteers explain life cycles, water quality indicators, and how small changes on land influence pond communities. Practical details matter: expect to get a little wet or muddy and to move slowly along a pond edge; bring a change of clothes for young participants. The session is great for families, school groups, or anyone who wants a concentrated, educational nature experience without a long hike. Whether you’re a visitor looking for a quick, meaningful outdoor lesson or a local reconnecting with seasonal life in Utah’s ponds, EARTH DAY: Pond Dipping turns a common pond into an unforgettable classroom. Participants leave surprised by the pond’s playlist of sounds — insect buzz, distant waterfowl calls, and the slap of reeds — and how quickly a small bucket can hold a living laboratory. Educators stress gentle handling and prompt release, show participants how to identify indicator species, and discuss simple actions people can take at home to protect water quality. Registration logistics and meeting details are provided at booking; bring sun protection, closed-toe shoes, and a willingness to kneel by the water.