Kids leap into frog catching at Farview Park

Event led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

A participant in the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., checks his net on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Little Pond was quiet, with the sun just starting to warm its shallow waters after a night with temperatures in the 40s.

Mike Graves, naturalist with the Outdoor Discovery Center, cautioned the more than 100 people waiting on the trail at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave. on Monday, June 15, 2026, that the cool weather might mean lower activity for the frogs and turtles.

Within minutes of dozens of children dipping nets into the ephemeral pond, any concern about a lack of wildlife vanished as cries of, “I got a frog!” “It’s a salamander, mommy!” and “What did you catch?” filled the air at the annual “Frog Catching!” event led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Cara Tamminga with her son, Hayes, 4, look through their catch at the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Rec

Children and adults learned about aquatic life at the free event. The salamanders, frogs and tadpoles were all returned to the water after being inspected by the participants.

Check out a video of the event here.

A participant looks at a tiny frog during the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

The next free event is “Tales and Trails” from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 22, at Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147th Ave. Enjoy a story time with a naturalist and ambassador animals up close. Afterward, take a short hike to discover plants and critters hiding in the wild. Dress to be outside the entire time. For ages 7 and under. Guardians stay with the class. Registration is not required but appreciated by clicking here.

For a list of upcoming programs, click here.

A family heads into the Little Pond at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., on Monday, June 15, 2026, as part of the free “Frog Catching!” event. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.
Participants in the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., check their net on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.
Participants in the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., check their collection tub on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.
Participants in the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., line the shore of the Little Pond on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.
A participant in the free “Frog Catching!” event at Farview Park, 6257 138th Ave., gets his photograph taken on Monday, June 15, 2026. The event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.