Jay C. Hormel Nature Center presents a free family event, Summer Solstice Ecoblitz, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday.

Ecoblitz focuses on the discovery and exploration of our natural world. Come discover the joy of outdoor activities.

This is a free event, but a parent/adult guardian and child must pre-register and participate together in at least three of the five different activities to receive prizes and raffle chances. The activities offered include timed canoe races on the pond, trail tours on an access vehicle or bird walks with Austin Audubon members, scooping the pond for aquatic critters, geocaching and nature activities and critters with Wisconsin Naturalist David Stokes. Also, stop in the Visitor Center for trail activities, animal stamping, temporary tattoos, a coloring contest and an art activity.

Ecoblitz begins at 8:30 a.m., and morning sessions are scheduled from 9 to 9:45 a.m., 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11 to 11:45 a.m. Afternoon sessions will be held from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and 2 to 2:45 p.m., with prizes drawn at 3:15 p.m. Sign-up forms are available at the Nature Center. Complete three of the five activities and turn in your Ecoblitz form to take home one compact fluorescent light bulb and a pack of seeds to plant. Completed Ecoblitz forms will also be entered in the 3:15 p.m. prize drawing for t-shirts, canoe rentals and more, and the best time at the pond canoe race will win two canoe rentals valued at $20.

The Summer Solstice Ecoblitz is co-sponsored by Austin Audubon and the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center and is part of the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day. Special thanks to Austin Utilities for donating the compact fluorescent bulbs for this event.

Please call 437-7519 or email jchnatur@smig.net for more information and to preregister.