The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will host some outdoor events.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, it will host Nature Days for Kids.

The program, at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, starts at 10:30 a.m. It will end at noon.

Animals are sneaky creatures that leave us clues about who's just gone through an area. What sign did they leave behind to give you clues about what it was? You will learn about several animals and what footprints they leave.

Put a face to the track by making plaster animal tracks. Bring a clean, small butter tub or similar container to make a track.

* Also on Saturday, Aug. 1, the Mines of Spain will be holding a guided hike with the Park's naturalist on the Nature Center Trails at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center.

The hike, starting at 2:30 p.m., will be on the Pine Chapel and Lead Mine Trails and cover approximately one and half miles.

* On Sunday, Aug. 2, there will be a canoe trip on Catifish Creek.

Meet at the Canoe Launch on Catfish Creek. The event will go from 1 to 3 p.m. The canoe launch is located on the Mines of Spain Road just south of the Julien Dubuque Monument.

The canoes, life jackets and paddles will be provided. For young children, it is advised that participants provide a life jacket.

Participants will canoe from the mouth of Catfish Creek to the mouth of Granger Creek.

The guided tour will begin with a short instruction lesson and a brief history program about the park and the different cultures that lived here in the past.

It is recommended that participants bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat for all events.

No reservations will be taken; all canoe trips are weather dependant, so call the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center for more information at 563-556-0620 before noon on the date of the event.