| Ernie Miller Park and Nature
Center, JCPRD's 116-acre park, consists of a diverse range
of habitats such as tall grass prairie, upland meadows, bottomland
forest and a beautiful stream to explore. It also provides a variety
of exhibits as you discover more about the Park’s wildlife and history.
The 116-acre park has been preserved in much of its natural state
and features an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 80 persons,
picnic shelter, three miles of nature trails, including a self-guided
1/4 mile accessible nature trail.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center
The EMNC includes a gift shop for nature enthusiasts, year-round interpretive
programming for all ages and is staffed by knowledgeable park naturalists
and police of our Park Safety and Interpretive Division. Programs
offer experiences that help to create awareness and respect for wildlife
and habitat.
Educational Programs & Camps
Our knowledgeable staff present a variety of fun, educational programs
for all ages. For more information about the center’s youth, preschool
outreach, school programs and Outdoor Discovery Camps call (913) 764-7759
or see downloadables below.
Recent Ernie Miller Improvements & Amenities
A major expansion of EMNC has been completed and has added more than
5,800 square feet to the facility. New amenities include a multipurpose
room, an exhibit room, a wildlife-viewing room facing the woods and
a 500-gallon aquarium featuring native fish.
| Nature Center Hours*: |
| Spring & Summer** - April 1 - October 31: |
| Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm / Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm |
| Fall & Winter Hours - November 1 to March 31: |
| Monday to Saturday 9 am to 4:30 pm / Sunday 12:30 pm to 4:30
pm |
|
*Closed for lunch 12 pm - 1 pm
**June, July, August Closed on Sunday
|
Outdoor Discovery Camps
Outdoor Discovery Camp is offered at two locations in the summer,
Ernie Miller Park (6-8 yrs) and Shawnee
Mission Park (8-12 yrs). Pre-registration for these camps is required.
Registration begins in February. Details and registration information
will be available at that time.
Outdoor Discovery Camp Required PDF Forms:
JCPRD Activities Web Catalog
To view and enroll on-line for any Ernie Miller program and activity,
please click on the Programs and Activities At This Facility button
below:
Donations for Animal Supplies Sought at EMNC
Individuals, families and groups wanting to make a difference
are invited to consider contributing a gift to the animals at the Ernie
Miller Nature Center.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center has ongoing needs for supplies for both the animals
kept at the center and the wild animals that come to the feeders.
Items needed: black oil sunflower seed; white millet or safflower seed (no seed
mixes, please); suet cakes; dried seed corn on the cob; LabDiet 5001 rodent food;
pine bedding; bags of new clean cypress mulch; small bags of timothy hay; various
sizes of clear Critter Keeper boxes with snap tops from pet stores; ferret snacks;
bleach, laundry soap; and dryer sheets.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a new experience? Have a skill or interest that you are
willing to share? Want to learn a new skill? Presently, opportunities
exist for people to be Nature Center volunteers. Adults are needed
to deliver environmental programs, conduct nature walks, staff the
Nature Center, and much more. You need not be an expert – training
and support will be provided. For more information about volunteer
opportunities click here
to the volunteer manual.
Download Forms
To view and download any Ernie Miller Nature Center forms and other
JCPRD downloadable forms, please visit our PDF page by clicking on the
Download Forms button below:

Downloadables, Links and Park Numbers:
2008 EMNC Spring Tracks
Newsletter [300KB]
Ernie Miller Preschool
Nature Awareness Brochure
Ernie Miller Youth Outdoor
Recreation Ed. Programs
JCPRD Park Shelter
Information Chart
TimberRidge Adventure
Center Facility Rental Brochure [590KB]
TimberRidge Corporate
Flyer
2008 Johnson County Art
Fest Page
2008 Ernie Miller Nature
Center Interpretive School Program
JCPRD Living Memorial Program
[210KB]
 |

Picnic Shelter
- 8 tables (1 accessible), seating for 64 persons
- Grill not available
- Path from shelter to Nature Center is handicapped accessible
with assistance
- Electricity; no water available
- Nearest restroom located in Nature Center
- No playground
- If difficulties arise, contact a Park Ranger at (913) 782-0720.
> Reservation pricing
> Permit pricing
|
| |
|
|
 |
"This program is excellent! The Rangers were fabulous instructors; Just the right amount of humor mixed in with instruction. They handle the kids wonderfully! Way to go! (Archeology Lab)"
Christa McAuliffe Elementary

|