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.

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.

• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp Supply List & Policies [75KB]
• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp Personal Data & Permission [50KB]
• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp Emergency Authorization [65KB]
• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp Health History Info [65KB]
• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Ernie Miller Schedule [40KB]
• 2008 Outdoor Discovery Shawnee Mission Park Schedule [50KB]

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.

	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