Have fun this summer while participating in a number of educational programs for all ages hosted by Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation. Ranging from canoe trips to weekly activities, each event is guaranteed to provide fun while learning.

A majority of the events are held at the WACF Levinson-LaBrosse Lakes & Wetlands Recreation Center, SR 13, just south of Syracuse.

Lakes, Talks & Eats is at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of July and August at the Ruddell Pavilion on the center’s property. This morning event, which includes free breakfast, offers information demonstrations, hands on activities and ways to help protect the lakes and watershed.

The annual water bug catch is the second Lakes, Talks & Eats program (the first was June 1) and the most popular. This event, July 6, includes educational learning about critters that live in the lake and what those creatures tell about the health of the lake. End the event by wading into the waters of Lake Wawasee with a fine mesh net to see what water bugs can be found.

The final event in the series will be Saturday, Aug. 3, with a cruise on the SS Lillypad  to learn how to keep the lakes clean. Reservations are required for this event at a cost of $20 per person.

But there’s more fun.

The WACF and DNR will offer a family fishing fun day at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Between the Lakes Preserve, 5814 E. Pickwick Road, Syracuse. DNR officials will supply rods and bait and teach casting and fishing. This event is fun for beginners and experts.

The 10 lakes canoe trips provide a wetland education experience. Guides and canoes will take participants on a trip that is different each time. The trips start at 7:30 a.m. concluding around noon Fridays, starting June 21. There is a $5 fee to cover equipment costs and participants are required to sign up. Visit wacf.com/education/canoetrips for dates and to sign up.

Checkout the Wetland Adventures for Kids from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31. This event hosts special programs for kids accompanied by a parent or adult. Each day will focus on different aspects of the wetlands and the watershed with crafts, special activities and a canoe scavenger hunt. No registration is needed but participants are asked to bring a life jacket.

Other events include WACF’s summer social “The Event” at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28. This event celebrates summer and the lakes with neighbors, family and friends. The evening includes dinner, live music, dancing and a door prize drawing. Registration and tickets are required.

Get a short update on WACF at its annual lake celebration and brunch starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27. This free event includes the annual Cattail Awards presentation and a salute to volunteers.

End the summer with learning how everything is connected by going on an agricultural tour at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. Tour Anderson Farms in Noble County and discover the important relationship between agriculture and the lakes.

To learn more about these events, and additional events held in the fall, winter and spring, visit wacf.com.