VALPARAISO | Jim Hitz looked a bit disappointed at Saturday morning's rain shower, which was just in time for the opening of Taltree Arboretum & Gardens' 10 Years of Natural Inspiration anniversary celebration and kids' fest.

But Hitz, the arboretum's executive director, tried to look on the bright side.

"I see kids in their raincoats and umbrellas," Hitz said. "We must be doing something right to have people come out in the rain."

The rain was a perfect example of the unstoppable forces of nature, one of the lessons the 300-acre reserve of gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies has focused on since it was founded in 1997.

The celebration offered visitors hiking tours, seminars, birthday cake, musical entertainment and nature activities. The arboretum encouraged youngsters to learn about nature and participate in activities with the arboretum's sister organizations at the event, including the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Porter County Museum and Porter County Parks and Recreation.

Daniel Rawson, 7, made a white bandana with green leaf imprints by placing real leaves under a cloth and pounding them with a hammer.

"It's my own design," said Daniel, who earlier examined pond water under a microscope at one of the activity booths.

"It was disgusting -- and cool," he said of the water.

Parents Kathy and Dave Rawson, of the Lakes of the Four Seasons, said Daniel is excited about "anything science or nature."

"We figured it would be a good family event," Kathy Rawson said.

Juanita Goetcheus, of Valparaiso, and her friend, Carmen Barnes, of Munster, had never been to the arboretum before Saturday.

"We've hiked everything," Barnes said. "Everything is well-kept, beautiful and interesting."

Hitz said the celebration may turn into an annual event, as he hopes to educate more residents and make them aware of what the arboretum offers, which includes hiking trails, retreats, classes, seminars, and concerts.

"We're open to new people -- especially large families -- to come out and see what we're all about," he said. "We hope what we do has a positive impact and builds an awareness in the region."