Join us at the historic 1847 McKinnis House to learn what it was like to write letters in the 1800s. We will talk about the history and the art of letter writing and how pens and ink were made, use a feather quill and ink to write letters and draw pictures, and create a rubber […]
Many interesting creatures can be found living under logs. Learn about the importance of fallen logs and leaves to the environment and the types of creatures that depend on them. Afterward, hike the trails to flip logs in search of log life, including fun fungi, slimy salamanders, slow snails, and farting beetles. This is a […]
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these […]
It is nesting time for many animals that lay eggs. There will be a display of eggs from different animals, such as ducks, geese, turkey, shark, and ostrich. We will talk about the process an egg goes through to hatch. For example, a mallard duck will lay one egg each day until the preferred number […]
Different animals are either returning to the area or waking up for spring. Join us as we hike and listen to all the new sounds of spring. Animals that might be seen or heard on the hike include western chorus frogs, white-tailed deer, and migratory birds, such as Yellow Warblers and Rusty Blackbirds. Aeraland Recreation […]
Learn about birds with hands-on activities. Use handheld magnifiers to get a closer look at bird feathers and wings, including the Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, and Cooper’s Hawk. Try to build a bird’s nest using beak-like tools, such as tweezers and chopsticks, make your own baby bird nest, and participate in other bird-related activities. […]
The height of spring migration is right around the corner and with it brings a group of colorful and musical birds called warblers. Northwest Ohio is often called the warbler capital of the world by the number and diversity of warblers that migrate through the area each spring. Learn how to identify the 36 species […]
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these […]
Learn about poisonous plants found in Hancock County, identification tips and how poisonous plants can cause harm by skin absorption or ingestion, and how to avoid contact with them. Afterward, we will hike on the trail to look for examples, including poison ivy, poison hemlock, and jimson weed. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 10 […]
Bees are hard at work this time of year. They help pollinate crops and create products, like honey and wax. Learn about beekeeping in the 1800s. There will be a demonstration out in the yard about creating a bee house called a skep. We will talk about beekeeping and how honey and wax were used […]
Wildflowers come in a variety of beautiful colors and spring is a wonderful time to see them. We will hike to look for wildflowers and learn about colors. We will look for spring beauties, Dutchman’s breeches, and trout lilies. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 10 AM Ages 3 and under with an adult; other […]
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these […]
