Bright Conservation Area is the largest of the Hancock Park District’s five conservation areas, which are designed to protect water quality, expand wildlife habitat, and provide natural beauty. Learn about the history of the land, the restoration of wetlands on the site, and search for interesting plants and wildlife like American mink and migrating waterfowl. […]
Wooly Bear can be seen everywhere in the fall. They are one of the most popular and beloved caterpillars. Take a hike to see if they are hiding along the trails or hiding under a log. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Parking Lot by Shelter 3 1 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is […]
It’s time for a turkey hunt. Children will make a turkey snood headband and look at turkey feathers. A hike to look for turkeys or signs they’ve been there will follow. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Shelter 1 PM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other ages siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. Michelle […]
If you love building bricks, then join us for our program focused on building brick engineering. Learn good building practices, make a space station as a group, and create buildings for building a brick town. Toward the end, work together to build a strong bridge and see how much weight it can hold. Oakwoods Nature […]
The landscape of Hancock County would have been much different at the time of the first Thanksgiving. Hike the trails and imagine how different it would have been in 1621. Look for fallen leaves, animals searching for food, and possibly even a turkey. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Gatehouse 1 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration […]
Tour the house of Charles and Mary McKinnis and learn about life in Ohio during the 1840s. Enjoy eating homemade cookies by the fire. Children who attend can create a button spinner toy just like kids in the 1800s would have played with. Litzenberg Memorial Woods McKinnis House 1-4 PM All ages are welcome. Free; […]
Get the Christmas holidays started with the story “If You Take a Mouse to the Movies.” The story will be read by the fireside, and popcorn strands will be hung on the Christmas tree. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 2 PM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration […]
Muskrats are small creatures that are shy and build homes at the edge of ponds. The story, Finders Keepers, which is about Cork the Muskrat and his friend Fuzz the Opossum will be read. After the story, look around the Discovery Center for your own finders keepers rock. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM […]
Explore hands-on displays, view live animals, play with animal puppets, complete a coloring sheet, and create a fun holiday craft. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 3-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. Tim Kleman tkleman@hancockparks.com
Create gifts this holiday season out of recyclable materials. Use old Christmas cards to make gift tags, bookmarks, and ornaments, create a homemade paper ball ornament, and decorate recyclable wrapping paper. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6 PM Ages 6 and up. Free; registration is not required. Tim Kleman tkleman@hancockparks.com
Catch a glance at the last full moon of 2025. As our eyes adjust to the darkness of the night and then to the brightness of the moon, we will look for animals such as raccoons and Eastern Screech Owls. Will they be looking for food? Come and find out. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks […]
With winter approaching, the possibility of snow is around the corner. Learn how snowflakes are made and why they come in different shapes. Listen to the story, The Snowflake and learn about one snowflake’s journey across the world. Make a snowflake craft using cotton swabs, construction paper, and glue. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods […]
