Hybrid Animals
2026-04-04 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
In the animal world, a combination of two different animals can happen, which is referred to as a hybrid. Hybrid animals are the offspring produced from the mating of two different animals. During this program, learn about hybrid animals, discover what makes them unique, and look at hybrid animal displays, including mules, ligers, and grolar bears. Make an imaginary hybrid animal craft using recycled material. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, April 3.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 15
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Wee Ones: Frogs and Toads
2026-04-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Spring is filled with the singing of frogs and toads. Learn the differences between them and which ones can be found in the park. Listen to a story, look at frog displays, listen to the songs of local frogs and toads, play with musical frogs, and create a frog craft.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Scales, Feathers, and Fur
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Animals have different types of body coverings that help them in many ways. See examples of snakeskin, mammal furs, and bird wings. Make a craft using felt to create a textured animal cutout. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 4-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

2026 Art in the Park: Plein Air Gatherings
2026-04-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Blue Rock Nature Preserve, Edgar Avenue Parking Lot, Findlay, OH, United States
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 gatherings are a perfect opportunity to meet and work with other plein air artists. Please join us for our 13th season!
You should plan to bring whatever supplies and equipment you need and dress for ground and weather conditions. There is no fee or registration. It is not necessary to attend every session – come when you can. In case of rain, the session is cancelled. Gatherings will be held weekly on Thursdays.
For more information or questions, please contact volunteer coordinator Sharon Hammer Baker at bakerartstudio@gmail.com or HPD Program Specialist Tim Kleman at tkleman@hancockparks.com.

Little Hands Nature Club: Duck Hunt
2026-04-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center Porch, 1400 Oakwoods Lane, Findlay, OH, 45840, United States
Ducks like to swim in open water. Make a duck headband, hike to Shank Lake and Dold Lake, and look for ducks swimming in the water. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center Porch
1 PM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other ages siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Explore Nature with iNaturalist
2026-04-10 18:00 - 19:00
iNaturalist provides a website and mobile apps that can be used to record and share nature observations. Join the network of citizen scientists by taking a guided hike to find and document plants and animals. Sign up by creating an iNaturalist account, download the iNaturalist app, bring an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or camera, and explore nature with iNaturalist. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Dance of the Timberdoodles
2026-04-11 20:15 - 21:15 | Riverbend Recreation Area, The Meadows Activity Area, Shelter 6
Every spring as the sun goes down, a small odd-looking shorebird called an American Woodcock performs a special sky dance. During this guided hike, search for timberdoodles as they perform their courtship display. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Riverbend Recreation Area
The Meadows Activity Area
Shelter 6
8:15 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Eagles: Open House
2026-04-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Eagles are large, majestic birds that are strictly carnivores. Learn about the various species of eagles around the world, including the Bald Eagle. Participants can make a Bald Eagle craft using plastic forks to make head feathers. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Discovery Stories: Turkey Vulture
2026-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
What are those large, dark birds soaring in circles through the sky? They are Turkey Vultures. They may not be the prettiest birds around, but they are important, graceful, and clean. A story will be read about these valuable birds, and a game will be played to see if children have a sense of smell like a vulture.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 4-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Rare Sightings in Hancock County
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Shelter, 6100 US 224 West
Learn about uncommon and rare organisms that can be spotted in Hancock County, Look at displays including the American badger and the wrinkled peach mushroom, and hike the trails to look for rare sights including earthstars, an uncommon mushroom. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Shelter
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Nest Exploration for Homeschoolers
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
As spring approaches, birds are making nests to lay eggs in. Learn about the different types of nests that birds make, look at bird nest displays, and hike the trails in search of actual bird nests. This is a drop-off program. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-2:30 PM
Ages 5-14.
Free; but click here to register by 9 AM on Wednesday, April 15.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Salamander Prowl
2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Shelter, 6100 US 224 West
Slimy salamanders can be found on the forest floor. Listen to a salamander story, learn about these amphibians, and go on a short hike to flip logs in search of salamanders. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Shelter
10 AM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

2026 Art in the Park: Plein Air Gatherings
2026-04-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gatehouse, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, 45840

Touch Tour
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
There are many different sensations to feel in nature. Go on a scavenger hunt to find things that are smooth, bumpy, prickly, and fuzzy. Learn about local animals including the star-nosed mole and raccoon on how they have a heightened sense of touch.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Parking Lot by Shelter 3
6 PM
Ages 4-8 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Orchids of Ohio
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Orchids are typically thought of as tropical flowers, but they are actually found in a variety of habitats around the globe, and they are one of the largest families of flowering plants. Celebrate National Orchid Day by learning about the orchid family, the species that can be found in Ohio, including Hancock County, and orchid conservation.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Old Fashion Cooking with Kids
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
Experience cooking as the pioneers did in 1847. Create a receipt book, bake bread and cookies, and scramble eggs on the old wood cookstove. This is a good learning experience for those who are just starting to cook and for those who have a 4-H cooking project.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1 PM
Ages 9-13.
Click here to register with $5 per person by 1 PM on Friday, April 17.
Minimum: 4/Maximum: 12
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Dance of the Sun
2026-04-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Findlay, OH, United States
Doug Rider from the Millstream Astronomy Club will present a program titled “Dance of the Sun.” See what the Sun looks like from other planets and view the night sky. Jupiter and Venus will be the featured planets. The Millstream Astronomy Club will have telescopes available (club members can show you how to use them) or bring your own.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Shelter 3
8 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Agriculture Reports for the McKinnis Family
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Activity Barn, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, United States
Take a step back in time to look at reports that tallied, among other things, the number and value of livestock, and the land and crops that families had. The report being highlighted is from 1850 for Liberty and Blanchard Townships and we are focusing on Charles McKinnis, an early settler of Hancock County, who lived on the property that is now Litzenberg Memorial Woods. Find out how many pounds of maple sugar he owned, how many sheep his brother-in-law, Jacob Poe maintained, and who owned the pair of working oxen.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Activity Barn
1 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, April 17.
Minimum: 3/Maximum: 60
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Nature Story Time: The Baby Animals' Party
2026-04-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Nature Play Area, Findlay, OH, United States
The Baby Animals’ Party is a fun story about animals celebrating a new baby that arrived in the spring. All the animals had their own gift to give the baby. Listen to the story, find out what the gifts were, and go on a scavenger hunt in the Nature Play Area to find the gifts. If there is inclement weather, this program will be held inside the Discovery Center.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Nature Play Area
1 PM
Ages 4-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Spring Scavenger Hunt
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Blue Rock Nature Preserve, Edgar Avenue Parking Lot, Findlay, OH, United States
Hike the Lady Bug Loop Trail and complete a scavenger hunt in search of signs of spring, such as a spring flower, a singing bird, and a calling frog. After the scavenger hunt, create a flower craft and play on the lawn.
Blue Rock Nature Preserve
Edgar Avenue Parking Lot
10 AM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Earth Day, Fun Day
2026-04-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Celebrate Earth Day in the park with activities for all ages. Recycling games and activities like trash toss, ring toss, and terrarium making will take place outside. Educational materials on the importance of recycling and where to recycle will be available inside. Bring plastic lids of all kinds to donate and learn how they will be used to make benches and tables for the Hancock County Fairgrounds. The story Welcome April will be read at 11 AM.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

2026 Art in the Park: Plein Air Gatherings
2026-04-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Karg Well Historical Site, Meet in parking area, Liberty & River Street.

Planetarium: Nebulas
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Learn about the wonders of nebulas. Discover how they are created, what they are made from, and how they can form new stars. Look at examples of nebulas in the planetarium. Participants are required to sit on the floor. Ask about accommodations.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but cluck here to register by 1 PM on Thursday, April 23.
Maximum: 25
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Animals in Extreme Environments
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
From blazing deserts to freezing tundra, some animals can live in extremely harsh conditions. Learn about animals that live in the most inhospitable locations on Earth, such as emperor penguins, fennec foxes, and Pompeii worms. Make a miniature volcano with clay, baking soda, and vinegar and watch it erupt. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, April 24.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 20
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Spring Wildflower Hike
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gatehouse, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, 45840
Spring is the perfect time for flowers to bloom in the forest, due to the warm weather and the lack of leaves on the trees. During this guided hike, search for spring wildflowers like trout lilies, mayapples, and spring beauties. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Gatehouse
11 AM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Spring Cleaning: Open House
2026-04-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
Pioneers looked forward to spring because that is when plants started to grow in the garden and in the forest. Early plants like sorrel and ramps provided fresh food after the long winter season. Windows could finally be opened to let in a fresh breeze and air out curtains, coverlets, and other linens. Stop by the McKinnis House to learn about house cleaning in the 1800s.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Forest Explorers Hike
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gatehouse, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, 45840
During this guided hike, look for wildflowers containing the colors pink, yellow, and orange. Roll over logs and look for inhabitants like salamanders, slugs, and centipedes. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Gatehouse
10 AM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Disc Golf
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Findlay, OH, United States
Disc golf involves throwing a disc at a target with rules similar to golf. Learn the rules of disc golf and practice by playing the front nine holes at Riverbend Recreation Area. Discs will be provided or bring your own. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Shelter 3
6 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Wednesday, April 29.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 15
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

2026 Art in the Park: Plein Air Gatherings
2026-04-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Blanchard River Nature Preserve, 22006 C.R. 17, Forest, Ohio

Whose Nest Is It Hike
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
Spring is here and it is time for nesting season. During this guided hike, look for different types of nests used by squirrels, woodpeckers, insects, and other animals. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Parking Lot by Shelter 3
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com
