On April 8, Hancock County will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. In our indoor planetarium program, we will focus on a solar eclipse: what it is, why it happens, different types, and how often they occur. We will view what will happen during the eclipse and learn about other astronomical objects […]
We will take a hike on the .3-mile Lady Bug Loop Trail and look for rainbows. Perhaps we will find a reflection of one in the water at the vernal pool or one showing through the clouds in the sky. Blue Rock Nature Preserve Edgar Street Parking Lot 1 PM Ages 3 and under with […]
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 […]
Salamanders are moving around the wet spring forests. A story will be read about salamanders: what they are, why they are moving this time of year, and their life cycle. After the story, we will go on a short walk in the park in search of these slimy creatures and then return to the Discovery […]
Birds from the area are returning as spring migration begins. We will look for migratory birds such as Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, Fox Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Parking Lot 6–7:30 PM Ages 16 and up. Free; registration is not required. […]
Join your fellow photographers at Litzenberg Memorial Woods for a spring photography hike. We will focus on wildflowers, amphibians, birds, and other spring subjects. All skill levels and camera types are welcome. The trails might be wet and muddy, so where the appropriate shoes. Litzenberg Memorial Woods South Parking Lot 9-11 AM Ages 16 and […]
Spiders are creepy and crawly and may look villainous, but they help humans more than we give them credit for. By eating insects that are a nuisance (mosquitoes, centipedes, and earwigs), spiders are one of our greatest allies. Join us as we enjoy an afternoon hike in search of spiders, such as wolf spiders, yellow […]
Steve Rice from the Millstream Astronomy Club will present a program about the upcoming solar eclipse. He will explain what will be happening in Findlay and how to safely view this spectacular event. After the program, there will be viewing of Jupiter and its four largest moons and many other wonders of the night sky. […]
Spring is the time for amphibians. They have awakened from their winter slumber and are busy setting up territories and finding a mate. Learn about amphibians, such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts that can be found in Ohio and why they go through metamorphosis. Children will have an opportunity to make a felt salamander […]
We will hike around Goose Lake and along the Upland Trail to see if we can find round geode rocks. This is approximately a 1-mile natural trail with hills and grassy area. There will be a display of geodes to look at before we hike so you will know what to look for. Geodes are […]
Information about the eclipse, including a timeline of the eclipse, will be on the Discovery Center porch. Solar eclipse glasses and pinhole projectors will also be available while supplies last. At 2:30 PM, we will hike to the wetland area for a better viewing experience. Due to the nature of this event, please be prepared […]
Watch the total solar eclipse with us. But first, check out our Solar Eclipse Ambassador Station at Shelter 7 to learn about the solar eclipse, safe viewing practices, and the timing of the solar eclipse. You can look at pinhole projectors, look at the sun through a large solar viewer window, and sign our solar […]
The solar eclipse may be over but that does not mean the astronomical fun has to end. Stick around after the sun goes down to view other objects in the night sky. We will point out constellations and talk about their folklore, and use our telescopes to look at Jupiter, distant stars, and deep space […]
Birds that spent the winter in the south have now returned and are busy building for the upcoming nesting season. As we hike, we will look for birds, such as Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Bluebirds and Baltimore Orioles. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Adult companions must remain with children during […]
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 spring and the parks are filled with the calls of frogs and toads. Learn and listen to the calls of the different species that live in the park and then we will take a night hike to listen and search for these musical amphibians. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 8:30 PM All ages […]
April is one of the wettest months of the year. If that inspires you to learn about rain and weather, then join us as we discuss the characteristics of rain and clouds, cloud types, the water cycle, types of storms, and how much clouds weigh, which might surprise you. With the weather permitting, we might […]
Before the leaves on the trees shade the forest floor, the warm soil will produce spring wildflowers. Flora, such as spring beauties, bloodroot, and dog-tooth violet should be available for viewing. The trail may be wet and muddy, so wear appropriate shoes. Aeraland Recreation Area Shelter 1 PM Ages 18 and up Free; registration is […]
From A to Z, there is an animal for each letter of the alphabet. Join us as we practice our ABCs in a fun, outdoor style. We will walk through Riverside Park, pass by some Animal Alphabet signs, and have fun with the alphabet. Riverside Park Waterfalls Pavilion 10 AM Ages 3 and under with […]
Join us for this program about reptiles and amphibians and learn about what makes reptiles and amphibians unique. We will go hiking, look for frogs and snakes, and do a craft that shows the life cycle of a frog. Hop and slither over for a fun learning experience. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center Porch 1-3 […]
If you love listening to birds in your yard or out in the park, but you do not know the names of the birds, then join us for Bird Songs for Beginners. We will listen to the songs and calls of common backyard birds, discuss their purpose, and learn how to identify birds. Afterward, we […]
During this scavenger hunt, we will search for things in nature, but if we find a feather, we will flap our arms like a bird. If we find an animal track, we might prance like a deer or hop like a rabbit. Children might get dirty, even wet, and muddy, so they should dress accordingly. […]
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 […]
Homeschool students will have an opportunity to create a birdhouse and a bird feeder. They will use milk jugs, soda bottles, popsicle sticks, twigs, buttons, and more. Supplies will be provided. Since paint and permanent markers will be used for decorating, appropriate clothing should be worn. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 6-9 […]
Homeschool students will have an opportunity to create a birdhouse and a bird feeder. They will use milk jugs, soda bottles, popsicle sticks, twigs, buttons, and more. Supplies will be provided. Since paint and permanent markers will be used for decorating, appropriate clothing should be worn. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1 PM Ages 10-13 […]
Every spring a small odd-looking bird called an American Woodcock performs a special sky dance in the twilight. Join us for a night hike as we search for timberdoodles and hope to observe their sky dance. Information will be provided about the American Woodcock, it's cool features, and why it performs the sky dance in […]
Dragons are mythological creatures having resemblance to snakes and lizards. But where did the concept of a dragon come from? In this program, we will explore the history of dragon myths from around the world and find out what caused our ancestors to imagine these fantastic creatures of legend. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1 […]
Happy Earth Day! Celebrate the planet and show that you care by coming out to the park to clean up trash along the trails. As we collect trash we will talk about the impact of litter on wildlife and about the cool things that are coming out in spring like wildflowers, frogs, and insects. Rubber […]
Spring has finally arrived. From wildflowers to birds, there are wonderful colors to see. Join us for Colors of Spring to learn about colors and how to mix colors to make new colors. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1 PM Ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; […]
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 […]
Snails prefer to live on the wet forest floor. After reading a story about snails, we will hike the trails in search of our slimy shelled friends and their hiding places. We will also look for animals that like to live alongside snails like pill bugs and salamanders. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area […]
Once upon a time, the first day of May was a day to give good tidings to others. This was done by placing a small basket with flowers on their front doorknob. The first day of May signaled the change in weather from chilly and rainy to warm and sunny. Teens will hear about the […]
