Archives: Events

Toadstool Town is a tiny town not seen by most. Some magic in nature happens underground. While other things in nature are sleeping, fungus is not one of them. The story “Toadstool Town” will be read and there will be a mushroom town coloring page. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 3 and […]

Orienteering is a sport of navigation where the goal is to use a map and compass to locate control points that are scattered throughout an area. Orienteering can be done as a competitive race or an activity to explore a new area. Learn about the basics of orienteering such as how to use a compass […]

Fall is approaching and forests are about to change with the season. Explore the park as leaves begin to turn different colors and animals look for more food. Lift logs as well to see what is happening in the ground. This is a drop-off program. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Mariann Dana Younger […]

Bring along a chair as we watch the sunset over Dold Lake. A survey will be taken of what local animals like American Robins and other songbirds are doing as the sunlight starts to creep to the horizon. As the Sun sets, there’s a good chance that we’ll see the planet Mars and the Moon, […]

Nature is all around, and fall is coming. Look at the trees, their leaves may be starting to change. Spiders, cocoons, galls, and salamanders may be spied under a leaf or log on the ground. The Lady Bug Trail around Blue Rock is a .3-mile walking trail and is quite easy for strollers and walkers. […]

Native plants are ones that have grown in an area prior to European settlers. Discover why these plants are important for our ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. Hike the trails looking for examples of beneficial native plants found in Hancock County including common milkweed. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Shelter 6 PM Ages 16 and up. Free; registration […]

One of the bests ways to help wildlife at home is landscaping with native plants. Local vendors will be selling native plants on the Discovery Center Porch until supplies last. Inside, learn about native plants and wildlife. At 9:30 AM, there will be a presentation on what to plant at home to attract different groups […]

Fall is quickly approaching, and it is time to prepare for the harvest on the McKinnis Farm. At the workshop, learn about the different tools used in harvesting crops and about the types of crops that the McKinnis family planted. In the house, stop by to try a sweet apple treat. Litzenberg Memorial Woods McKinnis […]

Raccoons are resourceful animals; they can find food anywhere! Learn about this amazing scavenger through a fun storybook. Children will also look at raccoon furs, bones, and make a raccoon mask craft. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 4-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not […]

“Frog in the Bog” by Karma Wilson will be read in the Nature Play Area. This is a story about a frog and what he likes to eat as he grows. Search for and count the different bugs he has eaten: one tick, two fleas, and three flies. If there is inclement weather, this program […]

Humans have been making objects out of leather for thousands of years. Learn the historical practice of leatherworking and how pioneers would have used it. Make your own keychain out of a leather strip. All supplies will be provided. Litzenberg Memorial Woods McKinnis House 6 PM Ages 16 and up. Click here to register 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 […]

Here’s a chance to create fall-themed décor. Participants will make fall colored glitter slime, a tissue paper leaf-shaped suncatcher, decorate miniature foam pumpkins and squash and create a scarecrow head out of popsicle sticks. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6:30 PM All ages are welcome. Click here to register with $5 per set of crafts […]

On a guided bird hike, search for birds passing through the area on their fall migration. Look for birds like warblers, vireos, thrushes, sparrows, hawks, and other fall migrants. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Parking lot by Shelter 3 9 AM All ages are welcome. […]

Celebrate the beginning of fall. While it’s Fall Equinox Eve, as autumn starts officially at 2:19pm the next day, learn what’s happening with the ending of summer and the starting of fall. Why do deciduous leaves turn the color they do, and which animals have already left to fly south. Visitors will be able to […]

Hike the Lady Bug Loop Trail in search of fall related objects in a scavenger hunt like a red leaf, a squirrel, and an acorn. While on the trail collect a few cool leaves to be used in a leaf rubbing craft. Blue Rock Nature Preserve Edgar Avenue parking lot 10 AM Ages 3-5 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 […]

The section of Litzenberg south of U.S. Route 224 is seldom visited but it contains miles of trails and vast areas of natural habitats. Hike a mile and a half section of the Southland Trail traveling through riparian forest, prairie, and wetland habitats. Learn about the history of the area and about the plants and […]

Riverbend Recreation Area Lakefront Activity Center 8PM

Mastodons became extinct in Ohio around ten thousand years ago, but evidence of them can still be found in the parks by looking at plants. Learn about ecological anachronism and the types of animals that lived in Ohio during the last ice age. On a hike, search for plants that have adapted to live along […]

Aim, shoot, and score! Learn safety measures and the basics of archery from a certified archery instructor while shooting arrows at targets with a compound bow. Archery equipment will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Dold Lake 6 PM Ages 16 and up. Click here to register with $10 per person by 1 PM on Monday, […]