Explore the amazing world of spiders. Discover what makes them unique, learn about the types of spiders in Ohio, and look for spiders on the trail. This is a drop-off program. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Mariann Dana Younger Memorial Pavilion 1-2:30 PM Ages 5-14. Free; but click here to register by 4 […]

The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors or “en plein air.” Artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. These gatherings are a way to meet and work with other plein air artists, and they provide a nice format for those who […]

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 Thursday, […]

Bear is hiding somewhere in the Nature Play Area. After the story, Where is Bear?, a game of hide and seek will be played. Count to 10, and then the hunt will begin. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Nature Play Area 10 AM Ages 3 and under with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. […]

Animals that are brights colors can serve as a caution to others. Visit various stations that focus on animals with warning colors, including those that are poisonous and venomous, decide if it is camouflage or a warning color, and complete a butterfly craft made from coffee filters and markers. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6-7:30 […]

One of the best ways to help wildlife at home is to landscape with native plants. Native Pathways Nursery will be selling native plants on the Discovery Center Porch while supplies last. Inside the Discovery Center, learn about native landscaping, native plants and wildlife, and gain inspiration on how to mirror nature at home. Oakwoods […]

J.T. Senghas from the Millstream Astronomy Club will present a program titled The Fall Sky. After the program, view the night sky. 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 […]

Learn about the art of writing letters in the 1800s. In the house, Robert McKinnis will be creating ink out of black walnut and other natural pigments found around the farm. In the sitting room, Sarah Fishel will be writing and drawing with a feather quill and ink and sealing letters with wax. In the […]

Animals make noise to let other animals know their location, how they are feeling, and if they are looking for friends. Find out all the noises that are keeping Owl awake as he tries to sleep. Children can try to make various animal sounds, including those from foxes, frogs, and goats. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery […]

Try your hand at catching fish in Giertz Lake. Learn about the basics of fishing, fishing gear, fish behavior, and common sport fish species. All skill levels are welcome. A fishing pole will be provided or bring your own. Corn will be available for bait or bring your own lucky lure! All participants aged 16 […]

The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors or “en plein air.” Artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. These gatherings are a way to meet and work with other plein air artists, and they provide a nice format for those who […]

Monarch Butterflies make an extraordinary journey each year. Discover how monarchs travel from Mexico to Canada for the summer, and return to Mexico for the winter. Search for caterpillars on common milkweed and look for adult butterflies along the trails before they begin their journey south. Aeraland Recreation Area Shelter 6 PM All ages are […]

Fall migration brings birds through our area as they head south. Look for 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. Free; registration is not required. Tim Kleman […]

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 10 AM Ages 9-15. Click here to register with $10 per person by 1 PM on Friday, September 18. […]

It’s that time of year when Ohio’s state native fruit, the Pawpaw, is ripe and ready to enjoy. Search for fruit in the groves of the Pawpaw trees, learn about the life history of Pawpaw, and look for other plants and animals that live in the nature preserve. Blanchard River Nature Preserve 1 PM All […]

The fall equinox marks the first day of autumn. Learn about the fall equinox through hands-on activities: What can be done in 12 hours’ time and What animals do to get ready for winter. Play the animal game, Do I hibernate, migrate, or survive? And make golden glitter crafts. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6-8 […]

The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors or “en plein air.” Artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. These gatherings are a way to meet and work with other plein air artists, and they provide a nice format for those who […]

Most people are familiar with house cats, but there are other kinds of felines. Identify and learn about the various members of the feline family, including the bobcat, which is native to Ohio. Make a mini cat out of cardboard and toilet paper rolls. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1-4 […]

Enjoy tea with a friend in a forest-like setting. Nature-inspired foods to be served include prickly hedgehog spread, turkey tree slices, acorn kisses, forest moss cake, and wild cheese and tomato mushrooms. Make a nature woodland centerpiece to take home. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Activity Barn 2 PM Ages 16 and up. Register with $15 per […]

Space is full of amazing planets, moons, and stars. Discover our solar system through the book There’s No Place Like Space! Make a model of Saturn with Styrofoam balls, markers, and paper. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 4-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to […]

The archery range will be open for anyone who has participated in one of the Hancock Park District’s archery instructional programs. A certified archery instructor will supervise the archery open shoot. Archery equipment will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Dold Lake 6 PM Ages 9 and up. Click here to register with $10 per person […]

The color yellow is prominently displayed in the wetlands this time of year. On a guided hike, look for things the color of the sun, including flowers and butterflies. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Dold Lake 10 AM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. Michelle Rumschlag […]