There are all kinds of wildlife that make their homes in the wetlands of Ohio. During this guided hike, look for wetland plants and animals, such as Sandhill Cranes, Mallard Ducks, Western chorus frogs, mourning cloak butterflies, Eastern brown snakes, and the marsh marigold. The trail may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate […]

It is time to look for the frog moon. Spring peepers and Western chorus frogs should be calling when the first full moon of spring rises. Trails may be wet and muddy, so wear the appropriate shoes. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Gatehouse 8 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is not required. Michelle Rumschlag mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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) […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Many interesting and colorful birds are passing through during spring migration on their way to the breeding grounds in the north. During this guided hike, search for birds like Swainson’s Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, ducks, shorebirds, and a wide range of colorful warblers. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Oakwoods Nature Preserve […]

Young anglers can try their luck as the Hancock Park District hosts its 28th Annual Fish Festival. Trout stocking will take place prior to the event courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division. Fishing will be allowed by bank only. Children must do the fishing, but limited adult assistance is permitted. All […]