Letterboxing is a treasure hunt style hobby, like geocaching, where participants read clues to find the location of hidden boxes scattered in public places across the country. Inside the boxes are a logbook, an ink pad, and a unique stamp to collect. Experience the hobby of letterboxing by searching for temporary letterboxes scattered around the […]

Often called “rats with wings”, pigeons are often misunderstood, but these cool birds are one of the most important animals in human history. Explore the fascinating world of pigeons by learning about their amazing features, how people have used these birds throughout history, and the interesting species of pigeons found in Ohio and the world. […]

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 […]

Late summer is still a wonderful time to observe insects. Hike the trails and look for species that live in Hancock County, including Monarch Butterflies, Cicadas, and Stag Beetles. Riverbend […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Somewhere in the Nature Playscape, Bear is hiding. A game of hide and seek will be played after the story Where is Bear? 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. Free; […]

Animals can be brightly colored to warn other animals that they are poisonous. Visit various stations that focus on warning colors in animals, including poison vs venom, decide whether it’s camouflage or warning color, and a butterfly craft made from coffee filters and markers. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6-7:30 PM All ages are welcome. […]

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, join Sarah Fishel to write and draw with a feather quill and ink, and seal letters to be sent off […]

Animals make noises to let others 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 will try their hand at making various animal sounds, from foxes to frogs to 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 ages 16 […]

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 […]

Monarch Butterflies make an extraordinary journey each year. Discover how monarchs travel from Mexico to Canada for the summer and then return to Mexico for the winter. Search for caterpillars on the Common Milkweed and for adults flying along the trails, as they begin their journey south to Tennessee. Aeraland Recreation Area Shelter 6 PM […]

Search for birds passing through the area on their fall migration on a guided bird hike. 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. […]

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 the 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 interesting nature that lives in the preserve. Blanchard River Nature Preserve 1 PM All ages are […]

Happy First Day of Autumn! Learn about the fall equinox through hands-on activities, including what can be done in 12 hours’ time, making golden glitter crafts, what animals do to get ready for winter, and play the animal game, Do I hibernate, migrate, or survive? Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 6-8 PM All ages are […]

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 […]

Most people are familiar with house cats, but there are other kinds of felines. Explore the various members of the feline family through information stations, including Ohio’s own native cat, the Bobcat. Make a mini cat out of cardboard and toilet paper rolls. All supplies will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 1-4 PM […]

Enjoy tea with a friend in a forest-like setting. Nature inspired foods being 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. Click here to register […]

Space is huge and 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 […]

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 of yellow will be prominently displayed in the wetlands this time of year. Take a hike to look for things that are 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 […]

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 […]