Shelter Reservations 419-221-1232 or Register Online

NATURE PALS: Goodness Snakes

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

What makes snakes different from other reptiles? Is a snake’s skin slimy or dry? Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion are invited to stay curious as we learn about the exciting world of snakes. Dress for a hike in the woods. Register by Mar. 5.

ROCK ON!

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

Can you dig it? We bet you can! In this program for elementary-aged children and their families, you’ll discover the nature of rocks and minerals and explore how these cool compounds are formed. Examine various formations up-close and then get a head start on a rock collection of your very own! Register by Mar. 13.

SPRING INTO FITNESS: JOGGING WITH JOHNNY

Heritage Park 2092 Reed Road, Lima, OH, United States

Join us on the opposite side of the county to jumpstart your joints and spring into fitness with a Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy! We will have a warm-up walk and a few easy laps around the park. All ages and abilities are welcome in their fitness journey, whether you consider yourself a seed, a sapling, or …

KILLDEER PLAINS FIELD TRIP

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

Join a naturalist and the Tri-Moraine Audubon Society to explore some of the 8,000+ acres of wetlands, prairies, and woodlots at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area. We’ll do some walking, but we will mostly be driving between points of interest. Prepare for the weather and pack a lunch. A limited number of binoculars and field guides …

DUKE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY! – OPEN HOUSE

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

Come celebrate one of the park’s most charismatic employees - Duke the sulcata tortoise! Duke is an education animal who has worked with many of the citizens of Allen County helping us teach people about reptiles. There will be tortoise trivia, crafts, and even cake! Duke will be roaming around to accept gentle pats on …

FEEDING DAY

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

The Park District maintains several education animals in the McElroy Environmental Education Center, using them throughout the year for nature presentations and programs. Join the Critter Care volunteers to help (or watch) them clean and feed all our animals on the last Thursday of the month! Register by Mar. 27.  

SPRING INTO FITNESS: JOGGING WITH JOHNNY

Ottawa Metro Park 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

Jumpstart your joints and spring into fitness with a Johnny Appleseed   accountabili-buddy! Join a Naturalist for a warm-up walk and a few easy laps around Ottawa Metro Park. All ages and abilities are welcome in their fitness journey, whether you consider yourself a seed, a sapling, or cider! Choose a pace that is comfortable for …

NATURE 101: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR DURING AN ECLIPSE

Johnny Appleseed Park District Office 1682 Slabtown Road, Lima, OH, United States

For centuries humans have feared, celebrated, and pondered eclipses when they occurred in the sky. Do other animals feel the same way? What are their reactions to this natural phenomenon? Get ready for the total solar eclipse (which will be just one week away!) by learning about the historical challenges of recording animal data during …

WOODCARVING: HIKING STICK

McElroy Environmental Education Center 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH, United States

Create your own unique hiking stick from donated Corkscrew Willow branches with assistance from the Lima Area Woodcarvers. This project can be as simple or complex as you desire as several carving options will be available and is for all skill levels, beginners included. This program is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up …

TRI-MORIANE AUDUBON SOCIETY: FAMILY FUN NIGHT

OSU Lima Campus - Visitor/Student Center 3900 Campus Drive, Lima, OH, United States

Join the Tri-moraine Audubon Society for our annual Family Fun Night! Share the experience with friends of all ages. Several tables of activities will be sponsored by local environmental groups including the Park District.   

Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District