Get ready for the longest night of the year as we celebrate the start of winter, and the lengthening of days—which means more sunshine is on its way! Be prepared for fun with crafts, native plants, bird seed wreaths, even an up close look at snow bugs (or leaf litter critters, depending on the weather!). This is a free family event with stations to participate at your own pace. Doors open at 6 p.m. and we finish up at 8…

There is nothing more fun than playing out in the snow during the winter! Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion will enjoy activities focusing on snow and snowflakes. Dress appropriately for a hike in the woods that will, hopefully, include a walk through the snow. Register by Jan. 7 at 419-221-1232.

There is nothing more fun than playing out in the snow during the winter! Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion will enjoy activities focusing on snow and snowflakes. Dress appropriately for a hike in the woods that will, hopefully, include a walk through the snow. Register by Jan. 7 at 419-221-1232.

With 99 documented tree species, Ohio forests are quite diverse. They come in a fantastic variety and they all play a tremendous role in our ecosystem. Come learn how these amazing organisms work. We’ll discuss a little identification, but join us on the 25th for a TREE HUGGING HIKE. This program is open to all ages, but material will be discussed at a mature level. Register by Jan. 15 by calling 419-221-1232.

Come explore all the arthropod artifacts the Park District has to offer! We’ve got live bugs, bug specimens, bugs under microscopes, bug facts, bug games and more! Everything from millipedes to moths, cockroaches to chrysalises, spiders and much more!! This is a family event with stations to participate at your own pace. Doors open at 3 pm and we finish up at 5 pm. Register by Jan 17 by calling 419-221-1232.

Come test your Nature Knowledge in a fun, interactive trivia game inspired by Jeopardy. Questions will be based on fun and interesting facts about our world and all that live in it. Participants may work in pairs if they choose. Prizes will be awarded to the top scorers. Please register by Jan. 29 by calling 419-221-1232.

Homeschool Enrichment classes will be offered again for the upcoming school year, September 2019 – May 2020. Students, K-6th grade, are invited to join us each month as we explore the animal kingdom. Class will typically include a hike, lesson and animal visitor. Classes will be held in the McElroy Environmental Education Center at the Park District office (2355 Ada Road), on the last Friday of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Enrollment for the entire school year is being accepted until…

Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion are invited to join us as we learn about white-tailed deer. Stories, songs and crafts will all be part of the fun. Dress for a hike in the woods. Register by Feb. 4 by calling 419-221-1232.

Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion are invited to join us as we learn about white-tailed deer. Stories, songs and crafts will all be part of the fun. Dress for a hike in the woods. Register by Feb. 4 by calling 419-221-1232.

Animals have interesting and elaborate methods of attracting mates. Bright colors, fancy dances, beautiful songs are just a few. Come learn about some of the more bizarre techniques in an indoor presentation. Maybe you’ll get some ideas to swoon your own mate. All ages are welcome, although this program is designed for a more mature audience.  Please call 419-221-1232 to register by Feb. 13.

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun & easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Start with a brief presentation on bird ID and then relax as we observe birds at the feeders from the comfort of indoors. If you-re up for it, we’ll take a hike and observe birds in the woods as well. Coffee, tea and a limited number of binoculars will…

Combine your love of nature and the art of photography—with a little help from your friends! The Nature Photography Club is for ages 12 and up and open for any skill/equipment level. It is free to join, with nominal fees for some activities. The club will offer workshops, classroom sessions, field trips, photo contests and more. Meetings will be held the third Monday of each month (except January) at 7:00 p.m. in the McElroy Environmental Education Center (MEEC). Register by…

Ticks, mosquitos, chiggers and more! With the warm season not too far off, now is a good time to learn about our favorite parasitic friends in this indoor presentation. Unfortunately, we will not be going on a hike to experience these creatures. This program is open to all ages but material will be discussed a mature level. Register by Feb. 19 by calling 419-221-1232.

Join Chris Baker as she shows us how to assemble a gathering basket. The cost for this workshop is $35 . Class size is limited. Call 419-221-1232 to register.

Homeschool Enrichment classes will be offered again for the upcoming school year, September 2019 – May 2020. Students, K-6th grade, are invited to join us each month as we explore the animal kingdom. Class will typically include a hike, lesson and animal visitor. Classes will be held in the McElroy Environmental Education Center at the Park District office (2355 Ada Road), on the last Friday of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Enrollment for the entire school year is being accepted until…

Homeschool Enrichment classes will be offered again for the upcoming school year, September 2019 – May 2020. Students, K-6th grade, are invited to join us each month as we explore the animal kingdom. Class will typically include a hike, lesson and animal visitor. Classes will be held in the McElroy Environmental Education Center at the Park District office (2355 Ada Road), on the last Friday of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Enrollment for the entire school year is being accepted until…

Homeschool Enrichment classes will be offered again for the upcoming school year, September 2019 – May 2020. Students, K-6th grade, are invited to join us each month as we explore the animal kingdom. Class will typically include a hike, lesson and animal visitor. Classes will be held in the McElroy Environmental Education Center at the Park District office (2355 Ada Road), on the last Friday of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Enrollment for the entire school year is being accepted until…