TRI-MORAINE: GARDENING FOR MOTHS
2023-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Motter Metro Park
Join the Tri-Moraine in welcoming long-time favorite speaker, Jim McCormac! Jim has a tremendous bird and wildlife background which includes a long career with ODNR in field botany and wildlife diversity projects, especially birds. He is an award-winning and accomplished author and co-author, writes a column, Nature, for the Columbus Dispatch, authors an excellent blog (Ohio Birds and Biodiversity), and is a recognized and award winning communicator. His latest book focuses on Gardening for Moths and will be available for only $35. Come and hear from Jim, buy a book, and have it signed by the author!

Bird Monitoring - Diversity & Population Census Hikes
2023-11-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-11-23 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-12-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-12-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-01 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 UTC and 12 more dates | Ottawa Metro Park
A multitude of birds fly through this area during the spring & fall and many more are resident for some portion of the year. Join a Park Naturalist on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month and lend a watchful eye to help create a list of all the different types of birds that migrate through and stay in Allen County. All skill levels are welcome; it’s a great way to learn about birds or become a better birder. Participants will count all observable birds. Hiking distances and times will vary. Please be prepared for weather, ground conditions, and at least 1½ – 2½ hours on the trails. Children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

NATURE PALS: WINTER IS "SNOW" MUCH FUN!
2024-01-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Metro Park
There’s 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 2.

WINTER PARTY
2024-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Metro Park
Take some time to unwind this season by enjoying critters and crafts at the McElroy Environmental Education Center. Be prepared for fun with winter-themed crafts, and animals to keep you company while you do them. This is a free event open to people of all ages, with stations and materials provided to participate at your own pace. Doors open at 6 p.m. and we finish up at 8 p.m. Register by Jan 15.

IMAGINATURE PLAYGROUP
2024-07-30 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | RKAShelter
Come play with us at the Herman Woodlands Imaginature Playscape! Join a naturalist at the West Shelter for a mini program, then spend the rest of the time playing and exploring in the Playscape and creek. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and extra shoes and/or clothes for the ride home! Register by July 29.

HEALTH THROUGH NATURE
2024-08-08 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Robert K. Antibus Trail
Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense of unease and anxiety. New scientific research is concluding our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the second Thursday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by August 5.

PEDAL THE PARKS!
2024-08-09 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Robert K Antibus Trail Access, 12335 Zion Church Road, Spencerville, Ohio, 45887
Put your pedals through their spin cycle and join park staff to explore the trails on two wheels! Enjoy an interpretive bike tour and “wheel”-derness ride as we leisurely travel along the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Total distance traveled will be 10 – 12 miles. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Helmets are required. Meet at the Robert K. Antibus Trail Access parking area located at 12395 Zion Church Road. Register by Aug. 8.

REPTILE ROUNDUP!
2024-08-10 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Calling all reptile wranglers! Come out to learn the critter characteristics that make our resident reptiles at the park district unique. Try your hand at some turtle trivia, make a critter craft, and discover why snakes are scent-sational! Children aged 6–10 can be registered as participants and accompanied by their parent or guardian. Register by Aug. 8.

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER
2024-08-10 21:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
The Lima Astronomical Society will provide telescopes to watch the annual meteor shower and view other celestial objects in one of the darkest places in our county! Bring bug spray, lawn chairs/ground blanket, and a light jacket. This event is dependent on weather and cloud cover and often continues late into the night, stay as long as you like! Check the Lima Astronomical Society Facebook page in case the event is cancelled due to weather. Register by Aug. 9.

JOGGING WITH JOHNNY
2024-08-12 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Turn up the heat on your fitness routine and enjoy some fun in the sun with your Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy, Naturalist Lindsey! Join us for a warm-up walk and a few 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 you. Dress for the weather & come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter. Register by August 12.
