Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Great Backyard Bird Count
2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and 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 you can relax and observe birds at the feeders from the comfort of the 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 be provided. Register by Feb. 14.

The Flora and Fauna of Allen County
2025-02-20 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | Allen County Museum, 620 W Market, Lima, Ohio, 45801, United States
Join a naturalist at the Allen County Museum to highlight their exhibit, “Curious By Nature,” which displays the works of Charley and Evie Harper. Their art often focuses on nature and Ohio’s nature in a beautiful style. We’ll discuss their subject, the flora and fauna of Ohio, specifically what we can find close to home! Register by Feb. 20.

Sugar Bush Stroll
2025-02-22 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Do you know what it takes to go from sap to syrup? Come walk the woods with us to find out! In this program for adults and families we’ll meander through the maples and learn the steps in the maple syruping process. A sweet surprise is sure to be in store! Registration is required. This program will be offered again on Sat, Feb. 22nd; please register for only one program. Register by Feb. 7.

Searching for Signs of Spring
2025-02-23 13:30 - 15:00 UTC | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Come walk off that cabin fever as we explore Kendrick Woods to discover some of the first signs of spring! One of our favorites is the earliest blooming wildflower, skunk cabbage. This “warm-blooded” plant may not smell great, but it offers some hope that winter may finally be loosening its grip! Dress for the weather and ground conditions. Register by Feb. 21.

Jogging With Johnny
2025-02-24 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
It’s “snow” much fun to get fit with a Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy! Join Naturalist Lindsey 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 and come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter to sign in. Register by Feb. 23.

Feeding Day
2025-02-27 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
The Park District maintains several education animals, 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.

Sugar Bush Stroll
2025-03-01 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Do you know what it takes to go from sap to syrup? Come walk the woods with us to find out! In this program for adults and families we’ll meander through the maples and learn the steps in the maple syruping process. A sweet surprise is sure to be in store! Register by Feb. 28.

Woodcarving: Wildflowers
2025-03-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
This is the season to enjoy wildflowers, out in the woods and made out of wood! Join the Lima Area Woodcarvers to carve a beautiful piece of spring! This is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginners included. This program is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Register by Mar. 2.

Tri-Moraine Audubon Society: Birds/Bugs/Botany: Connection in Nature
2025-03-04 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | OSU Lima – Visitor Center, 4240 Campus Drive, Lima, OH 45804, 45804, United States
Join the Tri-Moraine Audubon Society to welcome conservation specialist, field biologist and naturalist Judy Semroc. Judy has 25+ years of experience offering hands-on exploration-based learning programs. She has co-authored 2 natural history guides, founded the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, serves on the board of the Ohio Biological Survey, the Ohio Ornithological Society, and has recently started her education organization, Nature Spark! As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world. Learn more about her experience and how birds, bugs, and botany connect!

Nature Pals: Remarkable Raccoons
2025-03-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn all about the mischievous mammals known as raccoons! Register by Mar. 6.

Spring Volunteer Overview
2025-03-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Park Office, 1682 Slabtown Road, Lima, 45801, United States
Please join us to learn about volunteering at the park. Two informational sessions will be held to provide an overview of opportunities during the spring and summer months in our Nature Education department, Natural Resources department, and more! Following the overview, we will help new volunteers get set up with our volunteer portal. First-time and long-time volunteers are welcome! Register by March 6.

Jogging With Johnny
2025-03-10 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Jumpstart your joints and spring into fitness with a Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy! Join Naturalist Lindsey for a warm-up walk and a few easy laps. All ages and abilities are welcome, whether you consider yourself a seed, a sapling, or cider! Choose a pace that is comfortable for you. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter to sign in. Register by Mar. 9.

What's The Rush?
2025-03-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Dr. Doug Tallamy, a well-respected author and professor, presents the science-based solution to the biodiversity crisis and explains why it’s so urgent. Dr. Tallamy is the co-founder of Homegrown National Park, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and urgently inspiring everyone to address the biodiversity crisis by adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play. We’ll watch the ~50 min recording (popcorn provided!), followed by a Q&A with a naturalist. Register by Mar. 12.

Killdeer Plains Field Trip
2025-03-15 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
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 as we look for waterfowl and much more! We’ll do some walking, but we will mostly be driving between points of interest. Prepare for the weather and pack a lunch/snacks/beverages. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be provided. A caravan will depart at 9 am from the MEEC (2355 Ada Rd). We will meet at the Killdeer Upground Reservoir at 10 am. Feel free to stay as long as you like, some participants will stay into the late afternoon. Experienced and beginning birders are welcome. Register by Mar. 14.

Health Through Nature
2025-03-20 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
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 Certified Natural Mindfulness Guide on the third Thursday evening of each month this spring to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Mar. 19.

Jogging With Johnny
2025-03-24 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Join us on the opposite side of the county to jumpstart your joints and spring into fitness with a Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy! Join Naturalist Lindsey for a warm-up walk and a few easy laps. All ages and abilities are welcome, whether you consider yourself a seed, a sapling, or cider! Choose a pace that is comfortable for you. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter to sign in. Register by Mar. 23.

Duke's Birthday Party! - Open House
2025-03-25 16:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
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 his shell and happy birthday wishes from his guests. This event is open to people of all ages and abilities. Register by Mar 24.

Feeding Day
2025-03-27 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
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 at 4 pm on the last Thursday of the month! Register by Mar 27.

Tri-Moraine Audubon Society: Family Fun Night
2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | OSU Lima – Visitor Center, 4240 Campus Drive, Lima, OH 45804, 45804, United States
Join the Tri-Moraine Audubon Society for our annual Family Fun Night! Come share the experience with friends of all ages. Several games and activities will be sponsored by local environmental groups including the Park District.

Nature Pals: Hello Hummingbirds!
2025-04-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Let’s prepare for the spring arrival of hummingbirds! Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to learn about these beautiful birds and what we can do to help them. Register by April 3.

Jogging With Johnny
2025-04-07 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Jumpstart your joints and spring into fitness with a Johnny Appleseed accountabili-buddy! Join Naturalist Lindsey for a warm-up walk and a few easy laps. All ages and abilities are welcome, whether you consider yourself a seed, a sapling, or cider! Choose a pace that is comfortable for you. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter to sign in. Register by April 6.

Woodcarving: Whittling With Invasives
2025-04-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Join the Lima Area Woodcarvers to enjoy a project while utilizing plants that need to be removed from the parks! Invasive plants (and animals) are non-native organisms that cause damage to local natural systems. Let’s put them to good use – cut them up! This is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginners included. This program is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Register by April 5.
