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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

The Power of Pollinators
2025-04-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Lima Public Library, 650 W Market St, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
The simple, yet vitally important job of moving pollen from one flower to another to grow the next generation of flowering plants is done by the best of the best. Join a naturalist to learn about pollinators – the birds and bugs that help sustain the world. We’ll discuss why and how they do their work, the different pollinators that live in our area, and how you can make them part of the nature in your yard. Register by April 8.

Homeschool Series: Herp, Herp, Hooray!
2025-04-10 11:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Our native herptiles—those awesome amphibians and remarkable reptiles—are something to be celebrated! Let’s get the party started as children ages 5 and up learn the unique adaptations and behaviors that make these critters so cool! Activities will be differentiated for a variety of ages, with a focus on ages 5 – 10. Registration is required for all participating children; parents or guardians should accompany registered participants. Register by April 9.

Health Through Nature
2025-04-17 17:30 - 19:00 | 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 April 16.

Parkside Pacers
2025-04-21 17:00 - 18:00 | 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 April 20.

Feeding Day
2025-04-24 16:00 - 18:00 | 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 April 24.

Earth Day Adventure
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Join the naturalists for an Earth Day Adventure in some of our favorite parks! Walk through the wildflowers and soak up the sunshine as we experience springtime on the trails. Choose to explore Kendrick Woods, Heritage Park, Haver Ridge, or McLean Teddy Bear Park. Register by April 25.

Earth Day Adventure
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806

Earth Day Adventure
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850

Earth Day Adventure
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Beginning Archery
2025-04-30 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Enjoy the great outdoors while learning a new skill! Participants ages 9 to adult are invited to join us on the range to explore this unique recreational sport and appreciate the role of archery in wildlife management. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. All materials will be provided by the park district; participants must use the equipment provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Please register for only one evening session. Register by April 29.

Nature Pals: Wild About Wildflowers!
2025-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Children ages 3-5 along with their adult companion are invited to learn more about the fresh green plants popping up all around us this season! Registration required by May 1.

Nature Pals: Wild About Wildflowers
2025-05-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801

Nature Pals" Wild About Wildflowers!
2025-05-02 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
