Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Nature Pals: Remarkable Raccoons
2025-09-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-05 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! Registration required by Sept. 3.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
There is nothing quite like a brisk walk and a breath of fresh air on a crisp autumn morning! Please join us for our 19th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series. Each week 60-90 participants gather for a guided hike to take in the beauty of fall and explore some of the 30+ miles of Park District trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2025 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking sticks are available for $10. All hikes start at 9 am, last approximately 1.5 hours and will be on easy to moderate terrain.

Register online at www.jampd.com. September 6th marks the first hike; however, participants may register as late as September 19th for the final 6 hikes. Registrations and walk-ins after this date are encouraged but will not be eligible for the hiking stick medallion.
Come enjoy the beauty of fall in your Parks!
Walking Thru Autumn 2025
Sept. 6 Haver Ridge
Sept. 13 Motter Metro Park
Sept. 20 McLean Teddy Bear
Sept. 27 Cottonwood Trail
Oct. 4 Heritage Park
Oct. 11 Allen County Farm
Oct. 18 Kendrick Woods
Oct. 25 Hermon Woodlands

Woodcarving 101
2025-09-08 07:00 - 20:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Join us as the Lima Area Woodcarvers present a basic overview of wood carving along with instruction. Experienced woodcarvers will cover topics such as carving styles, projects, tools, wood, sharpening and more. This program is for any skill level, including beginners! Registration is limited to ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Sept. 7.

Basic Needs Homeschool Field Trip
2025-09-10 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Join us for our interdisciplinary nature-based program focused on observing, exploring, describing, and comparing the basic needs of animals living in Allen County!
Students will learn from Naturalists and curriculum-based activities that living things must fulfill basic needs in order to survive, discovering that a habitat is how those needs are met.
This program targets the learning needs of children ages 5 to 8. Please register everyone who will be attending and bring along the family! Register by September 5th.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-13 09:00 - 10:30 | Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817

46th Annual Rebel Run Car Show
2025-09-13 10:00 - 18:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Food Vendors
Juggling from 1 pm to 3 pm
Swap Booths in shelter houses
Multiple trophies given out for different categories at 5 pm

***FREE ADMISSION FOR SPECTATORS***
For more information, updates or to enter a car:
Follow the New Rebel Run Facebook page

Birding By Boat
2025-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Experience birding like never before—kayaking at Lima Lake! With the support of the ODNR Boating Safety Education Grant, we’ll learn safe boating practices and do some birding on the water. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and close-toed water shoes. Dress to be outdoors and to get wet! A registration fee of $5 holds your spot and will be refunded within a few days of your confirmed attendance. Register by Sept 16.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-20 09:00 - 10:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Health Through Nature Special Event
2025-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 | 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 concludes our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Join Certified Natural Mindfulness Guides and experience Soundy Therapy courtesy of Shine Institute for an afternoon of wellness, self-care and connection. Register by September 20th.

Beginning Archery
2025-09-24 17:00 - 18:00 | 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. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique while developing consistency and accuracy in their shot. 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 Sept. 23.

Beginning Archery
2025-09-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Feeding Day
2025-09-25 16:00 - 17:00 | 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 watch (or help!) them clean and feed all our animals at 4 pm on the last Thursday of the month! Register by Sept. 24.

Sky Fishing
2025-09-26 21:00 - 22:30 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Every last Friday from May to September, a naturalist will set up equipment to go ‘sky fishing’- a way that scientists sample the insects flying through our night sky. From luna moths to fireflies, each month should bring a suite of curious new insects as different species emerge at different times of year. Help us identify and record the insects we find or simply enjoy the show! Event starts at sunset each month. Register by Sept 25.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-27 09:00 - 10:30 | Kendrick Woods – Cottonwood Trail Access, 10659 Zion Church Road, Spencerville, Ohio, 45887

Nature Pals: Going Batty!
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-03 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Children 3-5 years old and their adult companion are invited to join us as we investigate the lives of bats through stories, songs, and crafts. Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Register by Oct. 1.

Health Through Nature
2025-10-02 17:30 - 18:30 | 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 and unease and anxiety. New scientific research concludes 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 Thursday evenings of each month this fall to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Oct. 1.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-10-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806

International Observe The Moon Night
2025-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Join observers around the world to observe our moon! Members of the Lima Astronomical Society will present a program on the Moon, a naturalist from the Park will have family-friendly activities, astronomy handouts will be available, and telescopes will be set up for observing the Moon and other astronomical objects. Check the Lima Astronomical Society website for cancellation due to weather or cloud cover ahead of the event at limaastro.com. Register by Oct. 3.

Woodcarving: Woodburning
2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Take your woodcarving to the next level and join the Lima Area Woodcarvers to explore woodburning! Experts will demonstrate proper use of adjustable wood burning tools and explore a variety of techniques as they share their skills and equipment. Registration is limited to ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Oct. 5.

Fall Foliage Float
2025-10-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Come out and see the beautiful colors of autumn leaves reflected on the water! With the support of the ODNR Boating Safety Education Grant, we’ll learn safe boating practices and do some leisurely kayaking on the water, appreciating the fall foliage as we go. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and close-toed water shoes. Dress to be outdoors and to get wet! A registration fee of $5 holds your spot and will be refunded within a few days of your confirmed attendance. Register by Oct. 7.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-10-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801

Lauer Farms 1944
2025-10-11 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Lauer Historical Farm, 800 Roush Rd., Lima, Ohio, 45801
Travel back in time to 1944 to experience World War II. Interact with 350 living history re-enactors and watch as the Allied Forces battle the oppositional Axis Powers. Lauer Farms 1944 is the largest WWII re-enactment in Northwest Ohio.
Saturday, October 11
10 am to 5 pm
(Battles at 11 am & 4 pm)
Sunday, October 12
10 am to 3 pm
(Battles at 11 am & 2 pm)
BATTLES • MILITARY CAMP LIFE
DEMONSTRATIONS • DISPLAYS • MILITARY VEHICLES
EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER SERIES
HOME FRONT SUPPORT
LEARN ABOUT LIMA’S ROLE IN THE WAR
PLUS MUCH MORE!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.lauerfarms1944.com
LauerFarms1944@gmail.com

Meet The W.I.L.D.
2025-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Enjoy a Saturday evening with Park Rangers and friendly creatures of the night-time forest!
Our Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Rangers will be on hand to meet and greet you and then escort you through the forest to meet our Wildlife In Legendary Disguise (costumed native animals)!
The short walk will include take-home treats for the youngsters and will conclude with a bonfire for s’mores.
On arrival, please check in at the B.E.E.T.L.E., as groups will leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:00 pm. The last hike will leave at 8:30 pm. No registration is necessary!

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
