Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Howl@The Moon: Wolf Moon
2026-01-03 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Across time, people all over the world have utilized the moon to track the seasons. Giving each full moon a special name was one way to honor nature’s signs and traditions. Experience the outdoors under the light of the full moon and learn about the names and folklore associated with January’s full moon. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Register by Jan. 1.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-01-06 10:00 - 12:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Come hit the trail with us and discover the wonders of nature! Homeschool Hiking Club invites families with children ages 6 – 10 on a monthly hike to connect with nature, engage with their community, and explore the forest ecosystem in each season. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Register by Jan. 5.

Weekly Walks
2026-01-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by January 6.

Nature Pals: Bobcat Bonanza
2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-09 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come celebrate Ohio’s only native wildcat: the bobcat! There will be games, crafts, a story and a hike. Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Register by Jan 6.

Winter "Wander"land
2026-01-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. As woodland critters rest and recharge, we’ll slow down to experience nature at their pace. This interpretive hike for adults and families will be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Register by Jan. 9.

Weekly Walks
2026-01-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Jan. 13.

Nature 101: Birds in Winter
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Birds never need a bird feeder more than they do in the winter months! Join us at the McElroy Environmental Education Center to talk all things bird feeders in the winter. This one hour presentation is intended for an adult audience, but children are welcome to join as well. Register by Jan. 13.

Kids Krafts
2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Does your child love crafting? We love it too! Bring your young crafter every third Saturday to our McElroy Environmental Education Center for an hour of nature craft time. Registration is limited to ages 7 and up. General crafting supplies for the activity will be provided, but if you have any special crafting items you like to use feel free to bring them along! Register by Jan. 16.

Weekly Walks
2026-01-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Jan. 20.

Winter "Wander"land
2026-01-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. As woodland critters rest and recharge, we’ll slow down to experience nature at their pace. This interpretive hike for adults and families will be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Register by Jan. 23.

Health Through Nature
2026-01-25 14:00 - 15:30 | 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 of 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 a Sunday afternoon this winter to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Jan. 23.

Weekly Walks
2026-01-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Jan. 27.

Feeding Day
2026-01-29 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 Jan. 28.

Howl @ The Moon: Snow Moon
2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Across time, people all over the world have utilized the moon to track the seasons. Giving each full moon a special name was one way to honor nature’s signs and traditions. Experience the outdoors under the light of the full moon and learn about the names and folklore associated with February’s full moon. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Register by Jan. 30.

Winter "Wander"land
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. As woodland critters rest and recharge, we’ll slow down to experience nature at their pace. This interpretive hike for adults and families will be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Register by Feb. 6.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. As woodland critters rest and recharge, we’ll slow down to experience nature at their pace. This interpretive hike for adults and families will be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Register by Feb. 9.

Weekly Walks
2026-02-11 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Feb. 10.

Nature Pals: Nature P-Owls!
2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Whooooo’s that hooting up in the trees? Silent feathers fluffing against the winter breeze? Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion will enjoy learning all about owls! Dress for a hike in the woods. Register by Feb. 3.

Weekly Walks
2026-02-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Feb.17.

Kids Krafts
2026-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Does your child love crafting? We love it too! Bring your young crafter every third Saturday to our McElroy Environmental Education Center for an hour of nature craft time. Registration is limited to ages 7 and up. General crafting supplies for the activity will be provided, but if you have any special crafting items you like to use feel free to bring them along! Register by Feb. 20.

Winter "Wander"land
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. As woodland critters rest and recharge, we’ll slow down to experience nature at their pace. This interpretive hike for adults and families will be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions. Register by Feb. 20.

Health Through Nature
2026-02-22 14:00 - 15:30 | 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 of 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 a Sunday afternoon this winter to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Feb. 20.

Weekly Walks
2026-02-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Ohio
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Sometimes it is hard to find a reason to go outside in the winter months, but together we can get rid of that cabin fever! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather—rain, snow, or shine! Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by Feb. 24.

Feeding Day
2026-02-26 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 Feb. 25.
