Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Nature DIY: Best Nests
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Let’s give our feathered friends a helping hand this spring! We’ll learn how birds build and use nests during a brief presentation, then craft handmade nesting balls for our backyard birds. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Register by May 16.

Parkside Pacers
2025-05-19 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.

Pedal The Parks!
2025-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Join park staff to explore the trails on two wheels! Enjoy an interpretive bike tour and “wheel”-derness ride as we travel along the Rotary Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway through Lauer Historical Farm to Schoonover Park and back again. Total distance traveled will be 7 miles. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Helmets are required. Meet at the Wyandot Shelter. Register by May 20.

Beginning Archery
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Kendrick Woods – Evans Archery Range, 1376 N St. Mary's Rd, Spencerville, Ohio, 45887
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 May 27.

Summer Volunteer Overview
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | 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!

Feeding Day
2025-05-29 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 May 29.

Sky Fishing
2025-05-30 21:00 - 23:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
The last Friday of each month from May to Sept., a naturalist will set up equipment to go ‘sky fishing’- a way that scientists sample the insects flying through our night sky. Each month should bring 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 May 30.

Roscommon Sessions
2025-05-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Traditional Irish Music.

Day Camp - Pollinator Party (ages 5 & 6)
2025-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
The world is positively buzzing with pollinators: bees, bats, butterflies, and more! Let’s learn about and celebrate these tiny but mighty animals that do so much good! For ages 5-6. Children are invited to come dressed in long pants and closed-toed shoes and socks for a hike in the woods and prairie. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack! Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 30.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - Pollinator Party! (ages 5 & 6)
2025-06-03 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – afternoon camp)
The world is positively buzzing with pollinators: bees, bats, butterflies, and more! Let’s learn about and celebrate these tiny but mighty animals that do so much good! For ages 5-6. Children are invited to come dressed in long pants and closed-toed shoes and socks for a hike in the woods and prairie. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack! Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 30.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – afternoon session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - Pollinator Party! (ages 5 & 6)
2025-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
The world is positively buzzing with pollinators: bees, bats, butterflies, and more! Let’s learn about and celebrate these tiny but mighty animals that do so much good! For ages 5-6. Children are invited to come dressed in long pants and closed-toed shoes and socks for a hike in the woods and prairie. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack! Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 30.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - Pollinator Party! (ages 5 & 6)
2025-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – afternoon session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
The world is positively buzzing with pollinators: bees, bats, butterflies, and more! Let’s learn about and celebrate these tiny but mighty animals that do so much good! For ages 5-6. Children are invited to come dressed in long pants and closed-toed shoes and socks for a hike in the woods and prairie. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a light snack! Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 30.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – afternoon session)
Dates: June 3 & 4
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 5 & 6
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – morning session)
Dates: June 5 & 6
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 1 of 2 – afternoon session)
Dates: June 5 & 6
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

Day Camp - "Fun"damentals of Archery (ages 9 to 14)
2025-06-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 – afternoon session)
Dates: June 5 & 6
Take aim and try out something new! During this 2-day camp, children ages 9 – 14 will explore archery as a recreational sport and wildlife management tool. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in the fundamentals of proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. As our skills are sharpened, challenge games will be introduced! All materials will be provided by the park district, and participants must use the equipment provided. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Limited to 10 participants per session; may only sign up for one session. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by June 1.

60's Survivor Band
2025-06-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Cover band for 60-80’s music.

Someone's Kids
2025-06-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Cover band for 60-80’s music

Parkside Pacers
2025-06-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Turn up the heat on your fitness routine and walk for wellness! Join a Naturalist as we walk a few laps or set your pace to achieve your fitness goals. All ages & abilities are welcome. Dress for the weather & come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter. Register by June 13.

Day Camp - Herp, Herp, Horray! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-06-17 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 1 of 2)
Let’s get the party started and celebrate our native herptiles! During this 2-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will participate in interactive lessons and activity stations dedicated to learning all about Ohio’s awesome amphibians and remarkable reptiles. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $10 is required by June 14.

Morning Hike
2025-06-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817
Does nature know the alphabet? We’ll join the Bluffton Public Library to look at nature a different way by searching for letters formed naturally! Along our hike we will be learning about Nature Photography! Children’s cameras will be provided, adults bring your cell phones. Plan on a 1-1½ hour hike, weather and ground conditions.

Birding In The Park
2025-06-18 08:00 - 09:30 | Lippincott Bird Sanctuary, 3093 Bellefontaine Rd., Lima, Ohio
Many birds will only nest in specific habitats, often becoming wonderful indicators of the health of the ecosystem where they are living. Come join a naturalist to canvas a portion of the park for breeding birds and see who calls the Park “home”! We’ll identify some by sight, but many by sound. Some binoculars and field guides provided. Beginner & experienced birders welcome! Register by June 15.

Day Camp - Herp, Herp, Hooray! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-06-18 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 2 of 2)
Let’s get the party started and celebrate our native herptiles! During this 2-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will participate in interactive lessons and activity stations dedicated to learning all about Ohio’s awesome amphibians and remarkable reptiles. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $10 is required by June 14.

Day Camp - Herp, Herp, Horray! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-06-18 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 2 of 2 afternoon session)
Let’s get the party started and celebrate our native herptiles! During this 2-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will participate in interactive lessons and activity stations dedicated to learning all about Ohio’s awesome amphibians and remarkable reptiles. Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $10 is required by June 14.
