Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Howl @ the Moon: Pink Moon
2026-04-02 20:00 - 21:00 (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 March’s full moon. Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Registration is required to participate in this program. Register by April 1.

Nature Pals: Meet Real Life Frog and Toad!
2026-04-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-03 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
The Frog and Toad series, both written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, has captured the hearts of generations with its themes of friendship and patience. Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come read a story, do crafts together, and learn about the real animals that inspired these characters. Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Registration required by April 1.

Woodcarving: Sun Face
2026-04-06 18:30 - 20:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
With help from the Lima Area Woodcarvers, this is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginners included! Registration is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by April 5.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-04-07 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 April 6.

Weekly Walks
2026-04-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. 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! Register by April 7.

Weekly Walks
2026-04-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. 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! Register by April 14.

Kids Krafts
2026-04-18 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 crafter to our McElroy Environmental Education Center for one hour of creative nature craft time. 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. Registration is limited to children ages 7 and up. Register by April 17.

Kahoot Trivia Night
2026-04-21 17:00 - 18:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Calling all bird nerds! Bring your smartphones and play some Kahoot! with us for some fun bird trivia. Each person will need their own device and will need to either access the Kahoot! website or have the app downloaded before the program. There will be multiple different sessions that include various bird topics during our one-hour of game play. Register by April 20.

Weekly Walks
2026-04-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. 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! Register by April 21.

Sunrise Hike
2026-04-25 06:15 - 07:15 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
Did you know there are animals that are more active during dawn and dusk than any other parts of the day? During our quiet sunrise hike we could have the perfect opportunity to see some of these animals before they hide away for the day. Join us for a one-hour hike to watch the sunrise and keep an eye out for any early morning animals. Registration is required to participate in this program. Register by April 23.

Nature 101: Bat Basics
2026-04-28 17:00 - 18:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
When you hear the word migration what type of animal do you first think of? Most of us would say birds, but did you know some bats are also migrating back to Ohio in the spring? Join us at the McElroy Environmental Education Center for a one-hour presentation about the basics of bats and why some migrate while others hibernate. This presentation is intended for an adult audience, but children are welcome to join as well. Register by May 19.

Beginning Archery
2026-04-29 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-29 18:30 - 19:30 | 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 April 28.

Feeding Day
2026-04-30 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 April 29.

Howl @ the Moon: Flower Moon
2026-05-01 20:30 - 21:30 | 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 March’s full moon. Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Registration is required to participate in this program. Register by April 30.

Nature DIY: Best Nests
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:00 | 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 1.

An Ocean of Blue Wildflowers
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
Imagine being in the forest surrounded by beautiful blue wildflowers – what it would look like, smell like, and feel like? You can find out! Experience this hidden gem of Allen County as we hike to find the wild hyacinth grove of Haver Ridge. Wear sturdy/mud-resistant footwear. Register by May 1.

Woodcarving: Miniature Christmas Tree
2026-05-04 18:30 - 20:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
With help from the Lima Area Woodcarvers, this is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginners included! Registration is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by May 3.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-05-05 10:00 - 11:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
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! Register by May 4.

Weekly Walks
2026-05-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. 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! Register by May 5.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
What are box turtles, and what makes them special? Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn about these terrific turtles! Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Registration required by May 6.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
What are box turtles, and what makes them special? Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn about these terrific turtles! Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Registration required by May 7.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Ohio

Weekly Walks
2026-05-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. 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! Register by May 12.

Homeschool Field Trip: Givin' A Livin"
2026-05-13 09:30 - 11:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Join us for our interdisciplinary nature-based program focused on the characteristics of living things! Children ages 4 to 6 and their families will learn from Nature Education staff and curriculum-based activities that people, plants, and animals are all living things and share important features. Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Registration is required. Please register all family members who will be attending the program. Register by May 6.

Homeschool Field Trip: Givin' A Livin'
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Big Birding Day!
2026-05-18 06:30 - 17:00 | Ohio
Join us on Monday, May 18th as we visit some of the hottest birding locations in the world, right here in Northwest Ohio! May is peak migration for songbirds, and you’ll have a wonderful and unique opportunity to view these birds from close range and with expert guidance from our Naturalists. Our birding trip will begin with the boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and may also include the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge driving tour, Howard Marsh, and more! A carpool of Park District vehicles will depart at 6:30 am from the McElroy Environmental Education Center located at 2355 Ada Road. We will take the morning to explore Magee Marsh then visit neighboring locations in the afternoon. Experienced and beginning birders are welcome! Appropriate clothing/footwear, binoculars, sun protection, lunch/snacks/beverages, and field guides are recommended. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be provided. For more information contact Marie Walton at mwalton@jampd.com. Be sure to register early for a seat in the van! Register by May 15.

Sunrise Hike
2026-05-23 05:30 - 06:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Did you know there are animals that are more active during dawn and dusk than any other parts of the day? During our quiet sunrise hike we could have the perfect opportunity to see some of these animals before they hide away for the day. Join us for a one-hour hike to watch the sunrise and keep an eye out for any early morning animals. Registration is required to participate in this program. Register by May 21.
