Nature Pals: Nature P-Owls!
2026-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | OH
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.

Owl Prowl
2026-02-28 18:30 - 20:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Get ready to embark on a nighttime adventure to look for these elusive birds of prey. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions by wearing sturdy or mud-resistant footwear. Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Register by Feb 26.

Woodcarving
2026-03-02 18:30 - 20:00 | 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 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by March 1.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-03-03 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 March 2.

Weekly Walks
2026-03-04 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 March 3.

Howl @ the Moon: Worm Moon
2026-03-04 19:30 - 20:30 | 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 March 3.

Nature Pals: Five Senses Scavenger Hunt
2026-03-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-06 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 explore the woods together using our 5 senses! Bundle up for some winter exploration. Registration required by March 4.

Maple Festival - Date Change To: Sun., Mar. 8
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
It’s “Maple Sugarin’ Time”
This is a great opportunity to learn and experience the process of making maple syrup in Ohio at our sugar bush!
Interact with interpreters, take an educational hike, enjoy local food trucks, take home some goodies, and more!

Maple Festival
2026-03-08 10:00 - 16:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Weekly Walks
2026-03-11 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 March 10.

Weekly Walks
2026-03-18 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 March 17.

Homeschool Field Trip: Maple Syruping
2026-03-18 09:00 - 11:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Join us for our interdisciplinary nature-based program that explores the history of maple syrup production in Ohio from tree to table! Children ages 8 to 11 and their families will learn from Nature Education staff and curriculum-based activities that maple syrup production has changed over time and across cultures as materials and techniques evolved. Registration is required to participate in this program. Please register all family members who will be attending the program. Register by March 11.

Homeschool Field Trip: Maple Syruping
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Weekly Walks
2026-03-25 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 March 24.

Duke's Birthday Party!
2026-03-25 17:00 - 18:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Come out to explore the McElroy Environmental Education Center and 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 March 23.

Feeding Day
2026-03-26 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 March 25.

Sunrise Hike
2026-03-28 07:00 - 08:00 | Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817
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 March 26.

Weekly Walks
2026-04-01 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 March 31.

Invertebrate Investigation
2026-04-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Lima Public Library, 650 W Market St, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Make no bones about it — spineless critters that creep and crawl are super cool! Join a Naturalist to discover how animals are classified and explore invertebrate individuals up close. Register by March 31.

Nature Pals: Meet Real Life Frog and Toad!
2026-04-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-02 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.
