Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Nature Pals: Going Batty!
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-10-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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

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

Tree-Torial
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Lima Public Library, 650 W Market St, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Get “bark to basics” while learning more about the unique plants we call trees. In this program for adults and families you’ll “branch out” to explore a variety of topics and “grow” your knowledge of trees! Why do leaves change color in the fall? How old is the tree in your backyard? Where did that nut come from? Come out to explore these topics and more with a Naturalist from the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District and be “stumped” no longer! Register by Oct. 21.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-10-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807

Health Through Nature
2025-10-30 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. 29.

Woodcarving: Christmas Ornament
2025-11-03 19:00 - 21:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Get a head start on your Christmas list by crafting a handmade wooden ornament! 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 Nov. 2.

Nature Pals: Turkey Time
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-11-07 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Gobble, gobble, gobble! It’s that time of year! Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion are invited to learn about the wild turkeys that live in Ohio. Stories, songs, and crafts will all be a part of the fun. Dress appropriately for a hike in the woods. Register by Nov 5.

Nature Crafting: Natural Ornaments
2025-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Use natural materials to help a naturalist make prairie-themed ornaments for the JAMPD tree featured at the Delphos Canal Commission’s Christmas Tree Festival. Our theme: Merry Prairie Christmas! Register by Nov. 10.

Nature DIY: Ravishing Wreaths
2025-11-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Ohio
Spend a “crafter-noon” at the McElroy Environmental Education Center making wreaths from natural materials! Learn how to wrap a grapevine wreath and spend some time decorating it with objects found in nature. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Some pre-wrapped wreaths will be available for younger participants. Feel free to bring along any bobs and bits to help decorate your wreath and to share with others! Register by Nov. 21.

Weekly Walks
2025-12-03 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 Dec. 2.

Christmas Tree Festival
2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 20:00 | Allen County Museum, 620 W Market, Lima, Ohio, 45801, United States
Visit the Park District Tree at the 53rd annual Christmas Tree Festival held at the Allen County Museum, a free holiday tradition in Lima! Enjoy the holiday-themed entertainment and Christmas trees decorated by area organizations while in the museum, visit the MacDonnell House and the 1800s log home right next door, and don’t forget to visit Evergreen, the Talking Tree!

Nature Pals: Winter In The Woods
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 13:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
There is a chill in the air! Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to find out who is out and about and who is snoozing the winter away. Bundle up for some winter exploration! Register by Dec. 2.

Christmas Tree Festival
2025-12-04 10:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
