Sledding Days with Owlexander!
Come out and join us for sledding! Sign up for this program, and when we have snowfall, we will send out an email for which day(s) we will sled at Activity Center Park this winter. Owlexander will stop by for the fun!
The exact dates for sledding are weather-dependent, and meet-up days will be emailed out when the required weather conditions are available.
Spot’s Spot the Yetis Scavenger Hunt
All ages
Thursday, January 5 – Thursday, February 16
Each week, participants will receive a clue to go out in your parks to search for the baby yetis. Yetis will only be hiding at each park for one week! Mark their numbers and where you found them on the recording sheet. Turn in your sheets for a tiny yeti of your own to paint.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 15 (Clues are emailed every Thursday.)
Reading in the Wild
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
We will act out the plot with active games, sing songs with sensory themes and take short hikes in the park. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking. One adult companion per registrant. We will move into the Kennard Nature Nook in inclement weather.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 1
Intergenerational Series: Valentine’s Party
Ages 4 – 6 with grandparent(s)
Grandparents will help their grandkids make cards to take home and/or mail to loved ones. Participants will also play games and listen to a Valentine’s Day story.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 7
Winter Hiking Club: Geology
All ages
Participants will join the instructor for a brief nature lesson, game or activity before the group starts the hike to explore the park. This hike takes place on a natural path.
Participants can register up to the start of the program.
Warm Heart Tea Party A
Ages 3 – 10 with adult companion
Join us for a tea party for the whole family. Enjoy the view of the park while we make nature-themed valentines, play family games and enjoy time together! We will have tea and treats sure to please all ages. One registration per family.
Registration deadline: Monday, February 6
Warm Heart Tea Party B
Ages 3 – 10 with adult companion
Join us for a tea party for the whole family. Enjoy the view of the park while we make nature-themed valentines, play family games and enjoy time together! We will have tea and treats sure to please all ages. One registration per family.
Registration deadline: Monday, February 6
Preschool Nature Series: Spreading Seeds
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Plants may be dormant, but there are still things going on with them! Seeds are preparing to sprout. We will learn about how prairie seeds travel, sort them into categories, and plant some seeds in the meadow.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 14
Young Birders Club Chapter Meeting
Ages 12 – 17
Welcome to the Southwest Chapter of the Ohio Young Birders Club! Bird watching and identification is a fascinating subject. You will walk away with a greater knowledge of birds and their role in the ecosystem. Participants must be members of the Ohio Young Birders Club. We will be participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count.
The Great Backyard Bird Count: Adult Walk
Ages 18 and up
Help the naturalist identify and record bird species to contribute to the community science Great Backyard Bird Count program. No experience is necessary. Please bring binoculars if you have them. A limited supply will be available.
Registration deadline: Thursday, February 16
Please note the time change from the printed newsletter.
Drawing Nature
Ages 18 and up
Review basic drawing techniques; learning to see, proportion, shading and scaling. Then we will apply these techniques to drawing botanicals. Leave the class with everything you need to keep drawing — and with a complete botanical drawing!
Registration deadline: Friday, February 10
One Day at Winter Woods
Ages 5 – 12
Calling all kids that love camp! Join us on President’s Day for a one-day camp full of all our favorite fun camp activities, but in the winter! Campers will enjoy hikes and games outside, gather around the fire circle for s’mores, then warm up in the Smith House with games and crafts.
Registration deadline: Monday, February 13
Beginning Cross Stitch: Oak Appre-tree-ation
Ages 18 and up
Participants will learn to cross stitch by making a small oak leaf cross stitch project. Also learn about the importance of oak trees and basic identification. Our project is part of a set of three patterns. Participants will receive the other two patterns to complete on their own.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 14
Charcuterie Boards with AR Workshop
Ages 16 and up
Learn how to craft the perfect charcuterie display! Participants will learn to incorporate natural elements into their boards and how to create flowers within the display. This class includes a DIY mini tray and food samplings to create a personal-size board.
Registration deadline: Thursday, February 16
Conservation Crew: Egg Painting & Assembly
Ages 12 – 17
We have several educational programs coming up about egg-laying animals. Help us paint some realistic replicas to assist with Eggstravaganza and research animals for the Great Egg Hunt! Volunteers can take home these projects for more hours.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 21