The Clark County Park District (CCPD) says its mission is, “To seek to preserve the natural beauty of our parks, as well as our history through active stewardship efforts from our local Springfield community and beyond.” The addition of two new parks and many spring programs is helping the CCPD accomplish its mission.

The new “Spangler Nature Preserve” and the “Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve” will join the “Estel Wenrick Wetlands Preserve” and the “Leadingham Prairie Preserve” in offering areas where CCPD visitors can experience the native species and landforms of Clark County.

Getting children interested in nature and Clark County history is a goal close to the heart of the CCPD. The Parks District has several activities slated where children and families can get better acquainted with the local area.

The “Reading in Nature” program appeals to youngsters through the “Reading in Nature: The CROW Series” (Children Respecting Our Wildlife) in collaboration with the New Carlisle Library. The monthly program gives children a chance to hear a story, learn some cool facts, and do a craft or other interactive activity focused on the lives of wildlife found in Clark County. Participants should meet at the New Carlisle Library, 111 E Lake Ave, New Carlisle, OH 45344.
Two spring sessions remain in this series:

Bustling Birds
April 5, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Learn about the different nest-builders in Ohio, how birds raise their young and other fun facts.

Amazing Amphibians
May 3, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Amphibians are on the move this month. Discover where these not-so-slimy creatures live, what they eat and how to find some of them by sound.

Children ages 7-12 may take interest in the CCPD “Wetland Warriors” program. The year-round program encourages children to “get outside, make new discoveries and foster friendships” Children investigate and explore nature’s mysteries. The program is limited to 15 participants and re-registration is required. Spring activities include:

Investigation: Bugs
April 18; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Spangler Nature Preserve, Leadingham Prairie entrance
Children will design their own bug house to attract tiny mason bees. The event will take place at Leadingham Homestead. Participants will also take a hike to discover the biodiversity of insects that live in the prairie.

Investigation: Bike Trail
May 16; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Children will explore the trails and do some nature watching during a bike ride. Afterwards, they will enjoy some snacks or ice cream at Young’s Jersey Dairy. The CCPD must have a parent volunteer for this event. Participants are urged to have a bike a tune-up before the ride. A helmet and bike lights are required to participate. The three-hour event begins with children being dropped off at Beatty Station, 3200 Springfield-Xenia Road at 5:30 p.m. and then picked up is at Yellow Springs at 8:30 p.m.

Families who homeschool children ages 6-12 can learn about Clark County’s living and natural history in a hands-on way. The CCPD’s Homeschool History series is uniquely designed for homeschoolers. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Events in the series include:

A Wild Encounter
April 26; 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Davidson Interpretive Center
Meet a few of Brukner’s animal ambassadors up close. Learn where they live, what they eat, and some other cool facts about Ohio wildlife.

Mother/Daughter Tea Party
May 10; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Hertzler House, George Rogers Clark Park
$5.00/person
This extremely popular event is limited to 12 participants and will take place at the 1850’s era Hertzler House. Guests may dress for the era if desired. Wearing hats, scarves and gloves is greatly encouraged. Learn about the Hertzlers’ lives in the mid-1800’s and take a guided tour of the house. Please sign up early! Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian, male or female.

Family Day at George Rogers Clark Park
May 24; 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Families are invited for an afternoon of games, hiking and fishing at the lake. Families are asked to bring a side or dessert to share. The CCPD will provide hotdogs, buns and drinks. Any known food allergies should also be brought the CCPD’s attention.

With so many nature preserves, it is only natural that several hiking opportunities for visitors of all ages are available in the CCPD:

Clark Park Hikers

Thursday Mornings; 9:00 a.m.

Join Park District Volunteers each Thursday morning to enjoy a walk through the woods at George Rogers Clark Park. Meet at the parking lot below the dam.

Trail Walkers
10:00-11:00 a.m. Ages 18 & Older

Tuesday, March 28: Little Miami Scenic Trail. Meet at Beatty Station Staging Area

Tuesday, May 16: Little Miami Scenic Trail. Meet at Beatty Station Staging Area

Trail Walkers highlights the multi-purpose trail system while promoting fitness, fellowship and fun. The guided walks are self-paced. Health screenings are also offered each month and are provided by the Clark County Combined Health District. Trail Walkers is sponsored by Richards, Raff and Dunbar Memorial Home and Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home. The hikes are offered in partnership with the NTPRD. Call 937-328-PARK for more information.

Spring Wildflower Hike
April 7; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
George Rogers Clark Park

Discover spectacular shows of spring wildflowers. Leading the walk will be Pam Bennett, Horticulture Educator and State Master Gardener Coordinator with the Ohio State University Extension. The walk will begin at the Demint Shelter House and is offered in partnership with the NTPRD. The registration deadline is April 5.

Nature does not just happen at night, so the CCPD is offering several evening nature programs to view nature in unique ways. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for each of these events. Register through the CCPD unless otherwise noted:

The Stargaze Series

Mar. 24, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Friday, April 21, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Davidson Interpretive Center

Up to 40 participants may spend an evening under the stars exploring the mysteries of the night sky through the CCPD’s 14-inch telescope. Even the rings of Saturn will be visible. Participants must provide something to sit on and dress for the weather.

Nature at Night

May 5; 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Snyder Park Clubhouse Shelter House

A storytelling campfire featuring a portrayal of Johnny Appleseed is the highlight of this event. Stargazing through a large industrial telescope begins at 8:30 p.m. This program is in offered in partnership with the NTPRD. Pre-registration is available online at www.ntprd.org or in person at the NTPRD Administration Building.

Frog Night Hike

May 26; 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Estel Wenrick Wetlands

The family-friendly event will be led by Dr. Amber Burgett, Assistant Professor of Biology at Wittenberg University. Hikers will search of Ohio’s amazing amphibians (frogs and salamanders) during the frogs’ breeding time when they are very vocal and trying to attract mates.

A unique “Avian Life” series led by accomplished birder, Doug Overacker, and offered in partnership with the National Trails Parks and Recreation District (NTPRD), highlights Clark County’s native bird species, including ducks, grebes, warblers, sparrows and other migratory species. For more information, call Doug Overacker at 937-324-1871. Individuals can register through the CCPD at www.clarkcountyparks.org or by calling (937) 882-6000. Registration is also open through the NTPRD at www.ntprd.org or by visiting the NTPRD Administrative Building.

In addition to its focus on nature, the CCPD is offers park guests opportunities to learn more about Clark County history:

A free, old-fashioned Barn Spring Fling will take place on April 14 in the Hertzler Barn at George Rogers Clark Park. The event is an old-fashioned barn dance. The Liberty Dancers from the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association will exhibit dances from the late 1700’s. The Miami Valley Dance Council Square Dancers will demonstrate some dances and “call.” To cap off the night, Berachah Valley will perform some bluegrass tunes to dance or relax to. Light snacks will be provided.

The CCPD partners with area organizations to bring a well-rounded variety of other programming to Clark County residents. A list of these events is available on the CCPD website as well. Three upcoming events include:

Sense of Place: Hunters of the Sky

April 3; 6:30 p.m.

Fairborn Public Library, 1 E Main St, Fairborn

Rebecca Jaramillo, Director, Glen Helen Raptor Center

Learn about soaring hawks, speedy falcons and stealthy owls up close with ambassadors from the Glen Helen Raptor Center in Yellow Springs. Learn how each type of raptor is uniquely adapted to his hunting style and habitat and find out how to support raptor education and rehabilitation around Ohio. Call the Fairborn Library at (937) 878-9383 for details.

“The Gantlet” at George Rogers Clark Park

April 23; 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Check-in: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.; First race: 1:15 PM
Registration fee varies

This challenging 5K run/walk visits the hidden corners of George Rogers Clark Park. There are a few races to choose from that day, including a Kid’s Gantlet. This year, there is a festival area for friends and family to come out and support the racers. With gourmet food trucks and local vendors, it’s an all-day event. Participants registered by April 9 are guaranteed a t-shirt and a beautiful hand blown glass finisher’s medallion. Registration forms are available online at: www.active.com/springfield-oh/running/distance-running-races/gantlet-race-2017

For more information about these, and other CCPD activities, visit the Parks District’s website at http://www.clarkcountyparks.org/ or contact the Parks District at 937-882-6000.

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