The "Northwest Ohio Woodland and Wildlife Family Festival" will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. –
3 p.m.
The event will be held at the Wood County Historical Center located at 13660 County Home Road, Bowling
Green.
There will be many displays, activities and sessions offered. Visitors can spend an hour or stay for the
entire event. A special program "Wood Magic" will be of interest to all ages. Organizers note,
"Wood Magic shows the importance of wood in everyday life. You’ll learn about identifying trees,
how to count growth rings, and about wood properties like density and cell structure in a fun,
interactive presentation."
Tree identification, edible mushrooms and a portable sawmill are just a few of the other Woodland events.
The Black Swamp Raptor Rehab Center will bring live animals to learn about, wildlife pelts, the
"Buzz on Bees" and attracting wildlife are a few of the wildlife offerings. The oil derrick
will be operational for the event, as well as demonstrations on rope making, worm composting, the
blacksmith will be on hand as well as other craftsmen and women. Chair caning will be demonstrated,
Abundance Soap will be making soap.
The Wood County Park District will lead nature hikes a 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Also participating groups
or organizations with displays include: ODNR, Divisions of Forestry and Wildlife, the Rain Garden
Initiative, Maumee Valley Archeological Society, BG Tree Commission, Center for Food and Culture, Power
of Yesteryear, Black Swamp Herb Society.
Johnny Appleseed will be portrayed during the festival. The historic figure will be roaming the grounds
and will speak at 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
For the youth and young at heart: Black Swamp Raptor Rehab Center will be available to share their
wildlife rehabilitation program; and make and take your own rope and "tree cookies." There
will also be face painting, a scavenger hunt, SK Worm and more.
Local food vendors will be on hand with food for purchase, including baked goods, pizza, kettle corn, as
well as homemade ice cream.
Admission is free and families are encouraged to spend the day at the Wood County Historical Center.
The museum will also be open that day for tours.
The Woodland and Wildlife Family Festival is a cooperative effort between the Northwest Ohio Soil and
Water Conservation Districts, OSU Extension, and the Ohio Tree Farm Committee.