Register for Wood County Park District programs at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897. Find and register for volunteering opportunities at wcparks.galaxydigital.com
Paddling Prep: Logistics & Safety Informational is set for Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at W.W. Knight Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg. Paddling without planning could make for a serious situation very quickly. Equip yourself with knowledge of environmental conditions, logistics and personal ability from accredited instructors and trip leaders to ensure your future adventures are safe and enjoyable. Also, get connected with our schedule of kayak and canoe trips and classes to take your paddling to the next level. This is an informational presentation – no paddling.
A Baking Build-up will be held Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road. For those who have a tiny bit of baking experience they’d like to build on, join us to bake an orange layer cake straight from a 1930s cookbook! This program is designed for older kids, tweens and teens. Registration is required.
Eco Explorers: Off-Trail Discovery Series is set for Sunday from 1-3:30 p.m. at Baldwin Woods Preserve, 14080 Range Line Road. If you are up for challenging terrain, hostile woodland vegetation and no amenities other than what you bring with you, then join us as we explore the least traveled parts of the Wood County parks. There is no set agenda on how we will choose to explore. We may wander a half mile or 3 miles. There will be spring wildflowers blooming so feel free to bring a camera.
Other explorations will be held April 24 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Cricket Frog Cove Area, 14810 Freyman Road, Cygnet, and May 1 from 1-3:30 p.m. at Slippery Elm Trail: Rudolph Road Access, 10296 Rudolph Road, Rudolph
Invasive Identification and Management will be held April 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Bradner Preserve, 11491 Fostoria Road. Learn about the many invasive species of concern in our area, how they can be identified, and different ways to control them. Weather permitting this program will feature an indoor presentation followed by a practical hands-on session out in the field to help hone your skills.
Vegetable Production will be held Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm. Do you have a backyard vegetable garden? Are you thinking about scaling up and selling some of that extra produce? From novice to expert, learn strategies for taking the leap into production agriculture. Learn the basics of vegetable crop planning and rotation, vegetable crop families, cool and warm-season crops, pests and weather management strategies to get you ready for spring. Learn what you need to know before you grow. Registration is required.
The EcoLit Book Group will meet April 14 from 7-9 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. For this meeting, read “Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures” by Merlin Sheldrake. The group meets once a month. Register for any or all. The discussion leader is Cheryl Lachowski, teaching professor emeritus, Bowling Green State University English Department, and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.
Monthly Mindfulness will be held April 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Give yourself permission to get away to reconnect and relax. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for a monthly nature-based mindfulness session at a county park. Classes will consist of a combination of seated and walking mindfulness practices and nature awareness activities. This class is appropriate for teens and adults. Registration is required.
Go on a Full Pink Moon Walk April 15 from 8-9:30 p.m. at Bradner Preserve. Enjoy a gentle stroll under the moon as we learn moon lore and look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. No dogs permitted.
Make Animals Crafts for Toddlers on April 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm. This program is a history, science and art lesson. A craft project will engage kids in learning about the animals on the farm and why farmers raised them. Parents and kids can come and go as they please throughout the duration of the event. This program is designed for children ages 5 and under. Please wear appropriate clothing for craft and outdoor activities. Registration is required.
Take a Spring Wildflower Walk April 17 from 8-9:30 p.m. at Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg. Woodland wildflowers put on a brief, but beautiful show on the forest floor. Join us for a naturalist-led stroll to see who is starring this month. Learn why these flowers are called ephemerals.
Hiking for Health will be held April 22 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Cedar Creeks Preserve, 4575 Walbridge Road, Northwood. Join a naturalist for exercise and the wonder of watching the seasonal changes. The hikes will offer a true mind-body connection. Sign up for one week or all.
Learn Nature Journaling April 23 from 1-3 p.m. at Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve. Stop by for a monthly nature journaling gathering. Join local Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and build your nature journaling skills. The group will discuss their personal nature journaling, share techniques and spend time outside. All are welcome.
Listen for Frogs and Toads on April 26 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Cricket Frog Cove Area. Learn the sounds that our local amphibians make and then listen for them as the sun sets on a mid-spring evening.
Art in Park: Learn How to Make Nature Ink is set for April 29 from 7-9 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own art supplies? Join us for this class on nature-based ink making. Class will include a tutorial on ink making, opportunities to use the ink, and a mini-ink set to take home. Registration is required. The program fee is $10, or $7 for Friends of the Parks.
Go on a Wild Ride Bike Tour April 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Black Swamp Preserve , 1014 S. Maple St., Bowling Green. Cyclists and runners can join in on this no-drop group bike ride and learn about and spot wildlife and habitats that surround the Slippery Elm Trail. Ride pace average 12-15 mph. The program will entail a round trip from the Black Swamp Preserve in Bowling Green to the Rudolph Bike Park, a 10-mile ride.
