Reservations and registrations can be made for these programs with the Wood County Park District by calling the main office at 419-353-1897 or visiting wcparks.org. All programs are free, unless noted.
Eco Explorers: Off Trail Discovery Series will be held at:
Cricket Frog Cove: Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m.
Bradner Nature Center: May 10; 6-8:30 p.m.
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve: May 18; 6-8:30 p.m.
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 travelled 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. Leader: Bill Hoefflin.
Animal Nutrition & Showmanship Prep is set for Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road. If you’re thinking about raising or showing animals, feeding the proper nutrition to your animal is the key. Presenter Levi Richards will provide guidance and some basic showmanship skills, so bring your notebook. Leaders: Chris Dauer and Levi Richards
May the 4th Celebration with the Way Public Library will be held May 4 from 6-8 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg. Calling all Star Wars fans. Join the Way library and park district for an evening celebrating one of the world’s most beloved sci-fi stories. Stop by the W.W. Knight Nature Center for some self-guided activities like Star Wars crafts, games, and an Ewok search in the forest. The library will be leading a story time at 6:30 p.m. At 7, join park naturalists to meet animals like those in the Star Wars universe. Costumes are highly encouraged, come search for Ewoks in your favorite Star Wars attire. Registration required. Leader: Emma Taylor.
Native Plants in Your Yard will be held May 4 form 7-8 p.m. as a videoconference program. Get ready for the native plant sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Parks. Learn about how to incorporate native plants into your yard, and tips on local sources of plants. Leader: Jim Witter.
Go on a Full Flower Moon Walk May 4 from 8:30-10 p.m. at Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg. Enjoy a gentle stroll under the Full Flower moon as we learn moon lore and look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. No dogs permitted. Leader: Bill Hoefflin.
Mountain Bike Skills Camp is set for Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m. May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 at Rudolph Bike Park, 14045 Mermill Road. Every first Sunday of the month from May through September, take your bike-ability to the next level with instructors from The Right Direction Youth Development Program. Techniques will be broken down into manageable steps with challenges designed to build confidence and biking skill. A properly-fitting helmet and mountain bike are required. Contact: Craig Spicer. P
Backpacking Basics: Planning & Navigation is set for May 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Designed for the aspiring backpacker, this series seeks to empower beginners with knowledge and confidence to embark on their first backpacking adventures. There are a ton of places to go and a plethora of resources to help you get there. We’ll cover route planning and trail skills to help make your adventure as safe, straightforward, and enjoyable as possible. Leader: Craig Spicer.
College Prep – Personal Finance Q&A will be held May 11 from 5-6 p.m. at W. W. Knight Nature Preserve – Hankison Great Room. Inflation and recession and student loans. Just like farmers during the Great Depression, it may seem scary to jump out on your own and make a large financial decision in times of hardship. Carter Historic Farm wants to help. Parents and students are welcome to attend a lecture on how to prepare for college and the world of “adulting” featuring guest speaker Roc Starks, a professor of personal finance at Bowling Green State University. Q&A will follow. Leader: Alyssa Garland.
Monthly Mindfulness is set for May 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Get away to reconnect and relax with this monthly series. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for a monthly nature-based mindfulness session. 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 required. Leader: Emma Taylor.
Blue Week: Wetlands will be held May 15 from 10-11 a.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. The park district is a partner with the Green Ribbon Initiative to highlight the natural treasures of the Oak Openings Region. Celebrate Oak Openings Blue Week by learning about the importance of wetlands and the creatures that call it home. We’ll be heading out to the wetlands for hands-on collection of critters, so be prepared for wet and mud! Find other Blue Week programs at through community partners at https://www.oakopenings.org/blue-week/. Leader: Jim Witter.
Summer Vegetable Production Basics will be held May 17 from 6-7 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road. We will go over plant spacing, staking, scouting for the most common pest problems, and recommended varieties based on taste and reduced susceptibility to insects and disease. Not sure how to estimate and project your yields? We will discuss this as well. Leader: Michelle Wallace.
Otsego Island Clean-Up will be held May 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Otsego Park, 20000 W. River Road. The district is teaming up with Partners for Clean Streams for an island clean-u. Canoe over to Hedges Island from Otsego Park and help us pick up what flood waters dump. We’ll supply all of the clean-up and canoeing supplies and instruction. Contact Craig Spicer with questions 419-661-1697, ext. 3, or [email protected].
