The Wood County Park District is offering activities for adults and youth this month.
Stargazing with the Toledo Astronomical Association: Saturday, 8 p.m.-midnight at Beaver Creek Preserve, 23028 Long Judson Road, Grand Rapids
See stars, nebula and more with the Toledo Astronomical Association. Feel free to bring a chair and blanket. This program is free and open to all, no need to register. All events are weather dependent and may be cancelled with prior notice. Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ToledoAstro for updates.
Spring Nature Tram Tours: Tuesday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. at Black Swamp Preserve Maple Street Area, 1014 S. Maple St.
Take a leisurely ride down the Slippery Elm Trail to Rudolph to enjoy the spring time sights and sounds. Tram is open sided so dress appropriately. Two sessions available. Leader Bill Hoefflin and Emma Taylor. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897.
Corn Planting: Tuesday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road
Learn about the process of planting corn on the farm as it would have been done during the Depression-era. Leader: Chris Dauer. No registration.
Eco Explorers: Off Trail Discovery Series: May 15 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Beaver Creek Preserve, 23028 Long Judson Road, Grand Rapids; and May 23 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg
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. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Early Cool Season Vegetables: May 15, 6-7 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Some plants are more tolerant to cold temperatures and can be planted early. Learn about growing early cool-season vegetables like collards, kale, cabbage, radishes, lettuce, and potatoes along with succession planting methods to ensure continued harvest. Leader: Michelle Wallace, Central State Extension. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Backpacking Basics: Planning & Navigation: May 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
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. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Springtime Floral Crown Making: May 16, 6;30-8 p.m. at Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Channel your artistic spirit at this program. Choose from a range of foraged florals, greenery and accents to weave an intricate crown. Weather permitting, we will go on an adventure to forage springtime sprigs to add to our crowns. We’ll conclude the program by learning how to intertwine your chosen goods to make a crown fit for a woodland fairy. Leader: Abigail Duncan. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Family Open Bouldering: May 22, 6-9 p.m. at Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg
Visit anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. to do some low-level rock climbing. Staff will be on hand to provide tips and demonstrate how parents can be a safety spotter using provided crash pads. Best for ages 5 and up. Leader: Craig Spicer. No registration.
Full Flower Moon Walk: May 22, 9-10 p.m. at William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave, Pemberville
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. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Slippery Elm Trail Bike Tour: Creatures of the S.E.T.: May 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Black Swamp Preserve, 1014 S. Maple St.
Bikers and runners aren’t the only creatures that call the S.E.T. home. Join in on this no-drop (no one “dropped” as a slow rider) bike ride and learn about the wildlife and habitats that surround the Slippery Elm Trail. Ride pace average 12-15 mph. the 10 miles from the Black Swamp Preserve to Rudolph Bike Park and back. Helmets are required to be worn by all riders. Contact program leader for additional information. Leader: Craig Spicer. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
Monthly Mindfulness: May 25, 9:30-11 a.m. at Bradner Nature Center, 11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner
Give yourself permission to get away to reconnect and relax with this monthly series. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for a monthly nature-based mindfulness session at a local Wood 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 required. Leader: Emma Taylor. Register: wcparks.org or 419-353-1897.
