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The Clark County Park District encourages you to get outside and enjoy YOUR parks! The forest is beaming with life and we have some great programs planned. Most of our programs are FREE, unless otherwise noted and require advance registration to ensure we meet the required minimum. Register early to avoid program cancellation!
3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER FOR OUR PROGRAMS:
- On-Line: Visit clarkcountyparks.org and select "Program Registration".
- By Phone: Call 937-882-6000, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- In Person: Visit our Park Headquarters, located at the Davidson Interpretive Center, 5638 Lower Valley Pike, Springfield, OH 45502.
The Clark County Park District also offers scheduled programs for school groups, senior centers and other organizations. Call the Park District for information, 937-882-6000.
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Homeschool History Programs - Ages 6-12
Experience living history and natural history in a unique, hands-on way. This series of hands-on programs is designed for homeschoolers. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 40 participants.
- Pots & Tots - Wednesday, March 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Davidson Interpretive Center, Jill Krieg-Accrocco, Associate Curator of Anthropology, Dayton Society of Natural History
Join Jill Krieg-Accrocco, a ceramic specialist, and learn about prehistoric pottery from Ohio. See ancient pots and discover how archaeologists use them to study past people. Create ceramic designs and make pots too!
- A Wild Encounter - Wednesday, April 26, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Davidson Interpretive Center, Brukner Nature Center Staff
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 - Wed., May 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Hertzler House, George Rogers Clark Park, $5.00/person
Have a spot of tea with us at the 1850's era Hertzler House. Enjoy refreshments, complete with fancy tableware. Learn about the Hertzlers' lives in the mid-1800's and take a guided tour of the house. Dress for the era if desired. Hats, scarves and gloves are encouraged! Limited to 12 participants. Please sign up early! Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian, male or female.
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Family Day, Wednesday, May 24, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
George Rogers Clark Park
Bring out the family for an afternoon of games, hiking and even some fishing at the lake. Bring your own sides or dessert to share and we will provide the hotdogs, buns and drinks. Please let us know of any allergies.
Wetland Warriors - Ages 7-12
This year-round program encourages children to get outside, make new discoveries and foster friendships while learning about nature. Participants will be nature investigators, exploring nature's mysteries. Dress in weather-appropriate gear. During inclement weather, the program is moved indoors at the Davidson Interpretive Center when possible. Pre-registration is required. Limited to 15 participants.
- Investigation: Salamanders, Tuesday, March 21, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
George Rogers Clark Park
Search for the elusive salamanders. Find out where they live and what makes them so special to the forest community.
- Investigation: Bugs, Tuesday, April 18, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Spangler Nature Preserve, Leadingham Prairie entrance
Design your own bug house! Join us at the Leadingham Homestead to build a bug house that will attract the tiny mason bees. Then, take a hike to discover the biodiversity of insects that live in the prairie.
- Investigation: Bike Trail, Tuesday, May 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Beatty Station, 3200 Springfield-Xenia Road. Drop off at Beatty Station at 5:30 p.m., pickup at Yellow Springs at 8:30 p.m.
Explore the trails and do some nature watching while we ride. Afterwards, enjoy some snacks or ice cream at Young's Jersey Dairy. We must have a parent volunteer for this ride. Please make sure your bike has had a tune-up before the ride. A helmet and bike lights are a must!
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READING IN NATURE
The CROW Series
Welcome to the
CROW series,
Children
Respecting
Our
Wildlife; the new program series in collaboration with the New Carlisle Public Library. Delve into the lives of the wildlife that live right in our own "backyard." Each month, hear a story, learn some cool facts and do a craft or other interactive activity. This program will sometimes involve outside activities. Each program will be at the New Carlisle Library, 111 E Lake Ave, New Carlisle
- Clever Crows, Wednesday, March 1, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Explore the world of the mysterious, highly intelligent crow. These are the real "bird brains"! Learn about the crows from lore and the real life of this infamous bird.
- Bustling Birds, Wednesday, April 5, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
It's nesting season! Learn about the different nest-builders in Ohio, how birds raise their young and other fun facts.
- Amazing Amphibians, Wednesday, 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.
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NATURE SERIES
Clark Park Hikers, Every Thursday Morning, 9:00 a.m.
George Rogers Clark Park
Join Park District Volunteers each Thursday morning to enjoy a walk through the woods at George Rogers Clark Park. This group has explored the park weekly for over 10 years! Meet at the parking lot below the dam.
Trail Walkers, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Ages 18 & Older
Trail Walkers highlights the multi-purpose trail system while promoting fitness, fellowship and fun. These guided walks are self-paced. Health screenings are 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. These hikes are in partnership with National Trail Parks and Recreation District. Call 937-328-PARK for more information.
- Tuesday. March 28: Little Miami Scenic Trail, Beatty Station Staging Area
- Tuesday, May 16: Little Miami Scenic Trail, Beatty Station Staging Area
Trail Riders, Monday, May 15, Beatty Station Staging Area,
10:00 a.m., Ages 18 & Older, Helmets Required
Trail Riders is a guided, self-paced biking program that covers approximately 15 miles of local bike trails while promoting fitness and fun. Pre-ride clinics will be held on the 1st Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. This ride is in partnership with National Trail Parks and Recreation District. Call 937-328-PARK for more information.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Friday. April 7, 9:00-10:30 a.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Registration Deadline: April 5
Discover spectacular shows of spring wildflowers as you hike the beautiful trails. The walk will begin at the Demint Shelter House. Leading the walk will be Pam Bennett, Horticulture Educator and State Master Gardener Coordinator with the Ohio State University Extension. This walk is in partnership with the National Trail Parks and Recreation District.
Nature at Night, Friday, May 5, 7:30-10:00 p.m., Snyder Park Clubhouse Shelter House
Celebrate nature at night with a storytelling campfire featuring a portrayal of Johnny Appleseed. A Stargaze through a large industrial telescope begins at 8:30 p.m. This program is in partnership with National Trail Parks and Recreation District. Pre-registration is available online at
www.ntprd.org or in person at the NTPRD Administration Building.
Frog Night Hike, Friday, May 26, 8:00-9:30 p.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands, Pre-Registration Required
Enjoy an evening hike with your family! Dr. Amber Burgett, Assistant Professor of Biology at Wittenberg University will lead our hike in search of Ohio's amazing amphibians (frogs and salamanders). This is breeding time for our frogs, so they are very vocal, trying to attract mates.
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AVIAN HIKE SERIES
Join Doug Overacker, birder extraordinaire, for a bird hike at several of the parks in the area. Get out this spring and see ducks, grebes, warblers, sparrows and other native, migratory species. Be sure to dress warmly and be prepared for muddy conditions. For more information, call Doug Overacker at 937-324-1871.
This series is in partnership with National Trail Parks and Recreation District.
Waterfowl Hike, Saturday, March 18, 7:30 a.m., Buck Creek State Park, Ages: 15 & older, Meet in the parking lot at the corner of Croft Road and Robert Eastman Road, NT
Wetland Birding, Saturday, March 25, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands, Clark County, Meet at the Union Road parking lot, CC
Waterfowl Walk, Saturday, April 1, 7:30 a.m., Buck Creek State Park, Ages 15 & Older, Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Croft Road and Robert Eastman Road. NT
Sparrow Saunter, Saturday, April 8, 7:30-11:30 a.m., South Charleston Train Depot. This walk will be on the Prairie Grass Trail, so no boots are necessary. CC
Warbler Walk, Saturday, April 29, 7:30-9:30 a.m., George Rogers Clark Park. Meet at the Demint Shelter located at the end of the park road. CC
Spring Migration Hike, Saturday, May 13, 7:30 a.m., Buck Creek State Park. Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Croft Road and Robert Eastman Road. NT
NT - Register at
www.ntprd.org or in person at the NTPRD Administrative Building.
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STARGAZE SERIES
Friday, March 24, 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Friday, April 21, 8:30 - 10:30 PM
Davidson Interpretive Center
Join us for an evening under the stars as we explore the mysteries of the night sky. Enjoy a view like never before with our 14" telescope that even allows you to see the rings of Saturn. Bring something to sit on and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required and registration is limited to 40 participants.
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Fireside History
Chats
Join us each month for an entertaining program to learn about the history of this area. Pre-registration is required and registration is limited to 40.
A Visit with Black Hoof, Tuesday, March 14, 2017,
7:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center
Featuring Rusty Cottrell,George Rogers Clark Heritage Association. Learn the history of the infamous Shawnee Indian Chief, Black Hoof. Find out what his life was like and his role in the history of this area.
Barn Spring Fling, Friday, April 14, 2017, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Hertzler House Barn, George Rogers Clark Park
Kick up your heels and join us for an old-fashioned barn dance in the Hertzler Barn. The Liberty Dancers, with the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association, will entertain with 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 at this FREE event.
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PARTNER PROGRAMS
Sense of Place: Eastern Box Turtle Hibernation Study, Monday, March 6, 6:00 p.m., Fairborn Public Library, 1 E Main St, Fairborn
Dr. Richard Phillips, Associate Professor of Biology, Wittenberg University
The Eastern Box Turtle is of conservation concern in several states across the Midwest and has been the subject of much study. However, movement of Eastern Box Turtles in highly fragmented urban environments remains poorly understood. Nine Box Turtles were monitored using radiotelemetry at two fragmented urban parks in Clark County. Dr. Phillips will talk about the study done on this species. This program is in partnership with BW Greenway. Call the Fairborn Library at (937) 878-9383 for details.
Night at the Museum: Saturday, March 18, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Heritage Center of Clark County, 117 S Fountain Ave, Springfield
Join the First Mad River Light Artillery and the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association at the Night at the Museum. Meet characters from the past as you enjoy a night of history, music and dance. Call the Heritage Center for details and pricing at 937-324-0657.
Sense of Place: Hunters of the Sky: Monday, 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 you can support raptor education and rehabilitation around Ohio. Call the Fairborn Library at (937) 878-9383 for details.
The Gantlet: Sunday, April 23, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
George Rogers Clark Park, Check-in: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
First race: 1:15 PM, Registration fee varies according to race.
This challenging 5K run/walk takes you to 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. Registration forms are available online at:
All participants registered by April 9th are guaranteed a t-shirt and a beautiful hand blown glass finisher's medallion.
Sense of Place: The Wildflowers of Spring:
Monday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.
Fairborn Public Library, 1 E Main St, Fairborn
Pam Bennett, Associate Professor and Horticulture Director,
Ohio State University Extension Clark County
Discover Ohio's amazing wildflowers. View pictures to better learn how to identify these beauties on the trails This program is in partnership with BW Greenway. Call the Fairborn Library at (937) 878-9383 for details.
Spring at New Boston:
Saturday & Sunday, May 6 & 7, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Gathering House, George Rogers Clark Park
Join the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association at the Gathering House for a plant sale and educational programs. Please call the Heritage Association at 937-882-9216.
Mother/Daughter Tea Party: Saturday, May 6, 11:00 - 12:30 p.m.
General Public Invited, Hertzler House, George Rogers Clark Park, $5.00/person, Limited to 12 participants. Sign up early!
Have a spot of tea with us at the 1850's era Hertzler House. Learn the Hertzlers' lives in the mid-1800's and take a guided tour of the house. Dress up if desired. Hats, scarves and gloves are encouraged! (Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian, male or female.)
Fishing Derby: Saturday, May 27, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
, George Rogers Clark Park, Hosterman Lake
Get outside and fish with us! Fishermen of all ages can enjoy this opportunity so bring the family. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest catch of each species and the most fish caught. Please bring your own fishing pole if you have one! Sponsored by the Friends of the Clark County Park District.
Living History Day Camp: June 19, 21, or 23, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hertzler House, George Rogers Clark Park, $35.00/child
Registration is limited to 10 campers a day.
Attention 4th and 5th graders! Discover what it was like to live in the mid-1800's by attending our Living History Day Camp. Take a tour of the historic Hertzler House, make an old-fashioned meal and find out what toys they played with in that time period. Register by calling Barbara Arnold at 937-864-1046 or
[email protected]
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CONSERVATION
Volunteers Needed!
Estel Wenrick Wetlands: Invasive Species Removal
Volunteer for a day of conservation work in the park by helping remove invasive species from natural areas. The B-W Greenway helps the Park District to maintain the health of the Estel Wenrick Wetlands by removing invasive honeysuckle and garlic mustard so native plants can thrive. Please dress for the weather and wear old clothes: long sleeves, long pants, hat and solid shoes (or rubber boots) and work gloves. Bring water to drink. Must be with parent or guardian if under 16 years of age. Preregistration required. Meet at Estel Wenrick Wetlands Parking Lot on Union Road.
- Honeysuckle Hack, Saturday, April 22, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Garlic Mustard Pull, Saturday, May 6, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve: Work Weekend
Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The Access Fund Conservation Team, the Ohio Climbers Coalition and hundreds of volunteers will come together to perform a massive clean-up of the gorge along with the construction of trails and the establishment of climbing areas. The event will include food, games, raffles, and a lot of hard work.
Help us get the new park area ready for public enjoyment! To volunteer, visit
www.ohioclimberscoalition.org/new-events/
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We need your observation skills!
We are searching for the Eastern Box Turtle and YOU can help. If you are at one of our parks and spot one of these turtles, keep an eye on the turtle and call us at (937) 882-6000. We are assisting Dr. Richard Phillips, Wittenberg University, with his Eastern Box Turtle study, being done to find out how far of a territory that turtles inhabit. We can use your eyes, so keep them open on the trails!
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Our Clark County Parks
Estel Wenrick Wetlands:
Main Entrance 2855 Union Road, Medwday
George Rogers Clark Park:
Main Entrance 930 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield
Davidson Interpretive Center & Battle of Peckuwe, 5638 Lower Valley Pike, Springfield
The Hertzler House, 930 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield
Little Miami Scenic Trail:
Beatty Station Trailhead: 3200 Springfield-Xenia Road, Springfield
Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve:
Main Entrance 2710 Dayton-Springfield Road, Springfield
Prairie Grass Trail:
Trailhead 147 Mound Street, South Charleston
Spangler Nature Preserve:
Leadingham Farm Entrance: 3656 Spangler Road, Medway
Leadingham Prairie Entrance: Intersection of Union & Spangler Roads, Medway
Mad River Entrance (Future): Spangler Road, Medway
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The Clark County Park District | clarkcountyparks.org | 937.882.6000
5638 Lower Valley Pike, Springfield, Ohio 45502
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