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CLARK COUNTY PARKS PROGRAM SCHEDULE
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The Clark County Park District encourages you to get outside and enjoy YOUR parks! Explore the trails, observe migratory birds returning from their wintering habitat, and watch the wildflowers emerge in spring. We have great programs planned but if you are unable to attend, enjoy the parks on your own. 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!
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Pre-Registration for our Programs is Required!
3 Easy Ways to Register For Our Programs:
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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Message from Carol Kennard, Executive Director
Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve Earns 1st Place The Park District recently received the First Place award for the Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve acquisition and cleanup from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for the Natural Resources and Conservation category! A special thanks to the Ohio Climbers Coalition, the Access Fund Conservation Team and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, along with our partners, sponsors, and volunteers. If you would like to help at the Gorge, please call 937-882-6000 or email [email protected].
Mark your calendar: Gorge clean ups are scheduled on the last Saturday of each month and our annual Adopt-a-Crag weekend is September 29-30!
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Message from Chris Crowley, Operations Manager, Chief Ranger
Have you noticed the construction at our Beatty Station on the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail? Thanks to a NatureWorks Grant from the State of Ohio, the Park District added a shelter house, permanent restroom facility, two kiosks, a bench, and bike rack. We hope you'll enjoy the new additions to the bike trails. Save the Date: The Grand Opening of Beatty Station is on Saturday, April 7.
Under Construction...In 2014, the Park District lost one of its favorite Sycamore trees to a fire caused by a lightning strike. This tree was over 300 years old when it perished, and we wanted it to "live on" in another way. Currently under construction is "Clark's Rookery Romp", a nature playground that allows children of all ages to explore the outdoors. Kids can make mud pies, count tree rings, construct a fort, hop across logs, or play inside the Hobbit House. Families have an opportunity to enjoy, kid-directed outdoor fun together.
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NATURE SERIES
Clark Park Hikers, Every Thursday Morning, 9:00 a.m., George Rogers Clark Park, meet at lower parking lot
Join Park District Volunteers each Thursday morning to enjoy a walk through the woods at George Rogers Clark Park. This group has been exploring the park for over 10 years, yet each week brings a new discovery!
Migrating Birds Hike, Sat., April 21, 7:30 a.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands, meet at Union Rd. parking lot
Join Doug Overacker on a morning hike to see birds that frequent the wetlands this time of year. Search for the Common Yellow-Throat, the Northern Parula, and more. Please wear hiking shoes that can get wet.
Bat Acoustic Survey, Friday, April 27, 7:00-9:00 p.m., George Rogers Clark Park, Hertlzer House Barn
Join Bridget Brown, Bat Survey Coordinator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, to hear what types of bats live in Ohio. Learn the amazing natural history about our only flying mammal. (This Wetland Warrior program is being opened up to the public this month. Don't miss it!)
Spring Wildflower Hike, Friday, May 4, 1:00 p.m., Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve
Discover spectacular shows of spring wildflowers as you hike the beautiful gorge. Pam Bennett, Park Board President, Horticulture Educator and State Master Gardener Coordinator with OSU Extension, will lead the hike.
Frog Night Hike, Friday, May 18, 8:00-9:30 p.m.,
Estel Wenrick Wetlands
Bring your family on an evening hike with Dr. Amber Burgett, Assistant Professor of Biology at Wittenberg University. Search for amphibians (frogs and salamanders) in the wetlands. This is breeding time for our frogs, so they are very vocal, trying to attract mates. Pre-registration is required.
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CONSERVATION
Conservation Volunteers: Work with the B-W Greenway to help maintain the health of the Estel Wenrick Wetlands by removing invasive honeysuckle and garlic mustard so native plants can thrive. Dress for the weather and wear old clothes: long sleeves, long pants, hat and solid shoes (or rubber boots) and work gloves. Bring plenty of water to drink. Must be with parent or guardian if under 16 years of age. Preregistration is required. Meet at the Estel Wenrick Wetlands, Union Road parking lot.
- Honeysuckle Hack, Saturday, April 7, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Garlic Mustard Pull, Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Adopt-A-Crag Work Days: Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve - The last Saturday of each month, the Ohio Climbers Coalition organizes work days at the Mad River Gorge. Help us improve the natural beauty of this new park. To volunteer, visit
www.ohioclimberscoalition.org/volunteer. Adopt-A-Crag dates are as follows:
- Saturday, March 31, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 26, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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STARGAZE
Friday, March 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center
Pre-Registration is required and limited to 40 participants.
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 is limited to 40 participants.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Fairy &
Gnome Fest, Sat., March 31, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., George Rogers Clark Pa
r
k, Meet at the Demint Shelter
Design a nature home for a fairy, or a gnome! Celebrate spring by buildinghouses for these tiny, mythical creatures of the forest. The Park District will supply "building" materials. Bring your imagination and any natural items you would like to include with your home.
Ages 5 - 12 years.
Beatty Station Grand Opening, Saturday, April 7, 9:00 a.m.
Join us for the Grand Opening of the updated Beatty Station trailhead of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. This park features a bike fix-it station, train for kids, a new restroom facility, picnic shelter, and convenient access to the bike trails.
Barn Dance, Friday, April 13, 2017, 6:30 - 8:30 PM,
Hertzler House Barn, George Rogers Clark Park, Free
Kick up your heels at 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 will "call" dances and invite you to participate. Light snacks will be provided.
Fishing Derby, Sat., May 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.,
Shelter Dedication, 12:30 - 1:30 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. Please bring your own fishing pole, bait, and any other fishing equipment needed. After the Fishing Derby, join us for a dedication ceremony to rename two of our shelters. The Campbell Shelter and the Braman Shelter (the A-frame at the Lake and the A-frame at the Circle, respectively) will be dedicated that day.
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Homeschool History Programs - Ages 6-12
Experience living and natural history in a unique, hands-on way. This series is designed for homeschoolers. Pre-registration is required and registration is limited to 40 participants.
Ohio's Wildlife History, Wed., March 28, 1:30-3:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center
Discover how humans have impacted Ohio's wildlife with a fun, interactive game. What wildlife no longer live in Ohio? Why?
Historical Scavenger Hunt, Wed., April 25, 1:30-3:00 p.m., George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at Hertzler House
Step back in time and discover the Ohio landscape of the late 1700's, when Tecumseh was a boy. On your journey, you will use clues to learn about the natural and living history of the Ohio area.
Wetland Warriors - Ages 7-12
This year-round program encourages children to get outside, make new discoveries, foster friendships and learn about nature. Participants will be nature investigators, exploring mysteries in nature through hands-on outdoor activities.
Dress in weather-appropriate gear and footwear.
Pre-registration is required and is limited to 15 participants.
Salamander Quest, Tue., March 20, 4:00-6:00 p.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at Demint Shelter
The search is on for the elusive salamander as we trek the Tecumseh Trail. Learn how simple changes at home and on the trail can help them.
Spring is in Bloom Hike, Tues., April 17, 4:00-6:00 p.m., George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at Demint Shelter
Discover spring wildflowers growing in the park. Learn the different wildflower species and the relationships they share with critters such as insects. We will keep an eye out for migratory songbirds as well.
Bat Acoustic Survey, Fri., April 27, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House Barn
Join Bridget Brown, Bat Survey Coordinator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and learn about the types of bats living in Ohio and the natural history of our only flying mammal. Get real "bat signals" from Ohio bats!
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The CROW Series
Welcome to the CROW series, Children Respecting Our Wildlife; the new program series in collaboration with the New Carlisle 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, OH 45344.
"Slimy" Salamanders, Wednesday, March 7, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Study the "slimy" salamander and discover what makes this amphibian so special. See how a salamander and a reptile are so different.
Busy, Busy Bugs, Wednesday, April 4, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
What are the insects doing now that spring has sprung? Study some cool insects and make a fun craft.
Noisy Nests, Wednesday, May 2, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
The nests are tweeting with activity this time of year. Learn about the fascinating, feathered engineers in nature.
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Fireside History Chats
Davidson Interpretive Center, 5638 Lower Valley Pike
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.
Bad Things that Led to Good in the Life of George Washington, Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. Millie Henley, Historical Connections
Hear about the surprising twists of fate that prepared our first president for what lay ahead.
The Faces of New Boston, Tuesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m.
Discover the town of New Boston through the characters of the Fair. Meet some of those characters that allow us to step back in time to the late 1700's. Find out who they were and their role in society.
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PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
Sense of Place: The Immense Value of Environmental Education,
Monday, March 5, 6:30 PM,
Kerri Miles, Kettering Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department,
Fairborn Library, 1 East Main, Fairborn, OH 45324
Learn all about Kettering's environmental education program in their fabulous parks! There is a 15+ year partnership between the City of Kettering and Kettering City Schools, which originated with a grant from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund. Find out about this phenomenal program and all of the work they do with our youth. This is a program through B-W Greenway Community Land Trust.
Night at the Museum, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Saturday, March 18
Heritage Center of Clark County, 117 S Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH 45502
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.
Spring Cleaning at the Crabill House, Saturday, April 7, 10:00 am
Crabill House Homestead,
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association
Volunteer to assist in some spring cleaning at one of Springfield's historical homesteads. Be a part of making this site more beautiful for the public. Lunch will be provided for those that help out! Call (937) 882-9216 for more information
Crabill House Homestead Open House: Udder to Butter
Crabill House Homestead,
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association
Saturday, April 14 & Sunday, April 15, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Learn the process of making butter; from milking the cow to churning the butter to the end product of baking buttermilk biscuits in the oven. Call (937) 882-9216 to register.
Spring at New Boston, Saturday, May 5 - Sunday, May 6, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Gathering House, George Rogers Clark Park,
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association
Join us at the Gathering House for the annual plant sale and educational programs. Please call the Heritage Association at (937) 882-9216 for more details.
Sense of Place: Local Cooking with the Seasons, Monday, May 7,
6:30 PM,
Fairborn Library, 1 East Main, Fairborn, OH 45324
Chantilly Cream will demonstrate how to make a delicious and healthy spring salad.
This is a program through B-W Greenway Community Land Trust.
Mother/Daughter Tea Party, Saturday, May 12, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Hertzler House, George Rogers Clark Park,
$5.00/person
Have a spot of tea with us at the 1850's era Hertzler House. Enjoy a tea party with refreshments and tea or juice, complete with fancy tableware. Learn what life was like for the Hertzlers in the mid-1800's and take a guided tour of the house. Please dress up if desired. Hats, scarves and gloves are encouraged! (Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian, male or female.) Limited to 12 participants. Please sign up early!
Crabill House Homestead Open House: Spring Wildflower Walk
Saturday, May 12 & Sunday, May 13, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Crabill House Homestead,
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association
Join us to search for wildflowers around the Crabill House. Call (937) 882-9216 for more information.
A Tea for Mothers and Daughters, Saturday, May 19
First Setting: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM,
Second Setting: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Crabill House Homestead
Enjoy the some tea in the historical Crabill House. Learn some of the history and see how people lived in the 1800's. Call (937) 882-9216 for more information.
Hertzler Open House: In Your Easter Bonnet, Sunday, May 20, 1:00 - 3:00 PM
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House,
Hertzler House Museum Advisory Committee
Take a tour of this historic house circa 1850's and enjoy the Easter theme of the house this year. Wear a hat that day and win a prize! Prizes will be awarded for the Prettiest, Craziest and Most Original hat. Goodies will be available that day from Chantilly Cream. This event is FREE, but donations are welcome.
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TURTLE TRACKING
We need your observation skills!
We are searching for the Eastern Box Turtle and YOU can help.
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!
If you are in one of our parks and spot one of these turtles, keep an eye on the turtle and call us at
937-882-6000.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Living History Day Camp, June 18, 20, or 22, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House
Hertzler House Museum Advisory Committee
$35.00/child; 4th & 5th grade students
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. You must register for this program by calling Barbara Arnold at 937-864-1046 or [email protected]. This program is limited to 10 campers a day. (There is a chance to get a scholarship for this program. Please call Ms. Arnold to find out how!)
Bluegrass in the Barn, Friday, June 15, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler Barn
Enjoy a summer evening of knee-slapping, feet-stomping bluegrass in the barn at the park! Listen to the award winning Berachah Valley, the Rum River Blend and the Dedication Band. We will have a program for kids before the event, Pluck and Strum, to give some musical instruction for those kids that are interested. More details to follow!
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Our Clark County Parks
Estel Wenrick Wetlands:
Main Entrance 2855 Union Road, Medway
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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