Registration
  
The Clark County Park District encourages you to get outside and enjoy YOUR parks! Experience the silence of a snow-filled forest, search for tracks in the snow and discover what animals do in the winter months. 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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3 Easy Ways to Register For Our Programs:
  • On-Line: Visit clarkcountyparks.org and select "Program Registration."
  • By Phone: Call 937-882-6000, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 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.  

Childrens

Homeschool History Programs - Ages 6-12  

Come to the interpretive center and 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 registration is limited to 40 participants.

Historical Gaming: Wednesday, January 24, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Styer Park Lion's Den, Gerlaugh Rd., Medway
Many of our modern games are on handheld devices, but back in the 17 - 1800's, children created their own games. Many children were so busy with chores, they didn't get time to play so they made up games as they worked. Play some historical games of that period and try to create your own game.

Life at the Hertzler House, Wednesday, February 21,
1:30-3:00  p.m., Styer Park Lion's Den, Gerlaugh Road, Medway
Barb Arnold, Hertzler House Museum Advisory Committee
Experience what it was like to live in the mid-1800's. Ms. Arnold will talk about the time period of the Hertzler House and what life was like for Daniel Hertzler and his family.
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Wetland Warriors - Ages 7-12

This year-round program encourages children to get outside, make new discoveries and foster new friendships while learning about nature firsthand. This year, participants will be nature investigators, exploring different mysteries in nature through hands-on activities outdoors. Please dress in weather-appropriate gear and footwear. In case of inclement weather, the program is moved indoors at the Davidson Interpretive Center when possible. Pre-registration is required and registration is limited to 15 participants.

Water Cycle Journey, Tuesday, January 16, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Davidson Interpretive Center
Take a journey through the water cycle with an interactive game. Learn about what affects the water cycle and what changes you can make at home to help protect our waters.

Skunk Cabbage Trek, Tuesday, February 20,
4:00-5:30 p.m., Estel Wenrick Wetlands
Join us on a search for the most original (and smelliest) wildflower in Ohio. This is the earliest blooming wildflower and is something to see! Notice: This program is ending earlier on this date because it gets dark sooner. Please dress for the weather.

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Reading  
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 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.

Wildlife Holiday, Wednesday, December 6, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Let's have a party for wildlife! Join us to make some special treats to take home to your backyard friends.

Winter Wonders, Wednesday, January 3, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
What amazing things can you find outside in the winter months? Find out how wildlife stay warm for the winter. Make a winter craft to take home.

Animals In Love, Wednesday, February 7, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and the wildlife know it, too! This is the time of year for many animals to find mates. Some even make their nests this early. Make a special Valentine craft to take home.
 
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SpecialSPECIAL EVENT

Mad Hatter Tea Party - Ages 6-12,
Saturday, February 24, 10:00-11:30 a.m.,
Davidson Interpretive Center


Go "mad" with us! Learn about some wild, wacky, "mad" animals with our "Top 10 Mad Animals" trivia. Have some Wonderland fun while you sip tea, eat some snacks and make a craft. And don't be late...for this very important date! For ages 6 - 12. (This is a drop-off program, but parents may stay to wait if they would like to.)
Nature
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. Experience the beauty and camaraderie found in the outdoors. Meet at the parking lot below the dam. There will be 3 dates this winter where a naturalist will be on hand during the hikes to point out birds and other wildlife.
        * Thursday, December 7
        * Thursday, January 4
        * Thursday, February 1

Stargaze: The Christmas Star, Friday, December 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center
Join our stargaze volunteers to explore the mystery of the Christmas Star and view the night sky through a 14-inch telescope. Please bring a blanket or chair for seating and a flashlight. Hot cocoa will be provided.

Owl Talk & Night Hike, Friday, February 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House Barn

See some live owls and search for these nocturnal creatures in the park. Glen Helen Raptor Center will amaze you with the mysteries of owls in Ohio. Please dress for the weather. This program will take place as long as the temperature is over 20 degrees. If too cold, we will try to reschedule this program.

Winter Courtship Hike, Saturday, February 17, 1:00-2:00 p.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at Demint Shelter

In the spirit of Valentine Day's, join us for a hike about courtship in the wild. Discover the courtship of Ohio animals, search for clues of the wildlife that have passed through and look for their winter homes. Please dress for the weather.


History
HISTORY PROGRAMS  


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.

Caroling from Around the World, Tuesday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.
Lafferty Pike will entertain you with festive songs from around the world. Enjoy light refreshments as you sit back and listen to some familiar tunes as well as some new ones. Be ready to get into the holiday spirit!

The History of Food, Tuesday, January 9, 7:00 p.m., Tanya Brock, Historian
Delve into the fascinating history of where our food originated as you sample some of the foods discussed.

A Chat on Springfield History, Tuesday, February 13, 6:30 p.m., Bill Smith, Local Historian
Join us by the fire for a warm drink and chat about the history of life in the Springfield area. We are looking for folks to share their memories from the past. Tell us YOUR story. If you don't have a story to share, learn about the history of Springfield through others' eyes.  (When you sign up, please let us know if you are willing to share that night!)
 
Partner
 
PARTNER PROGRAMS

Hertzler Open House: The Gingerbread Man,
Sunday, December 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.,
George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House Museum
FREE: Donations Appreciated!
 
Tour the 1854 Hertzler House, transformed for its annual open house. Peruse the decorations in the style of the Gingerbread Man this year. Listen to the beautiful music of Leslie Arendt as you snack on refreshments in the dining room. The event is free, but donations are always appreciated.
 
Parks
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

The Clark County Park District | clarkcountyparks.org | 937.882.6000
5638 Lower Valley Pike, Springfield, Ohio 45502
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