Spring Programs
March 2022 - May 2022
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4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER FOR OUR PROGRAMS:
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On-Line: Visit clarkcountyparks.org and select “Program Registration.”
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By Email: Donna Lewis at [email protected]
- By Phone: Call 937-882-6000, Monday - Friday, 8:00 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.
We have great programs planned but if you are unable to come to a program, 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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Message from Donna Lewis, Program/Volunteer Coordinator
In March, this is what some bird watchers are saying as they peer through their binoculars at those tiny specks on the lake. Ohio is home to at least 18 duck species. Some are here during the breeding season only, while others live here year-round. Ohio’s proximity to the Great Lakes, and its position along migratory routes, means that the state is full of all kinds of waterfowl.
March is a great time to start seeing migrating ducks and geese! Check out any body of water; ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, pools of water in a farm field or even ditches filled with water. These are all locations in which you can spot a variety of waterfowl.
Where do ducks migrate?
They follow a seasonal migration pattern and fly north to where they breed in the Arctic, Canada, North America, and Alaska from their wintering grounds in California and South America.
How do they know what to do?
In early spring, instinct tells them it’s time to head north to mate and raise young. They have an internal clock that lets them know it’s time to go. Then, in the fall, from September to November, the ducks get restless and start migrating south again. The ducks sense that the temperature is about to change and their food resources are running out. Ducks go where they can find food, water, and safety.
What can you see at the Park District?
At George Rogers Clark Park, Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Mallard, and other species can be spotted at the lake as they stop over during migration. Mallards and Canada Geese are seen on the lake throughout the year. Migrating species can also be found on the Mad River at the Spangler Nature Preserve and Mad River Gorge, as well as at the Estel Wenrick Wetlands. The wetlands can be the perfect breeding and nesting grounds for species such as the Wood Duck.
What if you don’t know any of the duck species?
No problem. There are some fantastic field guides that can help with waterfowl identification. One favorite is the Peterson’s Field Guide, which can be found on different sites and at your local libraries. The Ohio Division of Wildlife also has a waterfowl field guide that can be downloaded from their site. We have some of those available at the Davidson Interpretive Center for free. There are also some fantastic apps for your phone such as Merlin ID and Audubon. You can also use iNaturalist to identify the species seen.
Get outside and do some duck “hunting”!
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Clark Park Hikers, Every Thursday Morning, 9:00 am,
George Rogers Clark Park, meet at lower parking lot
Join Park District Volunteers and enjoy a walk through the woods at George Rogers Clark Park. This group has been exploring the park weekly for over 10 years, yet each week brings a new discovery!
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Hike with a Hound & Adoption Night,
George Rogers Clark Park, lower parking lot
Friday, April 8 & Friday, May 13, 4:30-6:30 pm
Stop by to walk a homeless pet or to adopt one of the special dogs from the Clark County SPCA. Meet your new best friend at George Rogers Clark Park! The Clark County SPCA will have dogs at the park available for adoption. Hike with one of the dogs on our designated Hike with a Hound trail or simply stop by to meet some adoptable dogs.
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Birding Just for Kids!, Ages 8 – 12
Look for and listen to spring migrants.
Friday, April 29, 4:00 pm, George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at the lake
Saturday, May 7, 9:30 am, Mad River Gorge
Paint the Lake, Thursday, May 12, 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Hosterman Lake, George Rogers Clark Park, Ages 12 +
Try your hand at painting a picture of the lake. Bring lawn chairs, a non-alcoholic drink, and friends or family. Brushes, paint, and a “canvas” will be provided. Pre-registration must be received by Monday, May 9 at 4:00 pm.
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Davidson Interpretive Center, 5638 Lower Valley Pike
This series highlights natural history and is for families of all ages; however the recommended ages for each program are listed below.
Pre-registration is required the Friday before the program.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited - sign up now!
Eagles of Eastwood Lake, Tuesday, March 8, 6:00 pm, Families: Ages 10 +
Jim Weller, Founder, Eastwood Eagle Watchers
Discover the excitement unfolding in the sky above us through this educational talk on our national bird, the Bald Eagle. Discover eagle nests in the Clark County area as well. Hear the amazing story showing how an endangered species can recover with the help of proper human intervention.
Only Owls, Tuesday, May 24, 6:00 pm, Families: Ages 5 +
Rebecca Jaramillo, Glen Helen Raptor Center
What is that bird hooting in the night? Meet three Ohio native owls from the Glen Helen Raptor Center and discover their unique adaptations that make them masters of the night.
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Children’s Homeschool Programs - Ages 6 – 12
Experience living and natural history in a unique, hands-on way. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration is required by the Monday before the program. Davidson Interpretive Center.
Growing Up During the Civil War, Wednesday, March 30, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Leslie Arendt, Living Historian
Join historian Leslie Arendt for a thought-provoking first-person talk about the lives of Midwest children and teens during the Civil War. Discover what was expected of young adults and how their wartime experience shaped their generation. Afterward try your hand at parlor games that exercise the wit and see how our ancestors entertained themselves without smartphones! We’ll close with a display of what young men and women would have worn, from suspenders and hoops to garters and head coverings.
Civil War Spies, Wednesday, April 27, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Spies played an important role in the Civil War for both sides, gathering intelligence and scouting opposing troop movements and numbers. Telegraph codebooks and other cyphers were used in this war between the Unions and Confederates. Learn past secrets and practice cracking codes.
Discovering New Boston, Wednesday, May 25, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Work in teams to learn about a character from the town of New Boston. Explore an “identity box”, practicing close observation skills, and completing activities related to your characters.
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Wetland Warriors - Ages 7 – 12
This year-round program for homeschool children encourages them to get outside, make new discoveries and foster new friendships while learning about nature firsthand. Most of these programs will take place outdoors. Please dress in weather-appropriate gear and closed-toe shoes. Pre-registration is required, and registration is limited to 15 participants.
Salamander Hike, Tuesday, March 15, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, George Rogers Clark Park
See how many salamanders can be found at the park. Learn about how they survive in the wild.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Tuesday, April 19, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Mad River Gorge
Search for Ohio’s amazing wildflowers that emerge each spring.
Primitive Skills, Tuesday, May 17, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, George Rogers Clark Park
Guest naturalist, Howie Zuefle, will teach the kids some primitive skills such as foraging, tracking, and identifying plants.
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Reading in Nature - The CROW Series
Welcome to the CROW series, Children Respecting Our Wildlife a program in collaboration with the New Carlisle Library. Delve into the lives of wildlife that live in our own “backyard.” Listen to a story, learn cool facts and do a craft or other activity. To register, call the New Carlisle Library at (937) 845-3601. Programs will be held at the New Carlisle Library, 111 E. Lake Ave., New Carlisle unless otherwise noted.
The Lorax, Wednesday, March 2, 1:00 pm
It’s Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Celebrate with us by listening to the story of the Lorax and making a fun, Seussical craft.
Forest Gems, Wednesday, April 6, 1:00 pm, George Rogers Clark Park, Meet at lower lot
See amazing wildflowers that appear each spring. The wildflowers bloom for only a short time - see them before they’re gone! Listen to a story, join us for a short hike and create a terrarium to grow your own plant at home.
May the 4th Be with You, Wednesday, May 4, 1:00 pm
It’s Star Wars Day! We may not have Wookie’s and Ewoks, but wildlife sometimes does some “odd” things that we don’t understand. Listen to a story, learn about some odd animal behavior, and do an activity.
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Deep Devotion, Different Causes: The Barlows and the Gordons in the Civil War and Beyond, Fee: $10/person, Thursday, March 31, 6:00 pm, Davidson Interpretive Center
Mille Henley, Historical Interpreter
Two young combat officers fought on opposite sides in the Civil War. One was a New England Yankee and the other from the South. Each citizen soldier was deeply devoted to his cause and to his wife. A battlefield twist of fate joined their lives forever. You will see conflict, love, heroism, and irony in this story illustrating two very different threads in our national heritage.
An Evening with the Roosevelts, Tuesday, April 12, 6:00 pm, Fee: $10/person, Davidson Interpretive Center
Larry & Julie Marple, Living Historian
Larry and Julia Marple, as Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, will share stories from their lives before, during and after the Presidency. Larry and Julia have been performing as the Roosevelts for nearly 14 years. They have portrayed Theodore and Edith Roosevelt at the National Park in Medora, ND and at Theodore Roosevelt’s home, at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, in Oyster Bay, New York and at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island in Washington, DC plus many other places across the country.
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Passport to Adventure - 5 Years at the Mad River Gorge
Saturday, May 21, 1-5 pm, Mad River Gorge and Nature Preserve,
All ages - Co-sponsored by the Ohio Climbers Coalition
It has been 5 years since over 200 volunteers spent a weekend transforming an old garbage dump into a beautiful nature preserve and we want to celebrate all this unique area has to offer. Join us for an afternoon of fun exploring the Gorge while you stamp your Passport to Adventure. Skilled volunteers will be positioned throughout the nature preserve where you will participate in fun activities while learning more about geology, conservation, birds, wildflowers/trees, the Mad River, and rock climbing. Complete your passport and receive a prize! No advance registration is required.
Kids to Parks Day, Saturday, May 21
2022 marks the 12th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day, an annual day of outdoor exploration at parks and public lands across the country. Organized by National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. While discovering and exploring our parks, kids learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures – because kids need parks and parks need kids! Plan to take your kids to a park near you or come out to the Mad River Gorge to help celebrate our 5th Anniversary at this beautiful nature preserve!
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The Search for Sasquatch, Saturday, March 5 – Sunday, March 27
George Rogers Clark Park
The Search for Sasquatch is on again! Sasquatch has been spotted at George Rogers Clark Park once again. Gather your friends or family and go on a hunt for this elusive creature. Look for subtle clues of where Sasquatch is hiding in the woods. Take a selfie with him, share it to our Facebook page with #SearchforSasquatchAtThePark, and enter to win a prize pack! Entries must be received by Monday, March 28. Get outside and have fun! Photo Credit: Mike’s Photography.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Park, Saturday, April 16 – Sunday, May 22
George Rogers Clark Park
Join us for an Easter egg hunt at George Rogers Clark Park. Search for laminated eggs throughout the park of different birds. Scan the QR code and write down the bird species found. Once all the eggs are found, submit the answers to [email protected] (or drop off the answers at the Davidson Interpretive Center) and receive a small prize. Prizes will be available at the Davidson Interpretive Center. Entries must be received by Monday, May 22.
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Fairy and Gnome Day, Saturday, April 30, 10:00 – 11:30 am
George Rogers Clark Park, Demint Shelter, Free
Create your own fairy/gnome garden in a container to take home. Then, create a fairy/gnome house in the park, using all natural materials. Preregistration is required by Monday, April 25 at 4:00 pm.
Twilight Tea Party, Friday, May 6, 5:30 – 7:00 pm – Ages 6 + Children must be accompanied by an adult, Fee: $10/person, George Rogers Clark Park, Hertzler House lawn
Join us for an evening tea party. Bring a child to a fun tea party with sweets, savories, and tea of course! Dressing up is optional and fancy/regal hats are encouraged. Music provided by Lafferty Pike. Pre-registration is required by Monday, May 2.
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Invasive Removal Work Day - Estel Wenrick Wetlands
Saturday, April 16, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Want to volunteer to work on the trails at the Estel Wenrick Wetlands? The B-W Greenway Community Land Trust is trying to reopen the lower trail at the wetland by removing invasive plants. They need YOUR help to make it happen! Please email [email protected] if you want to volunteer.
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Visit Our Clark County Parks |
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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: Spangler Road, Medway
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The Clark County Park District | clarkcountyparks.org | 937.882.6000
5638 Lower Valley Pike, Springfield, OH 45502
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