Spring Has Sprung and so have our programs!

Spring has Sprung

Spring is officially here, which means that it’s time to get out in the yard and start tending to your garden. Here are some tips to help you start your year off right:

1.) Understand your frost dates:

This is the last date in the fall or the first date in spring where the chance of frost is less than 30%
The last spring frost is forecast to happen by April 29th for Bowling Green.
Visit this link for more information about frost dates in our area.

2.) Understand your Hardiness Zone:

The Hardiness Zone is used to determine proper plant selection based on the region we live in—Bowling Green, OH is listed as Zone 6a.
Learn more information on Plant Hardiness Zones.

3.) Check the labels at your favorite greenhouse:

Make sure you select the proper plant for the location. This includes

i. Annual or perennial

ii. Sun or shade

iii. Watering requirements

Hardiness Zone should also be listed on the tag.

i. Pay attention. Many plants in the big box stores are labeled for zones 7-8.

ii. This doesn’t necessarily mean these plants won’t survive a mild Ohio winter, but consider putting higher-zone plants in pots that can be moved indoors after the fall frost.

The staff at Simpson Garden Park are here to help! Contact Mike Przysiecki or Kaleigh Obrock with any of your gardening questions. If we don’t have an answer, we’ll help you find one.

Upcoming Events & Programs

"Be Tick Smart" Presentation

April 12th I 7:00 PM @ Veterans Memorial Building, 520 Conneaut Avenue, Bowling Green

Where are ticks found? What do they look like? Learn more about ticks in Ohio and ways to “Be Tick Smart!” while enjoying the outdoors with family, friends, and pets.

Tick ID Materials

Friday Morning Birding

Fridays, April 14th- May 19th I 8:00 AM-10:30 PM

Adult birder watchers of all ability levels are welcome to Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve for Friday Morning Birding. Binoculars and field guides are available for those who do not have their own. Hikes will last up to an hour and a half. No pre-registration is required, and participants can come to one or all of the meetings as schedules permit. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that allow for walking on our trails.

Adult Egg Scramble

April 15th I 8:30 PM

Adults 18 and over are invited to bring a basket or bag and a flashlight and join us in our after-dark egg hunt! Eggs will be filled with great prizes like cash, candy, raffle tickets, and sponsored prizes from local businesses. $16 Residents/$20 Non-Residents Open to individuals ages 18 & older.

Young Ones and Companions

April 18th & 19th & May 16th & 17th I 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Bring your young nature lover out for a visit to the nature preserve! This program includes a story, a short nature hike, a snack, and a craft. Topics for this spring include possums, birds, rabbits and wetlands For preschool children ages 3 to 5 and their adult companions and younger siblings. As a family-friendly program you are welcome to bring additional younger siblings along for the ride.

Nature Stewards

April 20th, May 4th, May 18th I 4:00- 5:00 PM

Sign up to help to care for the park! Along the way we will see and learn about the plants and wildlife we are helping. Activities include seed collecting, planting of seeds and transplants, removal of weeds and trail maintenance. Activities may be cancelled if inclement weather prevents outdoor activities. Wearing long pants and sturdy shoes is advised.

Youth Flag Football

Fridays, April 21st- May 19th I 4:30-6:00 PM

This 5-week program will be located on the Bowling Green Athletic Fields or Community Center gymnasium (weather pending). This program is skills & scrimmage based, where participants will learn both rules and terminology of flag football, also including fundamentals from various activities and friendly scrimmages at the end of each practice. All participants will receive a special NFL Flag jersey with their favorite NFL team of choice and their own personal flag belt. It is suggested that participants bring both indoor and outdoor shoes as well as a water bottle.

Wildflower Wednesdays

The Fourth Wednesday of the Month starting April 26th I 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM

Join the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department for monthly wildflower walks at Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve. Hikes will last up to an hour and a half. No pre-registration is required, and participants can come to one or all of the programs as schedules permit. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that allow for walking on our trails.

Parent's Night Out

April 28th and May 19th I 5:00 PM-9:00 PM

Treat yourself to a Date Night Out! Let us entertain your 5-12 year-olds (after they have eaten) at the Bowling Green Community Center while you take some time for yourself. Register fast, as these spots will fill up quickly.

Youth T-Ball & Softball Leagues

May 6th- July 14th I Various Times

Youth T-ball program for children ages 5-6 (must be 5 by 5/9/23). Each participant will receive a cap and t-shirt. Participants must bring their own ball glove. Other equipment is provided, however participants may be allowed to bring their own Tball bats and helmets (if approved). Any volunteer coaches must attend the coaches meeting on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7PM, located at the Bowling Green Community Center.

Group Fitness Classes

Various Dates and Times

Come check out our group fitness classes at the community center! We offer a wide variety of classes for all fitness levels taught by skilled instructors.

Stay up to date on all news from The City of Bowling Green by subscribing to our weekly eNews!