Explore county parks in September

New archery range at Arrowwood Archery Park

From WOOD COUNTY PARK DISTRICT

Wood County Parks District offers a variety of ways to explore the parks as fall sets in.

Hiking for Health Series

September 27 and October 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

September 27: Cedar Creeks Preserve

4575 Walbridge Road, Northwood

October 11: Cricket Frog Cove Area

14810 Freyman Road, Cygnet

October 25: Bradner Preserve

11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner

Join a naturalist for exercise and the wonder of watching seasonal changes. The hikes will offer a true mind-body connection. Sign up for one week or all four. Free Program. Leaders: Jim Witter, Nicole Sarver and Bill Hoefflin

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Parks Bus Tour

Saturday, September 7; 9:00 am – noon

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Enjoy a naturalist-led tour of a few parks, with a brief hike at each. Free Program. Leader: Jim Witter

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Water Quality

Tuesday, September 10; 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Buttonwood Park

27174 Hull Prairie Road, Perrysburg

Learn about the inhabitants of the Maumee River by using kick seines to determine the health of the river! You must be prepared to go into knee deep water with closed toed shoes. No experience needed. Free Program. Leader: Nicole Sarver 

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Native Nursery Night

Thursday, September 12; 6:00 – 8:00 pm

J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve

30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg

Help plant, maintain, or harvest seed from the Native Plant Nursery. All are welcome!

Leader: Stewardship staff

Please register for volunteer opportunities at https://wcparks.galaxydigital.com

Open Archery

Thursday, September 12; 4:30 – 7:30 pm

Arrowwood Archery Range

11126 Linwood Road, Bowling Green

Come anytime between 4:30 and 7:30pm to give archery a shot! All archery equipment provided, along with brief beginner-friendly instruction from our certified instructors. Children must be at least 7 years of age or older to use our equipment. No registration required. Free Program. Leader: Craig Spicer

No registration needed.

Harvest Full Moon Walk

Friday, September 13; 7:45 – 9:15 pm

Black Swamp Preserve

1014 S. Maple Street, Bowling Green

Be sure to catch what is usually one of the most beautiful moonrises of the year. Join us on a moonlit stroll around the pond and learn some moon lore. Free program. Leader: Bill Hoefflin

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Self-Care Saturdays

September 14, October 12 and November 9; 12:00 – 1:30 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Forest therapy is practicing the connection with yourself and the Earth. By practicing this connection, you reduce stress, depression, anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms of OCD and ADHD and increase your sense of well-being, immunity, mental clarity, creativity & concentration. Cost: $15. Program facilitator: Jim Witter

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Intro to Nature Photography

Tuesday, September 17; 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Bradner Interpretive Center

11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner

Interested in capturing the wonders of the outdoors in photographs, but unsure how to use those camera settings to your advantage? Bring your camera and practice honing your skills at our Nature Interpretation Center. This session will focus on capturing birds and other wildlife. Free Program. Leader: Zeb Albert

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Sharing Nature with Children

Tuesday, September 17; 7:00 – 8:30 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: Friends’ Green Room

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Learn from authors and from the experience of Eleanor Kemp, Director of Free Forest School group about how we can connect our children (and adults!) with local natural resources. After a presentation, we’ll discuss our own personal experiences with children of different ages. A naturalist will be present to lead a kids’ program during the adult presentation and discussion. Free Program. Leader: Jim Witter

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Spectacular Spider Search

Wednesday, September 18; 6:00 – 7:30 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Our eight-legged friends are plentiful and busy this time of year. Come with an open mind and learn about these web spinning wonders. Free Program. Leader: Bill Hoefflin

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Native Nursery Night

Thursday, September 19; 6:00 – 8:00 pm

J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve

30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg

Help plant, maintain, or harvest seed from the Native Plant Nursery. All are welcome!

Leader: Stewardship staff

Please register for volunteer opportunities at https://wcparks.galaxydigital.com

Homeschoolers: Orienteering

Friday, September 20; 10:00 – 11:15 am

William Henry Harrison Park

644 Bierley Road, Pemberville

Learn how to use a compass and navigate a simple orienteering course. Free Program. Leader: Jim Witter

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Be Bright Glow Roll

Friday, September 20; 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Black Swamp Preserve

1014 South Maple Street, Bowling Green

In partnership with the City of Bowling Green’s Bike Safety Commission, enjoy this nocturnal, family-friendly, bright bike ride! We’ll learn important safety tips for riding at night, including free bike lights for those who need them.  Show off your creativity by bringing glow sticks and glow-in-the dark bike decorations to light up the trail!  Free Program. Leader: Craig Spicer

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Island Tour Kayaking

Saturday, September 21; 8:00 – 11:00 am

Weirs Rapids Access

21095 Range Line Road, Bowling Green

Paddle through the largest island chain in the Mighty Maumee with a naturalist as you check out ecological features, learn about the history of the islands, and search for wildlife like bald eagles, painted turtles, beaver and more! A kayaking safety and skills session will prelude the trip. Previous kayaking experience highly recommended. Paddling trip is roughly 5 river miles. $13/$8 FWCP Leader: Craig Spicer

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Fall Farm Fest

Saturday, September 21; 3:00 – 7:00 pm

Carter Historic Farm

18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green

Join us for an afternoon celebrating the harvest season on the farm. Enjoy music, 1930s games, and food, including small samples of the food grown on the farm this season! This is a free community event open to all. No registration necessary. 

MTB Skills Workshop

Sunday, September 22; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Black Swamp Preserve

1014 South Maple Street, Bowling Green

Learn from the pros of Spoke Life Cycles and The Right Direction as they teach fundamental skills to conquer off-road biking challenges and features. Bring your own bike and helmet. This class is appropriate for riders of all skill levels! Free Program. Program facilitator: Craig Spicer

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Conservation Volunteer Day

Tuesday, September 24; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Cricket Frog Cove Area

14810 Freyman Road, Cygnet

Help eliminate invasive plants, collect native plant seed, and assist with other conservation tasks. Volunteers will be provided tools and gloves. No experience necessary. Leader: Stewardship staff

Please register for volunteer opportunities at https://wcparks.galaxydigital.com

Hibernate, Hike or Hunker

Wednesday, September 25; 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Otsego ParkThompson Stone Hall

20000 W. River Road, Bowling Green

As winter approaches there are a myriad of strategies that our local animals use to deal with our sometimes-harsh Ohio winters. Bring the family to meet some of our animal ambassadors, feel some furs and play a game or two. Free Program. Leader: Bill Hoefflin

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Cycle Werk Basics

Wednesday, September 25; 6:00 – 7:45 pm

CycleWerks Bicycle & Fitness

248 South Main Street, Bowling Green

Bike upkeep is crucial to ensuring your rides are smooth and safe. Let the experts from CycleWerks tune-up your skills in maintenance fundamentals in this hands-on workshop! All materials provided. Free Program. Program facilitator: Craig Spicer

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897

Native Nursery Night

Thursday, September 26; 6:00 – 8:00 pm

J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve

30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg

Help plant, maintain, or harvest seed from the Native Plant Nursery. All are welcome!

Leader: Stewardship staff

Please register for volunteer opportunities at https://wcparks.galaxydigital.com

Homeschoolers: The Songs of Nocturnal Insects

Thursday, September 26; 7:30 – 9:00 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: Friends’ Green Room

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Insects of all kinds fill the humid nighttime air with their songs. Look and listen for these six-legged critters and learn how they make these noises. Maybe we’ll even sneak up on a couple! Free Program. Leader: Jim Witter 

Register for programs at http://www.wcparks.org/, or call Wood County Park District headquarters at 419-353-1897