Explore nature through Park District programs

Here’s what is in store for February for Wood County Park District activities. Register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Decoy Painting Class

Saturday, February 1; 1:00 – 4:00 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Join the Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association (ODCCA) and the Maumee Bay Carvers to learn how to paint a sanderling or woodpecker decoy. No experience is necessary, and materials are provided along with expert instruction and demonstration. A requested donation of $10 is recommended to cover the cost of materials. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

EcoLit Book Group Meeting

Thursday, February 6; 7:00 – 9:30 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve:

Friends’ Green Room

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

For this meeting, please read The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham. Group meets once a month. Register for any or all. Discussion leader: Cheryl Lachowski, BGSU English Dept. and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN). Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Beginning Spinning

Saturday, February 8; 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Carter Historic Farm

18331 Carter Road, BG

Learn the history of spinning, beginning with the drop spindle. Drop spindles will be available to borrow or purchase. Multiple types of spinning wheels will be available to try. Program fee: $10 for materials. Leader: Deb Yeagle of the Black Swamp Spinners Guild. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Escape the Nature Center II

Tuesday, February 11; 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Bradner Interpretive Center

11491 North Fostoria Road, Bradner

Ready for a challenge? A new location for 2020 has new puzzles, and is sure to be a great time. Use your wits, nature knowledge, and teamwork skills to solve the puzzles to escape the nature center. Cost: $10/person. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Wild Self-Defense: Moose & Deer

Friday, February 14; 6:00 – 8:00 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve:

Friends’ Green Room

25930 White Road, Perrysburg

Encountering wildlife is exhilarating, but if you’re not careful, it can turn dangerous quickly! Learn all about these large creatures, including how to avoid too-close encounters and have a chance at defending yourself from our very own “animal.” Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Intermediate Orienteering

Sunday, February 16; 12:30 – 4:30 pm

Bradner Interpretive Center

11491 N. Fostoria Road, Bradner

Looking to build on your compass skills? We will introduce map reading, pacing and route planning indoors, and then try out a challenge course spread through the park. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Is Beekeeping for You?

Tuesday, February 25; 5:30 – 8:00 pm

J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve

30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg

Have you been thinking about taking up beekeeping as a hobby? Maybe you are just interested in honeybees? This is the program for you! We will explain what is involved with becoming a beekeeper, including the sticky parts and the sweet rewards. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Animals of the Nature Center

Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: Green Room 

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

You may have seen some of the nature center’s resident creatures in their displays, but this evening we will be taking them out and meeting them up close as we learn a little bit about each one. This is a family friendly program. Please register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897

Frog Monitor Training

Wednesday, February 19; 7:00 – 8:30 pm

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

29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Connect to your parks and add to our knowledge of native frogs and toads by joining the Frog and Toad Calling Survey. Volunteer monitors will be trained to conduct surveys and identify frog species by sight and sound. This is an ongoing volunteer program. Please register for this volunteer program at www.wcparks.galaxydigital.com