Eco Explorers: Off Trail Discovery Series
Cricket Frog Cove: Tuesday, May 2; 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Bradner Nature Center: Wednesday, May 10; 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve: Thursday, May 18; 6:00– 8:30 pm
If you are up for challenging terrain, hostile woodland vegetation, and no amenities other than what you bring with you, then join us as we explore the least travelled parts of the Wood County Parks. There is no set agenda on how we will choose to explore. We may wander a half mile or 3 miles. There will be spring wildflowers blooming so feel free to bring a camera. Leader: Bill Hoefflin
Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Animal Nutrition & Showmanship Prep
Wednesday, May 3; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
If you’re thinking about raising or showing animals, feeding the proper nutrition to your animal is the key. Presenter Levi Richards will provide guidance and some basic showmanship skills, so bring your notebook! Leaders: Chris Dauer and Levi Richards
Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
May the 4th Celebration with the Way Library
Thursday, May 4; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Calling all Star Wars fans! Join the Way Library and Wood County Park District for an evening celebrating one of the world’s most beloved sci-fi stories. Stop by the W.W. Knight Nature Center for some self-guided activities like Star Wars crafts, games, and an Ewok search in the forest! The library will be leading a story time at 6:30 pm. At 7, join park naturalists to meet animals like those in the Star Wars universe. Costumes are highly encouraged, come search for Ewoks in your favorite Star Wars attire! Registration required. Leader: Emma Taylor. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.orgor (419) 353-1897
Native Plants in Your Yard
Thursday, May 4; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Videoconference program
Get ready for the WC Parks native plant sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Parks! Learn about how to incorporate native plants into your yard, and tips on local sources of plants. Leader: Jim Witter. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Full Flower Moon Walk
Thursday, May 4; 8:30 – 10:00 pm
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg
Enjoy a gentle stroll under the Full Flower moon as we learn moon lore and look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. No dogs permitted. Leader: Bill Hoefflin. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Mountain Bike Skills Camp
Sundays, 10:00 – 11:30 am
May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6 and September 3
Rudolph Bike Park, 14045 Mermill Road, Rudolph
Every first Sunday of the month from May through September, take your bike-ability to the next level with instructors from The Right Direction Youth Development Program! Techniques will be broken down into manageable steps with challenges designed to build confidence and biking skill. A properly-fitting helmet and mountain bike are required. Contact: Craig Spicer. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Backpacking Basics: Planning & Navigation
Wednesday, May 10; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Designed for the aspiring backpacker, this series seeks to empower beginners with knowledge and confidence to embark on their first backpacking adventures. There are a ton of places to go and a plethora of resources to help you get there. We’ll cover route planning and trail skills to help make your adventure as safe, straightforward, and enjoyable as possible. Leader: Craig Spicer. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
College Prep – Personal Finance Q&A
Thursday, May 11; 5:00 – 6:00 pm
W. W. Knight Nature Preserve – Hankison Great Room, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Inflation and recession and student loans. OH MY! Just like farmers during the Great Depression, it may seem scary to jump out on your own and make a large financial decision in times of hardship. Carter Historic Farm wants to help! Parents and students are welcome to attend a lecture on how to prepare for college and the world of “adulting” featuring guest speaker Roc Starks, a professor of personal finance at BGSU. Q&A will follow!Leader: Alyssa Garland. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Monthly Mindfulness
Thursday, May 11; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Get away to reconnect and relax with this monthly series. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for a monthly nature-based mindfulness session. Classes will consist of a combination of seated and walking mindfulness practices and nature awareness activities. This class is appropriate for teens and adults. Registration required. Leader: Emma Taylor. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Blue Week: Wetlands
Monday, May 15; 10:00 – 11:00 am
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Wood County Park District is proud to be a partner with the Green Ribbon Initiative to highlight the natural treasures of the Oak Openings Region. Celebrate Oak Openings Blue Week by learning about the importance of wetlands and the creatures that call it home. We’ll be heading out to the wetlands for hands-on collection of critters, so be prepared for wet and mud! Find other Blue Week programs at through community partners at https://www.oakopenings.org/blue-week/. Leader: Jim Witter. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Summer Vegetable Production Basics
Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash – it’s time to get the vegetable garden started! We will go over plant spacing, staking, scouting for the most common pest problems, and recommended varieties based on taste and reduced susceptibility to insects and disease. Not sure how to estimate and project your yields? We will discuss this as well. Leader: Michelle Wallace. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Otsego Island Clean-Up
Wednesday, May 17; 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Otsego Park, 20000 West River Road, Bowling Green
We’re teaming up with Partners for Clean Streams for an island clean-up! Canoe over to Hedges Island from Otsego Park and help us pick up what flood waters dump. We’ll supply all of the clean-up and canoeing supplies and instruction. Contact Craig Spicer with questions 419-661-1697×3cspicer@wcparks.org.
Woody Plant Removal
Thursday, May 18; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Help restore balance to the ecosystem by removing invasive woody species from the park. Loppers, hand-saws, and gloves will be available for volunteers to use. No experience needed. Leader: Justin Siler. Register at wcparks.org/volunteer
Blue Week: Bradner Preserve and the Oak Openings Region
Thursday, May 18; 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Bradner Preserve, 11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner
Celebrate Oak Openings Blue Week with a hike that speaks to the connection of Bradner Preserve and its unique geology that relates to the Oak Openings Region. Leaders: Jim Witter and Bill Hoefflin. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Friends’ Migration Field Trip
Saturday, May 20; 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cedar Creeks Preserve, 4575 Walbridge Road, Northwood
Join the Friends of the Parks on a tour in search of migrating songbirds. We’ll be traveling to Cedar Creeks Preserve and Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve before concluding the trip at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Leader: Jim Witter. Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Down-River Kayaking Venture
Saturday, May 20; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Otsego Park, 20000 West River Road, Bowling Green
Explore our scenic Maumee River on this 12-mile trip for experienced kayakers. Meet at Otsego Park, where we’ll be briefed on the day, outfitted with gear and boats, and launch. Naturalists guide the adventure down river to Farnsworth Metropark for lunch, before continuing to the landing at Orleans Park. A shuttle will return the group to Otsego Park. Eagles, turtles, and rapids of at least 1’ are expected. This trip is not recommended for new or novice kayakers. See online description for important details. Cost: $25/$20 FWCP. Leaders: Craig Spicer and Bill Hoefflin. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Intro to Nature Photography
Tuesday, May 23; 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Bradner Nature Center, 11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner
Interested in capturing the wonders of the outdoors in photographs, but unsure of how to use those camera settings to your advantage? Bring your camera and practice honing your skills! This program will begin with an indoor presentation followed by a practical hands-on session and will focus on taking better close-ups. Leader: Zeb Albert, Program fee: FREE. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Portage River Water Trail Canoe Paddle
Thursday, May 25; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave, Pemberville
Experience a section of one of Ohio’s newest designated Scenic Water Trails, the Portage River! After meeting at the park you’ll be briefed on the trip, outfitted with gear and boats and prepared to launch. Naturalists will guide the adventure down river 7.5 miles to Trail Marker Park in Woodville. A shuttle will return the group to the starting point. This trip is not recommended for new or novice paddlers. See online description for important details. Cost: $15/$10 FWCP. Leaders: Craig Spicer and Bill Hoefflin. Register at wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
