Wood County Park District has a full slate of programs scheduled for February.
Base Camp Stories: How to Spot the Great Grey Owl – Jim Witter
Thursday, Feb. 3; 7- 8:30 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
A 2nd Grade report on the Belted Kingfisher changed it all for Wood County Park’s Program Coordinator, Jim Witter. Join Jim as he regales in stories of his birding adventures in the U.P. and shares birding wisdom to use on your next outdoor experience. Register for this free educational program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Escape the Nature Center II
Tuesday, Feb. 8; 6:30-8 p.m.
Bradner Nature Center, 11491 N Fostoria Road, Bradner
Ready for a challenge? Use your wits, nature knowledge and teamwork skills to solve the puzzles and escape the nature center. Leader: Bill Hoefflin
Program fee: $10. Register at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Seed Starting
Wednesday, February 9; 6-7 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Get ahead of the vegetable production season by learning to start seeds indoors to transplant outdoors at a later date. Learn how to calculate the outdoor planting date for transplants based on weather, and the projected harvest date for each crop.
Program leader: Michelle Wallace, Regional ANR Extension Educator.
Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Backpacking Basics: Choosing Gear
Thursday, Feb. 10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Designed for the aspiring backpacker, this series seeks to empower beginners with knowledge and confidence to embark on their first backpacking adventures. Choosing gear can be a daunting task, but knowing what to look for and why can help filter selections. We’ll cover packs, footwear, clothing and specialty items for safety and convenience. Leader: Craig Spicer. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
EcoLit Book Group Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 10; 7-9 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve: Friends’ Green Room , 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
For this meeting, please read “The Hungry Tide” a novel by Amitav Ghosh. Group meets once a month. Register for any or all. Discussion leader: Cheryl Lachowski, teaching professor emeritus, BGSU English Dept. and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN). Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, Feb. 12; 10-10:45 a.m.
Videoconference
Learn how to participate in this volunteer science program happening in backyards around the country! We’ll learn about common feeder birds to look for and how to identify them. Leader: Jim Witter. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
DIY Valentines
Saturday, Feb. 12; 1-3 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Make your own valentines to share with the people you love! Program leader: Alyssa Garland. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Backpacking Basics: Personal Care
Thursday, Feb. 17; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Designed for the aspiring backpacker, this series seeks to empower beginners with knowledge and confidence to embark on their first backpacking adventures. Taking care of yourself can lead to a lot of fear and frustration. In this program we’ll cover tips, protocol and gear on how to drink, eat, protect and relieve yourself in the backcountry. Leader: Craig Spicer.Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Nature Play: Winter Birds
Saturday, Feb. 19; 10- 11:00 a.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Activate your imagination and creativity! Join us in the Nature Play Area for an hour of nature-based exploration and play. This experience is ideal for ages 3 and up. Every week we will focus on a specific outdoor activity or animal. Leader: Emma Taylor
Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Monthly Mindfulness Walk
Tuesday, Feb. 22; 7- 8:30 p.m.
William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Avenue, Pemberville
Set aside time to slow down with a mindful night hike at one of our parks. Practice seated meditation, walk around our property with a naturalist and mindfully observe the world around you with the help of nature awareness activities.
Program Leader: Emma Taylor. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Frog Monitor Training
Tuesday, Feb. 22; 7- 8:30 p.m.
Videoconference
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. Leader: Craig Spicer. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Backpacking Basics: Planning & Navigation
Thursday, Feb. 24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
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, simple and enjoyable as possible. Leader: Craig Spicer. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Intermediate Orienteering
Saturday, Feb. 26; 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Bradner Nature 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. Prior orienteering experience is great, but not required. Dress for extensive off trail trekking through rough vegetation and wet areas. Leader: Bill Hoefflin. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Monthly Nature Journaling
Saturday, Feb. 26; 1- 3 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Stop by for monthly nature journaling. Join local Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and build your nature journaling skills. The group will discuss nature journaling, share techniques and spend time outside. All are welcome. The group will meet at a different park for each meeting to get to know the many locations Wood County has to offer. Leader: Emma Taylor and OCVN. Register for this free program at wcparks.org, 419-353-1897
Find and register for volunteering opportunities at wcparks.galaxydigital.com
