Wood County Park District offers a variety of ways to enjoy first days of summer

Find and register for volunteering opportunities at wcparks.org/volunteer

Discover parks programs and recreation opportunities at wcpartks.org

Nature Journaling

Saturday, June 4; 1-3 p.m.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg.

Stop by for a monthly nature journaling gathering. Join local Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and build your nature journaling skills. The group will discuss their personal 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. Contact program naturalist Emma Taylor at etaylor@wcparks.org or 419-266-5576 with questions. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

Kayak Demo Day

Sunday, June 5; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Three Meadows Pond, 700 Three Meadows Drive, Perrysburg

Thinking about getting into kayaking this paddling season? Attend this event to try out kayaks of all shapes and sizes! Experienced local kayakers and kayaking instructors will be on hand to answer any questions, point out differences between boat types and features, outfit you with PFDs and paddles and educate you on kayak safety. All participants must sign a release of liability at the event before being allowed to kayak. Must be 11 years of age or older to kayak; legal guardian must be present. FREE! No registration is needed.

WBGU PBS Kids Resource Event

Tuesday, June 7; 10 a.m. to noon.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg

Our partners at WBGU will be on hand with activities and educational resources to make your summer great! Learn about other opportunities coming up at the parks and around the community. No registration is needed.

Archery Skills: The Complete Archer

Part 1: Tuesday, June 7; 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Part 2: Wednesday, June 8; 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Arrowwood Archery Range, 11126 Linwood Road, Bowling Green.

Transform into an arrow-slinging archer! The complete archer is two sessions for the novice. Get the tools to safely navigate the range, become familiar with basic archery equipment and start working on precision and accuracy. Registration includes both sessions. Please register only if you can attend both sessions. Only Wood County Parks equipment may be used. Cost: $5, FWCP $3. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897.

Kids Summer Series: Garden Basics

Wednesday, June 8; 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Carter Historic Farm

Get your hands dirty and learn about the basics of gardening. Participants will also learn about what we grow on the farm and how we care for our gardens. This program will include some moderate physical activity, prolonged outdoor time and work with hands. This program is designed for ages 8-12, and registration is required. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

Native Nursery Night: Baseball

Thursday, June 9; 6-8 p.m.

J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg

Help plant, maintain and harvest seed from the native plants in the nursery. All tools provided. Training will be provided at the beginning of the program. Wear your favorite baseball cap for added fun! Register for this volunteer program at wcparks.org/galaxydigital.com

EcoLit Book Group Meeting

Thursday, June 9; 7- 8:30 p.m.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg

For this meeting, please read “Keeper of the Wild: The Life of Ernest Oberholtzer” by Joe Paddock. Group meets once a month. Register for any or all. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

Monthly Mindfulness

Saturday, June 11; 9:30 – 11:00 am

William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave, Pemberville.

Give yourself permission to get away to reconnect and relax. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for a monthly nature-based mindfulness session at a local Wood County Park. Classes will consist of a combination of seated and walking mindfulness practices and nature awareness activities. This class is appropriate for teens and adults. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

The Great American Recipe Celebration: Exploring Recipes from Farm and Nature

Sunday, June 12; 1- 4:00 p.m.

Carter Historic Farm, , 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green

WBGU-PBS, Wood County Park District and the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Department of Natural Resources invite you to attend The Great American Recipe Celebration Sunday, June 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Carter Historic Farm, a Great Depression-era working farm and living-history cultural heritage center, located at 18331 Carter Road in Bowling Green. The Great American Recipe Celebration will explore recipes from farm and nature with an interpretive talk and discussion from the Center for Food and Culture and cooking demonstrations by the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Wild Harvest Community Mobile Kitchen. The Wood County Park District will give farm tours that include wagon rides. WBGU-PBS will present a preview of the new PBS series “The Great American Recipe,” distribute cooking-related giveaways and provide engaging activities for children and families. No registration required. This is a free community event.

Full Moon Walk 

Monday, June 13; 9-10 p.m.

Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg.

Enjoy a gentle stroll under the Full Strawberry moon as we learn moon lore and look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

Cucurbits

Wednesday, June 15; 6- 7:00 p.m.

Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green

What are cucurbits? Learn everything you need to know to grow squash, cucumbers and melons.  Know which pests to look out for and the available sustainable management options for control. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

Introduction to Kayaking Workshop

Friday, June 17; 6-9 p.m.

Three Meadows Pond

700 Three Meadows Drive, Perrysburg

New to flatwater kayaking or want to improve your paddle and safety skills? This short challenge-by-choice course seeks to equip you with the knowledge and ability to make wise pre-trip choices, maneuver your kayak efficiently and rescue yourself if you flip. All kayaks and gear are provided. See online description for full details and registration requirements.  Cost: $35, FWCP $30. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897 

Family Fishing Nights

Thursdays, June 23 and July 14; 7- 9 p.m.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

Share an evening with the family in a natural setting and try to catch a big one! A limited number of poles and bait will be provided, and you are free to bring your own. 

Hay Baling

Sunday, June 26; 1-2 p.m.

Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green

Our hay has been cut and has dried in the sun. Learn how it gets baled for storage in order to feed the animals throughout the year. No registration is needed.

Research Spotlight: Frogs and Toads 

Tuesday, June 28; 7- 9 p.m.

W.W. Knight Nature Preserve

Learn what BGSU researcher Brian Kron is studying in the parks and what questions he is trying to answer. After the presentation, we’ll head outside to look and listen for calling frogs and toads as the sun fades. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897

River Wading

Wednesday, June 29; 6:30- 8:00 p.m.

William Henry Harrison Park

Get up close and personal with the life in the Portage River as we explore some of its runs, riffles and pools. We will be in the water exploring with our hands and nets, so wear quick-drying clothes and footwear that can get wet and stay attached to your feet. Kids must be 8 years or older. Program canceled in the event of high water or severe weather. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897