The Great 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at the Wood County Parks
Monday, April 8; 1 – 5 p.m.
Bradner Preserve, 11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave, Pemberville
The Wood County Park District will offer viewing of the great solar eclipse at three parks. Staff will be present at three Wood County Parks to help remind visitors of the safest ways to view a solar eclipse. Some eclipse glasses will be available but quantities are limited. Arrive well before 3 p.m. to claim a spot. Bring a blanket and get comfy as we wait for the moment of totality at 3:13 pm. Registration is not required to participate, but encouraged to give the park district an idea of how many folks to expect. Leaders: Craig Spicer (Carter Historic Farm), Emma Taylor (William Henry Harrison Park) and Jim Witter (Bradner Preserve). Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Rain-Bow & Arrow Quick-Shots
Saturday, April 13; 1 – 2 p.m. and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Arrowwood Archery Range, 11126 Linwood Road, Bowling Green
Improve your archery skills through this short, beginner-friendly instructional program. We’ll be focused on the steps of shooting and consistency. Make progress you can see, as we create some archery-art using our newfound skills. All archery equipment provided, though personal gear is welcome (inspected at program). Must be 10 or older to attend. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Canvas available, but bring a small canvas, shirt, poster, or anything you’d like splatter-painted! Please register the attending archer only. Cost: $8, $5 FWCP Leader: Craig Spicer. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Seed Corn Grading
Tuesday, April 16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Learn how we sort seeds and decide which ones to plant from our stock of saved corn seeds. Stop by any time during the day to participate in this program. Leader: Chris Dauer. No registration is needed.
Farm Breakfast
Sunday, April 21; 10 a.m. to noon (or, until food runs out)
Otsego Park: Thompson Stone Hall, 20000 West River Road, Bowling Green
At scenic Otsego Park, come taste the fruits of our farm labors – buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, bacon and eggs and other treats raised or grown on the Carter Historic Farm. Food will be available until it is gone in a first-come, first-served format. Visitors will serve themselves from the breakfast buffet. Event is free and open to all! No registration is needed.
Full Pink Moon and Woodcock Wander
Monday, April 22; 8:15 – 9:45 p.m.
Cricket Frog Cove, 14810 Freyman Road, Cygnet
As the sun sets, a very special bird begins preparing for one the best aerial courtship displays in North America. He goes by names such as: bogsucker, timberdoodle, mudbat and many more. This will be a twilight hike under a full moon. We will listen for nocturnal wildlife, and gaze at a sky full of stars. No dogs permitted. There will be walking on grassy uneven trails that may have shallow standing water. Warm, waterproof footwear that rises to at least the ankle is recommended. Leader: Bill Hoefflin. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Community Yarn Craft Circle
Saturday, April 27; 1 – 4 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Whether you have decades of experience or just started last week, yarn crafters of all ages can stop by for an afternoon of stitchin’! Please bring your own materials, projects, and questions! Coffee, tea, and
snacks will be provided. Leader: Anna Cotterman. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Youth:
Farmer Toddlers
Friday, April 19; 10 – 11 a.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Ever wonder what the day in the life of a farmer is like? Bring your toddler out to learn how the farmer cares for their animals and other daily tasks. This program will include touching various items such as wool, corn and other grains. Toddlers will learn about the importance of daily chores. Leader: Anna Cotterman. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Adults:
Spring Wildflower Walks
Tuesdays in April; 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg
Woodland wildflowers put on a brief, but beautiful show on the forest floor. Join us for a naturalist-led stroll to see who is starting each week and learn why these flowers are called ephemerals.
Leader: Bill Hoefflin. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Mindful Nature Journaling
Wednesday, April 3; 6:30 – 8 .p.m
Bradner Preserve (Meeting Room and Shelter), 11491 Fostoria Road, Bradner
Does it feel like the world is moving too fast? Join us for a mindful evening of nature journaling to practice slowing down together. After starting with a calming exercise, our class will wander through the nature preserve and journal about what we see. Participants should bring a journal and any favorite pens or pencils. Drawing and writing utensils will be provided for class participants who do not bring their own. This class is appropriate for teens and adults. Leader: Emma Taylor. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Backpacking Basics: Personal Care
Wednesday, April 10; 6:30 – 8:30 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. In this program, we’ll cover tips, protocol and gear to make drinking, eating, personal protection and relieving yourself a breeze in the backcountry.
Leader: Craig Spicer. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Next Steps in Knitting
Thursday, April 11; 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Did you start knitting but haven’t made it past a garter stitch? Join us to learn the basics of reading patterns, purl stitch and more! Feel free to bring your own needles and yarn; there will be supplies provided as well. Leader: Anna Cotterman. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Seed Starting Workshop
Wednesday, April 17; 6 – 7 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Growing your plants from seed gives you greater flexibility on which plant varieties you grow. It also can save you money. Learn how to grow your transplants, thin out seedlings and decide when to start growing the transplants so they are ready to plant. Leader: Michelle Wallace, Central State Extension. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Paddling Prep: Planning Your Day-Paddle
Wednesday, April 17; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Paddling without planning could make for a serious situation. Equip yourself with knowledge of environmental conditions, logistics and personal ability from our accredited instructors. They will help ensure your future adventures are safe and enjoyable! Get connected with our schedule of kayak and canoe trips and classes to take your paddling to the next level. Leaders: Craig Spicer and Bill Hoefflin. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Monthly Mindfulness: Greenhouse Edition
Thursday, April 18; 6:30 – 8 p.m..\
J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg
This is our usual monthly mindfulness class, but hosted at our native plant greenhouse! This month we will practice our seated meditation inside the greenhouse, surrounded by growing plants. Join naturalist and meditation teacher Emma Taylor for this monthly nature-based mindfulness session at a local Wood County Park. Class 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.Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Look for the Helpers: Park Police at the Wood County Parks
Thursday, April 25; 7 – 8 .p.m
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Mr. Fred Rogers said that in times of need, his mother told him to “look for the helpers.” Park Officer Brett Foos will present on how the park police serve the community, and how their role is similar to and different from those of municipal police departments. Leader: Brett Foos. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Spoon Whittling
Sunday, April 28; 1 – 5 p.m.
Carter Historic Farm: Farrowing House, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
Create and take home a one-of-a-kind carved wooden soup spoon to cherish in your kitchen! Learn about the history of whittling and multiple techniques using knives and safety gear provided by Carter Farm. Gain the skills to create more useful or decorative implements and enjoy this historic hobby. Cost: $25, FWCP $20. Leader: Abigail Duncan. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Volunteering:
Greenhouse Help
Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to noon
April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30
J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg
Assist the stewardship department with the native plant program by transplanting seedlings and performing other tasks in the warmth of the greenhouse. All tools and materials provided.
Leader: Sanja Jennings. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Adopt-A-Garden Info Meeting
Tuesday, April 2, 6 – 7 p.m.
J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg
Do you have a green thumb? Are you curious to work with and help promote native plants? Learn about the native gardens within your Wood County Parks in need of adoption and what you can do to help! Leader: Hayley Barrett. Register: wcparks.org or (419) 353-1897
Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
Thursday, April 4; 5-8 p.m.
Otsego Park, 20000 West River Road, Bowling Green
Volunteers who had more than 2 hours of service in 2023 are invited to attend the dinner. Register on the volunteer website, or call 419-353-1897.
Woody Plant Removal
Wednesday, April 24; 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, 26940 Lime City Road, Perrysburg
Help restore balance to the ecosystem by removing invasive woody species from the park. Loppers, hand-saws and gloves will be available for volunteers. No experience needed. Leader: Justin Siler. Register on the volunteer website, or call 419-353-1897.
