Darke County Parks needs help! Butterfly habitat is declining, and scientists need to monitor their populations very closely. Every Friday at 2pm from now through September, join a naturalist to hike a pre-set path and record all the butterflies observed. These numbers will then be sent on to the Ohio Lepidopterists for scientific study. There’s no need to be an expert. A staff member will be present for the hike, and field guides will be provided. Hikes will occur as long as temperatures are above 60 without rain.  For more information, please contact the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Photo Caption- The red spotted purple butterfly can be easily confused with the female of several dark swallowtail varieties, but lacks the eyespots and tails.

Summer is here; let’s explore! The hot days and long, warm evenings of summer make it a great time to explore the natural world. On Saturday, July 2nd at 2pm join a naturalist at Worth Family Nature Preserve on Spring Hill Rd. for an exciting summer walk. Who knows what everyone will find when hiking in the creek looking for critters and cooling their feet. Please remember to wear close toed shoes. For more information about this or any of the other exciting hikes in this season’s series or other Park District programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Photo Caption-The crayfish also known as a crawfish or crawdad is one of the common macroinvertebrates found in the creek.