Want to learn more about the Treaty of Greenville, about the customs of the Native Americans here 200 years ago, or about the purpose of the council house? Join a local historian on June 18th from 1-3pm at the Anthony Wayne Peace Council House located at Prairie Ridge Meadow Park across from the Garst Museum to find out about these interests and more. Visitors can expect to see gifts from the twelve tribes who signed the treaty as well as many ceremonial items like a turtle shell representing the earth, a talking stick, and the ceremonial fire pits. Please remember, out of respect for the tribes who signed the treaty, enter the council house through the east door, with the rising sun, and exit though the west door, with the setting sun. The council house will also be open twice more this summer on July 16th and August 13th both from 1-3pm.

For questions about this program or any other program offered by the Darke County Parks, please stop by the nature center, call (937) 548-0165, or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Recently the Greenville Sherwin Williams Paint Store partnered with the Darke County Park District to make Prairie Ridge Meadow a prettier, fresher, and nicer place to explore, learn, and enjoy. During the week of May 22nd through May 30th Sherwin Williams Paint Stores across the United States and Canada participated in National Paint Week where employees dedicated their time, effort, and Sherwin Williams products to refresh non-profits, churches, schools, and other deserving organizations that help make a difference. Employees selected projects to beautify valued community spaces and give back to deserving local organizations with a fresh coat of paint. Last year more than 4,600 people completed more than 250 projects around the United States and Canada.

At Prairie Ridge Meadow, Sherwin Williams employees Heather Ellis and Tanna Fyffe along with a few Darke County Parks’ volunteers stained the entire trestle bridge and the switch back railing leading to the park’s parking area. They also helped cover up some graffiti in the park. Sherwin Williams donated the remaining product, almost five gallons worth, to the Park District to touch up the work in the future.

Darke County Parks Director, Roger Van Frank said, “We would like to extend a tremendous thank you to Sherwin Williams and its employees for helping us start our visitor season off right with a fresh new look.” The Darke County Park District is grateful for all the support from business and community members that help them provide quality natural and cultural education for Darke County and the surrounding area.

For information on how groups or individuals can get involved and volunteer with Darke County Parks, please call or email Volunteer Coordinator, Kathi McQueen at (937) 548-0165 or kmcqueen@darkecountyparks.org.