It’s paddling season! Grab the water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat, and let’s get on the water. On Friday, June 24th from 10am to 3pm join naturalists at Shawnee Prairie Preserve west of Greenville on St. Rt. 502 for an exciting summer paddle. After meeting at the Nature Center, participants will travel in the park van to the put in location where they will paddle the Greenville Creek. Remember to pack a lunch as the group will find a place to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat then hop back on the water to finish the trip. Call to reserve a canoe for doubles or a kayak for solo paddling. Prior experience is not required but will prove useful, and there will be a $5 fee for the program. For more information about this or any of the other exciting trips in this season’s series, to register for the program, or other Park District programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

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 Monday, June 20th at 9pm join a naturalist at Shawnee Prairie Preserve west of Greenville on St. Rt. 502 for an exciting summer walk. The hike starts late, hopefully the skies will clear to walk the trails of Shawnee by the light of the Full Strawberry Moon. Who knows what the weather will bring, so keep the conditions in mind when you dress for the hike. Because this hike begins at sunset, flashlights may be useful but are not required. 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 June full moon signals that time to start gathering the ripe strawberries in America, but it’s known as the full rose moon in Europe where strawberries aren’t native.