Darke County Park District invites children in kindergarten through 2nd grade to join them on July 9th from 10am to noon to explore the creek during Park P.A.L.S! Please note the new 10:00 start time. This month everyone will meet at Worth Family Nature Preserve on Spring Hill Rd. between Wager Rd. and Wasson Rd. to get their feet wet. Students will carefully investigate rocks and net fish along the way. As they hike up the creek bed, they will explore all the life the creek has to offer. Please dress to get wet, and wear tennis shoes. No flip flops allowed.

Park P.A.L.S. is a series of monthly programs designed for students of this age group who are interested in nature. P.A.L.S. stands for Practicing And Learning Stewardship, and its mission is to develop future earth stewards through meaningful educational opportunities and hands-on experiences in the natural world. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and preregistration is required. For any questions about the Park P.A.L.S. program or any other Park District programs or to register for the June class, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Photo Caption- The dip nets allow students to get an up close and personal look at life in the creek. 

Darke County Parks is beginning a new series of fitness programs called Naturally Fit occurring the fourth Monday of every month. Everyone wants to lead healthier lives and spend more time outdoors. However, workout machines aren’t always environmentally friendly, and gyms aren’t very exciting. Besides, sometimes life just gets in the way! Use these programs as an “excuse” to schedule time outside and get moving. Each of these programs focuses more on fitness than nature, with everyone moving at their own pace, whether that’s one loop or ten. The June program will take place June 27th at 6:30pm at Eidson Woods Preserve with a one mile loop trail through mature woods and along beautiful Kraut Creek. Meet at the park, and bring a water bottle.

Photo Caption: Furry friends are always welcome on the fitness hike; just remember to bring extra water and pick up after them.