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.

The Darke County Park District would like to thank Second National Bank’s foundation for their support of the Tecumseh Trail. Representatives from the Darke County Park District and the Friends of Darke County Parks Phoenix Bicycle Committee met with John Swallow, President and CEO of Second National Bank to receive funds to continue construction which connects the eastern half of the county almost to the Greenville City Limits. Second National Bank and their foundation’s multi-year commitment over the history of the trail construction has allowed for the creation of parking areas, beautification, and greater accessibility for all trail users. Second National Bank is pleased that the foundation is continuing to support the construction and looks forward to the trail reaching Greenville in the next two building cycles. There are signs in place along the Tecumseh Trail thanking major project donors such as Second National Bank. 

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right are: Roger Van Frank, Director of the Darke County Park District; John Swallow, President and CEO of Second National Bank; Wayne Fisher, President of the Friends’ Phoenix Bicycle Committee; and John Cook, Darke County Park District Board Commissioner.