Darke County Parks has begun a new series of trainings and presentations specifically tailored to volunteers, and the next one is about rocks. The park staff invites new and veteran volunteers to join them on Monday, January 9th either at 10am or at 6pm at the Nature Center for a program on this rockin’ subject. From minerals like sulfur and galena to rocks like limestone and granite, come learn about what our planet is made of and see some beautiful examples of what our earth can do.

If you are a DCP volunteer and are interested in participating in this exciting program or if you are not a volunteer and would like more information about getting involved, please call Kathi McQueen at the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? Most of the granite in Darke County was brought here from Canada by a glacier about 1.8 million years ago.

Start the new year off right by signing up as a volunteer with Darke County Parks! Park staff will be hosting a Volunteer Open House on Saturday, Jan. 14th at 2pm at Shawnee Prairie Nature Center. The open house will feature an overview of the volunteer program, special events, programing, and regular operations. Veteran volunteers will be present to discuss their favorite aspect of volunteering, and Volunteer Coordinator, Kathi McQueen will guide new volunteers to their best fit in the parks.

Volunteering with Darke County Parks is so much more than helping with Prairie Days or summer camps. Everyone has their own particular talent, and that talent has a place with the parks. From school field trips to “Naturalist in the Classroom,” habitat healing to staffing the reception desk, animal care to “Adopt a Park,” and so much more, there is a place for everyone within the volunteer program.  

If the open house date doesn’t work for you, but you’d still like to volunteer, feel free to contact the Darke County Parks Office for more information. Volunteer Coordinator, Kathi McQueen can be reached at the Darke County Parks’ Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 during normal business hours, or feel free to email her at kmcqueen@darkecountyparks.org.