Back by popular demand, Darke County Parks will again host master broom maker, Frank Rouse at Shawnee Prairie’s Nature Center on Friday and Saturday, January 20th and 21st. Frank has over 40 years of experience making brooms of all shapes and sizes and loves passing on the skill he learned from his grandfather. This time participants will have a choice to make either a turkey wing whisk broom, a full sized floor broom, or both. The turkey wing whisk broom is especially handy for sweeping out corners and tight spaces and originated as a broom to sweep the ashes out of the back corners of the hearth.

The whisk broom is great for first time broom makers, and the floor broom offers a little challenge. For the floor broom class carrying a $15 materials fee, participants will have a choice of Friday, January 20th at 6pm or Saturday, January 21st at 12pm. The turkey wing whisk broom classes will be held on Saturday, January 21st at either 9am or 3pm with a $12 materials fee. Space is limited, so be sure to call and reserve your spot for this program today.

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

Did you know?  The turkey wing whisk broom is great for sweeping out a car, tent, or removing lint from clothes.

Darke County Park District invites children in kindergarten through 2nd grade to join them on January 14th from 10am to 12pm at the Shawnee Prairie Nature Center to explore birds during Park P.A.L.S! Who is gathered at the Nature Center’s warm and cozy bird window this winter? Are they here year round, or do they migrate? Learn the answers to this and more as students play games and do a craft while watching our feathered friends feast from the feeders.

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 registration is required. For any questions about the Park P.A.L.S. program or any other park district programs or to register for the January class, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? The Red-bellied Woodpecker is often mistakenly called the “Red-headed” Woodpecker, but while the Red-bellied has a patch of red on its head, the Red-headed Woodpecker’s whole head is red.