Darke County Parks invites teachers to bring their classes out to the park for their favorite seasonal school program: “Nature’s Sweet Treat.” This program allows students to observe the process of turning sap into the sweetest of nature’s treats, maple syrup! Topics will cover the science behind maple syrup as well as the rich cultural history of maple sugaring. Students will have the option of trying some maple sugar and fresh maple syrup at the end of the program as well.

The program lasts for 60-90 minutes, and classes are welcome to eat their packed lunch before or after the program. The park is offering this program only between February 21st and February 28th, so be sure to call and register quickly before the spaces fill up. Call (937) 548-0165 and ask to speak to Robb for more information!

Did you know? The sap that flows out of the tree contains 98% water and only 2% sugar before it is boiled.

Flight, nature did it first. Velcro, nature did it first. Umbrellas, nature did it first. Join Darke County Parks for a program on biomimicry on Thursday, January 19th at 6:30pm at Shawnee Prairie. Biomimicry is when we look to nature for inspiration and innovation for our own tools, buildings and even art. The adaptations of plants and animals have long been the catalyst for a countless number of human inventions. Spend an evening discovering the items you use every day and how nature did it first and, most likely, better! Remember to call the Nature Center for more information or to register for this free program at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? Burrs like these have hook shaped spine that was the inspiration for the “hook and loop tape” known as Velcro.