Just in time for the upcoming maple sugaring season, join Darke County Parks to master a new woodland skill. At Shawnee Prairie on Saturday Feb. 18th at 10am participants will learn how to tap their own maples, how and when to collect the sap, and finally, how to go about turning that sap into maple goodness! Demonstrations and hands-on experience will ensure that by the end of the program, everyone will have the skills needed to produce your very own maple syrup. Please remember to dress for the weather and call ahead to register for this free program.

For more information about this or any other Darke County Parks program or to register, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Photo Caption: With a little ingenuity, anyone can make maple syrup in their own backyard.

Calling all birders! Join Darke County Park District, and participate in Project FeederWatch, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. This is a unique citizen science program organized by Cornell University which studies winter bird populations. Observations from here in Darke County may be used in scientific journals and shared with ornithologists and bird lovers nationwide. No matter your birding level, beginner or expert, we need YOUR help! Bird watchers will gather inside the Nature Center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West) and count the birds that visit the bird-feeding station. Drop in anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am to help with the project. There will be warm drinks available for those enjoying nature from the comfort of an armchair on a cold winter’s day. For more information on Project FeederWatch or if you have questions about any of the many other programs offered by the Darke County Park District, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165. 

Did you know? The House Finch is often confused with the Purple Finch, but it is not nearly as bright or fully colored.