Late winter and early spring mean one thing for whitetail deer enthusiasts: sheds! Join a naturalist at Worth Family Preserve on Spring Hill Rd. just north of St. Rt. 502 West on Saturday, February 25th at 2pm to look for shed antlers. During the late winter, when the amount of daylight is very low, the bucks’ bodies will break down the connective tissue, and the antlers will fall off. Not all antlers fall off in pairs though. Matched sets have been found miles apart. Participants will see if they can find any sheds or at least signs of these large mammals in the area. Remember to dress for the weather and for walking off-trail and to meet at Worth Family Nature Preserve. Call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 for more information about this free and exciting program by your Darke County Parks.

Did you know? Shed antlers are a great source of protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and phosphorus for rodents like squirrels.

Darke County Parks is hosting a fitness program called Naturally Fit. Everyone wants to lead healthier lives and spend more time outdoors. However, workout machines aren’t always environmentally friendly, gyms aren’t very exciting, and the cold winter weather makes it even less appealing. Besides, sometimes life just gets in the way! Use this program as an “excuse” to schedule time outside and get moving. It will focus more on fitness than nature, with everyone moving at their own pace, whether that’s one loop or ten. The February program will take place February 20th at 4pm at Donna May Campbell Preserve outside of Beamsville. This short walking path explores five acres of riparian habitat along the State Scenic Stillwater River, and it will make the last 1,000 steps of the day easy to finish. The park is located on Greenville-St. Marys Rd just off of US. RT. 127 near Beamsville. Meet there, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle. The brisk winter air will do your lungs (and the rest of your body) some good. For questions or weather updates, call the Nature Center at 548-0165