The Darke County Park District is pleased to announce the Down to Earth Book Club’s spring selection. For their sixth season, they will read The Moon by Whale Light: And Other Adventures Among Bats’ Penguins, Crocodilians, and Whales by Diane Ackerman. In a rare blend of scientific fact and poetic truth, the acclaimed author of A Natural History of the Senses explores the activities of whales, penguins, bats, and crocodilians plunging headlong into nature and coming up with highly entertaining treasures.

Each quarter the Down to Earth Book Club will feature a different book, some by well-known nature writers, some about outdoor adventure, and even some about pioneers settling Ohio. Everyone is invited to read the book and join them at the Nature Center to discuss the work, enjoy some yummy treats, and suggest future books.

This season’s book club will meet on Monday, May 1st at 6:30pm at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center. Please call ahead to let them know you plan on participating in the book club discussion in May. The Darke County Parks Nature Center can be reached at (937) 548-0165.

Photo Caption: Sometimes Humpback whales blow bubbles to make fish catching “nets”.

Join Darke County Parks for a hiking series exploring the sensations of spring. On March 14th at 8pm, at Worth Family Nature Preserve on Spring Hill Rd. north of St. Rt. 502 West about two and a half miles, a park naturalist will lead an exciting night time adventure under the full moon. Remember to dress for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, call the Nature Center to find out about possible cancellation. For more information about this or any other park district programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or check out their Facebook page. More hikes will be forthcoming throughout the season.

Did you know? The Farmer’s Almanac calls the March full moon the sap moon due to the maple syrup season.