Darke County Birders’ Raffle “Raptor Run” Registrations

The Darke County Birders’ Club is raffling off two paid registrations for the Aug. 5th “Raptor Run/Walk” at Shawnee Prairie Preserve. This new 5K will benefit the raptor, or birds of prey, education program offered by the Darke County Park District. The registration price is $20 with a t-shirt or $12 without a t-shirt. The Birder’s raffle will take place on April 22nd at the “Take Flight” event at Shawnee Prairie.

Tickets for the raffle are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at the Nature Center on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville or at the Darke County Birders’ Breakfast with the Birds booth at “Take Flight” on April 22nd. The drawing will take place at noon that day with two lucky winners each receiving a $20 paid registration to the Aug. 5th “Raptor Run/Walk.”

The Darke County Birders’ Club is entering its 20th year and prides itself on promoting wildlife conservation and encouraging community involvement as well as enjoying bird watching. The Birders’ raffle, Breakfast with the Birds booth at “Take Flight”, and the “Raptor Run/Walk” all benefit the raptor education program and new raptor enclosure at the Darke County Park District. For more information on the Darke County Birders Club, please attend a meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month, or contact Steve Miller at (937) 547-3340.

Photo Caption-To register for the Raptor Run/Walk, visit www.cantstoprunningco.com or pick up a registration form from the Nature Center on St. Rt. 502 West of Greenville.

Darke Parks
Down to Earth Book Club

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”.

Darke Parks