The Darke County Park District invites the public to join them every Tuesday morning at 8am at Shawnee Prairie Preserve at 4267 St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville for their Early Morning Discovery Hikes. These hikes allow adults a chance to watch the seasons change and to discover the many life forms in their own backyard. The slowly warming temperatures make this a great time to enjoy and learn about nature. These walks focus on bird watching, trees, fungi identification, and much more. Attendees are asked to bring a pair of binoculars if possible; otherwise some are available for loan. Hikes will be held rain or shine. If you have any questions about the Early Morning Discovery Hikes or any other program offered by the park district, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or visit the website at www.darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know? Purple Cress blooms here during March and April, and its blooms can be almost white and mildly suffused with purple.

Darke County Parks has offered hands-on, educational field trips that immerse students in natural and cultural history for years. They now have a very special field trip opportunity to offer about the Civil War, featuring the Ohio Valley Civil War Association at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.

On Friday April 28th, hear the cannon blast, watch men drill, and smell a soldier’s supper simmering. Living historians will bring a pivotal point in American history to life, illustrating not only the political but the social and economic struggles faced by our nation. Students will be treated to demonstrations by the 35th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Co. G, the 66th Illinois Co. G (also known as Birge's Western Sharpshooters), both northern and southern civilians, President and Mrs. Lincoln, and the 1st Ohio Light Artillery Bat. C, including seeing the cannon fired. The OVCWA has taught at Manassas, Kennesaw Mountain, Stones River, and Gettysburg National Battlefields, and Darke County Parks is proud to bring them back to Darke County.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available on a first come first serve basis for this exciting, free field trip. For more information or to register your class for this opportunity, contact Naturalist Hannah Wiest at (937) 548-0165 or hwiest@darkecountyparks.org.

The general public is welcome to attend the weekend living history April 29th and 30th to witness military demonstrations and observe daily life from over 150 years ago.