Our first event in a fun new series
“Every Woman Has a Story”
Join us May 20, 2017 from 10am to 1pm in the Darke County Park District’s log
house for a special ladies’ brunch to celebrate women and their stories. This first session
will highlight local glassware collector, Ms. Mitzi Johnson. She will tell us how she
got interested in this hobby and show us some of her unique collection. We are getting
out the special china so dress in vintage style and wear your favorite hat! Door
prizes will be given and prizes will be awarded for the best bought and hand made hat
worn.
Menu will include: special breakfast casserole, waffles with fruit and real cream topping,
chocolate dipped strawberries, coffee and tea.
Cost $20.00 per person at time of reservation
(limit of 24 people)
Hosted by the Friends of the Darke County Parks
 

For more info or to download the Registration Form click HERE

Darke County Parks invites students in grades 3-6 to join them for the Jr. Naturalists program on Saturday, April 8th from 9:30am to 12pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville.  This month the students will participate in “Draw a Bird Day” and creating their own nature journals.

Draw a Bird Day began in England in 1943 when seven year old Dorie Cooper visited her uncle who was wounded in the war. In an attempt to cheer him up, she asked him to draw a bird for her.  After seeing her uncle's bird picture, Dorie laughed out loud and proclaimed that he was not a very good artist, but that she would hang the picture in her room nonetheless. Her laughter brightened several other wounded soldiers’ day, and every time Dorie came to visit thereafter, they held drawing contests to see who could produce the best bird pictures. Within several months, the entire ward's walls were decorated by bird drawings. Dorie passed away from an accident a few years later, and ever since then, those from the hospital remember the little girl who brought hope by drawing birds on her birthday, April 8th.

Draw a Bird Day was never declared an official holiday, but today it is celebrated world wide as a way to express joy in the very simplest of things in life and as a way to help soldiers everywhere forget war and suffering even if only for a short time. The Jr. Naturalists will explore nature and enjoy the sunshine while looking for subjects to fill their sketchbooks with.

The Jr. Naturalists is a series of monthly programs designed to give 3rd-6th grade students hands-on interaction with the natural world and a look at our current and historical place within it. Hikes, games, crafts, and service projects are all a part of this exciting integrated study group. A $3 fee is charged for the program, and registration is required. Remember to dress for the weather.

For questions about the Jr. Naturalists program or any other park district programs or to register for the April class, please call the park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

*Check the “Draw a Bird Day” Facebook page for even more bird drawings.