When the Ohio Valley Civil War Association visits Shawnee Prairie Preserve April 29th and 30th, they will bring some of the best military living history presentations in the country. Daily demonstrations at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm will include the 35th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Co. G, 66th Illinois Co. G also known as Birge's Western Sharpshooters, and 1st Ohio Light Artillery Bat. C.

The infantry demonstration will feature an in depth look at many different types and styles of uniforms and shoes, a comparison between the Springfield and Enfield rifles including the mechanics of black powder firearms, and a peek into the daily life of the Union soldier. Visitors will observe soldiers perform basic drill maneuvers including a live black powder firing demonstration.

During the sharpshooter presentation, visitors will learn about target rifles and the mechanization process that made the Henry and Sharps repeating rifles possible, see various shooting positions, and understand the amazing skill it took to be a sharpshooter in the Union Army. The presentation will also include an extremely telling speed demonstration comparing a repeating rifle to a standard issue musket.

Lastly, artillery men will demonstrate each man’s specific tasks in the cannon firing process, show the tools and implements used, and describe the different types of projectiles used during the war. The presentation will culminate by firing the smooth bore cannon!

Between demonstrations, camp visitors can observe daily life for a Union soldier, discuss the war effort with civilians, or marvel at visiting ladies’ latest fashions. The OVCWA has taught at Manassas, Kennesaw Mountain, Stones River, and Gettysburg National Battlefields. They have partnered with Darke County Parks in July of 2012, April of 2015 and 2016, and Darke County Parks is proud to welcome them back to Shawnee Prairie again.

This free, family friendly event has something to interest everyone. From the military veteran to the seamstress, the cook to the doctor, and everything in between, come see how all these pursuits unfolded over 150 years ago. For any questions or more information about this exciting and unique event, please call the nature center at (937) 548-0165, or send an email to info@darkecountyparks.org

On Saturday, April 22nd from 7am to 2pm Darke County Parks invites everyone to spend the day exploring the wild birds that call Shawnee Prairie home with family and friends. 

Bird watching, or for enthusiasts “birding”, is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America. Birding involves more than just casual feeder observation out the kitchen window. Many birders rise early or stay up late, invest in birding technology like smart phone apps, or travel impressive distances to add to their species lists. Some keep lists of birds they only see while others include birds they’ve heard, and many birders have backyard lists, county lists, state lists, and even life lists. Most find this hobby an easy way to exercise, socialize, and engage in a little friendly competition. Every birder knows there is always more to learn, and for many, knowing what bird is calling or what species just flitted by brings them a deeper connection to nature.

Try out this hobby on April 22nd at “Take Flight”. This fun-filled birding festival will begin with “Breakfast with the Birds,” a fundraiser by the Darke County Birders Club, which will offer breakfast bites in an effort to raise money for the care of Greta, the Darke County Parks’ owl. Five Rivers MetroParks will join the celebration with a wide selection of the birds of prey animal ambassadors including a Screech Owl, Kestrel, and a Red-tailed Hawk! The day will continue with a variety of bird-themed hikes, activities for all ages, workshops, and more! From 11am to 1pm the Friends of the Parks will be offering a quick hotdog lunch. For the full schedule visit darkecountyparks.org and check out the front cover of the Spring Nature Notes Newsletter. The park staff and volunteers hope to see everyone enjoying Earth Day on the trails of Shawnee Prairie!

If you have any questions about this or any other program offered by the Darke County Parks, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or visit the website at www.darkecountyparks.org

Did you know? The large Pileated Woodpecker is always an exciting find and has recently been sighted at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.