Join Darke County Parks for their spring hiking series as they explore the sensations of spring. Each week of Spring brings a new wave of wildflowers to the forest floor of Coppess. On Wednesday, April 19th at 6pm join a naturalist to see what’s blooming at Coppess Nature Sanctuary located on Young Rd. one half mile south of St. Rt. 47 between Ansonia and Union City. Who knows what the season’s weather will bring, so keep the conditions in mind when you dress for the hike. The hike will continue rain or shine, but please wear boots for the mud if it has been rainy. For more information about this or any of the other exciting hikes in this season’s series or other park district programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? Claytonia virginica, more commonly known as spring beauty, also goes by the name fairy spud.

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