Ever wonder what life was like for the early European settlers on the Ohio frontier? Imagine living in a log house every day or working in a blacksmith shop to earn your living. Starting on May 20th and on Saturdays throughout the summer from 1pm to 4pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve west of Greenville on State Route 502 come visit the settlers and blacksmith as volunteers demonstrate what life was like here 200 years ago. Hear the hammer and anvil ring, listen to tales of life on the frontier, and imagine that the modern world doesn’t exist for an afternoon. For questions or more information about any other parks or park district programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Under the light of a near full moon on Saturday, May 6th at 8:30pm, join Darke County Parks as they welcome back the Stillwater Stargazers to Shawnee Prairie Preserve. Jupiter and four of its moons will be high for optimal viewing through the provided telescopes. Participants will spend some time discussing the coming total solar eclipse to occur this August as well! Participants will meet in the parking lot at the Nature Center for this free program. Please enter the parking lot slowly with parking lights only. If the sky is cloudy, please call the Nature Center by 4pm to confirm the program is still occurring. For any questions about this or any other Park District programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? Ancient Roman astronomers named Jupiter after their god of the sky and lightening, known as the king of the gods.