News
Due to the ice storm today, November 15, the Nature Center and Park Offices will be on a 2-hr delay and will not open until 11am today.
Parent & Preschool adventures have been cancelled.
Park trails will also be closed until 11am and will open afterwards under “use at your own risk”.
Join Darke County Parks as we welcome our first Winter Speaker, Andy Niekamp to Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center on December 6th at 6:30pm. On an 88-day thru-hike of Ohio's Buckeye Trail, Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp made the most amazing long-distance journey of his life. As he walked his home state through wilderness, farmland, small towns, big cities, rural and urban areas, he discovered Ohio in a way that can be only experienced on foot. Captain Blue's stories about the people and places, past and present will change the way you see Ohio. His beautiful photos and experiences will surely inspire you to hike the Buckeye Trail.
Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp has been a wilderness adventurer for more than 25 years. This IT professional, turned long-distance hiker has logged over 14,000 miles in more than 30 different states coast-to-coast including 9,500 miles on the Appalachian Trail.
Hiking is Andy's passion and his acclaimed "fountain of youth." He has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail end-to-end four times. While more than 10,000 have completed the Appalachian Trail at least one time, fewer than 12 people worldwide have reported completing the Appalachian Trail four times.
Andy is the founder and Chief Adventure Officer of Outdoor Adventure Connection, a backcountry guide service based in Dayton, Ohio. Andy has guided hundreds of people on backpacking trips that focus on backcountry skills, education, confidence, and Leave No Trace techniques. His company's motto is Live, Learn and Love Adventure.
His goal is to inspire others to get exercise, make friends, explore nature, live a healthier lifestyle and make their community a better place to live!
For more information about this or any of the other exciting winter speakers in this season’s series or other park district programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.
Winter’s chilly weather is creeping in and brings with it unique hiking opportunities, and Darke County Parks invites you to the join them. On November 21st at 5:30pm join a naturalist at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 just west of Greenville to enjoy the full beaver-moon. Remember to dress for the cold evening temperatures and to bring a flashlight if you choose. In the event of cloudy skies, call the Nature Center to find out about possible cancellation. 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.
The Darke County Parks invites you to their 11th annual Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland at Shawnee Prairie Preserve! On Saturday, December 1st from 6pm – 9pm, join us for one of our favorite events of the year, including many of your favorite festive actives, including over 500 luminaries, log house visitations and refreshments, marshmallow roasting, campfires, children’s crafts, gingerbread cookie decorating, nature gift shop sales, a visit from Santa and more!
After last year’s record number of attendees a few changes were required to ensure this popular event continues to run smoothly. A new parking destination will be located at the 130 Winchester entrance (look for the signs), just east of the main entrance to Shawnee Prairie on OH-502. From the new parking area, illuminated wagons pulled by tractors will be available to provide transportation to and from the main trail or if you choose, you can extend your walk in the woods by just a short distance all while enjoying even more luminaries! The main park entrance will be blocked and only those with handicap parking placards or plates will be able to enter.
On top of the hill, between the Log House and the Nature Center, the Stillwater Stargazers will have telescopes set up and allowing for stunning views into the heavens above. The winter night sky always is spectacular!
Also new for 2018, the Park District is also asking that you call to register for this FREE event. Registrations only require a moment of time and will allow for more accurate planning regarding the amount of supplies needed for activities and how many vehicles can be expected. To register, simply call the Nature Center at 937-548-0165 or email at info@darkecountyparks.org.
With the addition of tractor wagon rides, new and easier parking location and all of your other favorites, the Park District is looking forward to a fun-filled evening welcoming in a peaceful holiday season!
Please call 937-548-0165 if you have questions, need directions or would like to register.
Calling all birder-watchers! Join the Darke County Park District, and participate in Project FeederWatch, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-11am. FeederWatch is a unique citizen science program organized by Cornell University which studies winter bird populations. Observations from here in Darke County may be used in scientific journals and shared with ornithologists and bird lovers nationwide. No matter your birding level, beginner or expert, we need YOUR help! Bird watchers will gather inside the nature center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West) and count the birds that visit the bird-feeding station. Drop in anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday during the above times to help with the project. There will be warm drinks available for those enjoying nature from the comfort of an armchair on a cold winter’s day. For more information on Project FeederWatch or if you have questions about any of the many other programs offered by the Darke County Park District, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.
The Darke County Park District
Board of Commissioners
will hold a
Special Board Meeting
on Thursday, November 15, 2018
at 5:30 p.m.
at the
Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center, 4267 St. Rt. 502 W., Greenville, OH
This meeting is being held to discuss matters of personnel.
The Darke County Park District
Board of Commissioners
will hold a
Special Board Meeting
on Tuesday, October 30, 2018
at 6:00 p.m.
at the
Shawnee Prairie Preserve Nature Center, 4267 St. Rt. 502 W., Greenville, OH
This meeting is being held to discuss matters of budget and land.
WALKIN’ IN A WINTER WONDERLAND:
WAYNE NICHOLS MEMORIAL SNOWMAN DECORATING CONTEST
§ Snowman will be made by using materials of your choice, such as cotton, paper, wood, fabric, snow
§ Be sure to bring all supplies and materials you wish to build and decorate your snowman
§ Snowmen must be standing on display during luminary walk with a sign advertising your organization
§ Snowmen must be completed by Saturday, December 1 at 4 p.m.
§ The contest will be judged by the public during the winter wonderland luminary walk 6-9pm
§ Prize awarded for People’s Choice
§ A great opportunity to advertise your church, business or community organization!
Send form below to mmartin@darkecountyparks.org or mail to:
Darke County Parks, P.O. Box 801
Greenville, Ohio 45331. Questions? 937.548-0165
Contact Name:_____________________________________ Organization:______________________________
Address:______________________________________ City:____________________________ Zip:__________
Phone:__________________________ Email______________________________________
The Darke County Park District is searching for a Parks Maintenance Supervisor. Under direction, the Parks Maintenance Supervisor performs general and preventative maintenance duties, supervises the maintenance and custodial personnel.
PRAIRIE DAYS
Saturday, September 29 10am-5pm
Sunday, September 30 12-5pm
Shawnee Prairie Preserve / FREE Admission and Parking
You’re invited to Prairie Days! Don’t miss out on this awesome historical event! Come enjoy a weekend celebrating prairies and the pioneer way of life! See apple butter being made over the fire, play children’s pioneer games, take a horse and wagon ride, view local artists’ works, listen to and enjoy live music and entertainment. Between performances, sit-a-spell with our 200-year-old pioneer volunteers in the Log House as they demonstrate many skills such as spinning, leatherwork, and basket-weaving. Try your hand at candle-dipping, tinsmithing, or take a wagon ride around the prairie. Take a stroll through the 18th-century encampment and watch a tomahawk and knife throwing competition. Visit our Blacksmith Shop to see our master blacksmith working around the forge. And what is a festival without food?! Take a load off as you enjoy fresh produce from Downing’s Fruit Farm or visit one of the many non-profit vendors. Or participate in a pie-baking contest, try your luck at the annual basket raffle, and so much more! We hope to see you at Shawnee Prairie Preserve, 4267 St. Rt. 502 West, where admission and parking are FREE!
Who has the BEST PIE in Darke County?
Do you have the best pie in Darke County? Let’s find out who really does! Come join us on Saturday, September 26th for our annual Prairie Days Pie Baking Contest, held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West.) The rules are simple. Have your pie (or pies if you would like to enter more than one) to the Nature Center between 9:30am and 10:00 am. Judging will promptly start at 10:00am. The pies will be divided into the following categories: Apple, Berry, Peach, and Other. There is a $2 entry fee per pie. Please, no meringue or refrigerated pies. Your pie(s) will need to be baked in a disposable pie pan as we cannot return dishes. A cash prize will be awarded to the best in show entry. If you have any questions, please call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165. After judging, the pies will be sold at the Mad Anthony’s Tavern. All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Darke County Parks. Please call 937.548.0165 for more information.
