11 May, 2008
Programs
General Program Info
Most programs are free. If a fee is charged, it will be indicated in the program description. Most outdoor activities are conducted rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather and the activity. Unless otherwise stated, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited space programs require pre-registration. Please register by calling the Nature Center at 937-548-0165 or email us.
Three months at a glance program calendar
Children's Programs
Parent & Preschooler Adventures
Hour long, hands-on nature programs designed for parents and their 2-5 year olds. Wed. classes are for 2-3 year olds, and Thurs. classes are for 4-5 year olds. $2 fee for craft materials. Pre-registration is required.
This season's programs
Park P.A.L.S
Morning hands-on nature programs designed for 6-9 year olds. Programs are held the second Saturday of each month, and are supervised by adult volunteers. $3 fee for snack and craft. Pre-registration is required.
This season's programs
Junior Naturalists
Afternoon hands-on nature programs designed for 10-12 year olds. Programs are held the third or fourth Saturday of each month. Independent projects are also planned. $4 fee for materials. Pre-registration is required.
This season's programs
Day Camps
A winter day camp is offered every February. Also, week long day camps are offered in June and July. Age groups are 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, and 10-12 year olds. Fee is dependant on camp level. Themes change every year.
Winter camp info
School Programs
Nature's Classroom
School field trip programs designed to supplement Ohio's K-6 science curriculum. $2 fee/student includes a pre-visit classroom activity packet. Teachers and chaperones are free. Speak with a Naturalist to schedule.
Program themes by grade level
Naturalist In The Classroom
Classroom visits by a DCP naturalist for teachers who participate in Nature's Classroom. Natural history themes focus on native wildlife and cultures. Available to all teachers during the months of November to March.
Program themes by grade level
Outdoor Skills Development
Outdoor Skills
Learn a new outdoor hobby, without having to buy all the equipment! These programs put you under the guidance of local experts, and put the right equipment in your hands. Some programs have materials fees.
This season's programs
Canoeing Adventures
Weather dependent canoe outings for beginning and experienced paddlers. All equipment and transportation are provided with a fee of $5 per person.
This season's floats
Geocaching In The Parks
We'll provide the info and equipment you need to get started on a high-tech treasure hunt. Rent a GPS for $2 to find five "caches" at Shawnee. Go to the geocaching website, enter zipcode 45331, and discover our other caches.
Geocaching.com website
Naturalists can adapt any program to your group's needs, whether it's a scout badge, homeschool group, meeting entertainment, day-camp field trip, or recruitment event. Programs are usually held at the Nature Center and are 1-2 hours in length. Speak with a Naturalist to schedule.
Group program themes
Naturalist led hikes, expert guest speakers, and fun family activities are all program offerings with a focus on the natural wonders of Darke County. Enjoy natural history topics from birds and bats to wildflowers and wetlands.
This season's programs
Parks programs highlighting Darke County's important arts, history and culture include outdoor concerts, art exhibits, talks by expert historians and archaeologists, and first-person historical interpreters.
This season's programs
Throughout the year, Darke County Parks hosts a number of seasonal special events that celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. Everyone is sure to enjoy a festive day in the Parks.
Special events calendar
Parks News Updates
Summer Camps!
Updated 28 April, 2008
Darke County Parks will be releasing the dates for upcoming Summer Camps VERY soon! Check back here often...
More Info
Art Guild Paint Out
Updated 28 April, 2008
Join the Greenville Art Guild at Shawnee Prairie on May 17th from 10am - 3pm.
Read More
Saturday AM Bird Hikes
Updated 28 April, 2008
Join a Naturalist EVERY Saturday Morning in May for a morning bird hike. Hikes start at 9am.
Read More
New Park GRAND OPENING!
Updated 6 May, 2008
Join us this Saturday, May 10th for the Grand Opening of Turkeyfoot Preserve!
Read More
Spring Nature Notes
Updated 6 May, 2008
The spring Nature Notes is now available. Check out what is coming up in May!
More Info Here
Battery Recycling
Updated 7 Feb, 2008
Lots of dead batteries laying around the house? Need some place to get rid of them? Find out more here!
More Info Here
DCP Nature Notes e-mails!
Updated 7 Feb, 2008
Sign up now to start receiving DCP's new emails! Now you can receive your Nature Notes in COLOR, info on upcoming events / programs and more!
Find Out More
Volunteer Trail Educators:
Updated 7 Feb, 2008
Volunteer Trail Educators work with the education staff and assist with school programs. Learn more here!
Read More Here
More Parks News
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All Parks News Stories
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