Darke County Parks would like to send a huge thank you to all of their volunteers. Whether they regularly help with school groups, maintenance, animal care, historical interpretation, special events, habitat healing, or anything in between, the park district board and staff truly appreciate all their hard work and dedication! The staff hopes all the volunteers have enjoyed the past year at the park and will continue to volunteer with for many more years to come!

To show all this appreciation, Darke County Parks invites all volunteers, those who help weekly and those who only help every once in a while, to join them for a Volunteer Ice Cream Social and Bingo on July 15th at 5pm. These frozen treats will have all sorts of toppings available, and there will be some great bingo prizes waiting to be won. Come spend time with all those who value the park district’s mission and enjoy a reward for everything accomplished. Please RSVP with Volunteer Coordinator, Kathi McQueen by calling (937) 548-0165 or emailing kmcqueen@darkecountyparks.org.

Join the Greenville Art Guild on Saturday June 11th at 10am at Shawnee Prairie Preserve as they utilize a variety of mediums to capture the beauty of nature. Artists will be located around the grounds and trails throughout the day, and they invite the public to come watch them work. Visitors can expect to see artists working with everything from watercolors to oil, pencils to charcoal, even with colored pencils and photography. The artists encourage those who are interested in art to come see what they are doing, talk with them about their craft, and ask questions. This is a great place to explore an interest in art and to find out if it is something to pursue lessons in. There are many local artists who perpetuate their skill through teaching and giving lessons.

This event will continue rain or shine, so bring the family out to explore art in nature at Shawnee Prairie Preserve. For any questions about this event or any other program offered through Darke County Parks, please call the park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Photo Caption:  Many artists take reference photos outdoors either before or while working on a subject that cannot be transported.