It’s paddling season! Grab the water bottles, sunscreen, binoculars, and a hat, and let’s get on the water. On Saturday, July 16th at 9am join naturalists at Shawnee Prairie Preserve west of Greenville on St. Rt. 502 for an exciting summer paddle. After meeting at the Nature Center, participants will travel to the put in location where they will paddle Lake Loramie. Birding by boat offers unique views of sometimes hard to see birds. Enjoy a morning paddle near the shores of the lake. With binoculars participants will leisurely navigate the lakeside habitat in search of birds. In the past, paddlers have encountered spectacular views of Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Warblers, and more.

Please be aware this float is for experienced paddlers only. Paddling outings are weather dependent, and adjustments may be necessary due to conditions. All equipment is provided. Parks’ staff members are certified kayak instructors. Dress for the possibility of getting wet. Call to reserve a kayak, and there will be a $10 fee for the program. For more information about this or any of the other exciting trips in this season’s series, to register for the program, or other Park District programs, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know? The word “kayak” means "man's boat" or "hunter's boat". 

Want to learn more about the Treaty of Greenville, about the customs of the Native Americans here 200 years ago, or about the purpose of the council house? Join a local historian on July 16th from 1-3pm at the Anthony Wayne Peace Council House located at Prairie Ridge Meadow Park across from the Garst Museum to find out about these interests and more. Visitors can expect to see gifts from the twelve tribes who signed the treaty as well as many ceremonial items like a turtle shell representing the earth, a talking stick, and the ceremonial fire pits. Please remember, out of respect for the tribes who signed the treaty, enter the council house through the east door, with the rising sun, and exit though the west door, with the setting sun. The council house will also be open once more this summer on August 13th from 1-3pm.

For questions about this program or any other program offered by the Darke County Parks, please stop by the nature center, call (937) 548-0165, or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Photo Caption:  The council house has two rings of benches, an inner ring for tribal leaders and speakers and an outer ring for public and onlookers.