Darke County Parks invites students in grades 3-6 to join them for the July Jr. Naturalists program on Saturday, July 23rd from 9:30am to 12pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville. In the arrangement of pinecone scales, the number of flower petals, or even proportions within the human body, there is a mysterious number that appears in nature too many times to be explained. Students will learn a little more about this intriguing number, the man who discovered it, and take a hike to find out for themselves if this number holds true for Shawnee Prairie.

The Jr. Naturalists program is a series of monthly programs designed to give students a hands-on introduction to natural resource management. Hikes, work projects, and independent study are all part of this fun-filled nature study club. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and preregistration is required. For any questions about the Jr. Naturalists program or any other Park District programs or to register for the July class, please call the park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know: The arrangement and number of scales on a pine cone follow this mysterious number in a beautiful spiral. 

Did you know that fireflies or lightening bugs are actually beetles? On Thursday, July 21st at 8:30pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve join a naturalist to learn about the fascinating world of fireflies. These bioluminescent bugs use their glow to attract prey, for mating, and sometimes even a defense mechanism! These wonderful creatures thrive in meadows, forests, fields, and other natural habitats, but numbers are declining due to human land development. Come find out what the public can do to keep them in their backyards and what scientists are learning from their special light. The program will begin with an interactive discussion and then attendees will watch the nighttime magic as the fireflies rise from the prairie.

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

Did you know: The light fireflies emit may appear yellow, green, or even pale red.