Darke County Park District invites children in kindergarten through 2nd grade to join them on Aug. 6th from 10am to noon to explore hummingbirds during Park P.A.L.S! Please note the new 10:00 start time. Hummingbirds are the smallest warm blooded creatures on the planet. Learn which species of hummingbird summers in Ohio and about its long journey south during the winter. Students may even catch a glimpse of one at the feeders.

Park P.A.L.S. is a series of monthly programs designed for students of this age group who are interested in nature. P.A.L.S. stands for Practicing And Learning Stewardship, and its mission is to develop future earth stewards through meaningful educational opportunities and hands-on experiences in the natural world. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and preregistration is required. For any questions about the Park P.A.L.S. program or any other Park District programs or to register for the August class, please call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know: The average ruby-throated hummingbird weighs less than a nickel. 

Ohio has plenty of freshwater, but is it safe to drink? Darke County Parks is pleased to welcome back Rob Simpson, owner of the Canteen Shop on West 3rd Street in Greenville. On Saturday, July 30th at 1pm Rob will discuss methods of water filtering and treatment. With water so readily available, most people don’t think about what they would do on the trail without it. Learn what to bring along on longer hikes or what to have with you “just in case”. Participants will spend some time outdoors, so remember to dress for the conditions. Preregistration is required for this free afternoon of survival education.

For more information about this program or any other Park District program or to register, please give the Nature Center a call at (937) 548-0165, or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know: Visual inspection of water is never enough to determine if the water is safe to drink.