Darke County Parks is hosting a series of fitness programs called Naturally Fit occurring the fourth Monday of every month. Everyone wants to lead healthier lives and spend more time outdoors. However, workout machines aren’t always environmentally friendly, and gyms aren’t very exciting. Besides, sometimes life just gets in the way! Use these programs as an “excuse” to schedule time outside and get moving. Each of these programs focuses more on fitness than nature, with everyone moving at their own pace, whether that’s one loop or ten. The August program will take place August 22nd at 6:30pm at Turkeyfoot Preserve with a one and a half mile loop trail through mature prairie. Meet at this easy to get to park on Bishop Rd. off Ohio 121 South to walk off some of that fair food, and bring a water bottle.

Did you know? The name “Turkeyfoot” come from a common nickname for big blue stem prairie grass which tips look like a wild turkey’s foot.

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 August 13th 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.

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.