Darke County Parks needs help! Butterfly habitat is declining, and scientists need to monitor their populations very closely. Every Friday at 2pm from now through September, join a naturalist to hike a pre-set path and record all the butterflies observed. These numbers will then be sent on to the Ohio Lepidopterists for scientific study. There’s no need to be an expert. A staff member will be present for the hike, and field guides will be provided. Hikes will occur as long as temperatures are above 60 degrees without rain.  For more information, please contact the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know? The Pearl Crescent get its name from the underside of hind wing's dark marginal patch containing a light-colored crescent, but the colors and patterns are quite variable. 

Do you think you have the best pie in Darke County? Come find out who really does! Join the Darke County Park District on Saturday, September 24th for the annual Prairie Days Pie Baking Contest, held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West.) The rules are simple. Have your pie (or pies if you would like to enter more than one) to the Nature Center between 9:30am and 10:00 am. Judging will start promptly at 10:00am. There is a $2 entry fee per pie. The judging categories will be divided into apple, berry, peach, and other. Please no meringue or refrigerated pies. The pie(s) will need to be baked in a disposable pie pan as dishes cannot be returned. A cash prize will be awarded to the best in show entry. After judging, the pies will be sold at the Mad Anthony’s Tavern, all proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Darke County Parks. Please call the Nature Center at 548-0165 with any questions or for more information.

Did you know?: All proceeds benefit the Friends of Darke County Parks.