Deer season is in full swing and gun season is almost upon us. It’s time to dust off those old tracking skills. Join a naturalist on Saturday, November 19th at 2pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 just west of Greenville for a great refresher course. Whether you’re a hunter or just enjoy investigating tracks, you are practicing one of the most ancient arts known to man. Animals leave all kinds of other signs for us to interpret too like game trails, rubs, runs, beds, and droppings. Along with studying deer and other animal tracks, we’ll discuss stalking, wind awareness, and camouflage to maximize the odds of seeing the animal being followed. We’ll also brush up on blood trailing a wounded deer, discussing color consistency, and technique, so everyone is ready for opening day of gun season on November 28th. Registration is requested for this event; however, the program is free and open to the public. For questions about this or any other park district programs or to register for the class, please call 548-0165.

Did you know? By the middle of the rut, deer scrapes and rubs are no longer fresh, and the bucks are very active near food sources where the does tend to linger. 

Calling all birders! Join Darke County Park District, and participate in Project FeederWatch, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. This is a unique citizen science program organized by Cornell University which studies winter bird populations. Observations from here in Darke County may be used in scientific journals and shared with ornithologists and bird lovers nationwide. No matter your birding level, beginner or expert, we need YOUR help! Bird watchers will gather inside the nature center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West) and count the birds that visit the bird-feeding station. Drop in anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am to help with the project. There will be warm drinks available for those enjoying nature from the comfort of an armchair on a cold winter’s day. For more information on Project FeederWatch or if you have questions about any of the many other programs offered by the Darke County Park District, call the nature center at (937) 548-0165. 

Did you know? The song sparrow is a year round Darke county resident and one of the most common birds spotted at feeders.