Darke County Parks invites students in grades 3-6 to join them for the Jr. Naturalists program on Saturday, November 19th from 9:30am to 12pm at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on St. Rt. 502 west of Greenville. A compass and map can take you anywhere if you know how to use them. From the cardinal and ordinal directions, to degrees, to taking (and maintaining) a bearing, students will practice the basics. Then participants will play some exciting games to test their skills.

The Jr. Naturalists is a series of monthly programs designed to give 3rd-6th grade students hands-on interaction with the natural world and a look at our current and historical place within it. Hikes, games, crafts, and service projects are all a part of this exciting integrated study group. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and registration is required. For questions about the Jr. Naturalists program or any other park district programs or to register for the November class, please call the park office at (937) 548-0165 or email info@darkecountyparks.org.

Did you know?  Orienteering as competition began as a military training exercise in Sweden and now has become an international sport.

The air is crisp, and mosquitoes are a thing of the past. It’s time to get outside. Autumn offers some of the absolute best hiking in Darke County.  On Monday November 14th at 5:30pm join a naturalist at Eidson Woods Preserve on the corner of Palestine-Union City Rd. and St. Rt. 502 West of Greenville. Hikers may experience all sorts of sights and sounds not found during the daylight hours. With any luck the full beaver moon will be shining bright, but flashlights might prove useful if it is not such a clear night. Remember to dress for the weather as things are turning colder. For more information about this hike, weather updates, or information about any other program offered by the Darke County Parks, please call the nature center at (937) 548-0165.

Did you know? The beaver moon gets its name because, for both the European settlers and native tribes, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs.