Birding Basics

Saturday, Nov. 13 • 8 a.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Curious about birding, but don’t know how to get involved? Join Crawford Park District Land Manager and Naturalist Kyle Bailey for an interactive, family-friendly program suitable for all ages. Autumn is winding down and so is migration. Woodlands are alive with winter species such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and Brown Creepers. This program will focus on birding basics such as learning how to identify common Ohio species, when and where to bird, how to bird, what to look for, and much more. Please bring binoculars or cameras to better view the birds. Binoculars are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

Stewardship Program: Woody Species

Saturday, Nov. 13 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sandusky Headwaters Preserve, 2400 State Route 598

Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty while contributing to preserving our native habitats? Then come out and assist Land Manager Kyle Bailey with the Crawford Park District’s monthly Stewardship Program. We will be focusing our attention on removing unwanted woody species such as Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Honeysuckle (Amur sp.), Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and more. We will begin with a brief introduction about stewardship and our target species before heading out into the field. Closed-toe shoes are required; long sleeves and pants are suggested. There is a possibility of contact with Poison Ivy. Dress for the weather. Some gloves and loppers will be available.

Millipedes & Centipedes

Saturday, Nov. 13 • 2 p.m.

Heckert Nature Preserve, 1601 State Route 19

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Abby on a hike through Heckert Nature Preserve to find some of the “many-legged” creatures that live under logs and leaf litter in our forests. Dress for the weather as the event will happen rain or shine unless severe weather is present.

Owl Prowl

Saturday, Nov. 13 • 7 p.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Did you know that Ohio is home to eight species of owls with only four species being full-time residents? The Crawford Park District invites you to come to Lowe-Volk Park to learn about these amazing avian predators of the night. We will meet in Lowe-Volk Nature Center to discuss the natural history of owls before heading out onto the property to listen and look for owls.

Feeding Day

Sunday, Nov. 14 • 1 pm

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Will it be fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, shrimp, worms, or mice? Can you guess what’s on the menu for the animals in the Crawford Park District’s Nature Center? If you want to help feed some of the animals, stop by the Lowe Volk Park Nature Center for this fun filled program.

Infant Explorers: Pumpkins

Wednesday, Nov. 17 • 5 p.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Your first instinct may be to keep your babies indoors. However, research tells us that infants in outdoor spaces benefit from access to a wide variety of sensory stimuli which they just can’t experience indoors. Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Abby and baby Vincenzo for a program about pumpkins that will engage your infant’s senses and get parents and baby out of the house for some fresh air! Dress for the weather; we will be outside for at least part of the program.

Viewing the Night Sky

Saturday, Nov. 20 • 5:30 p.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Join members of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club as they share their knowledge and telescope skills with all who are interested in the celestial sights.

Nature Storytime

Monday, Nov. 22 • 10 a.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Chelsea for an interactive read aloud and a fun story-related activity or animal visitor! It will be held outside in nice weather or inside the Nature Center if it is raining (or snowing!). Kids will receive a nature storytime ticket for attending and can choose a prize after five visits.

Bird Walk

Sunday, Nov. 28 • 9 a.m.

Sears Woods State Nature Preserve, 1486 Mt. Zion Road

Conditions far to the north of Ohio dictate what types of birds will spend the winter in the Buckeye State. Last year brought a spectacular invasion of northern finches; come and learn what this year will bring. Meet Warren Uxley at the Sears Woods parking lot located on Mt. Zion Road, west of Bucyrus.

Book Club

Monday, Nov. 29 • 6 p.m.

Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Do you love nature and also love to read? With the abundance of books available for nature lovers, sometimes it is hard to choose the next great book to read. Join the Crawford Park District’s Book Club and we will figure it out together! Come armed with your favorite book about nature or a nature centered book you want to read and be ready to make your case to the club! Meetings are held at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center the last Tuesday of each month.