Birding Basics
Saturday, Aug. 21 • 8 a.m.
Daughmer Savannah, 786 Marion-Melmore Road
Are you curious about birding, but don’t know how to get involved? Join Crawford Park District Land Manager and Naturalist Kyle Bailey for a fun interactive, family-friendly program that is suitable for people of all ages. 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. Summer may be winding down, but migration is just starting to ramp up. Shorebird migration is at its peak in August and as we get later into the month other species such as warblers, flycatchers, thrushes, and orioles are on the move. We should expect to see prairie species such as sparrows and meadowlarks, among others. Please bring binoculars or cameras to better view the birds. There will be some binoculars available to borrow.
Stewardship Program
Saturday, Aug. 21 • 11 a.m.
Daughmer Savannah, 786 Marion-Melmore Road
Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty, while contributing to preserving our native habitats? Then come on out and assist with the Crawford Park Districts monthly Stewardship Program. We will be focusing our attention on removing unwanted woody species such as Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). We will start with a brief introduction about stewardship and learn about our target species before heading out into the field. Closed toe shoes are required. Dress for the weather. Some gloves will be available.
Daughmer Savannah
Sunday, Aug. 22 • 2 p.m.
Daughmer Savannah, 786 Marion-Melmore Road
Daughmer is a remnant of one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems: the Bur Oak Savannah. Daughmer has more threatened and endangered plants than any other spot in Crawford County and they are visible in late August. Meet Crawford Park District Naturalist Warren Uxley in the parking lot.
Infant Explorers: Snakes
Wednesday, Aug. 25 • 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 snakes that will engage your infants’ 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, Aug. 28 • 8:30 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. Some of the targets for the summer are Markarian’s Chain, M101, M104, M81, M82, M51, M13.
Canoeing
Monday, Aug. 30 • 6 p.m.
Neff Reservoir, State Route 98 east of Bucyrus
Join Crawford Park District staff for an evening paddle around the Neff Reservoir. Learn some canoeing basics and take to the water. Call the Crawford Park District at 419-683-9000 to register.
Book Club
Tuesday, Aug. 31 • 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. Call the Crawford Park District at 419-683-9000 to register. Meetings are held at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center the last Tuesday of each month.
