Greene County News
XENIA — Greene County Parks & Trails will host a variety of upcoming events. For more information or to register for programs contact the parks at 937-562-6440 or email [email protected] or visit www.gcparkstrails.com.
Storybook gardens
Each week a fun story such as: Growing Vegetable Soup, Sunflower House and And the Good Brown Earth, will teach children something new about the gardens. Young gardeners aged 3-6 (with an adult) should be dressed to work in the dirt. Preregistration is required. Visit our website or call for more information. A Storybook Garden is set for Thursday, Sept.1 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Russ Nature Reserve. Additional dates are Sept. 8, Sept. 15, and Sept. 22.
Big Backyard
Explore nature in your neighborhood park. Participants will go for a hike, catch butterflies and search the creek for fish. Each month will involve a new activity, such as creating a craft and going for a hike. “I Spy a Monarch Butterfly” will begin 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, both sessions at Narrows Reserve Nature Center. Pre-registration is required before Sept. 14.
Harvest moon night hike
Explore nature at night. Learn more about the moon, nocturnal wildlife and experience the sounds of the night 8-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 at Hebble Creek Reserve. Night hikes are held unless there is thunder and lightning. Hike is free. Donations are accepted.
Xenia Community Festival Bike Rodeo
Have fun with Green County Parks & Trails Trail Sentinels for the 2016 Xenia Community Festival Bike Rodeo 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Shawnee Park. Participants must be under the age of 16 and will learn bike safety and skills through a variety of rodeo stations. Participants will receive a bike helmet courtesy of Greene Memorial Hospital, GCP&T, Greene County Public Health, K&G Bike Center and the Greene County Safety Council. The event is free. A parent must sign a liability waiver.
Monarchs and Migration
Bring the whole family and learn how to help Monarch butterflies. Activities will include capturing and tagging Monarchs, lectures about their life cycle, migration and decline, as well as fun crafts and games. Help plant a Monarch Way Station. Participants will receive a free packet of milkweed seeds. Event is 1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 at Russ Nature Reserve.
Night rides set
Enjoy a free evening bicycle ride escorted by GCP&T Trail Sentinels. Participants must be over the age of 18, wear a helmet and have lights. Rides will be cancelled in case of a thunderstorm. Night rides will continue at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 from Xenia Station to Young’s Jersey Dairy and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, from Xenia Station to Spring Valley.
Animal encounters
Join the naturalist for a close-up look at butterflies on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m at Narrows Reserve Nature Center.
Campfire cooking
Join Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Mike Schumacher 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 or Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Indian Mound Reserve as he creates delicious camp meals using cast iron cookware. A meal with dessert will be prepared. The event is sponsored by the Little Miami Watershed Network, Jacksons Fruit Farm and Greene County Parks & Trails. Meat and dairy are part of menu. Preregistration is required before Sept. 16.
How insects changed history
Volunteer training – How Insects Changed History will take place 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, join GCP&T for a look at how much influence insects have had on natural history.
Parks meetings
The Greene County Park District will hold its monthly meetings 3:20 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Greene County Parks & Trails agency headquarters, 575 Ledbetter Road.
New activity guide available
The GCP&T Autumn 2016 Activity Guide is now available on the park agency’s website or by calling the park headquarters for one to be emailed or mailed to you. The guide features all programs, festivals and special events offered by the park agency, as well as information on renting park facilities and an overview of all park sites. An on-line edition is available at gcparkstrails.com.
