Greene County News
XENIA — Greene County Parks & Trails (GCP&T) 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. The Narrows Reserve Nature Center is located at 2575 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek.
Disc golf course installation begins
GCP&T’s first disc golf course has begun its installation this week at Karohl Park, 2940 Hohl Drive in Beavercreek. The 18-hole disc golf course is tentatively scheduled to be completed this autumn and to be open to the public from sunrise to sunset. In 2017, disc golf tournaments and youth camps are planned at the new course. Cedarville University professor and avid disc golf player Mark Gathany designed the course.
Tale of Quail
GCP&T will host “The Tale of the Quail” beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. Participants will learn more about the decline of the Bobwhite quail in Greene County from Mark Wiley, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Lee Elzroth, Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District; and GCP&T Naturalist Jared Merriman. Following the talk, the first 24 registrants will be able to join Merriman for a search of Bobwhite quail in Greene County. Cost of the program is $5, Greene County resident; $7, non-resident.
Project Feeder Watch
Participate in a research project with GCP&T as well as the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Project Feeder Watch this season from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. The naturalist staff and participants will be monitoring types and numbers of birds staying in Greene County during the winter months. Participants will learn about rare or unusual birds that do not normally overwinter in Ohio, as well as learning more about woodpeckers, finches, cardinals and other feeder birds. Binoculars are recommended but not required. The event is free; donations are always accepted.
Full moon night hike
Join a naturalist for a series of hikes featuring the glow of the full moon at several GCP&T sites. The next full moon hike will be held beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at Cemex Reserve, 1100 Sanctuary Road in Fairborn. The November hike will feature the Beaver Moon. The hikes are free to all participants; donations are accepted. Please dress for the weather.
Big Backyard
Join GCP&T Big Backyard from 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. Participants between the ages of two and five years old will explore nature in their neighborhood park by hiking, catching snowflakes, search the creek for fish and more. Each month, a different craft will be created. In November, participants will be going “nutty.” Parents are asked to participate by helping their child with the craft and going on the hike. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or older.
Animal Encounters
Each month, join the naturalist for a close-up look at some of Ohio’s wildlife. This month will focus on the fox. Learn more about their natural history and fascinating things about the animals Sunday, Nov. 20 1-3 p.m. at Narrows Reserve Nature Center.
Project Feeder Watch
Learn how to attract birds to feeders and what kinds of birds are in this area during the winter Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10-11 a.m. at Narrows Reserve Nature Center. This data helps scientists track winter bird populations and long-term trends.
Volunteer training
GCP&T volunteers are invited to join the naturalists each month to learn about the natural world. Catherine Kidd from the Greene County Historical Society will share stories about the early days of Greene County 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 at Narrows Reserve Nature Center.
Trails welcome all
Whether a cyclist, walker or even horseback rider, the Little Miami Scenic Trail between Xenia and Yellow Springs provides a perfect backdrop to autumn’s changing hues for residents and visitors alike. The paved trail offers scenic vistas overlooking several creeks as well as the restored and historic Hyde Road Bridge. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is one of five trails in Greene County managed by GCP&T and is part of the nation’s largest network of paved trails. For more information on the trail network or to receive a free regional trail map, contact GCP&T.
Parks meetings
The Greene County Park District holds its monthly meetings 3:20 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at GCP&T 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 an email or mail copy. 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.
