September’s adventures at Lowe-Volk Park range from hitting an archery target to helping a monarch butterfly on its journey toward Mexico. Stay late enough on the right evening, and the discoveries could include an owl’s call or a view of the Andromeda Galaxy. Located four miles north of Galion on State Route 598, the park and Nature Center have a month of programs that invite visitors to participate, explore, and look a little closer at the natural world.
Targets, Treefrogs, and Traveling Butterflies
The activities begin Tuesday, September 8, with archery sessions at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Participants will learn safety and shooting basics before testing their aim. All equipment is provided, and participants must be at least 7 years old. Call the Park District at 419-683-9000 to register.
The following evening brings a chance to meet some of the Nature Center’s resident amphibians. “Face to Face: Frogs and Toads” begins Wednesday, September 9, at 5:30 PM. Naturalist Donald will introduce visitors to gray treefrogs, American toads, and other frog ambassadors while exploring their life cycles and where they can be found.
Monarch butterflies take the spotlight Thursday, September 10, at 5:30 PM, with a second tagging program Wednesday, September 23, at 5:30 PM.
Both programs explore monarchs’ life cycle, their reliance on milkweed, and their migration to Mexico. Participants will have an opportunity to help with University of Kansas migration and population research by attempting to capture, tag, and release butterflies. All ages are welcome, and nets will be provided.
A Different Park After Dark
Daytime visitors see only part of the park’s animal community. On Friday, September 18, “Park in the Dark” will offer a look at what happens after sunset. The program begins at 9:00 PM and focuses on nocturnal life, with possibilities ranging from fluttering moths and glowing caterpillars to hooting owls. It is an invitation to experience familiar surroundings at a less familiar hour.
History Beneath Your Feet
On Saturday, September 19, the focus shifts to the people and natural forces that shaped the region. “Ohio Open Doors—History Hidden in Plain Sight” runs from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Visitors will begin in the Nature Center with a self-guided scavenger hunt exploring local history, geology, and the Ice Age.
The adventure continues outside with a short, accessible boardwalk walk to a scenic overlook. From there, visitors can view the headwaters of the Sandusky River and an impressive sandstone wall, connecting the indoor discoveries with the landscape itself.
Small Discoveries and Distant Worlds
The youngest visitors have their own opportunity to explore on Tuesday, September 22, at 5:30 PM. “Little Explorers: Signs of Fall” is designed for children ages 0–5. Infants can enjoy sensory experiences, while toddlers and preschoolers practice fine motor skills through hands-on activities with colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other seasonal treasures. A few days later, attention turns from the forest floor to the sky.
The Crawford Park Astronomy Club will host “Viewing the Night Sky” on Saturday, September 26, at 8:00 PM. Potential viewing targets include the Andromeda Galaxy, globular clusters, galaxies in the Big Dipper, and Saturn. If weather or sky conditions are unfavorable, the program will be held inside the Nature Center.
From an archery target to a patch of pawpaws, September’s schedule offers plenty of reasons to step outside and see what the season has in store.