As October settles into Crawford County, Lowe-Volk Park and its sister sites are offering a full slate of hands-on, family-friendly — and sometimes downright spooky — events. From chasing Monarchs to encountering salamanders and exploring ancient fossils, here’s a rundown of what’s happening now through October 15.
Monarch Tagging at Unger Park
Thursday, October 2, 5:30 PM – Unger Park
Spend a fall evening learning about the incredible life of the Monarch butterfly — from its dependence on milkweed to its international migration to Mexico. Participants will get to help Kansas University researchers by capturing, tagging, and releasing Monarchs as part of an ongoing study. Nets are provided, and all ages are welcome.
Haunted Headwaters
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM – Sandusky Headwaters Preserve
Not for the faint of heart, this after-dark trek along the misty banks of the Sandusky River weaves through shadowy woods said to be haunted. Bring a flashlight, wear close-toed shoes, and prepare for a bone-chilling walk through a forest that feels like it’s holding its breath. This event is not recommended for young children. Cost: $5 per person.
Face to Face: Salamanders
Wednesday, October 8, 5:30 PM – Lowe-Volk Park
Meet the park’s most fascinating residents — salamanders of all shapes and sizes. From the gigantic hellbender to the ever-curious axolotl, you’ll get a close look at these amphibians and their unique lifecycles during this interactive experience inside the Nature Center.
Ohio’s Trilobites and Ancient Fossils
Saturday, October 11, 10:30 AM – Lowe-Volk Park
Travel back half a billion years to when Ohio was an ocean floor teeming with trilobites, corals, and primitive squid. This engaging multimedia session will show off real fossil specimens and reveal the best spots across the state to go fossil hunting yourself.
Feeding Time at the Nature Center
Monday, October 13, 5:30 PM – Lowe-Volk Park
Curious what’s on the menu for snakes, turtles, and other animal ambassadors at the park? Join Lisa for a behind-the-scenes feeding session. You’ll help serve everything from veggies and fruit to bugs and mice, and maybe learn what your favorite animal craves most.
Little Explorers: Colors
Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 PM – Lowe-Volk Park
Designed for kids ages 0 to 5, this monthly interactive session combines early learning with outdoor exploration. This time, the focus is on colors — matching paint swatches to leaves, flowers, and other natural items while building fine motor and sensory skills.
Know Before You Go
Lowe-Volk Park is located at 2401 State Route 598 in Crestline, just north of Galion. It’s part of the Crawford Park District and offers trails, wildlife exhibits, and a welcoming Nature Center open to all ages.
More information on these and other fall events is available at crawfordpd.org.
