Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center is offering a variety of exciting programs throughout the first two weeks of February, inviting visitors of all ages to explore nature, engage in hands-on activities, and learn about the region’s wildlife. Whether you’re hiking through a winter wonderland, encountering fascinating arthropods, or learning about rock tumbling, there’s something for everyone.
Discover Lowe-Volk Park
📍 Location: 2401 SR 598, Leesville, OH
🌳 About the Park:
Lowe-Volk Park spans 38 acres and is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including wooded riparian corridors, mixed deciduous/coniferous forests, wetlands, and old field habitats. Situated on the southern edge of Leesville and four miles north of Galion, the park features two miles of trails, a floating fishing dock, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk trail. Notably, the Sandusky River begins its 130-mile journey to Sandusky Bay within the park, making it an essential natural landmark. As the hub of Crawford Park District activities, the park hosts school field trips, guided hikes, and public nature programs year-round.
February Programs at Lowe-Volk Park
Snowflake Hike – A Winter Poetry Walk
📅 Saturday, February 1 – Friday, February 28
⏰ All Day
❄️ Take a self-guided hike through Lowe-Volk Park while searching for laminated snowflakes along the trail. Each snowflake features a line of a poem, creating a unique, immersive literary experience in the winter landscape. If you complete the hike during office hours, stop by the Nature Center’s front desk to claim a prize!
Little Explorers: Evergreens – Nature Discovery for Young Children
📅 Tuesday, February 4
⏰ 5:00 PM
🌲 This interactive program for children ages 0-5 focuses on sensory exploration and fine motor skills. This month’s theme is evergreens and their cones, introducing little explorers to the unique features of these trees.
Face to Face: Arthropods – Meet the Creepy Crawlers
📅 Wednesday, February 5
⏰ 5:00 PM
🐜 Arthropods are among the most abundant and diverse creatures on Earth. Visitors will have the chance to see, touch, or even hold live specimens, including isopods, a tarantula, and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. A perfect event for curious minds!
Homeschool in Nature: Trail Camera Viewing
📅 Thursday, February 6
⏰ 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
📸 Homeschool students (ages 5-12) will retrieve trail cameras that were placed in the park last month and review the footage to see what wildlife was captured. This hands-on experience teaches children about tracking, observation, and the importance of wildlife monitoring. Registration is required – call 419-683-9000 to sign up.
Rock Tumbling – Transforming Stones into Gems
📅 Saturday, February 8
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💎 Have you ever wondered how stones become smooth and polished? This interactive class will introduce participants to rock tumbling equipment, techniques, and the process of transforming raw stones into polished gems. A special focus will be on Ohio’s official state gemstone, flint. Handouts and a multimedia lesson are included.
Feeding Day – Help Care for Nature Center Animals
📅 Monday, February 10
⏰ 5:00 PM
🐢 Join Lisa in feeding the Nature Center’s resident animals! Help prepare food for box turtles, dangle worms for aquatic turtles, and even feed a mouse to a snake. A great way to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures!
Owl Prowl – A Nighttime Valentine’s Adventure
📅 Wednesday, February 12
⏰ 6:00 PM
🦉 With Valentine’s Day approaching, Barred Owls are beginning their courtship season. Join Naturalist Donald for a nighttime hike through the woods, listening for owl calls and learning about their behaviors. Flashlights are recommended!
Love Bugs – The Wild World of Insect Romance
📅 Saturday, February 15
⏰ 2:00 PM
🦋 Just as humans exchange flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day, butterflies present gifts to their mates. Naturalist Donald will delve into the fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, world of insect and spider mating behaviors. This program is recommended for adults and older audiences.
Plan Your Visit to Lowe-Volk Park
Lowe-Volk Park is a natural retreat for all seasons, offering educational programs, scenic trails, and opportunities to explore diverse wildlife habitats. Whether you’re joining a guided hike, helping with animal feedings, or simply enjoying the trails, February is the perfect time to connect with nature.
📌 For more information or to register for a program, contact the Crawford Park District at 📞 419-683-9000.