Lowe-Volk Park and Nature Center, the centerpiece of the Crawford Park District, has a full slate of activities taking place through the end of March. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Lowe-Volk Park is located at 2401 State Route 598, just four miles north of Galion (take Portland Way North to the north). For more information on any of these events, contact the Park District at 419.683.9000.
Artifact Expo – Saturday, March 11 10am-2pm Lowe-Volk Park
If you are into prehistoric artifacts, this event is for you! Come and see what other local collectors have found in the fields of Crawford County, as well as other areas. Come view their displays and have your questions about unidentified items answered. There will also be raffle items, and all kids will get their own piece of flint to take home. Drag out that old cigar box and show off your artifacts!
Feeding Day – Sunday, March 12 1pm Lowe-Volk Park
The animals that reside in the Nature Center get a variety of food. Some prefer worms or mice, while others gobble up leafy greens and vegetables. Stop by to help Lisa feed some of our animal ambassadors.
Book Club – Wednesday, March 15 6pm Lowe-Volk Park
Puppet Pals: Stream Life – Thursday, March 16 6pm and Friday, March 17 11am & 2pm Lowe-Volk Park
Our Puppet Pals are exploring a stream! Join them on their adventure, where a Raccoon, White-tail Deer, Hellbender, and more discover the life of a stream. Puppet show will include a kid’s activity. For kids ages 3-7 and their parents.
Gardening for Moths: Meet the Author – Saturday, March 18 10am Lowe-Volk Park
Why would anyone want to garden for moths!? Join CPD Naturalist Chelsea Gottfried on an incredible photographic journey examining the beauty of our moths and exploring the integral roles they play in ecosystems. Her newly released book, Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide, coauthored with Jim McCormac, will be available for purchase. Chelsea will also highlight the most attractive and uncommon moths that have been discovered in your CPD parks, some of which are featured in this book!
Face to Face: Salamanders – Saturday, March 18 2pm Lowe-Volk Park
Join Naturalist Chelsea to learn about and meet the salamanders of the Nature Center face to face! There will be opportunities to touch and/or hold Spotted Salamanders, Eastern Tiger Salamanders, Unisexual Ambystoma Salamanders, and an endangered Eastern Hellbender.
Looking at Nature’s Micro World – Saturday, March 25 10am Lowe-Volk Park
You have seen feathers, sand, and butterflies, but have you ever viewed them under a microscope? The fine details are AMAZING! Come and explore the small things in nature by learning how to use a variety of magnifying lenses, microscopes, stereo microscopes, digital microscopes, binoculars, and even a camera to make the small things in nature appear large and close-up. You will have hands-on opportunities to use the magnifiers to explore the small things in our natural world. This class is especially designed for ages 5-12. Call the Park District at 419-683-9000 to register, but walk-ins are welcome.
Planetarium – Saturday, March 25 8pm Lowe-Volk Park
Step inside Wynford’s portable planetarium right here at the Lowe-Volk Nature Center. You’ll be able to experience the night sky in a whole new way. Constellations, planets, stars, or the moon are some of the sights to see. Afterwards head outside to view the night sky in real time through a telescope. Call the Park District at 419-683-9000 to register.
Viewing the Night Sky – Saturday, March 25 8pm Lowe-Volk Park
Eagle Watch – Sunday, March 26 2pm Lowe-Volk Park – What a comeback! Once driven to the brink of extinction, Bald Eagles are the epitome of wildlife recovery. Join Josh for this informative program that will examine the history of our National Symbol and its current status in Ohio. After the presentation, we will caravan to some of the active nests in Crawford County. Fun for the whole family.
Image by Anil sharma from Pixabay