The Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center has announced its schedule for the upcoming holidays and winter season, along with a variety of family-friendly events to close out December.
The Center is located a few miles north of Galion on State Route 598 (Portland Way North).
Holiday Closures and Winter Hours
The Nature Center will be closed on the following days:
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve
- January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day
Regular winter hours will resume January 2, 2025, with the following schedule:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Closed on Sundays through the winter months.
December Events at Lowe-Volk Park
Pinecone Trees
📅 Thursday, December 19 at 5:30 PM
🪴 Location: Lowe-Volk Park
Create a festive pinecone Christmas tree decoration with Ms. Joy. Using natural elements like pinecones and terra-cotta pots, along with colorful paint, sequins, and pompoms, participants can add a bit of nature to their holiday decor.
Movie in the Park
📅 Friday, December 20 at 6:00 PM
🍿 Location: Lowe-Volk Park
Put on your pajamas, grab a blanket, and head to the Nature Center for a cozy holiday movie night. Attendees will enjoy popcorn, hot chocolate, and themed snacks, along with family-friendly activities to accompany the movie.
Viewing the Night Sky
📅 Saturday, December 28 at 7:00 PM
🔭 Location: Lowe-Volk Park
Join the Crawford Park Astronomy Club for a winter evening of stargazing. Telescopes will be available, and club members will guide participants through incredible celestial sights, including:
- Saturn – View its thinnest rings and moons like Titan.
- Jupiter – See its iconic cloud bands and four largest moons.
- Orion Nebula (M42) – A stellar nursery just 1,500 light-years away.
- Crab Nebula (M1) – A supernova remnant from 1054 AD.
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31) – Our nearest galactic neighbor, featuring two satellite galaxies.
- North Star (Polaris) – A key navigation star, part of Ursa Minor.
It’s a perfect opportunity for stargazers of all ages to learn and observe the wonders of the night sky.
Feeding Day
📅 Monday, December 30 at 2:00 PM
🍃 Location: Lowe-Volk Park
What’s on the menu for the Nature Center’s wildlife ambassadors? Join Lisa to help feed the animals and learn about their diets, which could include leafy greens, fruits, bugs, worms, or even mice. It’s an interactive and educational event for nature enthusiasts.
Source: Crawford Park District; Image by 🌸♡💙♡🌸 Julita 🌸♡💙♡🌸 from Pixabay
