LIMA — The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District has announced programs planned during the month of October and early November.
Walking through Autumn: The district will host its 18th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Highway, Lima. Another session is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Hermon Woodlands, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima.
Each week participants will gather for a guided hike to explore some of the 30+ miles of park district trails. Upon completing six of the eight hikes, participants will receive a 2024 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion.
All hikes start at 9 a.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours on easy to moderate terrain. Haver Ridge does not have restroom facilities.
Rock On: The park district will offer a program for elementary-age children and their families to discover how rocks and minerals are formed. The session will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Road, Lima.
Participants will examine various rock formations up close and experience interactive geology stations. Children ages 7-10 are eligible and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register by Oct. 18 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Jogging with Johnny: A jog with a naturalist will begin at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at Heritage Park, 2092 Reed Road, Lima. Participants should meet at the Veterans Shelter to sign in for a warm-up walk and a few laps around the park. All ages and abilities are welcome and are urged to dress for the weather. The event will be held rain or shine.
Register by Oct. 20 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Another jogging session will be held beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, at Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima. Participants should meet at the Wyandot Shelter to register. Registration is required by Nov. 3 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Nature Photography contest: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District is holding its 47th annual Nature Photography Contest. Photos will be submitted online. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. Official rules and additional information are available at the park district’s website at www.jampd.com. Click on the “Nature Photo Contest” tab at the top of the page.
For more information call the park office at 419-221-1232.
Feeding Day: Join naturalists from the park district and Critter Care volunteers as they feed educational animals used for nature presentations and programs. The event will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, at the McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Road, Lima.
Register by Oct. 20 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Nature’s Night Lights: The park district will host a program at dusk on the evening of Friday, Nov. 1 at Haver Ridge, 8335 Bellefontaine Road, Harrod. Participants can join a naturalist-led hike and view creatures under ultraviolet light, ranging from flying squirrels to millipedes.
Register by Oct. 30 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
