LIMA — The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District announced its open programs for July.
• ‘Jogging With Johnny’: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will offer a “Jogging With Johnny” run from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, July 22, at the Heritage Park Veteran’s Shelter, 2092 Reed Road, Lima.
Participants will join a naturalist for a warm-up walk and a few laps around the Heritage Park. All ages and abilities are welcome and may choose a pace that is comfortable for them. Register is required by July 22, online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
• Nature detectives day camp: A day camp for youngsters aged 5-6 will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 25-26. The camp is hosted by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District and will be held at the Wheeler shelter at McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 Dixie Highway, Lima.
Campers will examine the land, air and water and use all their senses to find clues that nature provides every day. A short hike will also take place. Participants should bring a sack lunch and a water bottle.
The cost of the camp is $10. Register is required by July 19, online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
• Beginning archery: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host a beginners archery program from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at the Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima.
Participants ages 9 through adult can sign up for the session. Certified archery staff will be on hand to assist beginning archers on the fundamentals of the sport. Mathew Genesis bows and all other supplies will be provided by the Park District and must be used by participants. A maximum of 20 archers will be accepted.
Those attending are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, remove dangling earrings and a tie back long hair.
Register by July 22 online at www.jampd.com, or call 419-221-1232.
• Feeding time:Area residents are invited to help employees of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District help feed the animals used by park officials during a session set for 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Road, Lima.
Participants can join the Critter Care volunteers to help or watch them clean and feed all the animals at 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month.
• Summer stroll:The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host a summer stroll starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 Dixie Highway, Lima.
The public is invited to come enjoy a mid-summer mix of habitats at the park. Participants will amble through successional habitat, stop to enjoy the pond, stroll through the prairie to visit the flowers and walk through the cool shade of the woods.
Attendees should dress for the weather and ground conditions and be prepared for 1.5 mile hike on easy to moderate terrain.
Register by July 26 online at www.jampd.com or call 419-221-1232.
• Imaginature Playgroup: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host an Imaginature Playgroup during sessions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at the west shelterhouse at Hermon Woodlands, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima.
Participants will join a naturalist at the for a mini program, then spend the rest of the time playing and exploring in the playscape and creek. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and extra shoes and/or clothes for the ride home!
Register by July 29, online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
