LIMA — The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host the following programs in September.
• Birding and beyond: The Tri-Moraine Audubon Society will host Birding Across America and Beyond beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the visitor center on the campus of Ohio State University-Lima, 4240 Campus Drive, Lima.
Jeremy Dominquez, birding outreach coordinator and ornithologist for the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, will discuss how the zoo and aquarium participate in worldwide bird conservation.
Registration is required by Sept. 3 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
• Nature Pals: The park district will kick off fall with a Nature Pals: Fishing Fun program at the McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2455 Ada Road, Lima. Dates and times include:
– Thursday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
– Friday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
– Saturday, Sept. 7, 10.m. or 1 p.m.
Children ages 3-5, along with an adult companion, are invited to try their luck at fishing. After an indoor class time, the young anglers will hike to the pond at McLean Teddy Bear Park.
Registration is required by Sept. 3 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
• Walking Through Autumn: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will kick off its 18th annual Walking Through Autumn hiking series at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Heritage Park, 2092 Reed Road, Lima.
Each week participants will gather for a guided hike to explore some of the more than 30 miles of park district trails. Upon completion of six of the eight hikes participants will receive a 2024 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made walking sticks are available for $10 and will be available for purchase at each hike.
All hikes begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours on easy to moderate terrain. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232. While the first hike is Sept. 7, participants may register as late as Sept. 20 for the final six hikes. Registration and walk-ins after that date will not be eligible for the medallion.
• Jogging with Johnny: A run through Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, Sept, 9. Participants should meet at the Wyandot Shelter to join a naturalist for a warm-up walk and a few laps around the park. All ages and abilities are welcome in their fitness journey.
Register by Sept. 8 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
• Monthly Mothing: Join a park district naturalist at 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, at the McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2455 Ada Road, Lima, for the monthly program on moths that inhabit McLean Teddy Bear Park.
Register by Sept. 8 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
