LIMA — The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District has announced additional programs planned during the month of September.
Walking through Autumn: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host its 18th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Haver Ridge, 8335 Bellefontaine Road, Harrod.
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.
The first hike of the series is Sept. 7 at Heritage Park, 2092 Reed Road, Lima. Interested persons may register online at www.jampd.com or call the office at 419-221-1232. Participants may register for remaining walks as late as Sept. 20.
Tree-torial: The metropolitan park district will offer an educational program about trees at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the McElroy Environmental Center, 2355 Ada Road, Lima.
A naturalist will help participants aged 7-10 and their families get “bark to basics” with a lesson about trees. Those in attendance will explore a variety of STEAM stations and will be able to expand their knowledge of trees.
Registration for youngsters and their parent or guardian is required by Sept. 13 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Observe the moon: The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will host International Observe the Moon Night beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Kendrick Woods, 971 N. Defiance Trail, Spencerville.
Participants will join with observers around the world to observe the moon, with members of the Lima Astronomical Society and a park naturalist on hand to present a program on the moon and lead family-friendly activities. Handouts will be available, and telescopes will be set up for observation. This event is weather and cloud cover dependent. Check The Lima Astronomical Society Facebook page for updates.
Register by Sept. 13 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Health through nature: The park district will offer a Health Thru Nature program from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Teddy Bear Park, 2004 Dixie Highway, Lima.
Participants are invited to come and connect with nature for an “accredited certified natural mindedness guide.” Aside from serene peace, this program can also offer stress and anxiety reduction, blood pressure reduction and a boost in concentration and memory.
Register by Sept. 12 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
Pedal the parks: The park district will host a Pedal the Parks event beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima. Participants should meet at the Wyandot shelter to join park staff to explore the trails on two wheels along the Rotary Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway through Lauer Historical Farm to Schoonover Park and back. The total distance traveled will be around seven miles. Participants should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Helmets are required.
Register by Sept. 17 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the office at 419-221-1232.
