March 23, 2026, Press Release from the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District:
Here are some of the programs and events being offered by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District for the first part of the month of April!
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer the next WEEKLY WALKS on Wed., April 1 at 9:00 a.m., at HERMON WOODLANDS – WEST SHELTER (485 N. Wapak Rd. Elida, OH 45807).
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Hermon Woodlands. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather – rain, snow, or shine!
Meet at the West Shelter. Register by March 31 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
INVERTEBRATE INVESTIGATION
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer INVERTEBRATE INVESTIGATION Wed., April 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the LIMA PUBLIC LIBRARY (650 W. Market St., Lima OH 45801).
Make no bones about it – spineless critters that creep and crawl are super cool! Join a Naturalist to discover how animals are classified and explore invertebrate individuals up close.
Register by March 31 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
NATURE PALS: MEET REAL LIFE FROG AND TOAD!
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer NATURE PALS: MEET REAL LIFE FROG AND TOAD at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Dates and times available:
Thurs., April 2 1:00 p.m.
Fri., April 3 1:00 p.m.
The Frog and Toad series of books has captured the hearts for generations. Children ages 3-5 along with their adult companions are invited to read a story, do crafts together, and learn about the real animals that inspired these characters. Come dressed for a hike in the woods.
Register by April 1 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HOWL@ THE MOON: PINK MOON
On Thurs., April 2 at 8:00 p.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HOWL @ THE MOON: PINK MOON at KENDRICK WOOD – HICKORY SHELTER (971 N. Defiance Trail, Spencerville, OH. 45887).
Across time, people all over the world have utilized the moon to track the seasons. Giving each full moon a special name was one way to honor nature’s signs and traditions. Experience the outdoors under the light of the full moon and learn about the names and folklore associated with April’s full moon. Dress for the weather and prepare for trail conditions.
Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Register by April 1 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
WOODCARVING: SUN FACE
On Mon., April 6, at 6:30 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will host WOODCARVING: SUN FACE at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
With the help from the Lima Area Woodcarvers, this is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginner included! Registration is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register by April 5 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB
On Tues., April 7, at 10:00 a.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK – HORNUNG SHELTER (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH. 45801).
Come hit the trail with us and discover the wonders of nature! Homeschool Hiking Club invites families with children ages 6-10 on a monthly hike to connect with nature, engage with their community, and explore the forest ecosystem in each season. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine!
Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Register by April 6 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer the next WEEKLY WALKS on Wed., April 8 at 9:00 a.m., at HERMON WOODLANDS – WEST SHELTER (485 N. Wapak Rd. Elida, OH 45807).
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Hermon Woodlands. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather – rain, snow, or shine!
Meet at the West Shelter. Register by April 7 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
