February 12, 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 month of February!
KIDS KRAFTS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer KID’S KRAFTS on Sat., Feb. 21 at 10:00 a.m., at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Does your child love crafting? We love it too! Bring your young crafter every third Saturday to our McElroy Environmental Education Center for an hour of nature craft time. Registration is limited to ages 7 and up. General crafting supplies for the activity will be provided, but if you have any special crafting items you to like to use, feel free to bring them along!
Register by Feb. 20 online at www.jampd.com , or by calling 419-221-1232.
WINTER “WANDERLAND”
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer WINTER “WANDERLAND” on Sat., Feb. 21 at 11:00 a.m., at KENDRICK WOODS – HICKORY SHELTER (971 N. Defiance Tr., Spencerville, OH 45887).
Winter is the perfect time to wander the trails and reflect on the serenity of the season. This interpretive hike for adults and families will approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions.
Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Register by Feb. 20 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HEALTH THROUGH NATURE
On Sun., Feb. 22 at 2 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HEALTH THROUGH NATURE at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense of unease and anxiety. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a Certified Natural Mindfulness Guide on a Sunday afternoon this winter to reap the health benefits of being in nature.
Register by Feb. 20 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232. Once registered, meet at the Hornung Shelter on Feb 22.
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer the next WEEKLY WALKS on Wed., Feb. 25th at 9:00 a.m., at HERITAGE PARK VETERANS SHELTER (2092 Reed Rd. Lima, OH 45804).
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Heritage Park. 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 Veterans Shelter. Register by Feb. 24 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
FEEDING DAY
On Thurs., Feb. 26 at 4:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will host FEEDING DAY at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
The Park District maintains several education animals in the McElroy Environmental Education Center, using them throughout the year for nature presentations and programs. Join the Critter Care Volunteers to watch (or help!) them clean and feed all our animals at 4 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month!
Register by Feb. 25 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
OWL PROWL
On Sat., Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will host OWL PROWL at the MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Get ready to embark on a nighttime adventure to look for these elusive birds of prey. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions by wearing sturdy or mud-resistant footwear.
Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Register by Feb. 26 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
