December 22, 2025, 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 January!
HOWL@ THE MOON: WOLFMOON
On Sat., Jan. 3, at 6:30 p.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HOWL @ THE MOON: WOLFMOON at KENDRICK WOOD – HICKORY SHELTER (971 Defiance Trail, Spencerville, OH).
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 January’s full moon. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions.
Meet at the Hickory Shelter. Register by Jan. 1 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB
On Tues., Jan. 6, at 10:00 a.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK – HORNUNG SHELTER (2004 Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
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 Jan. 5 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., Jan. 7 at 9:00 a.m., at HERITAGE PARK – VETERANS SHELTER (2092 Reed Rd. Lima, OH).
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 Jan. 6 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
NATURE PALS: BOBCAT BONANZA
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer NATURE PALS: BOBCAT BONANZA at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Dates and times available:
Thurs., Jan. 8 1:00 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 9 1:00 p.m.
Children ages 3-5 along with their adult companion are invited to come celebrate Ohio’s only native wildcat: the bobcat! There will games, crafts, a story and a hike. Come dressed for a hike in the woods.
Register by Jan. 6 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
WINTER “WANDERLAND”
On Sat., Jan. 10 at 11:00 a.m., The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer WINTER “WANDERLAND”, at HERMON WOODLANDS – WEST SHELTER (485 N. Wapak Rd., Elida, OH).
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 be approximately 1 mile in length on easy to moderate terrain. Dress for the weather and prepare for winter trail conditions.
Meet at the West Shelter. Register by Jan. 9 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., Jan. 14 at 9:00 a.m., at HERITAGE PARK – VETERANS SHELTER (2092 Reed Rd. Lima, OH).
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 Jan. 13 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
