January 6, 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 January!
NATURE 101: BIRDS IN WINTER
On Wed., Jan., 14 at 6:00 p.m., The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer NATURE 101: BIRDS IN WINTER at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Birds never need a bird feeder more than they do in the winter months! Join us at the McElroy Environmental Education Center to talk all things bird feeders in the winter. This one hour presentation is intended for an adult audience, but children are welcome to attend as well.
Register by Jan. 13 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
KIDS KRAFTS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer KID’S KRAFTS on Sat., Jan., 17 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 Jan. 16 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 Wed., Jan. 21 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. 20 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
WINTER “WANDERLAND”
On Sat., Jan. 24 at 11:00 a.m., The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer WINTER “WANDERLAND” at HAVER RIDGE (8335 Bellefontaine Rd., Harrod, 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. Reminder there are no restrooms at this park.
Register by Jan. 23 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HEALTH THROUGH NATURE
On Sun., Jan. 25 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 Jan. 23 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232. Once registered, meet at the Hornung Shelter on Jan. 25th.
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer the next WEEKLY WALKS Wed., Jan. 28 at 9:00a.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. 27 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
