July 15, 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 second half of July!
SUMMER DAY CAMP – ABC’S OF NATURE
Join THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT as Staff offer ABC’S OF NATURE as part of the METROPARK TRAILBLAZERS SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM for ages 5 & 6yr olds. This program will meet at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Session Dates/Times are: Thurs., July 24 & Fri., July 25 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’S of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle.
Registration along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19. Register online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
PRAIRIE FAIRIES
On Wed., July 23, at 3:30 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer PRAIRIE FAIRIES at MOTTER METRO PARK (10740 Columbus Grove - Bluffton, OH).
Come out to Motter Metro Park and help a Naturalist look for real like fairies of the prairie – Butterflies & Moths! Together we will learn about the importance of prairies, how to observe and handle butterflies, and how to appreciate the beauty of this ecosystem. Butterfly nets provided. Guests are invited to come wearing fairy wings or flower crowns for fun! Closed-toe shoes and socks are recommended.
Register by July 20, online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
SKY FISHING
On Fri., July 25 at 9:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer SKY FISHING at KENDRICK WOODS (971 N. Defiance Trail, Spencerville, OH).
Every last Friday from May to September, a Naturalist will set up equipment to go “sky fishing” – a way that scientists sample the insects flying through our night sky. From Luna moths to fireflies, each month should bring a suite of curious new insects as different species emerge at different times of year. Help us identify and record the insects we find or simply enjoy the show!
Register by July 22 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232. Once registered, the event starts at sunset each month and will meet at the Maple Shelter.
IMAGINATURE PLAYGROUP
On Tues., July 29 at 10:00 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer IMGINATURE PLAYGROUP at HERMON WOODLANDS METRO PARK (485 N. Wapak Rd., Elida, OH).
Come play with us at the Hermon Woodlands Imaginature Playscape! Join a Naturalist at the West Shelter for a mini program, then spend the rest of the time playing and exploring in the playscape and creek. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and extra shoes and/or clothes for the ride home!
Register by July 26 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232. Once registered, meet at the West Shelter on July 29 to sign in.
FEEDING DAY
On Thurs., July 31 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 a 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 July 30 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
