July 17, 2026, Press Release from the Johnny Appleseed Park District:
Here are some of the programs and events being offered by the Johnny Appleseed Park District for the month of July!
HOWL@ THE MOON: BUCK MOON
On Wed., July 29 at 9:00 p.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT will offer HOWL @ THE MOON: STRAWBERRY MOON at BEILS BUCK RUN NATURE AREA (2380 S. Sunderland Rd., Lima OH. 45806).
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 July’s full moon.
Register by July 27 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the Park office at 419-221-1232.
BEGINNING ARCHERY
On Wed., July 29, THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer 2 Sessions of BEGINNING ARCHERY at the ALLEN COUNTY FARM PARK (1582 Slabtown Rd., Lima, OH). Session 1 will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. & Session 2 will be from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy the great outdoors while learning a new skill! Participants ages 9- Adult are invited to join us on the range to explore this unique recreational sport and appreciate the role of archery in wildlife management. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique and important safety considerations. All materials will be provided by the Park District.
Participants must use the equipment provided. Wear closed toe-shoes and secure long hair.
Please register for ONLY ONE EVENING SESSION. Register by July 27 online at www.jamp.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
FEEDING DAY
On Thurs., July 30 at 4:00 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED 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 July 28 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the Park office at 419-221-1232.
WEEKLY WALKS
The JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT will offer a WEEKLY WALKS on Thurs., July 30 at 9:00 a.m., OTTAWA METRO PARK (2632 Ada Rd., OH ).
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Ottawa Metro 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 or shine!
Register by July 29 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the Park office at 419-221-1232.
KAYAKING 101
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT is offering KAYAKING 101 at OTTAWA METRO PARK – LIMA LAKE (2632 Ada Rd., Lima, OH) for ages 18 and older. Program dates and times are Fri., July 31 at 9am OR 10:30am.
Join us on the water at Lima Lake and learn the basics of kayaking! In our program, participants will learn from certified instructors how to safely and effectively launch and paddle a kayak. Instruction will be provided on parts of boat, proper safety gear and how to get out on the water. No prior experience is required.
Limited space is provided. Pre-registration is required and will close 2 days prior to the program on. Register by online at www.jampd.com or contacting the Park office at 419-221-1232.
HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB
On Tues., Aug. 4, at 10:00 a.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED PARK DISTRICT will offer HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB and meet at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK – HORNUNG SHELTER (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
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! Register by Aug. 2 online at www.jampd.com or by calling the park office at 419-221-1232.
