April 27, 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 start of May!
NATURE DIY: BEST NESTS
On Sat., May 2, from 11:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m., The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will offer NATURE DIY: BEST NESTS at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER at (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Let’s give our feathered friends a helping hand this spring! We’ll learn how birds build and use nests during a brief presentation, the craft handmade nesting balls for our backyard birds. All ages and skill levels are welcomed! Register by May 1, online at www.jampd.com, or by calling 419-221-1232.
AN OCEAN OF BLUE WILDFLOWERS
On Sun., May 3, from 2:00 p.m.– 3:30 p.m., The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will offer AN OCEAN OF BLUE WILDFLOWERS at HAVER RIDGE METRO PARK (8335 Bellefontaine Rd., Harrod, OH 45850).
Imagine being in the forest surrounded by beautiful blue wild flowers – what would it look like, smell like, and feel like! You can find out! Experience this hidden gem of Allen County as we hike to find the wild hyacinth grove of Haver Ridge. Wear sturdy/mud resistant footwear.
Reminder there are no bathrooms at Haver Ridge. Register by May 1, online at www.jampd.com, or by calling 419-221-1232.
WOODCARVING: MINATURE CHRISTMAS TREE
On Mon., May 4, at 6:30 p.m., THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will host WOODCARVING: MINATURE CHRISTMAS TREE at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
With the help from the Lima Area Woodcarvers, this is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginner included! Registration is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register by May 3 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB
On Tues., May 5, at 10:00 a.m. The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer HOMESCHOOL HIKING CLUB and meet at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., 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!
Note location is at McElroy Environmental Education Center. Register by May 4 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., May 6 at 9:00 a.m., at HERMON WOODLANDS – WEST SHELTER (485 Wapak Rd. Elida, OH 45807).
Enjoy the quiet winter mornings while we get in our steps! Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Hermon Woodlands. 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 West Shelter. Register by May 5 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232.
NATURE PALS: BEAUTIFUL BOX TURTLES
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer NATURE PALS: BEAUTIFUL BOX TURTLES at the MCELROY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (2355 Ada Rd., Lima, OH).
Dates and times available:
Thurs., May 7 10:00 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m.
Children ages 3-5 along with their adult companion are invited to come learn about these terrific turtles! Come dressed for a hike in the woods.
Register by May 6 online at www.jampd.com or by calling 419-221-1232
HOMESCHOOL FIELD TRIP: GIVIN’ A LIVIN’
The JOHNNY APPLESEED METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT will offer a HOMESCHOOL FIELD TRIP: GIVIN’ A LIVIN’ on Wed., May 13 at 9:30 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. at MCLEAN TEDDY BEAR PARK - HORNUNG SHELTER (2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH).
Join us for this nature-based program focused on the characteristics of living things! Children ages 4-6 and their families will learn from curriculum based activities that people, plants, and animals are all living things and share important features.
Registration is required. Please register all family members who will be attending. Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Register by May 6 online at www.jampd.com of call the office at 419-221-1232.
