ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District kicked off the new year with its first Nature Pals program of 2025.

JAMPD's first Nature Pals program of 2025 investigates local wildlife through "Tricky Tracks"

Thursday's lesson was "Tricky Tracks," teaching kids all about the wildlife in our area and what kind of tracks they leave behind.

Thursday's lesson was "Tricky Tracks," teaching kids all about the wildlife in our area and what kind of tracks they leave behind. Children ages 3 to 5 came out and played with sensory-style activities to make their own tracks, followed by a short hike outside to learn what each animal's distinct type of track looks like.

Park officials say the kids can take away what the tracks look like so they can become more in touch with nature and keep an eye out for the wildlife we need to protect.

JAMPD's first Nature Pals program of 2025 investigates local wildlife through "Tricky Tracks"

Park officials say the kids can take away what the tracks look like so they can become more in touch with nature.

"We're looking for some of the common Ohio tracks, so we're gonna be looking for deer tracks, for fox tracks, squirrel tracks, and bird tracks of all sizes. It's important to connect with nature and to learn what animals we have here so that they can learn what animals we should protect," commented Marie Walton, a naturalist at Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.

JAMPD's first Nature Pals program of 2025 investigates local wildlife through "Tricky Tracks"

The Nature Pals program is held the first Thursday through Saturday of each month with classes at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Nature Pals program is held the first Thursday through Saturday of each month with classes at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Parks District's next event will be their winter party on January 15, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information you can visit their website www.jampd.com.

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