The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District launched its summer camp season with the two-day "Color Crazy" program at the McElroy Environmental Center. Young campers are exploring colors in nature through hikes, crafts, games and lessons about animal coloration and camouflage.
The Ottawa River Coalition will host its annual Good Friday fish fry on April 3, expecting another strong turnout after last year’s sellout event. Proceeds will support river cleanup, education and scholarship efforts.
Despite rainy weather, children participated in the Johnny Appleseed Park District’s Nature Pals program, exploring nature through a five senses scavenger hunt.
The free program for children ages 3 to 5 continues April 2 with a session featuring a live frog and toad.
Some may see them as just a part of nature, or even as something beautiful. But many birds, plants and insects are invasive species that can cause more harm than good.
Wondering where to take the kids during this dreadful winter? Consider visiting an environmental center. Located at johnny Appleseed Park, the McElroy environmental education center houses many types of educational animals for kids to feed, pet, and learn about.
Area children are getting the opportunity to celebrate Ohio’s only wild feline. As part of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s monthly Nature Pals program, children ages 3 to 5 participated in “Bobcat Bonanza.”
The 2025 Allen Lima Leadership class explored the Ottawa River and learned about Allen County’s agricultural industry as part of its ongoing educational field trips.
Five- and six-year-olds are spending the week exploring the hidden ABCs of nature.
“Wetlands act like sponges, especially areas like vernal pools,” said Cadence Richard, a seasonal naturalist with JAMPD. “If you think of swamps and other very boggy type areas, the mud and soil within those areas can help trap pollution and stop it in its tracks before it continues on down to whatever river or stream they might feed into.”
The Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District getting local kids familiar with some eight-legged friends Wednesday.