ervice to the community is a significant part of Judy Jacomet’s life, and she consistently goes above and beyond to help wherever she can.

Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District has updated some space to better teach others about nature. The McElroy Environmental Education Center has been around since the 1980’s and has served many purposes for the park district.    But since they have recently built new office space, in the last six months they have been able to dedicate the MEEC to their educational programing.   Johnny Appleseed held an open house Sunday to show off the changes.  Thanks to Dot’s Pet Center, they have displays for their live animals, to help bring a little bit of the outdoors inside.  Plus, more space to show off some of their other educational exhibits.

A worm study presentation was presented to 2nd graders where they learned about living things and how they impact the environment, soil, and earth. Kids were able to go hands-on during the session, holding and making observations of the worms.

There may still be some snow on the ground, but there is Spring in the air in the Johnny Appleseed Parks. Some intrepid adventurers headed out…

Residents had the chance to take in the fall season on Saturday. Johnny Appleseed Parks are holding a Walking Thru Autumn Hiking Series throughout the month of October.

Friday was the grand opening of the new Haver Park on Bellefontaine Rd. in Lima. The hiking park features unique trails with rolling hills, wetlands, and prairies. The land for the park was acquired from a local family who wanted it to be preserved.