Elida Middle School students unearthed the facts about invasive species here at home. The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District talked to all Elida seventh graders about various animal, plant, and fungus invasive species in Allen County. Students even got the chance to examine two different turtles. One was the native painted turtle, and the other was the invasive red-eared slider turtle. This real-life example is to show students that invasive species are already in their background.

Area preschoolers talked turtles Thursday at the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. The youngsters and their families explored several different stations about turtles all with hands-on activities. The park district offers programs all year round for children, families, and adults. Thursday's "Terrific Turtles" program introduced the kids to turtles and their habitats. As with all the park districts programs, it's a chance to educate people about the environment.