Darke County Parks
Preschool Picnic in the Park

It’s June, and to start the summer off right, the first annual Preschool Picnic was held.  Children who attend the monthly Parent and Preschool Adventures class were invited to stay after class this month for a picnic at Shawnee Prairie Preserve to celebrate the beginning of summer.  During class, we discovered what solution made the biggest and best bubbles.  We found a winner!  Everyone went home with a new bubble wand to use at home.  We then headed out for a hike to see how the woods had changed from last month.  On our way, we stopped and created sidewalk art of our favorite things in nature with chalk on the blacktop trail.  After our hike we cooled down with a story and then washed up for lunch.  We ate lunch in the shelter house and wrapped up this exciting day with a popsicle! 

Don’t miss out on the rest of the summer classes!  Join a Naturalist for a monthly, hour-long program designed to investigate nature through activities, games and exploring.  There are  programs for 2-3 year olds (held on Wednesdays) and a program for 4-5 year olds (held on Thursdays).  July’s topic is “Splish; Splash”  We will meet at Prairie Ridge Parking Lot (behind Maid-Rite) and wade in the creek!  July’s 2-3 year old dates are the 10th and the 24th and the 4-5 year old date is the 11th.  Each program runs from 10-11 am.  Parents must attend along with their preschooler.   Pre-registration is required and the cost is $2.00.  Also coming up in August we have a program on Beautiful Butterflies at Shawnee Prairie.  Call the Nature center for more information at 937.548.0165.  Hope to see you then!