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Early Morning
Discovery Hike Report
Darke County Parks Hike Events...
We finally had a hike without rain!
As we enjoyed that glowing ball of energy called the sun, we spotted
several varieties of birds and wildflowers along the trails of Shawnee
Prairie. Some of the creek-side trails are still slightly
flooded, so we skipped those and headed into the woods instead.
As we walked along, we were serenaded by the flute-like melody of the
Wood Thrush, the bubbly song of the House Wren and the
“whichy-wichy-whichy” of the Common Yellowthroat. The Wild
Hyacinths are beginning to bloom along the trails as well as the May
Apples and the Wild Geraniums. Things are busy out there!
Speaking of busy, we spotted a Cooper’s Hawk snapping small twigs off a
branch high above our heads and as we watched, it then flew a short
distance to its nest and placed the twigs into position, adding to the
pile. This makes the second Cooper’s Hawk nest that has been
found within this park!
Check out our Early Morning Discovery Hikes each Tuesday morning at 8am
held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve.
Program Reminders:
Butterfly Monitoring
Fridays @ 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Join a Darke County Parks’ Naturalist each and every Friday as we hike
a pre-set trail and record the butterfly species we encounter.
Some will be netted for up close views and field guides will be
provided. Please note: These hikes will not take place in
weather under 60° and on exceptionally windy days. Call the
Nature Center with questions.
Wildflowers at Routzong
Saturday, May 14: 2pm / Routzong Preserve
Join us as we take a stroll through this magical forest full of
Dutchman’s Breeches, Trilliums, Bluebells and more! Meet at
Routzong and dress for muddy trails.
Intro to Kayaking
Saturday, May 21: 2pm / Shawnee Prairie Preserve
Pre-registration Required / Fee: $5
Join us for an Intro to Kayaking as we teach you the basic paddling
strokes of a kayak and play a few games while we’re at it! This
is the perfect way to try out kayaking and see if it’s for you.
This is also a wonderful way to get your paddling muscles ready for the
upcoming summer floats! Call today (ages 14 and up please).
Summer Day Camps!
Ages 6-15
Hey Kids! Check out our upcoming summer camps and find out how
you can spend a week at Darke County Parks! For more info, go to
http://www.darkecountyparks.org/programs.php and look under “children’s
programs”.
See you on the Trails!
Robb & DCP Staff:
Read it at Darke County Parks
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