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    Outdoor Recreation

    Mambourg Nature Center Open

    March 30, 2023
    Visit the corn snake, black rat snake, and other animals in residence at Mambourg Nature Center. Relax in the nature observation area to watch birds and small animals at the feeders or see what creatures may visit the pond for water. Will it be a family of deer, a skunk or raccoon, ducks or geese, or even a bobcat? Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet to take out on the trails. Bring back the completed sheet to get a prize!

    Toadschool - Wahkeena's Forest School

    March 30, 2023
    In this school, the classroom walls are removed and Nature is the teacher. Who knows what you will find! Focusing on outdoor, investigative learning, the class will be out exploring rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the class will be canceled. Recommended for ages 8-12. Parents may choose to drop off children at the nature center or remain with the group. Reservations are required. To make your reservation, send an email to nsteele@fairfieldcountyparks.org or call/text 740-400-2631.

    April Fools' Day Hike

    April 1, 2023
    Visit Clear Creek Metro Park on April 1st to bust nature's myths and share your best April Fools' Day jokes on this 4-mile backcountry hike. Join for fun, humor and hiking. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster. 

    Punch + Pour Fitness Class

    April 1, 2023
    Join Double Edge Brewing Co. for its first Punch + Pour with Stephanie Warner! Tickets are $15 on Eventbrite and include a drink after class! Put a little intensity into your day with this no-contact, high-energy, total body workout! With no equipment needed, Stephanie will lead you through an MMA style cardio HIIT class for all fitness levels. Weather permitting, this class will be held outside.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 1, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    NEATure Craft: Butterfly Life Cycle at Smeck Park

    April 1, 2023
    What happens when you throw a stick of butter out the window? Butterflies! Learn about metamorphosis and make a simple craft to take home with you. Use a net to go out on your own to try to catch butterflies or other insects, then identify what you caught. This is a free, family-friendly event.

    Spring Discovery Hike

    April 5, 2023
    Search for wildflowers and other signs of spring on this 4-mile backcountry hike. Terrain at Clear Creek Metro Park is steep and rugged, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Park Office, 185 Clear Creek Road in Lancaster.

    Toadschool - Wahkeena's Forest School

    April 6, 2023
    In this school, the classroom walls are removed and Nature is the teacher. Who knows what you will find! Focusing on outdoor, investigative learning, the class will be out exploring rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the class will be canceled. Recommended for ages 8-12. Parents may choose to drop off children at the nature center or remain with the group. Reservations are required. To make your reservation, send an email to nsteele@fairfieldcountyparks.org or call/text 740-400-2631.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 7, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 8, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Easter Egg Hunt at Rising Park

    April 8, 2023
    Join the Lancaster Masonic Lodge on Saturday, April 8 for an Easter egg hunt at Rising Park! The event begins at 10 a.m., with the egg hunt beginning shortly after at 10:30 a.m. The egg hunt is open to children up to 15 years of age. 

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 15, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Marvelous Macros

    April 15, 2023
    Do you believe in aliens? After reading a short story, explore some very strange-looking water bugs and creatures called macroinvertebrates. This is a family-friendly program best suited for families with children ages 10 or younger (the book is rated for ages 5-7 years), but all ages are welcome!

    Monthly Nature Hike

    April 16, 2023
    Join the adventure in 2023 by hiking in Lancaster's parks! Lancaster Parks & Recreation outdoor education staff will be leading monthly nature hikes in various parks. Each hike is moderate paced involving 2+ miles on uneven terrain. Special prizes will be given out to those participating in the most hikes throughout the year. Registration is not mandatory, but will allow the staff to email updates on the hikes directly to you.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 21, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Wildflower Walk at Coyote Run

    April 21, 2023
    Early Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy Ohio ephemeral wildflowers! After a brief introduction in The Tabernacle, set out for an enjoyable hike in search of blooming wildflowers. There will be frequent stops to examine our finds. This hike will be off trail; wear good hiking shoes. This program is limited to 15 participants. Send an email including the names of those who wish to attend to education@fairfieldcountyparks.org.

    Earth Day Hike

    April 22, 2023
    Help staff and volunteers remove invasive garlic mustard during a 4-mile backcountry hike. Helpful invasive species information will be shared as well as identification techniques and ways you can help make a difference in preventing the spread. Terrain at Clear Creek Metro Park is steep and rugged, be prepared for elevation gain. Bring work gloves, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot, 23833 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 22, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    ExploreFCPD GeoTrail 2023 Kick-Off

    April 22, 2023
    Fairfield County Park District’s very first official “ExploreFCPD GeoTrail 2023,“ is a fun and sometimes challenging activity! Join the Fairfield County Park District for the kick-off event. There will be an introduction to geocaching for those who are new to the sport! Experienced cachers will have the opportunity to ask questions. Details about the geotrail – the number of caches, how to find the bonus cache, what will be awarded to those who complete the challenge – will all be explained. Learn about the park district and its many locations, plus FCPD’s Park Rules & Regulations.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 23, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    'George' the Locktender at Lockville Canal Park

    April 23, 2023
    ‘My brother Dave and I came to Lockville in the spring of 1866. It was an exciting town with over 300 people and plenty of jobs,’ says George. Interpretive historian, Jack Campbell, will be in character as George Benadum. Listen to his stories of life as a locktender for the Ohio & Erie Canal in the mid- to late-1800s.

    Fern Gully Hike

    April 25, 2023
    Take a 4-mile backcountry hike to Fern Gully. Terrain at Clear Creek Metro Park is steep and rugged, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot, 23833 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

    Wildflower Wander at Smeck Park

    April 28, 2023
    Do you smell that? Spring is in the air. Flowers are popping up everywhere! After a brief discussion about the science of spring ephemerals, we will depart for a two-mile walk through the park. There will be frequent stops to search for and identify wildflowers along the trail.

    Using My Senses at Sensory Trail Park

    April 29, 2023
    Get the little ones out to play and practice using their senses! Join an Education Specialist for an interactive walk and activities along Sensory Trail. Take a big breath and smell the spring air or blooming wildflowers. Hear birds singing and the music you can make on outdoor musical instruments. See the patterns in flowers or ripples in the water. Touch the rough bark of trees or find smooth surfaces. Taste yummy snacks in the picnic shelter while coloring pictures. This is a free, family-friendly event best suited for children aged 10 and younger.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    April 29, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    May 5, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Nature’s Little Decomposers at Smeck Park

    May 6, 2023
    Logs are disappearing from the woods and your help is needed to solve the case! Meet with an Education Specialist to begin the investigation, then set off into the woods to look for clues. The trail is uneven so wear good walking or hiking shoes. This is a free, family-friendly program. All ages are welcome. The topic of decomposition is usually taught in the fourth or fifth grade.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    May 6, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Photo Scavenger Hunt at Alley Park

    May 7, 2023
    Visit Charles Alley Memorial Park on Sunday, May 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a photo scavenger hunt! Remember to bring a cellphone or camera to take pictures of the things on your scavenger hunt list-- you may win a prize! This is a free event; when you arrive, go to the lower level of the Nature Center to begin the scavenger hunt.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    May 13, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    May 19, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Mambourg Night Hike

    May 19, 2023
    Let’s be nocturnal! After a brief introduction inside, we set out for a hike through the woods at night! There will be frequent stops for activities and interpretation by an Education Specialist.

    Lancaster Festival Golf Outing

    May 19, 2023
    Join the Lancaster Festival for a golf outing! Save the date for the Lancaster Festival Golf Outing on Friday, May 19 at Valley View Golf Club! Gather your friends for a day of golf, fun and support of the Lancaster Festival! Not a golfer? This is still a great opportunity to support the Festival and get your business name out there! To receive a sign-up form, email info@lancasterfestival.org. 

    Goat Yoga at Hidden Acres Legacy Farm

    May 20, 2023
    During the event, baby goats will join you as are led in your yoga practice by certified yoga instructors. You are encouraged to interact with the goats, bond with nature, and enjoy a time a restoration on the farm.

    Ki’Wanna Go for a Run: 3rd Annual Kiwanis 5K & 10K

    May 20, 2023
    Ki’Wanna Go for a Run will start and end at the largest all-abilities, multigeneration playground in the state of Ohio, Hunter Park. Kiwanis Club of Lancaster will offer a 5K walk, run, roll or a 10K run. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis community service programs benefiting children in Fairfield County. The race will start at 9:00 a.m. Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. To guarantee a t-shirt, you must register by April 30, 2023.

    Monthly Nature Hike

    May 21, 2023
    Join the adventure in 2023 by hiking in Lancaster's parks! Lancaster Parks & Recreation outdoor education staff will be leading monthly nature hikes in various parks. Each hike is moderate paced involving 2+ miles on uneven terrain. Special prizes will be given out to those participating in the most hikes throughout the year. Registration is not mandatory, but will allow the staff to email updates on the hikes directly to you.
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