Seneca County
All ages are welcome to a Nature Walk Bird Talk at 8 a.m. July 8 at Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve, SR 19 south of Bloomville. The walk will last about 1 1/2 hours and qualifies for the walking stick program.
The same day, a Leave No Child Inside Natural Play Day is planned noon-4 p.m. at Garlo. Children can play in the pond, climb a tree, look for critters, roll down a hill, build a fort and lots more outdoors adventures, ending with the making of s'mores.
At the same time as the play day a public viewing of the county park district's 12th annual photo contest entries is planned in the Garlo nature center.
Refreshments are to be served.
"Just a Hike" is planned for 7 p.m. July 10 at Forrest Nature Preserve. Hikers can see what's happening in the evening hours as the day settles in the preserve. All ages are welcome.
Preschool Pals ages 3-5 with an adult companion are invited to Fishing Fun at 4:30 p.m. July 11 at Garlo. Spend some time with preschoolers learning the basics of fishing, then try catching a fish or two. Fishing is catch-and-release.
Some poles and bait are provided, but families can provide their own.
Hancock County
Celebrate Independence Day at Zonta Landing Boat Rentals with a free half-hour boat rental - canoe, kayak or pedal boat.
Rides are to be available 1-7 p.m., first come, first served. If weather is questionable, call (419) 423-1902.
Other rentals for groups or all-day float trips are available with reservations by calling (419) 425-7275.
Learn about daddy-long legs, the long-legged and often misunderstood arachnid, at the monthly Discovery Stories 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday at "Doc" Phillips Discovery Center in Oakwoods Nature Preserve.
The program is designed for preschool children ages 3-6 with an adult companion, but other-aged siblings are welcome to attend and join in for a story, craft and other nature activities.
Oakwoods preserve is at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, west of Findlay.
The third program in the Litzenberg Gardening Series is Tuesday with herb enthusiast Ann Boyd of My Own Backyard Herbs & Flowers. She plans to talk about "An Evening with Lavender" at 7 p.m. inside the activity barn at Litzenberg.
Boyd plans to demonstrate many ways to use fresh and dried lavender. Guests are t0 sample foods with lavender and are to receive a small lavender booklet to take home.
Registration is required with a $6 fee at the office by today. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Visit www.hancockparks.com.
Crawford County
Join Crawford Park District naturalist Josh Dyer for a "Creekin' for Critters" program at 9 a.m. July 7 at Aumiller Park, Bucyrus.
The program provides family time and nature exploration but also the chance to monitor stream health in the Sandusky River. Meet at the Friendship Shelter at Aumiller Park. Rubber boots or old shoes required.
For more information, go to www.crawfordparkdistrict.org.
