Greene County News
XENIA — Greene County Parks & Trails will host a variety of upcoming events. For more information or to register for programs contact the parks at 937-562-6440 or email [email protected] or visit www.gcparkstrails.com. The Narrows Reserve Nature Center is located at 2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek.
Campfire cooking
Join Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Mike Schumacher 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Indian Mound Reserve, 2750 US Route 42 East, as he creates delicious camp meals using cast iron cookware. A meal with dessert will be prepared. The event is sponsored by the Little Miami Watershed Network, Jacksons Fruit Farm and Greene County Parks & Trails. Meat and dairy are part of menu. Cost is $10 for one session, $15 for both classes. Preregistration is required.
Volunteer training
Anyone interested in volunteering with GCP&T is invited to attend as a guest at its volunteer training session from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Oct. 31, at Indian Mound Reserve, Williamson Mound, 2750 US 42 E, Cedarville. Participants will tour Indian Mound Reserve and the newly restored log cabin, as well as hiking to the Hopewell Enclosure and Adena Mound, to learn about the earliest Greene County residents.
Tale of Quail
GCP&T will host “The Tale of the Quail” beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. Participants will learn more about the decline of the Bobwhite quail in Greene County from Mark Wiley, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Lee Elzroth, Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District; and GCP&T Naturalist Jared Merriman. Following the talk, the first 24 registrants will be able to join Merriman for a search of Bobwhite quail in Greene County. Cost of the program is $5, Greene County resident; $7, non-resident.
Project Feeder Watch
Participate in a research project with GCP&T as well as the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Project Feeder Watch this season from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. The naturalist staff and participants will be monitoring types and numbers of birds staying in Greene County during the winter months. Participants will learn about rare or unusual birds that do not normally overwinter in Ohio, as well as learning more about woodpeckers, finches, cardinals and other feeder birds. Binoculars are recommended but not required. The event is free; donations are always accepted.
Full moon night hike
A night hike will be held on Monday, Nov. 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cemex Reserve, 1100 Sanctuary Drive, Fairborn. Explore nature at night — learn more about the moon, nocturnal wildlife and experience the sounds of the night. Night hikes are held unless there is thunder and lightning.
Big Backyard
Big Backyard is scheduled for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Narrows Reserve Nature Center. Participants are invited to explore nature in their own neighborhood park. Each month is a different activity. November is “Nutty!” Preregistration is required before November 9.
Animal Encounters
Each month, join the naturalist for a close-up look at some of Ohio’s wildlife. This month will focus on the fox. Learn more about their natural history and fascinating things about the animals on Sunday, Nov. 20 1-3 p.m. at Narrows Reserve Nature Center.
Project Feeder Watch
Learn how to attract birds to feeders and what kinds of birds are in this area during the winter on Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10-11 a.m. at Narrows Reserve Nature Center. This data helps scientists track winter bird populations and long-term trends.
Volunteer training
GCP&T volunteers are invited to join the naturalists each month to learn about the natural world. Catherine Kidd from the Greene County Historical Society will share stories about the early days of Greene County on Monday, Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Narrows Reserve Nature Center.
Trails welcome all
Whether a cyclist, walker or even horseback rider, the Little Miami Scenic Trail between Xenia and Yellow Springs provides a perfect backdrop to autumn’s changing hues for residents and visitors alike. The paved trail offers scenic vistas overlooking several creeks as well as the restored and historic Hyde Road Bridge. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is one of five trails in Greene County managed by GCP&T and is part of the nation’s largest network of paved trails. For more information on the trail network or to receive a free regional trail map, contact GCP&T.
Parks meetings
The Greene County Park District holds its monthly meetings 3:20 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at GCP&T agency headquarters, 575 Ledbetter Road.
New activity guide available
The GCP&T Autumn 2016 Activity Guide is now available on the park agency’s website or by calling the park headquarters for an email or mail copy. The guide features all programs, festivals and special events offered by the park agency, as well as information on renting park facilities and an overview of all park sites. An on-line edition is available at gcparkstrails.com.
