BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford Park District has announced a slate of late-February programming designed to get residents exploring both the night sky and the early signs of spring.
The events kick off Saturday, Feb. 21, with a Family Astronomy Afternoon at Lowe-Volk Park, located at 2401 State Route 598. Hosted by the Crawford Park Astronomy Club, the event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and features a mobile planetarium, space-themed BINGO, and various hands-on crafts. Organizers say the program is designed for all ages, including young children, with activities varying from one to three hours in length.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, the focus shifts to the forest floor for a Skunk Cabbage Hike at 2 p.m. Participants will meet at Carpenter’s Bottom, 3229 State Route 98, to search for one of Ohio’s earliest blooming wildflowers. Known for its ability to generate heat and melt through snow, the skunk cabbage marks the first biological bridge between winter and spring.
The month concludes back at Lowe-Volk Park on the evening of Feb. 28 with a deep dive into celestial debris. At 7 p.m., the Astronomy Club will present “Meteoroids, Meteors, Meteorites, and Space Dust.” The one-hour multi-media presentation includes displays of actual meteorites and discussions on asteroids and comets. If skies are clear, a public telescope viewing session will follow at 8 p.m.
All events are open to the public. For more information, residents can visit crawfordparkdistrict.org or follow the Crawford Park District on Facebook.