BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Crawford Park District has announced a diverse lineup of upcoming late-May public programs, offering area residents opportunities to explore regional history, astronomy, and local biodiversity.

The weekend events include a nocturnal insect study, an expansive 18th-century living history encampment, and a guided night sky viewing session. All programs are designed to connect the community with natural resources and local heritage.

Moth Mania

The programming begins Friday, May 29, at 9 p.m. with “Moth Mania” at Carpenter’s Bottom, located at 3229 State Route 98.

Park district naturalists will utilize specialized light installations to attract and inventory local nocturnal insects. According to event organizers, regional moths range in size from microscopic to the size of small birds, displaying a wide variety of colors. Despite their ecological importance as pollinators and a foundational food source, these nocturnal insects largely go unnoticed by the public during daylight hours. Attendees will assist in documenting the species attracted to the mothing sheets.

Living History Days

On Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, the focus shifts to regional heritage with Living History Days at Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598.

Partnering with Colonel Crawford’s Company, the park district will host nearly 50 reenactors portraying American forces, British forces, and Native Americans. The weekend-long interactive event simulates 18th-century frontier life through military encampments, tactical reenactments, period-accurate games, and historical presenters.

New features for this year’s event include an escorted woods walk and a scavenger hunt featuring prizes. The grounds will also host eight specialized vendors demonstrating 18th-century crafts, alongside traditional tomahawk throwing displays. On-site food concessions will be available to visitors throughout the weekend.

Viewing the Night Sky

The weekend concludes with a deep-space astronomy program on Saturday, May 30, at 9:30 p.m., also hosted at Lowe-Volk Park.

Members of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club will provide telescopes and guidance to help visitors observe prominent spring celestial targets, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn, as well as the Sombrero and Pinwheel galaxies. Organizers noted that if weather or sky conditions prove unfavorable for outdoor viewing, the program will pivot to an indoor presentation inside the Lowe-Volk Nature Center.

For more information regarding these events or to view future programming schedules, residents can visit the Crawford Park District website at crawfordpd.org or follow the district’s official updates on Facebook.