CRESTLINE―The Crawford Park District has changed the date of the Barb Dolch Memorial Bikeway Ride that was originally scheduled for Saturday, September 21 at 9 a.m. The Bikeway Ride will now take place on Saturday, October 5 starting at 9 a.m.

The bike ride is held to memorialize the life of Barb Dolch by riding the bikeway named in her honor. Bike enthusiast Matt Echelberry will lead the 30-mile ride that traverses the eastern portion of Crawford County. Beginning at Lowe-Volk Park, the bikeway travels through farmland, along wooded river corridors, and through Galion and Crestline.  There will be places along the way for breaks and water refilling. Bring your family, bring your bikes and enjoy the ride! For more information, contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000.

The Crawford Park District Board of Park Commissioners will be holding their monthly meeting for September on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 7:30 a.m.  The meeting will be held at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center, 2401 State Route 598, Crestline.

Other events happening in September include:

Sneaky Snakes on Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Unger Park, 1303 Bucyrus Nevada Rd.

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist, Lisa Bogard, and help check the snake tins at Unger Park. These ectothermic reptiles depend on the environment to regulate their body temperature. Snakes and other animals will use the tins to find safety and warmth. We’ve had a successful summer checking the tins, what will we uncover this fall? Unger Park is located just west of Bucyrus on Bucyrus-Nevada Road.

Bows, BB’s, and Kids on Saturday, September 21 at 10 a.m. at the Crawford County Conservation League, 3477 State Route 98, Bucyrus

The Crawford Park District is partnering with the Crawford County Conservation League to get kids acquainted with shooting sports and fishing. During this free event, participants will have the opportunity to shoot archery, BB guns, .22 rifles, and try their hand at fishing. All equipment will be provided. For kids ages 5-15. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is sponsored by: Friends of the Crawford Park District, Windy Ridge Pheasant Farm, and Ohio Division of Wildlife. The Crawford County Conservation League is located at 3477 State Route 98, east of Bucyrus.

Pickin’ Pawpaws on Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Sears Woods State Nature Preserve, 1486 Mt. Zion Road

Pawpaws are the largest edible tree fruit native to the United States. Join Crawford Park District Naturalists Josh and Lisa for a walk through Sears Woods looking for this custard-like fruits. Wear your hiking shoes; it’s a moderate hike to get to the Pawpaw patch. We will even sample our harvest. Sears Woods is located west of Bucyrus on Mt. Zion Road.

Fall Wildflowers on Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m. at the Salem Prairie,  located at the intersection of Lower Leesville and Parcher Roads

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Warren Uxley for a look at the fall wildflowers of Salem Prairie.  Late September is a time of transition; most plant species have become dormant in preparation for winter.  Many wildflowers choose this time of the year to display their brilliance.  Learn the late-season wildflowers and their flowering ecology.

Book Club on Tuesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598

Do you love nature and also love to read? With the abundance of books available for nature lovers, sometimes it is hard to choose the next great book to read. Join the Crawford Park District’s Book Club and we will figure it out together!  Pre- Registration is recommended as the club will be limited to 15 members. Come armed with your favorite book about nature or a nature-centered book you want to read and be ready to make your case to the club!  Meetings are held at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center the last Tuesday of each month.

Lowe-Volk Park is located three miles north of US Route 30. For more information, contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000. Look for information on other programs offered by the Crawford Park District by visiting their website or Facebook page.