Youth Fishing Derby Saturday at Lowe-Volk Park, upcoming events in June

NEWS RELEASE:

CRESTLINE-The annual Youth Fishing Derby will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Lowe-Volk Park.

The event is sponsored by the Crawford Park District for youth ages five to 12 and their families. Volunteer Rob Farson will be helping out at the event that offers a great morning of fishing at the Lowe-Volk Park pond. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and more.  Participants must bring their own fishing pole, bait, and tackle.

After the fishing derby, kids and their families can join Crawford Park District Naturalist, Warren Uxley, for a special field trip to explore the Tamarack Bog at the Cooperrider Kent Bog State Nature Preserve.  Extremely rare in Ohio, this is the largest Tamarack Bog in the state and is extremely beautiful.  Please meet Warren Uxley at 11 a.m. at Lowe-Volk Park to caravan for the one and a half-hour drive.

Other events in June sponsored by the Crawford Park District include:

Wetland Wonders, 7 p.m. on June 12 at Unger Park, 1303 Bucyrus-Nevada Road

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Josh Dyer for a romp around the wetland at Unger Park. Wetlands are wonderful habitats with great biodiversity.  They also make for fun and exciting ecosystems to explore.  We’ll catch tadpoles, insects, and much more.  Nets will be provided.  Wear boots or old shoes.  Fun for the whole family!  Unger Park is located just west of Bucyrus on Bucyrus-Nevada Road.

Night Hike-Fireflies, 8:30 p.m. on June 16 at Lowe-Volk Park

Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Abby Ditomassi for a night that will brighten up your life by learning about bioluminescent bugs like fireflies. There will be many activities as well as a night hike with black lights to see these creatures in action. All ages are welcome; however, the night hike can be difficult for younger kids who have a fear of the dark.

Trash or Treasure, 6 p.m. on June 19 at Lowe-Volk Park

Reduce, reuse, recycle.  Before our trash goes to its final resting place, it can be turned into a treasure.  Joy Etter-Link of the Crawford Park District will have various trash items to turn into your own treasure.  For kids up to grade five accompanied by an adult.

Hike with a Geek Day, 5:30 p.m. on June 20 at Lowe-Volk Park

Nature Nerds and Geeks Unite. The Crawford Park District urges you to step away from the computer and come out to Lowe-Volk Park and enjoy some fresh air for National Hike with a Geek Day. All ages are welcome.

Teasel Pull, 10 a.m. on June 23 at Daughmer Savannah, 786 Marion Melmore Road

Help the Crawford Park District, as well as other groups, eradicate teasel at one of the best natural areas in the Midwest.  Teasel crowds out our native plants, affecting Daughmer’s botanical diversity.  You’ll be teaming up with members of our partner group, ONAPA (Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association) to rid Daughmer of this invasive species.  Bring work gloves and bug repellent.  Shovels and water will be provided.  Meet at the parking lot at 786 Marion-Melmore Road, just north of SR 294.

Mud Day, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 23 at Lowe-Volk Park

Current science points to many positive attributes of playing in the dirt so why not help the Crawford Park District celebrate International Mud Day? There will be opportunities to just get your toes or hands muddy…or to get completely covered in mud. The Jefferson Township Fire Department will be on hand to give you a rinse. Fun for the whole family!

Viewing the Night Sky, 9 p.m. on June 23 at Lowe-Volk Park

Join members of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club as they share their knowledge and telescope skills with all who are interested in the celestial sights. Targets for the summer include:  M-104 Sombrero Galaxy, M-3 Globular Cluster, Rosette Nebula, and Jupiter.  Bring your own telescope or allow the volunteers to assist you with those provided. It’s a spectacular universe!

Salem Prairie. 2 p.m. on June 24 at Salem Cemetery, Intersection of Lower Leesville and Parcher Roads

Restoration of native habitats is a long process that is fraught with unexpected challenges and complications. Crawford Park District Naturalist, Warren Uxley,  has spent the last ten years restoring a tallgrass prairie at the Salem Cemetery and will be sharing the successes and analyzing the problems he has encountered during this project.

Canoeing, 6:30 p.m. on June 26 at the Neff Reservoir, State Route 98, Bucyrus

The Crawford Park District invites you to join our Naturalists, Josh and Lisa, for an evening paddle around Neff Reservoir. Learn some canoeing basics and take to the water! We’ll also do some wildlife watching while we paddle. Pre-registration is required by June 25.

Viewing the Night Sky, 9 p.m. on June 30 at Lowe-Volk Park

Join members of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club as they share their knowledge and telescope skills with all who are interested in the celestial sights.  Targets for the summer include:  M-104 Sombrero Galaxy, M-3 Globular Cluster, Rosette Nebula, and Jupiter.  Bring your own telescope or allow the volunteers to assist you with those provided. It’s a spectacular universe!

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 at www.crawfordparkdistrict.org or by visiting the park district on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Crawford-Park-District-155650437903736.