Hikes, encampments, educational opportunities and more scheduled at Darke County Parks.
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DARKE COUNTY — The Darke County Parks is to host numerous events in the upcoming months.
Golden Hour Prairie Hike will be held Sept. 24 starting at 6 p.m. at the Turkeyfoot Preserve. As summer comes to a close, our prairies ignite with autumn blooms and colorful grasses. Spend golden hour on the trails of Turkeyfoot Preserve where you will discover the many plants that call our prairies home. Registration required.
The Wonderful World of Jumping Spiders is Sept. 27 starting at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve. Have you ever seen a tiny, furry spider scampering across the floor? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve caught a glimpse of a jumping spider, one of the cutest arachnids on the planet. Come learn all about these fuzzy, misunderstood critters; how they hunt, where they call home, how far they can jump, and much more. Registration required.
A free Historical Encampment will take place on Sept. 28-29 at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve. Please join them on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., when we will host another historic encampment at Shawnee Prairie Preserve around the log house education area. They will have long-hunters in the forest, and settlers in the log house baking breads in the cobb oven or cooking over the hearth. There will be smithies in the blacksmith shop, perhaps some farm animals, and many historical interpreters who would love to share their passion for history with you.
A free Bish Cooperative Market will be Oct. 3 and 17 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Bish Discovery Center. Come buy or sell baked goods, fresh produce, handmade jewelry or art, honey, flowers/houseplants, macrame, ceramics, natural skincare, homemade candles, soaps, and more. There will also be live music and a food truck.
For more information, or to register, visit www.darkecountyparks.org or call the Nature Center at 937-548-0165.
