DARKE COUNTY — The Darke County Parks District invites the public to take part in a number of upcoming events in January.
On January 12 at 6 p.m. join a naturalist at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on State Route 502 just west of Greenville to enjoy the full wolf moon. Remember to dress for the cold evening temperatures and to bring a flashlight if you choose. In the event of cloudy skies, call the Nature Center to find out about possible cancellation.
Darke County Park District invites children in kindergarten through second grade to join them on January 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Shawnee Prairie Nature Center to explore birds during Park P.A.L.S! Who is gathered at the Nature Center’s warm and cozy bird window this winter? Are they here year round, or do they migrate? Learn the answers to this and more as students play games and do a craft while watching our feathered friends feast from the feeders. Park P.A.L.S. is a series of monthly programs designed for students of this age group who are interested in nature. P.A.L.S. stands for Practicing And Learning Stewardship, and its mission is to develop future earth stewards through meaningful educational opportunities and hands-on experiences in the natural world. A fee of $3 is charged for the program, and registration is required.
Darke County Parks would like to invite anyone interested in learning basic blacksmithing skills to join the beginners class on January 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. Students will learn about the different tools used in the trade as well as the parts of the anvil. They will also learn about the background of the blacksmith and his role in history. Those wishing to advance in the blacksmith trade may continue to attend classes on one Saturday a month. A $25 materials fee will be charged to cover the cost of supplies for four classes. For insurance purposes, participants must sign up as a volunteer before beginning the class. Space is limited, but depending on interest levels, other beginner classes may be offered.
Back by popular demand, Darke County Parks will again host master broom maker, Frank Rouse at Shawnee Prairie’s Nature Center on January 20 and 21. Frank has more than 40 years of experience making brooms of all shapes and sizes and loves passing on the skill he learned from his grandfather. This time participants will have a choice to make either a turkey wing whisk broom, a full sized floor broom, or both. The turkey wing whisk broom is especially handy for sweeping out corners and tight spaces and originated as a broom to sweep the ashes out of the back corners of the hearth. The whisk broom is great for first time broom makers, and the floor broom offers a little challenge. For the floor broom class carrying a $15 materials fee, participants will have a choice of Friday, January 20 at 6 p.m. or Saturday, January 21 at 12 p.m. The turkey wing whisk broom classes will be held on Saturday, January 21 at either 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. with a $12 materials fee. Space is limited, so be sure to call and reserve your spot for this program today.
For questions about any program offered by the Darke County Parks or to register, please stop by the Nature Center, call 937-548-0165, or email [email protected].
