The Clermont County Park District offers public programs throughout the year. Most programs are free. For more information on any of the programs offered, call the Naturalist office at 513-876-9013.
Turkey Talk
Wednesday November 26, 1:00 pm
Sycamore Park
Celebrate Thanksgiving a day early at Sycamore Park. Discover more about these fascinating fowls as we hike the trail in search of signs of the season's most famous bird. We'll have turkey crafts to make and turkey treats to taste. Meet at the information kiosk.
Owl Prowl
Friday December 12, 6:30pm
Sycamore Park
Owls are amazing predators and perfectly adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle. Discover how well adapted these birds are then follow the naturalist along the paved walking trail as we look and listen for signs of these owls. Meet at the information kiosk.
Holiday Wreath Making
Wednesday December 17, 7:00 pm
Hartman Log Cabin
Create and decorate your own wreath from the invasive honeysuckle found in our parks. Each particpant will make their own wreath to take home, a hand-crafted decoration for the holiday season! Due to the materials and preparation involved, this program has a nominal fee of $3.00 per wreath. Participants must register by December 12th.
Winter Bugs
Tuesday December 30, 3:00 pm
Sycamore Park
Search high and low, under rocks and beneath leaves. Don't worry-the bugs are still here! Become an insect sleuth and investigate where bugs are hiding through the cold. See what creatures will be found and learn how different insects spend the winter.
Winter Bird Count
Saturday January 3
Chilo Lock 34 Park
Crooked Run Nature Preserve
Kelley Nature Preserve
Sycamore Park
8:30-12:30 pm
Join the Park Naturalists and volunteer birdwatchers for our annual winter bird count. By conducting this annual survey, we can see how healthy the populations of some birds are in our parks. No experience is necessary. Beginner and expert bird watchers are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Please call 513-876-9013 to sign up.
Decoy Carving Workshop
Saturday January 10, 17, 24, 31
Chilo Lock 34 Park
1:30-4:30 pm
In a four week long course, led by veteran decoy carver Wayne McClain, participants will carve and take home their own duck decoy. The cost of the class includes all necessary tools and supplies. Please bring a soft pair of leather gloves. The cost of the class is $25.00 and is limited to only 12 participants. Particpants must be 12 or older. Please call 513-876-9013 to register. Payment must be made prior to the first class.
Nature in Winter
Sunday January 18, 2:00 pm
Sycamore Park
Despite the cold temperatures and lack of green plants, nature is very active during winter. Warm up with a walk through the woods as we discover which animals and plants are active during the winter. Meet at the information kiosk.
Winter Night Hike
Friday January 23, 6:30pm
Sycamore Park
With dark's early arrival, winter is the perfect time for a night hike that doesn't keep you out late! Explore this special time of day on a naturalist led walk through the park, see what creatures are out roaming and get in tune with all your senses. All ages are welcome.
Groundhog Day
Sunday February 1, 2:00 pm
Chilo Lock 34 Park
Can groundhogs really predict the end of winter? Join the naturalist to find out. Discover more about the only Ohio mammal with its own holiday, and learn why we don't see groundhogs in winter. Then we'll hike through the nature preserve in search of other signs that spring is just around the corner. Meet at the visitor center.
Basic Survival Skills
Saturday February 7, 2:00 pm
Pattison Park
Outdoor activiity is a rewarding, relaxing, healthy way to pass time. Familiarity of basic survival skills should be a part of any outdoor enthusiast's life. Learn what to do in an emergency situation, what to pack in a basic survival kit and some beginning skills to help should you ever find yourself alone and in the woods. Meet at the picnic shelter.
Maple Syrup for Homeschoolers
Monday February 9, 9:30 am
Pattison Park
Cold nights and sunny days means it's maple season again. We'll explore the Pattison Park sugarbush and follow the process of syrup making from the tree to our breakfast plate. A fee of $2.00 per child will cover the cost of the maple treats during the program. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, so sign up now. Call 513-876-9013 to register.
Stargaze
Friday February 20, 7:30 pm
Chilo Lock 34 Park
Join the Midwestern Astronomers for an evening of stargazing. We will start with a brief introduction into the night sky, then go outside to enjoy the spectacular skies through a telescope. We will begin by looking at Venus, which should look like a crescent moon this time of year. We will then search higher in the sky toward the Seven Sisters or the Pleiades Star Cluster. The constellation Orion, and the Orion nebula will also be visible and a spectacular sight through the telescope. We'll hae hot chocolate available in the yurts to help keep you warmed up while enjoying the night sky. Cloudy skies will limit our use of the telescopes.
Salamander Search
Saturday February 21, 3:00 pm
Chilo Lock 34 Park
Though winter still has a firm grasp on Clermont County, the salamanders are on the move! Through the chilly night air, these amazing amphibians emerge, heading to woodland ponds, looking for mates. Join the naturalist in a hunt for these secretive creatures and discover what salamander species are hiding beneath our feet.
Cardinals
Sunday February 22, 1:30 pm
Chilo Lock 34 Park
The cardinal's bright colors and unique shape have long been an inspiration for artists. Get creative by making your own cardinal whirlgig and bring along an old box (shoebox top, creeal box, etc) to turn into a simple birdfeeder. Bundle up and enjoy a short walk to catch a glimpse of our state symbol.
Pancakes in the Park
Saturday March 14th
Pattison Park Lodge