Archery – Robin Hood Style
2026-06-26 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Caesar Creek Nature Center, 4006 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville, OH, 45068, United States
Meet us at the Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others.
Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one of the most famous archery stories in history.
This beginner friendly program is designed for fun, focus, and skill building. Take the Robin Hood Archery Challenge.
Equipment and instruction provided.
Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate.
Fun for the whole family.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Paddle Through Time – Geology and Park History from the Water
2026-06-27 13:30 - 16:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Boat Ramp, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we explore Caesar Creek’s unique geology and park history from the water. Participants will paddle along the shoreline to observe a stratified fossil wall from their boat and learn how ancient seas, fossil, rock layers and local history help tell the story of Caesar Creek.
We will not be collecting fossils during this excursion; however, we will discuss how visitors can get a free collecting permit from the Corps of Engineers while in the park.
Participants will also learn basic canoeing and kayak skills during this family friendly program.
Boats, gear and instruction are provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Fest
2026-06-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Shelter House, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
Meet at the Public Beach
Free and open to the public
Save the date for the Firefly Fest, a special evening of summer fun! Join us at the Caesar Creek Public Beach Shelter House. This event will offer opportunities for a firefly catch and release, and a guided firefly walk with the Park Naturalist, firefly themes games, hands on nature stations, firefly flashlight tag, glow activities, stargazing and opportunities to learn about Ohio’s 25 species of lighting bugs!
Visitors will also learn how to identify fireflies with their flash patterns, where to find different species, and how to track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas Citizen Science project.
Visitor will learn why fireflies are important at every stage of life – from their role as larvae in the soil and leaf litter to their work as adult pollinators lighting up warm summer nights. Together, we will look at how protecting our watershed, streamside habitats, natural areas, night skies, and backyards help this important insect survive.
This family friendly event will include co-hosts such as Little Miami Watershed Network, Dark Sky Ohio, the Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek, and ODNR.
More details will be posted on our social media page as the event gets closer.
All are welcome!
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Birding from Boats
2026-06-28 09:30 - 10:30 | Cowan Lake Campground Beach, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we observe birds along the shoreline from our boats.
Learn why birding is important.
Learn how to collect information for citizen science research.
Fun for the whole family!
Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops).
Boats (limited), gear and instruction are provided by the park naturalist.
First come, first serve.
Meet at the Cowan Lake campground beach.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Learn and Conserve
2026-07-02 09:30 - 10:30 | Caesar Creek Nature Center, 4006 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville, OH, 45068, United States
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Pollinator Powerhouses
2026-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Caesar Creek Nature Center, 4006 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville, OH, 45068, United States
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for this Naturalist-led program to explore the world of bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators. Discover how they work, why they matter, and how you can help protect them.
Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Raptor Feeding
2026-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us at the Cowan Lake Nature Center for a special up-close look at our live wildlife ambassadors. During this program, visitors will learn what raptors eat, how they hunt, and what they need to stay healthy in the wild an in human care. We’ll discuss why we have the raptors and what you can do if you find an injured one.
We’ll also talk about raptors you may see in the park, including hawks, owls, vultures, falcons, and eagles. Learn how small choices can help protect these amazing birds of prey, such as avoiding rodent poisons and not throwing food alongside the roadways. We’ll also discuss the importance of keeping wildlife wild.
This program is great for families, bird lovers, any anyone curios about the powerful predators that soar, perch and hunt throughout the park.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Nature Jeopardy
2026-07-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Test your plant and animal knowledge in a fun game of outdoorsy trivia!
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Archery – Robin Hood Style
2026-07-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Meet us at the Cowan Lake Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others.
Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one of the most famous archery stories in history.
This beginner friendly program is designed for fun, focus, and skill building. Take the Robin Hood Archery Challenge.
Equipment and instruction provided.
Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate.
Fun for the whole family.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Creatures of the Night
2026-07-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Join us to learn about nocturnal wildlife before going on a short nighttime walk to search for bats, owls, and other creatures of the night.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Lighting Bugs of Ohio
2026-07-03 19:30 - 20:00 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Did you know we have over 25 species of lightning bugs in Ohio? Join us to learn more about what kind of species we have and where to find them.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Learn to be a Citizen Scientist of Fireflies
2026-07-03 20:00 - 20:30 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Fireflies light up summer nights in Ohio, but many species are starting to decline or still undocumented. Learn how you can help scientists track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas citizen science project. We’ll discuss what to look for, how to observe responsibly, and how your observations can support firefly research.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Flashlight Tag
2026-07-03 20:30 - 21:00 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
8:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us for a fun, family friendly game that explores how lightning bugs use flashing patterns to communicate. Participants will use flashlights to mimic firefly signals while learning how different species find mates, avoid confusion and light up the night.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Catch, Identify and Release
2026-07-03 21:00 - 21:30 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
9:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center for a hands-on firefly observation activity. We’ll carefully catch, observe, and release lightning bugs while learning basic identification tips, safe handling practices, and why these glowing insects are important to healthy nighttime habitats.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Sailing Kayaks
2026-07-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Cowan Lake Campground Beach, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join us for a fun and unique paddling program as we explore the basics of sailing kayaks. Participants will learn how wind, water, and balance work together to help move a kayak across the lake. We’ll cover basic safety, paddling skills, steering and how to use a small sail to gravel with the wind.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy time on the water, observe lake wildlife, and learn how weather conditions can affect boating.
Boats, Gear and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
Weather dependent.
Meet at the Cowan Lake campground beach.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Sailing Kayaks
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Cowan Lake Campground Beach, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join us for a fun and unique paddling program as we explore the basics of sailing kayaks. Participants will learn how wind, water, and balance work together to help move a kayak across the lake. We’ll cover basic safety, paddling skills, steering and how to use a small sail to gravel with the wind.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy time on the water, observe lake wildlife, and learn how weather conditions can affect boating.
Boats, Gear and instruction are provided.
Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
Weather dependent.
Meet at the Cowan Lake campground beach.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Tree Identification Trek
2026-07-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us on a short, guided hike to learn how to identify trees, while uncovering how different species support wildlife and shape the landscape around you.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Kayak and Canoe Wildlife Excursion
2026-07-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Cowan Lake Campground Beach, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
Join us for a kayak and canoe program designed to teach basic paddling skills, water safety, and confidence on the water while exploring the natural beauty of the lake. Participants will learn how to safely enter and exit a boat, hold and use a paddle, steer, stop, and move efficiently though the water.
As we paddle, we’ll enjoy a guided wildlife excursion and look for birds, turtles, fish, and other animals that depend on healthy lake and shoreline habitats. This program is a great way to build outdoor skills, practice safe boating habits and experience the park from a new perspective.
Boats, gear, and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
Participants must be geared up and ready to go by the start of instructions to participate
Early arrival is encouraged
All equipment and instruction provided
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Meet near the Cowan Lake campground beach.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Stand-Up Paddle Board
2026-07-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Cowan Lake Campground Beach, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
2:30 pm – 3:30pm
Join us on the water for an introduction to stand up paddle boarding. Participants will learn basic paddling skills, balance techniques, water safety, and how to safely get on and off the board.
This program is a great way to build confidence on the water while enjoying the lake from a new perspective. As we paddle, we’ll take time to observe wildlife and learn how to safely recreate on the water.
Boards, paddles, life jackets and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets
Must be onsite for instruction to participate.
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Weather dependent
Cowan Lake Campground Beach
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Explore the Shore
2026-07-04 15:00 - 16:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us for a guided exploration of the lake’s shoreline as we discover the plants, wildlife, and other natural features that make this unique habitat so dynamic.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Scat and Tracks
2026-07-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us to discover how to identify different animal scats and tracks, followed by a short, guided hike to practice your skills in the field.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Firefly Night
2026-07-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening to explore the magical world of fireflies. Learn about their life cycle, glowing signals, and the role they play in local ecosystems.
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Step into Hiking
2026-07-05 09:00 - 10:30 | Cowan Lake Commissary, 1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Lakeview and Beechnut trails. Learn about wildlife and park history on the way.
Meet at the Commissary.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Kayak / Canoe Holiday Weekend Paddle
2026-07-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Boat Ramp, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Participants must be onsite by 10:30 am to participate
Early arrival is recommended
All equipment and instruction provided
Equipment is limited. First come, first serve
Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
Length of excursions will vary
Weather dependent
Fun for the whole family
Meet at the Yak Shack near the Campground Boat Ramp.
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Cowan’s Lotus Legacy
2026-07-05 11:00 - 11:30 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
11:00 am – 11: 30 am
Join us for this Naturalist-led program exploring the American lotus, a native aquatic plant that thrives in our lake. Learn how this unique species supports wildlife, shapes wetland habitats, and cycles through seasonal changes.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Rocks and Relics
2026-07-05 13:00 - 13:30 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Stop by the Cowan Lake Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils at a touch table, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth’s history.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Stand-Up Paddle Board
2026-07-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Boat Ramp, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
1:00 pm
All participants go through instructions near the SUP HUT together starting at 1pm. We will continue additional water sessions throughout the afternoon to get everyone through.
Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Free and open to the public
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Stand-Up Paddle Board
2026-07-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Caesar Creek Campground Boat Ramp, 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45068
2:00 pm
All participants go through instructions near the SUP HUT together starting at 2pm. We will continue additional on water sessions to get everyone through. Must be onsite at the beginning of instruction to participate.
Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets
Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
The length of excursions will vary
Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
First come, first serve
Weather dependent
Free and open to the public.
Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Scales and Tails
2026-07-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us to learn about local amphibians and reptiles on a short, guided hike, where we’ll search for them and explore their habitats, with a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Learn and Conserve
2026-07-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Cowan Lake Nature Center, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio, 45177
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center.
Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
