• Firefly Flashlight Tag

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    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 Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

  • World Environment Day Walk

    Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike to learn about this annual celebration, explore local habitats, and discover simple ways to care for the natural world. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater near the boat ramp. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

  • Archery – Robin Hood Style

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    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 …

  • Lighting Bugs of Ohio

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    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 Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

  • Firefly Night

    Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater 9000 Center Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    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

  • Learn to be a Citizen Scientist of Fireflies

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    Meet at the 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 …

  • Firefly Catch, Identify and Release

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    Meet at the 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

  • Youth Fishing Derby

    Caesar Creek Youth Pond

    Registration for the Youth Fishing Derby starts at 8:00 am. Fishing starts at 9:00 am This special event is in partnership with Massie Township Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours Bring your own bait Bring lawn chairs and shade umbrellas The Youth Fishing Derby is for children under the age of fifteen. …

  • Rocks and Relics

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    Stop by the 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

  • Backyard Bugs

    Cowan Lake Nature Center 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, Ohio

    Join us for this Naturalist-led program to dive into the world of bugs. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp