Events

7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Meet our feathered wildlife ambassador up close! Learn about raptors you may see in the park. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Join us for a guided, lantern led, slow paced half mile walk. Learn to navigate the night. Discover how freedom seekers looked to the stars for hope and direction as we take a closer look at local history. Join us for all, or part of this special ‘America 250 Event. …

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8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Bats are all around us after sunset, but we rarely hear them. Join us for a nighttime hike to learn about Ohio’s fascinating flying mammals. Flashlights are welcome but aren’t required. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

9:00 pm – 11:00 pm Join us for Stargazing and Storytelling as we explore the night sky's role in the journey to freedom. Meet at 50 Springs Overnight camping - free and optional Park Naturalist Erin Shaw

1:00 pm Join the Park Naturalist at the Freedom Center Museum in Cincinnati for a special field trip offsite as we continue our trek through local history. Refer to the museum’s website for directions and admission details. https://freedomcenter.org/ Park Naturalist Erin Shaw

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Join us in learning the fundamentals of archery! Equipment and instruction provided. Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Meet the fuzzy woolly bear caterpillar and discover its fascinating life cycle, unique winter survival strategies, and the folklore behind its famous weather predictions. Perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages. Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Meet at the …

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7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Gather around the campfire as we separate fact from fiction about some of Ohio’s most misunderstood wildlife. From owls and bats to snakes, spiders, and coyotes, we’ll share folklore, tell stories, and uncover the science behind these amazing animals. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Join the Park Naturalist and the Miami Valley Astronomical Society at our sister park John Bryan State Park for a free public star gazing event in the Day Lodge area. This is the last public stargazing event of the year with MVAS. Weather permitting; refer here for updates and …

Read more "Star Gazing, Storytelling and Wonders of the Night"

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Join us to meet our wildlife ambassadors up close, learn about their unique adaptations, and if timing allows, watch them enjoy a feeding! Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp