10:00 am – 11:00 am Join us during the peak of fall migration for this beginner-friendly birding program where we’ll explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to identify common species in our area. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Events
Calendar of Events
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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2 events,
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1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Stop by the Cowan Lake Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth’s history. Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
6 events,
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4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Bring your four-legged friend along for a guided walk! Join us to explore the trails, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about nature together. Please always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your pet. We appreciate it! Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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Discover hidden places and intriguing stories from our local area that helped shape our community. We will carpool to four hidden cemeteries, time permitting. Our last meeting place will be at the Zion Cemetery at the 50 Springs Group Camping area. Feel welcome to stay and join us. Free camping - optional Our last meeting …
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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
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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
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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 |
5 events,
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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
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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
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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
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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" |
2 events,
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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
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3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Join us to search for ancient fossils in the spillway while learning about these fascinating creatures of the Ordovician period. If you’d like to take a fossil home, please obtain a fossil collection permit from the visitor center beforehand (not required). Meet at the Caesar Creek Spillway parking lot. Park … |
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 events,
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2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Meet one of our animal ambassadors during this special surprise encounter! Join us for a short meet-and-greet, and discover the unique adaptations, behaviors, and role of a mystery wildlife ambassador. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
3 events,
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3:00 pm – 5:00 pm An introduction to archery for all ages! Equipment and instruction provided. Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Discover the fascinating world of Ohio’s vultures! Learn how to identify black and turkey vultures, uncover their important role as nature’s cleanup crew, and separate fact from fiction about these misunderstood birds. Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Experience the park after sunset as your senses come alive. Flashlights are welcome, but I challenge you to let your eyes adjust and discover how much the night has to offer. We’ll listen to nocturnal wildlife, explore the darkness, and see nature from a whole new perspective. Meet at the … |
0 events,
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1 event,
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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 Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
2 events,
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10:00 am – 10:45 am Nature has inspired art for thousands of years. Join us as we use charcoal to sketch leaves, wildlife, or landscapes found in the park. Take home your artwork and a new appreciation for nature’s role in creativity! Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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11:00 am – 12:00 pm In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, explore a display of Native American stone tools and artifacts while learning about their craftmanship and uses. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
0 events,
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0 events,
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4 events,
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9:30am – 11:00 am Meet the naturalist, volunteers and partner organizations as we continue efforts to restore the area around the Nature Center to native habitat Learn how to identify native and invasive species, and how they affect wildlife Discover ways to remove invasive species through discussion and observation Participation is welcomed if you’d like …
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11:00 am – 12:00 pm Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park …
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1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Join us as we discover ways to make shadow puppets with flashlights. Learn about wildlife and adaptation Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
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2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Join us to learn about local amphibians and reptiles with a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
3 events,
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10:00 am – 4:00 pm Join the Park Naturalist for a 13-mile guided long-distance hike covering the scenic trails around the southwest perimeter loop. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a small pack with lunch and water. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center located across the road from Pioneer Village. Park …
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4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Keep an eye out for the Naturalist and her nature wagon as it travels through the Cowan Lake campground! Stop by anytime to discover fascinating critters, mystery boxes, and other hands-on nature surprises. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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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 |
5 events,
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8:00 am – 12:00 pm Join the Ohio Native Wildflower Society for a day of volunteering as we clear invasive plants to allow native wildlife to thrive. Learn from experts in the state during this immersive experience. Bring boots, gloves, water and lunch. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
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10:00 am – 11:00 am Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike. Meet at the Cowan Lake Commissary Park Naturalist: …
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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Snakes, coyotes, spiders, and more might seem scary… but are they really? Join us to discover the truth behind these misunderstood animals. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for birds of prey. Participants will learn about daily raptor care, safe handling routings, feeding, enclosure upkeep, and the specialized equipment used in falconry and educational bird programs. We’ll also explore how falconry equipment is made from leather crafting, …
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2:00 pm – 4:00 pm An introduction to archery for all ages! 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 |
2 events,
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10:00 am – 12:00 pm Start your morning around the campfire with a cozy nature-themed craft. Feel free to bring a cup of coffee or breakfast (not provided), come and go as you please, and enjoy the crisp autumn air while creating something to take home. Meet at the Caesar Creek Campground Amphitheater. Park Naturalist: …
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1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Stop by the Caesar Creek Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth’s history. Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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3 events,
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10:00 am – 11:00 am Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center, and a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about plants and wildlife you may see in the park. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
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1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Discover the colorful science behind one of nature’s most familiar mysteries. In this hands-on program, we’ll explore how sunlight, water droplets, prisms and angles work together to create rainbows. Participants will learn about the visible light spectrum and how rainbows help us understand …
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2:30 pm – 3:00 pm Meet one of our animal ambassadors during this special surprise encounter! Join us for a short meet-and-greet, and discover the unique adaptations, behaviors, and role of a mystery wildlife ambassador. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
3 events,
-
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Keep an eye out for the Naturalist and her nature wagon as it travels through the Cowan Lake campground! Stop by anytime to discover fascinating critters, mystery boxes, and other hands-on nature surprises. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
-
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
-
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Experience the park after sunset as your senses come alive. Flashlights are welcome, but I challenge you to let your eyes adjust and discover how much the night has to offer. We’ll listen to nocturnal wildlife, explore the darkness, and see nature from a whole new perspective. Meet at the … |
4 events,
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Join us for fall themed programs in the campground. See separate flyer for details. Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
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1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike. Meet at the Cowan Lake Commissary Park Naturalist: …
-
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm An introduction to archery for all ages! 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
-
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 |
2 events,
-
10:00 am – 11:00 am Join us during the peak of fall migration for this beginner-friendly birding program where we’ll explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to identify common species in our area. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
-
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Join us for a ~5-mile guided hike on Spillway trail. Learn about wildlife and park history on the way. Closed-toed shoes, appropriate clothes, and water recommended. Meet at the Cowan Lake Spillway Parking Lot on the west side of the lake. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp |
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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3 events,
-
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike. Meet at the Cowan Lake Commissary Park Naturalist: …
-
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 Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
-
1:30 pm-3:00 pm Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center. We will focus on different things each time. Learn about wildlife you may see in the park. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw |
3 events,
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2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Join us as we discover ways to make shadow puppets with flashlights. Learn about wildlife and adaptation Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center. Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
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6:15 pm – 7:45 pm Gather around the campfire as we explore the legends behind famous cryptids like Bigfoot, the Mothman, and more! Discover the folklore, separate facts from fiction, and enjoy an evening of campfire stories and conversation. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
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8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Experience the park after sunset as your senses come alive. Flashlights are welcome, but I challenge you to let your eyes adjust and discover how much the night has to offer. We’ll listen to nocturnal wildlife, explore the darkness, and see nature from a whole new perspective. Meet at the … |
4 events,
-
10:00 am – 11:00 am Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike. Meet at the Cowan Lake Commissary Park Naturalist: …
-
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Snakes, coyotes, spiders, and more might seem scary… but are they really? Join us to discover the truth behind these misunderstood animals. Meet at the Cowan Lake Nature Center. Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
-
1:30 pm-3:00 pm Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center. We will focus on different things each time. Learn about wildlife you may see in the park. Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw
-
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm An introduction to archery for all ages! 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 |
0 events,
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