Park district offers sessions on nature journaling

An upcoming Hancock Park District program will focus on nature journaling. Naturalist Michelle Rumschlag said this is the first time the park district has offered the nature journaling program. Three separate sessions for different age groups will be held at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Ave. Sessions include: "Nature Journaling for Young Teens," for children ages 12-14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday; "Nature Journaling for Teens," for teens ages 15-18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday; and "Nature Journaling for Kids," for children ages 8-11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday. Children can make their own nature journal out of paper at the Discovery Center or bring their own. They will then go outside to find things to draw. Rumschlag said participants can write or draw what they see in nature. But, while they will create a journal, the journal itself isn't really the purpose. "It's really just to get out in nature," she said. All three programs are free, but participants should register at www.hancockparks.com by 8 a.m. the day of the event. Another program involving nature-themed creativity is "Nature Collage Suncatcher for Toddlers," from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at Oakwoods. Toddlers will create a nature-themed paper plate suncatcher to which they can add flowers, sticks, leaves and other natural treasures, then take home to hang up with string or yarn. The program is for children ages 3 and under with an adult. It is free, but children should register online by 4 p.m. Tuesday. Adults do not need to register. Other upcoming programs include: • "Kayaking Workshop" — 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Zonta Landing, Riverside Park Waterfront, 231 McManness Ave. Teens ages 13-18 will learn how to safely participate in the sport of kayaking, then take an evening kayak trip on the Blanchard River. Register online with $10 per person by 4 p.m. Friday. • "Disc Golf Workshop for Families" — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Oxbow Bend Activity Area Shelter 3, Riverbend Recreation Area, 16618 Township Road 208. Participants can bring their own discs or borrow some. Open to families with children ages 9 and up. Free, no registration required. • "Family Fishing" — 7 p.m. Tuesday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center. Families with children ages 5 and up can learn the basics of fishing, then try to catch some fish that live in Shank Lake. All skill levels are welcome. Participants can bring their own fishing pole and lure, but poles will also be provided, as will corn and hot dogs for bait. All participants ages 16 and older will need a valid Ohio fishing license. Free, but register by 4 p.m. Tuesday. • "Little Hands Nature Club: Radical Reptiles" — 2-3 p.m. Wednesday at the Discovery Center. Children will meet a live reptile, touch a snake skin and create a turtle of their own to take home. This program is for children ages 3-6 with an adult (adult companions must remain with children for the program). Other aged siblings may also attend. Free, no registration required. • "Game Night in the Woods" — 6-8 p.m. July 8 at the Discovery Center. Games like Uno and Candy Land will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own. Open to families with children ages 6 and up. Free, no registration required. • "Sensory Path in the Park" — 2-4 p.m. July 8 at Big Oaks Activity Area, Riverbend Recreation Area. Program specialist Tim Kleman will guide children on the path as they pretend to visit flowers like a butterfly, soar like a hawk or hop like a frog, while working on their gross motor skills. Open to children ages 3-5 with an adult. Other aged siblings may also attend. Free, no registration required. Arthurs: 419-427-8494