Fireflies, dragonflies among park district program topics

Among the upcoming Hancock Park District programs are several that focus on insects. "Firefly Hike" will take place at 8 p.m. Monday at Aeraland Recreation Area, Shelter. Also known as the lightning bug, a firefly is neither a fly or a bug, but a beetle. "They are a staple for summertime and many of us have that memory of running after them or collecting them to watch them glow," wrote naturalist Michelle Rumschlag in an email. "We've looked at them during other night hikes, but this is my first time highlighting them. I picked Aeraland Recreation Area because it has a great trail around the meadow area and I thought it would be a great place to hopefully see them." The program is open to families with children ages 6 and up and is free; registration is not required. "Dragonflies and Damselflies" will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at Aeraland Recreation Area, Shelter. Participants will learn about dragonflies and damselflies, how to tell them apart and their importance to the pond ecosystem. This event is for ages 18 and up and is free; registration is not required. "Little Hands Nature Club: Roly Polies" is from 2-3 p.m. at Tuesday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. "These little guys go by the name Sow Bug, Roly Polies and Pill Bug, and they help make the garden soil richer," a press release states. "Bring your preschoolers out to the park to learn about this little crustacean. We will make our own Roly Poly craft and even have some Roly Poly races. Adult companions must remain with children for this program." The program is for ages 3-6, with an adult; other age siblings are welcome to attend and is free; registration is not required. "No Child Left Indoors" will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. The event is in partnership with Pheasants Forever. No Child Left Indoors is part of a national movement to reach a generation of young people fixated on electronics, and to get them outdoors. Activities will include a nature program, fishing, archery, canoeing and kayaking, BB and shotgun shooting and more. Light refreshments will be provided by Whitetails Unlimited. The program is for ages 6-17 with an adult. Register between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. or preregister by emailing meplesec@coopertire.com. "Discovery Story: Nature's Dining Hall" will take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. "There will be a story about where insects and animals find their food in nature. Birds eat worms, wasps like to eat beetles, and raccoons like eggs," a press release states. "The opossum is called nature's janitor because he will clean up whatever he finds that you have left behind. The kids will make a craft that is a googly-eyed nature friend that they won't have to feed later." The program is for ages 3 and up with an adult; other age siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. "Planetarium Saturn at Opposition" will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center. Saturn will be at its closest approach to Earth this week and it will be fully illuminated by the sun, meaning it will be brighter than any other time in the year. Participants are required to sit on the floor. Ask about accommodations. The event is for all ages and is free; but register by 4 p.m. the day of the event. "Tin Lanterns" will take place from 10-11 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Shelter. Instead of flashlights, pioneers used a simple light called a punched tin lantern. Participants will step back in time to make their own tin lanterns, using a tin can, a hammer, and a nail. The event is for ages 9-12. Register online at www.HancockParks.com with $5 per person by 1 p.m. Tuesday. "1847 McKinnis Garden Tour" is at 10 a.m. Thursday at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, 1847 McKinnis Garden. Participants will learn about plants in the permanent culinary and medicinal beds, the dye garden and others that grow there year after year, as well as vegetables. The event is for ages 50+. Free; registration is not required. "Archery Open Shoot" is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Dold Lake. The program is for people who have taken one of the Hancock Park District's introductory archery courses and want more practice. A certified archery instructor will supervise the archery practice session. All necessary equipment and targets will be provided. The program is for ages 9 and up. Register at www.HancockParks.com with $10 per person by 4 p.m. the day of the event. "Archery Instruction – Youth" will take place 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Dold Lake. All necessary equipment and targets will be provided. Participants will learn the basics of archery along with safety measures, while shooting arrows at several targets with a compound bow. The program is for ages 9-12. Register online at www.HancockParks.com with $10 per person by 4 p.m. the day of the event. "Active Adults Kayaking" will take place from 9-11 a.m. Friday at Riverside Park Waterfront, Zonta Landing. The leisurely guided kayak trip down the Blanchard River will be preceded by a brief talk about boating safety and how to maneuver your kayak. Life vests are provided, but bring along sunscreen, bug spray and your own water bottle and snack if needed. The event is for ages 50 and up. Register online at www.HancockParks.com with $10 per person by 4 p.m. on Thursday. "Family Fishing" will take place at 7 p.m. Friday at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Dold Lake. All skill levels are welcome. A fishing pole will be provided or bring your own. Corn and hotdogs will be available for bait or bring your own lucky lure. All participants who are 16 years of age or older will need a valid Ohio Fishing License. This event is for families with children ages 5 and up. Free; but register online at www.HancockParks.com by 4 p.m. the day of the event.