Hancock park programs

Arbor Day, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, today Today is a special day to celebrate trees and learn why they are important with Hancock Park District. Read a story, discuss tree features such as tree rings, and look at different trees while hiking in the park. 10 a.m. on the Discovery Center Porch. Ages 3-5 with an adult. Free; registration is not required. Oakwoods Nature Preserve is located at 1400 Oakwoods Lane, off of County Road 144, west of Findlay. Bee Hunt, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, April 29 Bring the kids out for a fun time in the nature play area. They will be asked to look for things in nature that start with the letter "B." It could be a bug, bird or even berries. There are beetles in the Nature Play Area, as well as bluebirds, blue jays and bumblebees. After finding things in nature, kids can try to identify them. 10 a.m. Ages 4-8 with an adult. Free; registration is not required. Little Hands Nature Club: Mother Goose in Nature, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, May 1 Celebrate Mother Goose Day as the group looks at some of the nursery rhymes that highlight animals and nature. Make a craft of the spider who frightened Little Miss Muffet, race the mouse that ran up the clock, help the cow jump over the moon and see what real wool feels like at the "Baa, Baa Black Sheep" stop. From 2-3 p.m. on the Discovery Center Porch. Ages 3-5 with an adult. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. Tadpole Tamers, Aeraland Recreation Area, May 1 Come and study tadpoles as the group uses nets to catch these baby amphibians in Goose Lake. Place tadpoles in plastic bins to get a close look at them and figure out exactly what a tadpole is, then safely return the tadpoles to the lake so they can grow to become frogs. 10 a.m. at the shelter. Ages 6-10. Free; registration is not required. Aeraland Recreation Area is located at 1141 Township Road 243, Fostoria, off of Ohio 12, between Findlay and Arcadia. Plirding, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, May 3 Plirding stands for "Picking Up Litter While Birding." On a special bird hike, look for migrating songbirds like orioles, tanagers and warblers while picking up trash in the park. Enjoy the peak of spring migration, and also help improve habitat for birds and other wildlife. Binoculars and trash bags will be provided. 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Ages 18 and up. Free; registration is not required. Grumpy the Great Blue Heron, Oakwoods Nature Preserve, May 4 Bring the children out for a fun adventure, hearing the story "Grumpy the Great Blue Heron" by Anita Turnage. Following the story, look for clues that are posted along the trail showing where the Great Blue Heron might be found. 1 p.m. at the nature play area. Ages 3-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; registration is not required. Insect Investigations for Homeschoolers, Riverbend Recreation Area, May 4 Explore how different kinds of insects' mouth parts help them eat their food. Use sweep nets and go on an insect hunt to discover the great variety of insects that live in Ohio. From 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the meadows activity area, shelter 7. Ages 5-14. Free; but register online at hancockparks.com by 1 p.m. on May 3. Riverbend Recreation Area is located at 16618 Township Road 208, Findlay.