Conservation Crew: Oak Tree Planting
Ages 12 – 18
We have been approached by Dr. Ryan McEwan, Professor in the University of Dayton Department of Biology, about a study on the impacts of hiking trails on herbivory. He needs assistance with planting 63 red oak seedlings in 3 transects. Volunteers will hike to the middle of Bill Yeck Park and plant the trees. Wear clothing and footwear that can get muddy. Bring a water bottle. Insect repellent is recommended.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, May 27
Rain Date: Thursday, May 29
Nature Fun: An Outdoor Family Storytime
All ages
Families are invited to join us outside to listen to a story brought to you by the Washington-Centerville Public Library. Participate in nature-themed activities following the story. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on.
Registration is not required but is recommended.
Family Birdwatching Walk
All ages
Join avid birdwatcher John Kennard on a walk focusing on bird identification and fun facts. Bring binoculars if you have them. A limited supply will be available to borrow. Hike is on a natural path. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, May 29
Watercolor & Printmaking Class
Ages 18 and up
We will be exploring nature-themed imagery while combining watercolor painting with block printing. Leave the class with your finished painting/print and your very own printing block. All skill levels are welcome! This class is best for beginner to intermediate level participants.
Registration deadline: Friday, May 23
Hidden Meadows Camp Wk 1 Morning
Ages 5 – 12
What’s a habitat? An animal home! Join us for a week of exploring habitats at Grant Park! From squirrels and owls to salamanders and snails, we will answer the question of ‘where do wild things live?’ Each day will feature hikes to different parts of Grant Park to explore forests, creeks, ponds, meadows, and even the leaf litter on the edge of the trails!
Registration deadline: Monday, May 26
Recreation Day Camp: Week 1, Forest Field
Ages 5 – 11
Recreation Day Camp (RDC) offers a variety of recreation activities, sports, games, arts and crafts, guest speakers and more! This fun program keeps children outdoors and active all week! Recreation Day Camp is weather-dependent, you will receive a refund for any canceled days at the end of the week.
Registration deadline: Monday, May 26
Hidden Meadows Camp Wk 1 All Day
Ages 5 – 12
What’s a habitat? An animal home! Join us for a week of exploring habitats at Grant Park! From squirrels and owls to salamanders and snails, we will answer the question of ‘where do wild things live?’ Each day will feature hikes to different parts of Grant Park to explore forests, creeks, ponds, meadows, and even the leaf litter on the edges of trails!
Registration deadline: Monday, May 26
Junior Naturalist Camp: Creeks and Ponds
Ages 10 – 12
Naturalist camp combines environmental education, outdoor play, fun games, team challenges and camaraderie all in one! We will conduct wildlife surveys, climb trees with EarthJoy, hike, go creeking, and take on silly team challenges. Each week will have a different nature theme to study. We will spend one day each week at Oak Grove Park where we will focus on archery, special activities and challenges related to our weekly theme.
Registration deadline: Monday, May 26
Sugar Valley Day Camp Week 1
Ages 6 – 12
Explore Bill Yeck Park in a whole new way. Up the trails, through the woods and down the creek we go! Complete scavenger hunts, play classic camp games and complete crafts to get a feel for the park and summer fun!
Registration deadline: Monday, May 26
A Walk in the Park
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 3 – August 28
These are self-guided walks around your community parks! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, increases energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory and protects from heart disease and high blood pressure. Enjoy reduced stress, improved quality of sleep and the many benefits from an improved quality of life. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Trail Trekking Meet-Up
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, June 3 – August 29
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks during this self-guided meet-up program! You must bring your own Nordic poles if you sign up for this option. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, June 3 – August 29
(No trekking July 4)
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks through this self-guided meet-up program! Sign up to rent Nordic poles if you want to try trekking before you purchase your own set. You will be contacted to sign a borrower’s permit and pick up your set for the fall. A limited number of rental poles are available. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Note: Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Beginner Pickleball Lessons – Session A
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, June 3 – June 24
Join Certified Pickleball Trainer James Lawson to develop the introductory skills to level up your pickleball game. James is a licensed and certified instructor with a DUPR rating of 5.23. This 4-week lesson is designed for the beginner player looking to develop basic skills to move up to a more competitive level of play. This program will move indoors for adapted lessons in inclement weather.
Early Adventures
Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion
Hit the trail with us! Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hike is on a natural path. This is a Tools to Trek program. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.
Registration deadline: Sunday, June 1
Hike For Your Health
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, June 4 – August 27
Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!