Upcoming Events

All ages (Required to be 8 or older to play pickleball matches; anyone under 16 must have an adult guardian present)

Join us for a fun luau-themed evening of pickleball! We will turn the courts into a tropical party. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt, and we will bring the leis and light refreshments. Please sign up each person who would like to play and note if you have a partner with whom you would prefer to play. We will make every effort to rotate teams through the courts frequently. Please bring your own paddles and wear secure footwear. Pickleballs will be provided.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 22

Ages 14 and up

Join Dayton Area Wild Ones President Kari Carter and Brooke Medlin, Co-owner of Meadowsweet Ecological Landscapes, for a presentation on planning and designing a garden for wildlife. After the presentation, they will answer questions and offer information about local resources for planting for wildlife. Each participant will receive native seed packets to get started!

Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 21

Families, volunteers and nature enthusiasts are invited to participate in a garlic mustard pull on Celebrate Trails Day!

The day will kick off with a quick lesson on identifying garlic mustard, an invasive species threatening local plant life. Volunteers will head out to designated areas along Bill Yeck Park’s Time Trail to remove the plant. This is an easy task for all ages!

CWPD will provide sweet treats for the volunteers!

Meet in Forest Field Park’s south parking lot. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

For more information, contact CWPD Community Engagement Coordinator Shauna Marshall at 937-433-5155 or smarshall@cwpd.org.

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Help contribute to research by joining the naturalist on butterfly surveys. Identify and count butterflies while observing other seasonal wildlife as we stroll. No experience is necessary. Trail is approximately one mile in length on uneven terrain. This is a Tools to Trek program.

Registration deadline: Thursday, April 23

Ages 12 – 18

Help with recording, identifying and catching butterflies during this session of the Grant Park Long-Term Butterfly Survey. All Conservation Crew sessions count as service hours.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 28

Ages 18 and up

Enjoy a relaxing evening of yoga while we watch the flowers bloom! Learn about our native ephemeral (short-lived) forest wildflowers after practicing breathwork, standing poses, flowing poses and ending with relaxation surrounded by the spring forest.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, April 28

Ages 14 and up

Learn two historical camera-less photographic processes while creating beautiful botanical images with local artist and educator Heather Ballard. We will collaborate with the sun and the parks natural resources to create frame-able works of art! All supplies are included. You may bring flowers or leaves from your yard or garden!

Registration deadline: Sunday, April 26

Ages 16 and up

Join Now and Zen DIY for a mom’s morning out with “mimosas” while you design a beautiful 8″ x 8″ piece of wall art using preserved moss and other interesting natural elements. A truly unique accent for your home!

Registration deadline: Sunday, April 26

Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion

These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hikes can be on a natural or paved path depending on location. This is a Tools to Trek program. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.

Registration deadline: Sunday, May 3

Ages 9 – 13

Try new art skills during this fun, nature-themed crafting program. Each session will offer different options for participants to choose from, allowing them to work independently or get creative together!

Registration deadline: Sunday, May 3

All ages

Celebrate all kinds of mothers with Mother Earth herself! Kick off Mother’s Day weekend in the park with flower bouquet making, floral photo opportunities, heartfelt crafts and live music from pianist Jimmy Douglass.

Registration is requested.

Ages 7 – 11 with adult companion

While mothers savor refreshments on the back patio, children will craft a heartfelt surprise. Then, everyone will enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Please register each child attending.

Registration deadline: Sunday, May 3

All ages
Rain date: Saturday, May 16

We will kick off the adventure with games, crafts and some live donkey visitors from Learning Tree Farm! Enjoy a tasty dinner from Claybourne Grille, a dessert by Ginny’s Philly Water Ice, or bring a picnic dinner. At sunset, we will settle in for a showing of 2001’s classic hit, Shrek! This event is possible thanks to a generous sponsorship from Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Ages 12 – 17 plus a family member over 21
Sundays, May 10 – June 14

This for-fun league is open to any doubles teams (men’s, women’s, or mixed doubles) comprised of a teen and their parent/guardian or other close family member over the age of 21. Please register your teen and list the participating family member in the questions. Both players must have an online account set up on the same household profile. There is no single player will call for this league.

Registration deadline: Sunday, April 26