Turtles are terrific. Find out which species live in Hancock County and what habitat they prefer. Use handheld magnifiers to get a close look at the turtle shell and bones, explore our sensory tub and make a craft with paper plates and construction paper. Make sure you visit our Discovery Center residents, the box turtle […]
Don't miss Black Swamp Bucks 2025 Banquet! The banquet is the a fundraiser for this non-profit with the mission statement: "To promote conservation of wildlife and related outdoor activities, for present and future generations." Enjoy games and raffles with a social hour at 3 p.m., dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m. Get all the […]
This early spring night should be full of animal sounds, including the spring peeper and the American woodcock. See what the trails at Aeraland Recreation Area look like under the light of the first full moon of spring. Trails may be wet, so wear appropriate footwear. Meet at the Shelter. This free program is open […]
When most people think about crustaceans, they think of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. However, there are other types of crustaceans that can be found in Ohio. Visit the Richard S. “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center to view live crustaceans in our tanks and under the microscope, create a crustacean craft, and complete a coloring page. Meet […]
Wetlands at night are full of sounds. Join us for a hike into the wetlands to listen to the songs and calls from animals, such as frogs, toads, owls, woodcocks, and secretive wetland birds called rails. Wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. Rubber boots are recommended. Meet at the Discovery Center. This free […]
This story is a mystery about a mouse who disappeared on the farm. Sherlock Chick searched every habitat he knew of. Eyes peeked out from different places, but none were of little mouse. Be a detective and see if you can find him at the Discovery Center. There will be a story, and a fun […]
Microplastics: Tiny Particles, Big Impact : Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring 5 mm or smaller. They've been discovered not only in marine and land-based wildlife, but also in everyday items like salt, sugar, beer, alcohol, and honey—not to mention in glaciers and even rainwater. Join the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership to explore where microplastics […]
Join Hancock Park District at the historic 1847 McKinnis House to learn what it was like to write letters in the 1800s. We will talk about the history and the art of letter writing and how pens and ink were made, use a feather quill and ink to write letters and draw pictures, and create […]
Many interesting creatures can be found living under logs. Learn about the importance of fallen logs and leaves to the environment and the types of creatures that depend on them. Afterward, hike the trails to flip logs in search of log life, including fun fungi, slimy salamanders, slow snails, and farting beetles. This is a […]
It is nesting time for many animals that lay eggs. There will be a display of eggs from different animals, such as ducks, geese, turkey, shark, and ostrich. We will talk about the process an egg goes through to hatch. For example, a mallard duck will lay one egg each day until the preferred number […]
