XENIA — Greene County Parks & Trails (GCP&T) will host a variety of upcoming events. For more information or to register for programs, contact the parks at 937-562-6440, email [email protected] or visit www.gcparkstrails.com. The Narrows Reserve Nature Center is located at 2575 Indian Ripple Road.
Trail closed
XENIA — The Little Miami Scenic Trail from Brush Row Road to Clifton Road will be closed effective immediately for a water main installation by Greene County Sanitary Engineering. The project is expected to be completed by Saturday, March 31. Trail patrons will experience barricades on this section of the trail and there is no detour route posted; trail users should not ride beyond the barricades. For more information, call Greene County Parks and Trails at 937-562-6440 or email info @gcparkstrails.com.
Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Each month a different park will be featured in this challenge. GCP&T Facebook page will provide a sheet of places and things found throughout December’s featured park. Participants must take a selfie at each place or with each thing. Download the selfies and turn in the sheet showing how many have been found. Prizes will be given for completing the scavenger hunt. Prizes can be picked up at the park office between the 5th and 25th of each month.
Dads and Tots Christmas
Dads can help their children make items to give as gifts for the holiday 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Narrows. Supplies will be provided for all projects as well as Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. Pre-registration is required by Monday, Dec. 11. Cost for residents is $10; non-residents, $15.
Winter Solstice Hike
Hikers can enjoy the evening of the winter solstice, or the day with the shortest amount of light, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at Narrows. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be available at the nature center. This is a self-guided hike along a luminary light trail.
Project Feeder Watch
Participants can act as citizen scientists and learn about birds at this event 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at Narrows. Bring a cup of coffee and relax in the bird viewing area while helping count the numbers and bird species that come to the feeders. A mini-workshop will be held afterward. Events are free.
School’s Out Winter Camp
Kids can bring their lunch, outdoor winter clothes and be prepared for some wildlife fun during this camp 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 to 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29 at Narrows. Campers can try winter experiments, see what wildlife is out and about and play outdoor winter games. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, Dec. 21. Cost is $25 for residents; $30, non-residents.
Trails welcome all
Whether a cyclist, walker or even horseback rider, the Little Miami Scenic Trail between Xenia and Yellow Springs offers scenic vistas overlooking several creeks as well as the restored and historic Hyde Road Bridge. This trail is one of five trails in Greene County managed by GCP&T and is part of the nation’s largest network of paved trails. For more information on the trail network or to receive a free regional trail map, contact GCP&T.
Parks meetings
The Greene County Park District holds its monthly meetings 3:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at GCP&T agency headquarters, 575 Ledbetter Road. The Greene County Park District Commissioners are John A. Finlay, Chairman; Anthony Sculimbrene, Vice-Chairman; and Jonathan Dobney, Commissioner.
Activity guide available
The GCP&T 2017 Activity Guide is available at www.gcparkstrails.com or by calling the park headquarters for an email or mail copy. The guide features all programs, festivals and special events offered by the park agency, as well as information on renting park facilities and an overview of all park sites.
