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.
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 January’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.
Project Feeder Watch
Participants can watch birds feed at bird feeders and help the naturalist track numbers and species 10-11:30 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 7 and 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 at Narrows.
Parks meeting cancelled
The Greene County Park District has cancelled its 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 meeting due to scheduling conflicts. A new meeting will be scheduled.
Big Backyard
Attendees can explore winter, create a craft and go for a hike. January’s topic is hibernation. Event will be held 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 at Narrows. Cost for residents is $5; non-residents, $7. Pre-registration is required before Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Second Year Beekeeping
This class is for those who already have hives or have taken our beginning beekeeping workshop. Naturalists will answer questions and concerns, provide additional information to better hives and cover harvesting the honey 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 21 at Narrows. Ages 15 and up. Registration is $40 for residents; $50, non-residents. Pre-registration is required before Sunday, Jan. 14.
Beginning Beekeeping
This class is for beginners. It will be held 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Greene County Media Room, 541 Ledbetter Road, Xenia. Cost for residents is $40; non-residents, $50. Pre-registration is required before Sunday, Jan. 21.
Bluebird Box Building
Participants can learn more about the Eastern Bluebird — how to attract them, the best place to put a bluebird box and how to maintain it. Class will be held 1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28 at Narrows. Bring a hammer to use in class. Cost for residents is $12 per box; non-residents, $15 per box. Pre-registration is required before Friday, Jan. 26.
Volunteer Training
All GCP&T volunteers are invited to join naturalists once a month to learn more about the natural world. Each month has an outdoor segment so participants should dress for the weather. This session we will be discussing winter tree identification. Training will be held 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Narrows. Free.
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.
