Glow Roll
Friday, September 15; 7-9 pm
Black Swamp Preserve, 1014 S. Maple Street, Bowling Green, OH
Paddle the Pond
Nature Camps
Nature Camps
Tuesday – Friday, June – August, 9a – 3p
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve – Wood County Park District
$150 per student*
5-6 years old + June 20-23
5-6 years old + June 27-30
7-8 years old + July 11-14
7-8 years old + July 18-21
10-12 years old + July 25-28
10-12 years old + August 1-4
Register:
https://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/ *Information about applying for a scholarship is available in the registration page.
Fire by the River
Fridays; 7-9 pm
June 16, July 7, and August 11, 2023
Situated in a camp-like atmosphere next to our scenic Maumee River, this is the perfect setting for a relaxing outdoor evening.
Stargazing
Saturdays; July 8, August 5; 9 pm – 1 am
Go Green
Print a Go Green Passport and Go Green by visiting parks and participating in at-home go green action steps. This self-guided journey is more than just a valuable experience. This is a fun way to be rewarded for becoming a good steward of the Earth.
Accomplish three Go Green activities from each of ten categories. Redeem your passport for a bamboo utensils, chopsticks & straw set. Have the whole family participate on one passport and each member receives a bamboo set. Accomplish six items from each Go Green Category and receive your choice of a campfire mug or a park t-shirt.
Please call 419-353-1897 before picking up your prize from Park District Headquarters, 18729 Mercer Road, Bowling Green. Prize pick-up days are Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Text version of the Go Green Passport found here.
2023 Photo Contest
9th Annual Contest
Categories: Landscape, Wildlife, Plant Life, and Heritage
Photographers may submit their photos taken at any of our Wood County Parks. These photo categories are: Landscape, Plant Life, Wildlife, and Heritage. Photos must be submitted per contest specifications by November 30.
There is a $5 entry fee which entitles the photographer five photo entries. Members of the Friends of the Parks may submit 10 photos. Prospectus and details can be found here. 
Thank you to Main Street Photo for their support!
Sunday, June 4, 2023; 11 am – 3 pm
Location TBA; check social media for details
Thinking about getting into kayaking this paddling season? Come to the pond to try out kayaks of all shapes and sizes! Experienced local kayakers and kayaking instructors will be on hand to answer any questions, point out differences between boat types and features, outfit you with PFDs and paddles, and educate you on all things safe-kayaking. All participants must sign a release of liability at the event before being allowed to kayak. Must be 11 years of age or older to kayak; legal guardian must be present. No registration is needed. Arrive and leave as you wish during the event. FREE!
2022 Annual Report
Learn about the accomplishments and results from 2022 by the Wood County Park District. Click here for the full annual report. We are passionate about our mission and proud to serve Wood County, Ohio.
2022 Photo Contest
Categories: Landscape, Wildlife, Plant Life, and Heritage
Photographers may submit their photos taken at any of our Wood County Parks. These photo categories are: Landscape, Plant Life, Wildlife, and Heritage. Photos must be submitted per contest specifications by November 30.
There is a $5 entry fee which entitles the photographer five photo entries. Members of the Friends of the Parks may submit 10 photos. Prospectus and details can be found here.
2023 Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 2023; 10 am – 1 pm
Wood County Fairgrounds, Champion Building, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
*Pre-Sale exclusively for Friends of the Parks Members: Friday, May 12, 2023; 10 am – 1 pm
Memberships will be available for purchase at the door. At the pre-sale, membership will be required to purchase plants.
Local genome native forbs, grasses, and shrubs are grown in the native plant greenhouses at the J.C. Reuthinger Memorial Preserve.
Forbs, and grasses are $5 each.
Shrubs are $10 each.
We’re Hiring
We are hiring seasonal, internship, and part-time positions. Work in the great outdoors this summer.
Flexible hours. 17+ years old. $13+ per hour.
Backpacking Basics
Be prepared for your next backpacking adventure!
Wednesday; 6:30 – 8 pm
May 10: Planning & Navigation
Designed for the aspiring backpacker, this series seeks to empower beginners with knowledge and confidence to embark on their first backpacking adventures. Choosing gear can be a daunting task, but knowing what to look for and why can help filter selections. We’ll cover packs, footwear, clothing and specialty items for safety and convenience.
WILD LIGHTS 2023
Wild Lights Workshop: January 11; 4 – 7 pm
Adopt a station and decorate it with lights. This is a great team-building activity for offices and groups. It is free to enter and there are cash prizes.
Wild Lights Weekend: January 11 – 15; 5 – 8 pm
Visit the park during extended hours to see the illuminated displays, and vote for your favorite. Warm up with hot chocolate inside the nature center.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg
Basecamp Stories
Thursday, December 8
Base Camp Stories: “There’s nothing to do here;” Raising Ohio Adventure Awareness – Paul Fuzinski
Thursday, December 22
Base Camp Stories: Biking the Pacific Coast for MS – Mike Armstrong
Thursday, January 5
Base Camp Stories: Fort-to-Port; An Adventure on the Maumee River – Bill Hoefflin
Thursday, January 19
Base Camp Stories: How to Survive an Ice Storm while Rock Climbing Grand Teton – Ben Waggoner
Thursday, February 9
Base Camp Stories: Hiking Coast to Coast on the American Discovery Trail – Jodi Harrington
Thursday, February 23
Base Camp Stories: A Picture-Perfect Trip; Kayaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Eric Slough
Heritage Holiday
Saturday, December 10; 1 – 4 pm
Join us for old fashioned festive fun on the farm with cookie decorating, holiday crafts, player piano carols, warm wassail, and good cheer!
This free community event is open to all. Activities will take place in the farmhouse, the farrowing house, and in the Zimmerman one-room schoolhouse.
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Generous community members donated non-perishable food, baby supplies, and personal hygiene items to Wood County Park District locations and we donated the items to the Brown Bag Food Project of Wood County. The food drive was from November 12 – 19, 2022.
Habitat Heroes
Habitat Heroes is a volunteer event to restore wildlife habitat through land management practice of removing invasive species.
On Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9:00 am – 12 noon at the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, we will be removing the invasive woody plant species Buckthorn from sections of the preserve. We hope you can join us!
Masked Hero Geochase: Triple Threat
This self-guided interactive adventure is back. Use a smartphone to decipher clues and navigate the park. Learn about being a good steward to nature to defeat the nature villains. Register to be emailed the starting clues, or watch our social media for details.
The third edition of this self-guided interactive adventure through the parks utilizes a smartphone to decipher clues and win the geochase! Defeat the villains by learning to be a good steward of nature and implementing safety in outdoor recreation. Register to be emailed the starting clues, or watch our social media for details.
Black Swamp Preserve, Sawyer Quarry Preserve, and Cedar Creeks Preserve
Learn more about the Masked Hero Geochase here.
Hiking Challenge
September through October 2022
1. Pick up or print a Hiking Challenge Passport.
2. Log the distance(s) and date(s) of your park visits.
3. Redeem your passport at Park District Headquarters for a code for a Bradner Preserve shirt. *The first 20 people to redeem their passports will receive a free shirt!
This is not a contest of distance, but a fun way to get into nature and have moderate exercise to each of our own abilities. We hope you participate and enjoy the Hiking Challenge.
Find a Hiking Challenge Passport here.
More info about the Hiking Challenge
The Friends of the Parks Birdseed Sale
Just as the last two years, we are going to do our Birdseed Sale through Mid-Wood. Below you will see the link to both the letter with information, as well as the link to the order form.
Orders with payment are due to WC Parks Headquarters by Wednesday, September 28th, 2022. Then, on Saturday, October 8th, 2022, you will pick up your birdseed at Mid-Wood, Inc., in Bowling Green between 10 am and noon.
Access the letter from the Friends here.
Access the order form here.
2022 Scarecrow Contest
Register for this friendly contest that is a fall tradition. Create a scarecrow during the Workshop at Carter Historic Farm on Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. Enter by September 26. Participants can be individuals, office group, service organization, family, or anyone who wants to join in on the fun. Scarecrows will be judged and winners announced at the Heritage Farm Fest on Saturday, October 1, 2022. It is free to enter. Cash prizes are provided by sponsors.
Prizes:
1st place: $150
2nd place: $100
3rd place: $50
16 & Under Winner: $50
Online People’s Choice: $25
Entries will be judged on originality, design, color, creativity, and outdoor durability. Thank you to our prize sponsors:
Thank you for all the community support throughout the years. Be sure to attend the Heritage Farm Fest event on October 1 to see the completed scarecrows and vote for your favorite.
Fall Plant Sale
Purchase quality native plants for your garden. Woody shrubs and fall-flowering plants will be available for purchase at the Carter Historic Farm on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 9 am – noon. These native plants are grown by the Stewardship Department of the Wood County Park District as part of the native plant program which is the heart of the Park District’s environmental conservation efforts. Native plants have long root systems and can create drought-resistant and flood-resistant areas, sequester carbon, filter runoff, replenish soil nutrients, and are habitat for pollinators. Parking and entrance are free.
Woody shrubs are $10 each and native shrubs are $5 each. Cash and check are accepted. Plants are available first-come, first-served.
Heritage Farm Fest
Saturday, October 1, 2022; 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
At Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Join us on the farm for great food from the farm, wagon rides, games, live music, hands-on heritage activities, Power of Yesteryear Demonstrations, and much more.
This event is open to all. Parking, entrance, and all activities are free. Lunch is available for all.
Carter Historic Farm is a working farm and living history center interpreted to the Depression era. Programs in cultural heritage, sustainable agriculture, and traditional life skills are taught. The farm buildings are open weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 -4 pm. The farm grounds are open daily from 8:00 am – 30 minutes past sunset.
General donations to the farm are welcome.
Paddle the Pond
2022: Paddle the Pond with us on the 2nd and 4th Mondays in June through August from 4:00 – 7:30 pm at the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551. This is a free, drop-in paddling program.
August 22 is the last date for Paddle the Pond
All equipment and instruction are provided. This is a great opportunity for those who are new to paddling.
Folklore & Funfest
For 29 years, the Wood County Park District held an annual community event called Folklore & Funfest held at the Wood County Museum. Heritage activities and nocturnal nature education were popular at this Halloween-themed event enjoyed by over 3,000 people each year. This event has been discontinued, but we will treasure these community memories.
Pigs for Sale
Wood County Park District Receives Statewide Award
2021 Annual Report
The Wood County Park District had a busy year working to serve our communities.
Text version of the Annual Report.
Welcome!
New Director Chris Smalley
Photo Exhibit
April 1 – April 7, 2022; 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
See the beauty of Wood County at the photo exhibit. Photos entered into the Friends of the Parks photo contest are printed and framed on display at the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in the Hankison Great Room.
Photo Exhibit Reception Thursday, April 7 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Light refreshments will be served, and photos will be available for purchase.
Spring Nature Bingo
Explore and observe nature with spring nature bingo. Color in the things you find. If you get 5 in a row, column, or diagonal, then you win. Click here for a printable version.
Kayak Demo Day
Park District Plans Spring Burn
Wood County Park District stewardship department is planning to conduct prescribed fires in several park properties this spring. The locations of these burns may be in Bradner Preserve, Rudolph Savanna Area, Cricket Frog Cove, and Sawyer Quarry Preserve. The exact timing of the fires will be determined by weather factors to ensure the most effective and safe conditions, including smoke mitigation.
All of our prescribed fire practices are conducted under waiver through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, notification of the Ohio EPA, as well as, direct supervision by an Ohio Certified Prescribed Fire Manager. Local fire departments for each site are aware of these plans and will be directly notified at least 24 hours before the fire and also on the day of the fire by our fire manager.
The purpose of the fires is for the benefit of the natural areas and native ecosystems. All fire management is completed with best management practices.
Call 419-353-1897 with any questions directly involving our prescribed fire practices.
For park district information, call (419) 353-1897, or visit wcparks.org.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W Poe Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
Plants $5
Shrubs $10
For a list of plants & more information, click here.
*Bonus sale for Friends members only: Friday, May 6 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.
The Friends of the Parks invite you to become a member and support the parks.
Learn more about the Friends of the Parks HERE.
Rudolph Bike Park
14038 Mermill Road, Rudolph, OH
See the latest updates with the Rudolph Bike Park here.
With three pump tracks and one mountain bike skills course, there’s something for everyone.
Buttonwood Recreation Area was closed for two years due to ice damage.
Warning! Buttonwood Recreation Area is CLOSED until further notice. It has suffered extensive damage from ice shoves and flooding and is currently unsafe, so the park is closed. Thank you for your understanding!
Buttonwood (Betty C. Black) Recreation Area is located along the Maumee River at
27174 Hull Prairie Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.
Find nature & adventure with the wcparks app.
The app has helpful park navigation, maps, program listings, and fun extras.
Stay in-the-know with the ‘wcparks’ app. We wont send you push notifications and you don’t need to create an account. Just good info when you’re looking for it.
Pop-up Snowshoeing
Add your name to the pop-up program interest list.
When the weather conditions are right, we’ll go for a wintery hike.
Snowshoes are sized by the weight they distribute, not the shoe size. Snowshoes are available for weights between 60 and 250 pounds.
Sleigh Rides
Wild Lights
There are two ways to experience the brightest night in January. Register to decorate one of the ten 3-D animal display stations for the Wild Lights Workshop on January 5; 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Register for Wild Lights Workshop
Wild Lights Rules
Stroll the magical twinkling forest during Wild Lights Weekend January 7-9, 2022 from 5 – 8 pm.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.
Base Camp Stories: Local Adventurer Speaker Series
W. W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd, Perrysburg
Base Camp Stories:
A Climber’s Journey through Life
Thursday, December 2, 2021; 7 – 8:30 pm
Professional climbing guide Ben Waggoner has climbed all over the country. When it comes to life’s figurative obstacles, Ben has leaned on climbing to summit them as well. Join Ben as he covers the different types of climbing, shares highlights of his climbing adventures and conveys how the sport is analogous to life.
Fort to Port: An Adventure
on the Maumee River
Thursday, December 16, 2021; 7 – 8:30 pm
In 2019, four bold kayakers embarked to thru-paddle the entire 137 miles of the Maumee River in four days. Half of the expedition members, Wood County Parks senior naturalist Bill Hoefflin and Metroparks Toledo outdoor skills specialist Amanda Domalski, share stories and visuals from their adventure.
Base Camp Stories: Local Adventurer Speaker Series
W. W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Rd, Perrysburg
Base Camp Stories:
An Introduction to Boondocking
Thursday, January 27, 2022; 7 – 8:30 pm
Car camping is one thing, but car camping without connection to water, sewer, or electricity and outside of a designated campground is a rewarding adventure like no other. Join Craig and Heather Spicer as they share their planning, logistics, evolution of their rig, and lessons learned along the way from Utah to Maine.
Base Camp Stories: How to Spot the Great Grey Owl – Jim Witter
Thursday, February 3, 2022; 7 – 8:30 pm
A 2nd Grade report on the Belted Kingfisher changed it all for Wood County Park’s Program Coordinator, Jim Witter. Join Jim as he regales in stories of his birding adventures in the U.P. and shares birding wisdom to use on your next outdoor experience. In order to protect the health and wellness of program staff and participants, the park district board of commissioners requires that masks be worn when inside public spaces of park facilities.
Heritage Holiday
Saturday, December 11, 2021; 1 – 4 pm
Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Road, Bowling Green
A festive celebration of our cultural heritage with activities, crafts, wagon rides, and wassail. Make holiday memories down on the farm.
Autumn Nature Bingo
Nature Bingo Fun.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
November 13 – 20, 2021
Bring non-perishable items to park locations for donation to the Brown Bag Food Project in BG.
Delivery locations: Otsego Park, Carter Historic Farm, Park District Headquarters, and W.W. Knight Nature Preserve.
*Look for the delivery bin by the entrance/kiosks. Accepted items: non-perishable food items, baby items, hygiene items (e.g. soap,
deodorant), and pet food/supplies. For a complete list, visit www.brownbagfoodproject.org
The nature villains are back, and more diabolical than ever in their effort to ruin the parks! Using your smartphone “chase” our virtual villains by traveling from one coordinate clue to the next within the park, eventually leading to your success and an opportunity for a prize! Complete all three for a special reward. Register for direct information on starting clues or simply stay connected to our social media platforms. Share your adventure by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram with photos of your masked hero. Registration not necessary to participate. Complete on your own time within the open date window for each park’s GeoChase course.
October 10 – 17, 2021 at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve, 29530 White Road, Perrysburg, OH
October 17 – 24, 2021 at Otsego Park, 20000 W River Road, Bowling Green, OH
October 24 – 31, 2021 at Cedar Creeks Preserve, 4575 Walbridge Road, Northwood, OH
Good luck, Geochasers!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Scarecrow Contest Winners
Congratulations to all of the participants. The scarecrows were all awesome, they added to the Heritage Farm Fest event where everyone loved them.
Winners:
1st The Ramm Family
2nd Alexis Klassen & Associates DDS, LLC
3rd Theo, Mariah, and Keanu Madaras
Under 16 1st: Girl Scout Troop 10466
Under 16 runner-up: Ian Gray-Luring
Park District Plans Fall Prescribed Fire
Wood County Park District stewardship department is planning to conduct prescribed fires in several park properties this fall. The locations of these burns may be in Bradner Preserve, Rudolph Savanna Area, and Cricket Frog Cove. The exact timing of the fires will be determined by weather factors to ensure the most effective and safe conditions, including smoke mitigation.
All of our prescribed fire practices are conducted under waiver through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, notification of the Ohio EPA, as well as, direct supervision by an Ohio Certified Prescribed Fire Manager. Local fire departments for each site are aware of these plans and will be directly notified at least 24 hours before the fire and also on the day of the fire by our fire manager.
The purpose of the fires is for the benefit of the natural areas and native ecosystems. All fire management is completed with best management practices. The public is advised to stay clear away active burn sites.
Please call 419-575-7339, or email alowien@wcparks.org, with any questions directly involving wcparks prescribed fire practices. For general Wood County Park District questions, 419-353-1897 wcparks.org
Fall Plant Sale
Native plants will be available for purchase at the Heritage Farm Fest on Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 3 – 7 pm.
FALL PLANT SALE PLANTS 2021
The numbers are the number of plants available for sale.
1. Elderberry (20)
2. Common Milkweed (30)
3. Butterfly Milkweed (30)
4. Virginia Mountain Mint (30)
5. Hairy Mountain Mint (30)
6. Penstemon (30)
7. Prickly Pear cactus (30)
8. Bergamot (30)
9. Blue Lobelia (30)
10.Wild Columbine (30)
11.Brown eyed Susan (30)
12.Ohio Spiderwort (30)
13.Ridell’s Goldenrod (30)
14.Boneset (30)
20th annual Scarecrow Contest & Workshop
Join in the tradition of this lighthearted autumn competition! Use our materials at the Workshop, or build your scarecrow at home. Enter by September 27, 2021. Enter Here.
Workshop & Set-up: Friday, October 1.
Winners announced at Heritage Farm Fest, a free community event on Saturday, October 2, 2021.
Cash Prizes: 1st place: $150
2nd place: $100
3rd place: $50
16 & Under Winner: $50
16 & Under Runner-up: $25
Thank you to our cash prize sponsors:
- Water fountains are back open. 6/5/2021
Adam Phillips Pond is now open. 7/12/2021
Native Plant Sale
For 2021, the Wood County Park District and Friends of the Parks will not conduct their own sale. We are participating in and supporting other native plant sales for the Lucas County Soil & Water and The Green Ribbon Initiative’s Blue Week Sale.
Oak Openings Region Blue Week, May 10-16, 2021
Online Native Plant Sale pre-order May 1-15, 2021
Plant pick-up May 22 and 23, 2021 from the Blue Creek Seed Nursery. Oak Openings Blue Week Details Here.
Blue Week programs: Oak Openings Region Blue Week Nature Hike on 5/11/21 at Bradner Preserve
AND
Lucas County Sale: Pre-order Here by May 17, 2021
Pick-up: Friday, May 21, 2021 from 9 am – 5 pm at the Lucas County Fairgrounds, 1406 Key Street, Maumee, OH (Please use the south entrance near the railroad tracks.)
Find the event flyer here.
Nature Quest
Nature Quest is a series of self-guided activities. Think of an escape room without the claustrophobia. Each new Quest is based on a different level of puzzle difficulty. Solve the logic puzzles that lead from one clue to the next and you’ll win the Quest.
Nature Quest II: Virtual Escape Room.
Click here for an online puzzle-based logic challenge.
2020 Photo Contest
The 6th annual Friends of the Parks Photo Contest is happening now.
Let your inner nature photographer out.
- Photos taken at Wood County Park District properties
- Entry fee: $5
- Enter by November 30, 2020
- Entries printed and framed in a gallery exhibition
- Park District Main Office is now open to the public. 4/19/2021
Earth Day T-shirt Fundraiser
Order online by April 30, 2021. T-shirts shipped to you by May 14, 2021. (Thank you to everyone who ordered!)
Earth Day Upcycle Contests
Create something new from something otherwise thrown away or recycled. Winners will receive a free Earth Day shirt available for online purchase in April. This is a Carter Historic Farm program. Press Release. Flyer.
Kids and adult contests:
1 ) Register at wcparks.org by April 1
2) Receive instructions and create
3) Email photos by April 15
Recycle your Christmas Tree.
December 26 through January 31, 2021
Remove all decorations and bring your tree to one of these park locations for us to recycle (click on the park name for directions):
Park District Headquarters in Bowling Green, Ohio
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg, Ohio
William Henry Harrison Park in Pemberville, Ohio
Slippery Elm Trail in North Baltimore, Ohio
Otsego Park in Bowling Green, Ohio
Also, if you need a tree for fish structure in a pond, you are welcome to take one from the pile of tree to be recycled.
Rudolph Bike Park sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are available to preorder online until December 6. Order here. These are super soft and high-quality sweatshirts. Proceeds will support bike park programs.
Ready-made sweatshirts are currently available for sale at two local bicycle shops: Spoke Life Cycles and Stout Cyclery.
Wild Lights
Enjoy a walk in the woods to see illuminated 3D foam animal displays. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg will be open after hours for the displays to be visible at night.
January 8 – 10, 2021; 5:00 – 8:00 PM
This Wild Lights Decorating Contest Winners: 1st place Downey Family, 2nd place Girl Scout Troop 11582, 3rd place Bunny Builders. Thank you to all the participants. Thank you to the Friends of the Parks for their generous donation for the contest cash prizes.
Masked Hero Geochase 2020
Experience a self-guided geocaching adventure October 5-31.
How to participate: Check our social media each Monday in October to find a new video about the Geochase and the villain at each park. Bring your smartphone/GPS with you for an outdoor excursion to solve the clues, defeat the villain, and win the Geochase!
October 19-25; Cedar Creeks Preserve
October 5-11; W.W. Knight Nature Preserve
October 12-18; Bradner Preserve
October 19-25; Cedar Creeks Preserve
October 26-31; Sawyer Quarry Preserve
No registration is needed to participate in this free, self-guided program. *All GeoChases are up through October 31st.
Accomplish the Sawyer Geochase for prizes.
Everyone who participated in all four Masked Hero Geocahse adventures will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket. Watch the live raffle drawing on our Facebook page on November 5, 2020 at 12:00 noon.
Autumn Nature Bingo
Download and print the Autumn Nature Bingo. While out in the parks, think about what you hear and smell. How many colors can you find? Can you find something purple, red, orange, yellow, light green, dark green, and brown?
Scarecrow Contest 2020
Community members created 19 scarecrows for the 19th annual Scarecrow Contest. Watch this video about the entries and the winners.
While at home, with a little straw and some imagination, make your creation “come to life.” Once completed, bring your finished creation to be put on display to celebrate the season.
Prizes
1st prize: $100 sponsored by Robert K. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc.
2nd prize: $50 sponsored by Kathrens Insurance Agency
3rd prize: $25 sponsored by InTech IT Solutions
16 & under: $25 sponsored by Grounds for Thought
Nature Quest
Nature Quest
Nature Quest is a series of self-guided activities. Think of an escape room without the claustrophobia. Each new Quest is based on a different level of puzzle difficulty. Solve the logic puzzles that lead from one clue to the next and you’ll win the Quest.
Nature Quest I: Multi-park Tour
Nature Quest II: Virtual Escape Room.
Click here for an online puzzle-based logic challenge.
Nature Quest III: Sawyer Adventure
Carter Historic Farm
Summer
Produce grown on the Farm is being donated to local food panty the Brown Bag Food Project. Great things are happening at Carter Historic Farm.
Turtle Time
Aquatic vs. Terrestrial
Diet & Resources
Download the .pdf of the Turtle Time resource scavenger hunt.
The Shell
Print this standing turtle activity. Color, cut, and fold to create a standing turtle. For all ages. No really, you’re not too old.
Camouflage
Backyard Naturalist
Insects of summer
Monarch butterfly release
Birds
Native Plants
Why do some trees hang onto their leaves?
Vermicomposting
Lichen
Fun from the Farm
Looking for something fun to do? Check out these fun and educational activities from the Carter Historic Farm.
Carter Historic Farm History Class
Skits for Snake
Mimicry
Vision
“Fox” Snake?
Food
Camouflage
Smelling
Ecopsychology
Part I
Part II
Part III
Nature Bingo
Download and print Spring Nature Bingo for your next outdoor experience.
Nature Bingo encourages us to focus on the nature all around us. You can play in your backyard, on a walk around the neighborhood, and in a park. If you print nature bingo, printing on the back of used paper is a go-green idea, and this version is designed to use less printer ink. #lovenature
Evening on the Portage
Springtime in a Vernal Pool
Wind through White Pine
Bird Song Opera (from ShakeUp Sound Design)
Rudolph Bike Park Sponsorships
Rudolph Bike Park
14038 Mermill Road, Rudolph, OH
See the latest updates with the Rudolph Bike Park here.
With three pump tracks and one mountain bike skills course, there’s something for everyone. Be a part of this exciting community project.
Click here for a Rudolph Bike Park Sponsorship Package.
In a public survey of Wood County residents with over 2,000 respondents, 43.48% of people requested more bike trails & increased access, with 55% of those respondents requesting non-traditional biking opportunities. The Rudolph Bike Park directly meets community needs. The park will attract cyclists of all ages from all around the region, as it will be directly accessible from the 13.1-mile Slippery Elm Trail bike path. The Slippery Elm Trail has an average of 275 users per day. The Bike Park will have a picnic shelter, 3 pump tracks for all ages and skill levels, and a mountain bike skills loop. The parking lot is being paid for by the Wood County Park District. 100% of your donation will go toward creating this community wellness and adventure park. The park will be free and open to the public every day of the year from 8:00 am until 30 minutes past sunset. Positive recognition for your sponsorship will be far-reaching and long-lasting.
Make check payable to the Friends of the Parks, 18729 Mercer Road, Bowling Green. Email jsands @wcparks.org with sponsorship questions.
Land Management
The Stewardship Department is hard at work maintaining, cultivating, and improving natural areas.
Current activities include: cutting back garden displays, mowing, invasive species control, growing plants at the Native Plant Nursery at Reuthinger, and preparing for clearing out the greenhouse to propagate plants throughout the parks.
Recent accomplishments: planted buffers of trees at Cedar Creeks Preserve and Baldwin Woods, planted fruit trees at Carter Historic Farm, planted vegetable garden at Carter Historic Farm, seeded new wetland at Reuthinger Preserve with native plant seeds, and grew thousands of native plant seedlings.
2020 Passport to the Parks
Passport to the Parks
- Pick up a passport from a park kiosk.
- Attend Programs for stamps
- Redeem your prizes for 10 (Campfire Mug) and 20 stamps (tee-shirt) at the Park District Headquarters, 18729 Mercer Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Open Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Click here to print a passport.
Carter Historic Farm Wetland Restoration Project
The Wood County Park District and the Black Swamp Conservancy worked together to restore twenty acres of wetland and prairie at the Carter Historic Farm. Wetlands are important to our natural environment because they filter out pollutants in runoff from the farm fields before it reaches the Lake Erie watershed, provide habitat for wildlife, and create drought and flood resistant areas with the native plants used.
Sixteen acres have been converted to wetland and four acres restored to upland prairie with walking trails along the berms. This is an important conservation effort that yields, educational interpretation opportunities.
Sally and Lyle Loomis, donated the Carter Historic Farm property. The wetland restoration was part of their wishes for the use of the donated land and specifically wished this restoration to take place.
Arrowwood Archery Range
Arrowwood Archery Range on Linwood Road in Bowling Green, Ohio is free and open to the public everyday from 8:00 am until 30 minutes past sunset. Select programming can occupy the space, so check the program listing for details.
Previous Park Updates related to Covid-19
April 20, 2020
The Wood County Park District Parks and Preserves are Open from 8:00 am until 30 minutes past sunset. Playgrounds are closed. Restrooms are open.
During the State stay-at-home order, park access is considered essential services. All park properties are open daily from 8:00 am until 30 minutes past sunset. Playgrounds are closed.
All Wood County Park District buildings are closed. Restrooms are open.
Please observe 6-10 feet of social distancing. Call out to people before you pass them. Be well.
Buttonwood Recreation Area is closed. Access to the Maumee River via Hull Prairie Road is open.
All facility rentals and public programs (including the Native Plant Sale) are cancelled through May 18, 2020. At that time, the situation will be further accessed. All refunds have been issued and will be sent by mail. The administrative offices at Park District Headquarters are closed.
All community members are advised to follow public health guidelines. Social distancing, staying at home, and proper hand-washing are being advised. For disease and health information, please contact the Wood County Health Department, The Ohio Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control.
May 2021:
- *Facility Rentals for W.W. Knight and Otsego Park can be made with reduced occupancy. Fill out this supplemental agreement and to email kstrong at wcparks.org. Facility rental dates start in May.
- June 2021: Facilities open again without covid restrictions.
Folklore & Funfest is a family-friendly Halloween tradition.
Enjoy nocturnal nature, spooky trail, crafts, s’mores, horse-drawn carriage rides, apple cider, games in Booville, and live music.
Costumes are encouraged.
Food will be available for purchase. Parking, entrance, and all activities are free and open to the public.
Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green
Scarecrow Contest and Workshop: Straw, string and support pole are provided. Free to enter. Scarecrows are displayed at the annual Folklore & Funfest.
Scarecrow Contest prizes:
1st $100
2nd $50
3rd$25
kids$25
Workshop location: Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green