MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Richland County Park District is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a full weekend of events Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday Aug. 23. The celebration showcases the natural beauty and the wildlife diversity of Gorman Nature Center and the Richland County Park District (RDPD).
The Gorman Nature Center will be open to the public the entire weekend with special programming each day. Visitors will find vendors and displays including Gail Martin, from Natives in Harmony, who will be available all weekend selling pollinator plants and other native species.
The community open house event will feature tours of the eco-friendly nature center and grounds, hikes to explore the property, hands-on activities with the GNC educational animals, snacks and beverages from local businesses (including blueberries from the Blueberry Patch and apple cider doughnuts from Apple Hill Orchard) and much more.
Visitors will have the chance to meet the RCPD staff, learn all about park district properties (including some recent acquisitions), hike the trails, find out about public programming, including the free educational programs to over 20,000 local students annually.
The weekend schedule:
Saturday
10 -11 a.m. Reptile and Amphibian Hike
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning Spidering: Presentation and Hike by Sarah Rose
12-1:30 p.m. GNC Prairie Walk
1:30-3 p.m. Dragonfly & Damselfly Hike
3:30-5 p.m. Butterflies and Other Cool Insects Walk
9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Nighttime Wonders – Owls, Lightning Bugs, Astronomy & more
Sunday
10 – 11:30 a.m. Reptile & Amphibian Hike
12 – to 1:30 Prairie Walk
2 – 3 p.m. Butterflies and Other Cool Insects Walk
The Gorman Nature Center is located at 2295 Lexington Ave., south of Mansfield. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information call 419-884-3764.
