OTHER METROPARKS HAPPENINGS

Stargazing 

First Saturday each month.   Spring and summer are excellent times to gaze upon the stars.  MetroParks of Butler County is offering the opportunity to come to Woodsdale Regional Park on the first Saturday each May through August to stargaze.  This park offers both open fields and low light pollution for better observation.  Gates will be open until 11:00 p.m.  This is a self-guided activity.  Participants must bring their own telescopes, binoculars, insect repellant, etc.  Groups, individuals, professionals and beginners are all welcome.

Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River

May 10, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  Local volunteers will be cleaning up the Great Miami River on the morning of Saturday May 10, 2008.  Numerous county agencies, municipalities, townships and companies are coordinating the cleanup on Butler County’s section of the river.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in your local community and help cleanup the Great Miami River.  This event provides an organized, fun, and community service project for groups, of all sizes including schools, scouts, churches, and adult clubs and organizations.  For more information contact MetroParks of Butler County (Chrisholm Historic Farmstead office) at 513-887-8136.

Salute to the Pioneers

Sunday, May 18  at 2:30 p.m. at the Indian Creek Pioneer Church and Burial Grounds in Reily Township.  This annual memorial program includes singing and a guest speaker.  The keynote speaker will be Neeake (English name Rev. Fred Shaw), Native American story teller.  Enjoy a pleasant afternoon honoring our area pioneers.  The program is hosted by the Indian Creek Pioneer Church Restoration Committee. 

Pioneer Village Open Saturdays

Beginning Saturday, May 24, the Pioneer Village at Governor Bebb Preserve will be open to the public each Saturday—Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.  Hours will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  A costumed interpreter will be on hand to provide tours and information about each cabin. 

Memorial at the Monument Cabin

May 26, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  Help MetroParks celebrate Memorial Day!  Stop by the 200+ year old cabin after the City of Hamilton’s Memorial Day parade and meet living history interpreters that will help visitors learn about life over two centuries ago.  Take advantage of this opportunity to tour the cabin which is located on part of the original Fort Hamilton site.  The Monument Cabin is located in downtown Hamilton next to the Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument.

Sunday Afternoon Special—Tree ID Hike

Sunday, June 1 at 4:00 p.m. at Indian Creek Preserve.  Naturalist/Park Ranger, Susan Heckaman, will lead this hike and share with you some simple tree identification tips to guide you throughout the seasons.  Meet in the Mayer Shelter parking area from the entrance located at 6500 Springfield Road in Reily Township. 

National Trails Day

Saturday, June 7, all day, at the “Reserved” Carl and Nell Stander Preserve located at 5750 Dunwoody Road in Reily Township; and at Governor Bebb Preserve in Morgan Township.  The America Discovery Trail is over 6,800 miles long and connects the east coast to the west coast.  A portion of this trail runs through both of these park areas.  Celebrate the day by hiking along this history-making trail.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the parks.  Trails will be marked.  Please note that the “Reserved” Carl and Nell Stander Preserve is not yet open to the public except for special programs.  To learn more about the America Discover trail visit www.discoverytrail.org.

Knee Deep in Dry Fork Creek

Wednesday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Governor Bebb Preserve.  Share discoveries as we walk the creek searching for fossils and creek critters.  Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet!  Meet in the lower level parking area near the creek and playground.

Nature’s Rainbows

Wednesday, August 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Voice of America Park in the Gazebo.  Join naturalist, Jim Williams, to learn about the unique life of the butterfly.  Beautiful flying rainbows of nature--the butterfly actually begins its life as a worm- like creature. Hear the story of the life cycle of the butterfly and some of the interesting facts about our local butterflies. We will also learn about a special butterfly that takes a vacation in Mexico.