Lowe-Volk Nature Center
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Crawford Park District
2401 SR 598
Crestline, Oh  44827
419-683-9000

Lowe-Volk Nature Center
Hours:
Mon-Sat:8:00am - 4:00pm
Sun:  Closed

Nature Camp Job Opportunity!

The CPD is hiring 2 Nature Camp Interns! The job is a seasonal, paid position. It is ideal for, but not limited to, college students. Click here to view the job description and employment application. Return your application, cover letter, and resume before March 29, 2019.
Look What's Happening at the CPD!!!
Wings Over Ohio: A Photography Exhibit Featuring Adam Brandemihl
Saturday, February 2 through Thursday, February 28
Dr. Brandemihl enjoys focusing on the technical side of photography and highlighting the bright colors and subtle textures of Ohio’s birds and butterflies. His work has been featured in the McConnell Arts Center as well as on the cover of Parkscope Magazine. Other magazines featuring his work include Columbus CityScene magazine and The Ohio Cardinal. He has lectured at the Focus Group Columbus on bird photography. His photographs are featured prominently by the Columbus Metro Parks in their park guides, magazines, brochures and social media sites. He is the winner of multiple ribbons in the Columbus Metro Parks photography contests. His photographs were most recently on display at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. He’s also the founder of the Central Ohio Bird Photography group.
 
Bluebird Bonanza
Tuesday, February 19   6pm   Lowe-Volk Park
The Eastern Bluebird is the coup of backyard nest boxes.  With fun activities and crafts, Joy Etter-Link will lead this program to discover why bluebirds are important and how kids can help them.  For kids 5th grade and younger accompanied by an adult.

Nature Hike
Saturday, February 23   3pm   Heckert Nature Preserve  
By late February winter is starting to loosen its grip.  Winter bird flocks are breaking up and the first courtship calls can be heard.  Warm days can bring out over-wintering butterflies.  Meet Warren Uxley at Heckert Nature Preserve to see what this year’s season of transition will bring.
 
Viewing the Night Sky
Saturday, February 23  6pm Lowe-Volk Park
Join members of the Crawford Park Astronomy Club as they share their knowledge and telescope skills with all who are interested in the celestial sights. Targets for the winter months will include: M-32 (an elliptical galaxy), M-31 (in the Andromeda Galaxy), and the star cluster Hyades which is 153 light years away! The universe is an astronomical sight! Bring your own telescope or allow the volunteers to assist you with those provided. It’s a spectacular universe!  

Toddler Trot:  Tracks
Tuesday February 26   5pm   Heckert Nature Preserve
With snow on the ground, or mud left from melting snow, tracks are easy to find.  Join Josh and McKinley to explore the wetland and woods of Heckert in search of animal tracks and other signs they leave behind.  For kids not quite in school and younger.
 
Great Lakes
Thursday, February 28     5:30pm   Lowe-Volk Park
Can you rank the Great Lakes in size? Or do you know how long it takes for the water to cycle through?  Come out to learn all about the Great Lakes! There will be several hands-on activities to reinforce the significance of the lakes. All ages are welcome.
 
Arrowhead Day
Saturday, March 2   10am-2pm   Lowe-Volk Park
If you are into pre-historic artifacts, this event is for you!  Come see what other local collectors have found in the fields of Crawford County, as well as other areas.  Members of the Johnny Appleseed Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Ohio will also be on hand to display their collections.  Come view these displays and have your questions about unidentified items answered.  Drag out that old cigar box and bring those artifacts to show off! 
 



 

Junior Naturalist Club 

Consider joining the new and improved Junior Naturalist Club with the Crawford Park District! Open to anyone age 12-18 who has an interest in nature or animal related careers, or just want to spend time learning about nature with a group of young professionals. Our meetings will be held once a month on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 5pm, starting March 9th! The meeting topics will depend on the interests of the participants, but we hope to learn about conducting educational programming, conservation, animal care, and natural history. As well as having guest speakers and field trips. To apply, please download and fill out the application below and drop it off to Naturalist Abby at the front desk of the Nature Center or scan it and email her at aditomassi@crawfordparkdistrict.org. 
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New at Lowe-Volk Park:
Sandstone Rockscape

The Crawford Park District is pleased to announce the recent construction of A Sandstone Rockscape at Lowe-Volk Park.  The rockscape was designed and built by a group of volunteers commonly called, The Cabin Guys. Their name was assigned because the men built the Dapper Cabin at Colonel Crawford Schools.   The historic sandstone was donated by Chuck Kimerline of Bucyrus Road Materials and Nancy Everly of The Leesville Trading Post.  Since sandstone was previously quarried at Lowe-Volk Park, it was the perfect building material for the rockscape.