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-Thurs
8:00-8:00
Fri & Sat: 8:00-4:00
Sun:  Noon-4:00
Look What's Happening at the CPD!!!
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Interactive Puppet Show with author David Fitzsimmons
Wednesday, October 18 6:30pm Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
The Crawford Park District welcomes author David Fitzsimmons for an interactive puppet show to be held at Lowe-Volk Park on Wednesday, October 18 at 6:30pm.  The program will include crafts and a take home activity.  This program is being co-sponsored by the Bucyrus Public Library.   Lowe-Volk Park is located 3 miles north of US Route 30. For more information contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000.
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Halloween Family Fun Night
Saturday, October 21   6-9pm   Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
The Crawford Park District invites families to come to Lowe-Volk Park and celebrate with a night filled with fall fun! Dress in your Halloween costume or just come to enjoy the activities. There will be a bonfire, face painting, nature art, wagon rides, and a treat bag for kids.  Bring a flashlight and go on a guided night hike in the woods.  Choose between the haunted hike and the non-haunted hike. Bring the whole family!   Lowe-Volk Park is located 3 miles north of US Route 30.

New Bison Display

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A mounted Bison head now oversees the Nature Center display hall. Ron Treisch, of Galion, Ohio, has raised Bison for many years. He decided it was time to have his large bull of 17 years, Bunyun, butchered. Ron had the bull butchered and sent his head and cape to Bloomfield’s Taxidermy to have it mounted. He determined it was going to be problematic to get the mount into his home, and also, not many would get to see it. He decided the best course of action would be to donate it to the CPD. While affixing a 100+lb bison head to any wall, house or nature center, has its issues, the opportunity for people to see it would’t be! The Bison mount is now on a long-term loan at the Nature Center. Come to the Nature Center to see Bunyun the Bison in his grandiose repose. Thanks, Ron!

Did you know...Buffalo and Bison are two distinct types of animals. Buffalo inhabit areas in Africa and Asia. Erroneously, early settlers called the American Bison a “buffalo”, as that is what they thought it resembled. Although there are no buffalo in North America, there were 4 different species of bison roaming the recently glaciated landscape. Three of them went the way of the Mastodon, leaving only one, Bison bison, the Ameri-can Bison.

Volunteers Equal Success!!!

People often ask how the Park District gets so much done with a relatively small staff. There are many factors involved, but the central two are a quality, dedicated staff who work together for a common goal and the huge support that is offered by our unselfish volunteers.
Although we are a County Park system, we have our own volunteer Park Commissioners who are appointed by the Crawford County Probate Judge, Stephen Eckstein. We also have Advisory Board members, who function as volunteer leaders and whose input is valued by the Commissioners and the Director.
From that point on, many individuals give their time and talents to keep this Park District in the forefront of nature education and nature preservation. This past summer, the larger events like Animal Extravaganza, Water Carnival, and the recent Eclipse gathering were huge success stories which could not have happened without our community volunteers.
Using the Water Carnival as an example, we had thirty volunteers performing all kinds of important tasks! Sometimes, volunteers are provided by other community organizations such as Scouts, 4-H, Kohl’s of Mansfield, or our own Lowe-Volk Astronomy Club. Volunteerism is alive and well in Crawford County which enables great things to happen for a great community!
To volunteer for the Crawford Park District, simply fill out the Volunteer Enrollment Form and return it to Lowe-Volk Nature Center.

Improvements at Lowe-Volk Park

If you have yet to visit Lowe-Volk Park this summer, you’ve missed some great improvements. With the loss of the ash trees in the front yard of the Nature Center, a new shaded picnic area has been established in the woods just north of the kiosk. Picnic tables are in place and many visitors have utilized the shade it provides. Hiking through the woods, one will notice the next improvement. Over the years, erosion has taken its toll on the main trail/access drive that starts at SR 598 and meanders back to the Allen Run Bridge. Roots were heavily exposed creating a nasty tripping pitfall. Stone has been laid to cover the roots, eliminating the trip hazard and making it more accessible to those with strollers and limited mobility. While hiking this newly covered trail to the Allen Run Bridge, the third improvement will make itself manifest. Steps have been constructed down the hill for visitors to more easily descend the steep grade. While the CPD strives to conserve and preserve nature, we also want to ensure enjoyable and safe accessibility for everyone while maintaining the integrity our natural areas. Come for a hike and stay for a picnic. You won’t regret it!