Lowe-Volk Nature Center
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About the CPD

Crawford Park District
2401 SR 598
Crestline, Oh  44827
419-683-9000

Lowe-Volk Nature Center
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8:00-4:00
Sun:  Noon-4:00

The Latest News from the CPD

Welcome to our  Website!

Nature Day Camp Still Has Openings  (4/18/2014)

Since opening up Nature Day Camp to allow more campers attend, we still have plenty of spots available.  As of this news release, there are only 2 weeks that are full.  Check out our "Nature Day Camp" page for availability and forms necessary to get your child signed up!
Crawford Park District Geo-Park Tour (4/18/14)

This tour will take you to all of our parks where you will find geocaches (listed on www.geocaching.com) placed by the Crawford Park District. Each of these geocache containers hold a keyword.  Log that keyword on our Tour Page and return to the Lowe Volk Park Nature Center to redeem for a collectible Geocaching item, a Pathtag!  For worksheet, click below.
Controlled Burn at Daughmer  (4/3/2014)

Crews from ODNR's Division of Natural Areas and Preserves conducted a controlled burn at Daughmer Prairie Savannah State Nature Preserve on March 31.  Even though there was snow on the ground the day before, the burn was a success.  Due to the elevation of Smooth Greensnakes to the Ohio Endangered Species List, it was critical to get the burn accomplished before these imperiled snakes emerged from hibernation - most likely this week due to the warm temperatures. 

While the scarred ground may look "ugly", fire is vital to the maintenance of prairie ecosystems.  Naturally occurring fires, and those started by Native Peoples, helped keep prairies thriving in Crawford County upon the arrival of the first settlers.  Not only did the burned material provide nutrients to the soil, it provided improved grazing for animals, which Native Americans took advantage of.  As spring progresses, be sure to view the awesome changes that take place in the wake of a controlled grassland fire.  For more photos of the burn, check out our Photo Gallery!    
Spring Newsletter Now Available 

The 2014 spring issue of the CPD's "Trails Newsletter" is now available.  This will look at Wildfires and Snowy Owls; it has our updated programs and events, a guest article from a Junior Naturalist, and of course naturalist articles that investigate a migrant shorebird and look into flower/insect relationships.  Check it out today!