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-Fri  8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday  8:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday  12:00pm - 4:00pm 

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Forest Friends:
Pre-K Learning in Nature

Interaction with nature is essential in meeting the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of children. Forest Friends combines early childhood and environmental education designed to:
● Foster curiosity
● Inspire confidence & independence
● Encourage problem solving & reflection
● Strengthen balance, coordination, & concentration
A typical session includes:
● Game or Animal encounter
● Introduction or review of new learning concepts
● Read aloud
● Hike & exploration of the woods, river, pond, or wetland
● Healthy snack
● Free play time & One-on-one work with teacher

  • This program incorporates outdoor learning with Ohio’s Early Learning & Development Standards, which focus on math, science, social studies, language & literacy as well as social/emotional & physical development. It is led by a licensed Pre-K teacher/naturalist.
  • Classes will be outside rain, snow, or shine, except in cases of severe weather. Learning sessions will be Wednesdays and Fridays with a morning session from 8:30-12 and an afternoon session from 1-4:30pm. Class sizes are limited to six students per session, and registration will be on a first come, first serve basis. Cost is $100/month. This program is for 4- or 5-year-olds who will be starting Kindergarten in 2022. Due to limited availability, registration forms and September’s payment must be submitted in-person at Lowe-Volk Nature Center to secure a child’s participation in this program. For more information, call the Nature Center at 419-683-9000.

Junior Naturalist Club 

Are you between the ages of 12 and 18?  If so, consider joining the Junior Naturalist Club with the Crawford Park District! This adventurous program is open to teens who have an interest in nature, wildlife careers, or are just interested in learning about the outdoors.  Our meetings will be held once a month on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 5pm, starting March 9th!  Topics depend on the interests of the participants, with a goal to learn about developing educational programs and learning about conservation, animal care, and natural history.  Hear guest speakers, go on field trips and have fun!  To apply, please download and fill out the application below and drop it off to Naturalist Abby at the Nature Center, or scan and email your completed application to 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.