Park Programs for 2005-2006

One of the things I have done since the first year we started homeschooling was set up park programs at the local parks. The first year I crossed my fingers that I could get the required minimum of 10 kids (and even ended up counting Cade who was a baby at the time) and now we are pretty much guarenteed that we have at least 25 or 30 kids.

September 13th 11 AM: Stream Study (at Sycamore Park, Batavia)-seining nets, hand lenses, and other collecting tools are used to sample and identify the macroinvertebrate population of a local stream and to assess water quality. Student data will be submitted to the Little Miami River Watershed Database.

September 27th 1 PM and 2 PM Fossils at Sharon Woods, Sharonville. Plan to wear old sneakers, watershoes or boots as we will be in the creek and getting wet. Meet by the vending machines in the Sharon Center. My family plans to get there around noon and picnic before heading off on the program.

October 11th 11 AM: Fossils Then & Now (Sycamore Park, Batavia) investigate a collection of Clermont County fossils, learn what our area was like 450 million years ago, what the creatures were like when alive, and how fossils are formed. What park would you recommend?

November 8th 11 AM: Kelley Nature Preserve(Loveland/Milford) Orienteering with maps and compass

December 13th 10 AM and 11 AM Woodland Mound: Bird Count. Meet at Seasongood Nature center.

January 10th : Owl Night Hike: Sycamore Park, Batavia...we have to double check the time, probably around 6 PM or 6:30 PM, whenever it gets dark!

Feburary 7th 11 AM: Local Habitat at Pattision Park Lodge, Owensville - looking at local examples, students will define habitat, the basic needs of all life, and discover what lives here. Beat cabin fever and pack a picnic lunch, we are welcome to stay and eat/hang out in the lodge once the program is over!

March 14th 11 AM: Awesome Amphibians at Crooked Run Nature Preserve, Chilo. The preserve is home to several species of frogs and salamanders. We'll discover what adaptations these amphibians have to help them live in the water. Then we will take a walk to the pond and discover which frogs and salamanders are active.

March 28th: 1 PM and 2 PM Salamanders at Sharon Woods, Sharonville. Plan to wear old sneakers, watershoes or boots as we may be in the creek and might get wet (we are supposed to be staying on the banks, but you all know kids and water!). Meet by the vending machines in the Sharon Center. My family plans to get there around noon and picnic before heading off on the program.

April 11th 11 AM: Spring Wildflower Walk Sycamore Park, Batavia Sycamore Park is alive with color each spring. Dutchman's Breeches, Sessile Trillium, Trout Lilies, and Virginia Bluebells are just a few of the flowers that will bloom along the wooded walking trail at Sycamore Park. Because each species of flower blooms at a certain time, each week is sure to have a different flower showing off it's colors.

May 9th 11 AM: Wondrous Wetland Expedition Crooked Run Nature Preserve, Chilo. Have you ever wondered why wetlands are important and what lives in them? On this expedition we'll visit the wetland, with nets, in search of clues. Waterproof boots are recommended.