Outdoor programs offered at Ohio state parks

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is hosting several family-friendly events during the remainder of February.

Here are some to add to your calendars:

Wildlife Invasion at Mohican State Park: Get a closer look at some of Ohio’s wild animals skins and skulls. Meet at the lodge on Friday, Feb. 17, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 419-994-5125, ext. 20.

Great Backyard Bird Count at Lake Hope State Park: Try your hand at some citizen science. Help the naturalist identify and count birds at the nature center feeders at Lake Hope State Park on Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19, both days from 9 a.m. until noon.

Information gathered will be part of National Audubon Society’s annual bird count to help create real-time snapshots of bird populations around the country and the world. Beginners and experts welcome. Some binoculars and identification books available to use.

For more information, call 740-596-4938.

Owl Walk at Mohican State Park: Welcome to an evening all about owls in Ohio Feb. 18, and Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8-10 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center in the Class A campground for a program and a short hike.

Call 419-994-5125, ext. 20, to sign up. The walk will be easy to moderate.

Bird Walk at Mohican State Park: Meet at the Mohican State Park Lodge lobby on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. and take a leisurely walk to view various birds in and around the lake. People may want to bring binoculars if they have them.

This is an easy path with some steps. For more information, call 419-994-5125, ext. 20.

Great Backyard Bird Count at Maumee Bay State Park: Join a naturalist at the Trautman Nature Center at Maumee Bay State Park Feb. 19, from 12-4 p.m. for Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society’s Great Backyard Bird Count. Basic birding information will be provided.

For more information, call 419-836-7758.

Owl Prowl at Burr Oak State Park: Hocking Hills State Park naturalist Pat Quackenbush will lead this program at Burr Oak State Park Feb. 23, which starts in the lodge with a presentation. Then participants will head outside for a hike to call for owls.

The lodge will offer soup beans and cornbread for purchase prior to the program. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. Meet at the Burr Oak State Park Lodge at 6:30 p.m., event will last until 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 740-767-3570.

Night Hike at Mohican State Park: Enjoy a night hike at Mohican State Park Feb. 24, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Meet at the Hemlock Gorge Trailhead located at the back of Camp Area A.

For more information, call 419-994-5125, ext. 20.

Ohio Boating Education Class at Shawnee State Park: This eight-hour course Feb. 2 runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Shawnee State Park at the marina. The course meets Ohio’s boating education law, and may also qualify boaters for a discount on boat owner’s insurance.

Call 740-353-7668 to register.

Winter Hike at Caesar Creek State Park: Start at the Wellman Meadows Trailhead parking lot at Caesar Creek State Park Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. until noon for a self-guided hike to Horseshoe Falls and a 103-foot-long swinging bridge. Warm up with a nice soup lunch at the nature center before going on to Crawdad Falls.

For more information, call the nature center at 513-897-2437.

Winter Greens at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve: On Feb. 25, from 1-4 p.m. take a 2-mile hike from forest bottom to ridgetop and in field and forest settings. Beginners and experienced naturalists are welcome.

Meet at 1 p.m. at the Boch Hollow office, 7211 Bremen Road, Logan. For more information, contact Lauren Metcalf at lauren.metcalf@dnr.state.oh.us or 740-380-8918.

Woodpecker Wanderings at Burr Oak State Park: Bring your binoculars for this event Feb. 25, from 2-4 p.m. Meet in the lodge lobby. For more information, call 740-767-3570.

Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Milton State Park: Raise money for the American Cancer Society by running or walking into the cold waters of Lake Milton State Park Feb. 25, from 2-5 p.m. Minimum donation of $25 per team.

Meet at the Harry Meshel Picnic Area of the park. An event description is available at: facebook.com/brrforacure. For more information, call 330-654-4989.