Want to volunteer at Allen County Parks?

We would love to have you!!!!

We need volunteers for all kinds of activities, be it
program help, maintenance help, removal of invasive
species, filling bird feeders, small construction projects, hosts/hostess, anything you’d like to do!!

All potential volunteers for the Allen County Parks
Department must complete a volunteer application
before volunteering. A link to this application can be
found at our website on the Volunteer in the Allen
County Parks page.

What's Happening at Metea County Park?

To view a complete and up-to-date list of activities occurring at Metea Park, please see the Wild Grapevine, available at the Allen County Parks website.

Preschool Morning Adventure – An Apple a Day


  • WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 10:00 AM
  • WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  • WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about apples. We will read a book, make a craft, have a snack and a taste test… which apple do you prefer?
  • COST: $3.00/child, $2.00/adult
  • PRE-REGISTER BY: September 5
  • MINIMUM: 5
  • MAXIMUM: 20

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Fall Trail Guide Training


  • WHEN: Sunday, August 30, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
  • WHERE: Fox Island County Park
  • WHAT: Join Allen County Park Educator, Natalie Haley in the fall training of our volunteer trail guides. They will be learning about the history of Fox Island while enjoying the autumn fall color. Bring a friend and become a volunteer trail guide!
  • COST: FREE!
  • PRE-REGISTER BY: August 25
  • MINIMUM: 5
  • MAXIMUM: 30

To register or for more information, contact Natalie Haley at 449-3246 or email at nhaley@allencountyparks.org

Save the Date!

Everyone is invited to the annual Friends of Metea picnic on Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30PM. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. Hot dogs, buns, and drinks (bottled water and pop) will be furnished. Hope to see you there!

Monarch Day


  • WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM
  • WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  • WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she teaches about MONARCH BUTTERFLIES! Learn about migration, tagging, lifecycles, and much more as we play games, have a hike, and tag and release butterflies (how long will they stay on your nose?)
  • COST: $2.00/person
  • PRE-REGISTER BY: August 17
  • MINIMUM: 5
  • MAXIMUM: 20
  • NISTEM reward points: 2

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Home school science enrichment

Home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. Includes BOTH month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve you space. Classes begin at promptly 2:00 PM! Both sessions will be held both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Cost: $10.00/student, $4.00/adult
Pre-register & PREPAY by: 8/15/09
Min: 5/age group
Max: 20
SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID

To register or more information, call Karie Harding at 449-3777 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org

Session 1: August 20

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Insects
The beginner group will be learning about Insects during this session. They will take a hike through the prairie hopefully finding exciting insects like preying mantis, caterpillars, butterflies and more.

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Insects
This is a more advanced class looking at insects, we will be using taxonomic keys to identify insects as well as investigate what it takes to be an insect.

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Insects
This is a more advanced class looking at insects, we will be using taxonomic keys to identify insects as well as investigate what it takes to be an insect.

Session 2: September 17

Beginner (grade 1-3)
Tree ID
We will be hiking through the park figuring out the different kinds of trees can be found along the trails. We will use different ways to remember names, and will use a field guide to help us with the process.

Intermediate (grade 4-6)
Tree ID
This will be a more advanced hike through the nature preserve looking for trees, and using different tools to help us remember their names.

Advanced (grade 7-12)
Tree ID
This will be a more advanced hike through the nature preserve looking for trees, and using different tools to help us remember their names.

TREADS – Soft Shell Turtle Trail


  • WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 AM
  • WHERE: Metea County Park Nature Center
  • WHAT: Join Metea naturalist, Karie Harding as she leads a hike down Soft Shell Turtle Trail. Find out about the flora and fauna found in the park during this hike. Insect repellant suggested.
  • COST: $2.00/person
  • PRE-REGISTER BY: August 10
  • MINIMUM: 5
  • MAXIMUM: 20

To register or for more information, contact Karie Harding at 449-3778 or email at kharding@allencountyparks.org