Salamander Volunteer Training

March 7, Saturday, 1-3 PM

Allen County Parks is partnering with Little River Wetland Project to conduct a population survey on a little understood wetland creature, the salamander. Research sites will be at Metea County Park, Fox Island County Park and Eagle Marsh.

If you can give a little time to help check the salamander traps, please come to this free workshop at Metea County Park Nature Center. Dress for the weather; we will be going outside after a short presentation. Please register at 449-3777 at least 5 business days before the workshop. Cost is free

Wilderness Women - Candle Making

February 21, Saturday, 3 – 5 PM

Wilderness Women is a program designed for women and young ladies from about 12 years and up to become more self sufficient in the outdoors and develop an environmental consciousness all while gaining skills and knowledge.

We’ll be taking a short hike at Metea County Park and then learning how to make candles. We’ll also have a light snack.

Cost is $5 per person. Please register 5 business days prior to the program at 260-449-3777. Five people must register in order for the program to run.

TREADS – All Around

February 14, Saturday, 2:00 PM

Treads is a hiking program that will take the participant through the many different areas/programs at Metea County Park.

During this hike, naturalist Karie Divelbiss-Harding will take you to different parts of the park in search of animal homes, scats and tracks, and other interesting things! This program is suitable for beginners and recreational walkers.

Please pre-register by February 16 by calling 449-3777 or emailing kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants to offer the program.

Certified Interpretive Guide Training at Metea County Park

Feb. 17 – 20, Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 -4:30

Calling all naturalists and wanna-bee!

Allen County Parks is offering the National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide class. This internationally-recognized certification stresses proven education and interpretation methods and planning strategies leading to improvements in message retention and positive perception. Be the best naturalist you can be!

To learn more, including class fees, visit: Interpnet or contact bdispenza@allencountyparks.org or call 449-3777.

Preschool Adventure – Love Bugs

February 12, Thursday, 10:00 AM OR 2:00 PM

Bring your preschool-aged “Love Bugs” to Metea Park and have a lot of fun. We will be learning about insects – where they are, what they are doing, etc. We will read a story, play a game, have a craft and snack.

$3.00 per child, $2.00 per adult partner (required). Please pre-register by February9 by calling 449-3777 or emailing Karie at kharding@allencountyparks.org. Minimum of 5 participants for the program to run.

Home School Series

February 5 & March 5, Thursdays, 2-4 PM

Metea County Park is offering a home school science enrichment program for all school age students in three age groups. Participants in this project must pre-register and prepay by February 13 at 449-3777 or by emailing Karie Harding at kharding@allencountyparks.org (preferred method). We will not accept walk-ins.

The fee for this program is $10.00 per student, $4.00 per adult and includes both month’s sessions, all handouts and equipment. One parent/guardian per family is required to attend. Classes fill up quickly, so reserve your space.

**NOTE: YOUR SPACE WILL NOT BE RESERVED UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID.**

Classes begin promptly at 2:00 PM!

	Beginner (Grades 1-3)	Intermediate (Grades 4-6)	Advanced (Grades 7-12)
Session 1: February 5	Mammals Let’s find out all about those warm, furry residents of our parks and what makes them special. Maximum 15 participants – must be prepaid.	Dissection – Fish The participants in this study will learn about the internal and external anatomy of a perch. All equipment and materials provided EXCEPT gloves. Maximum 10 participants – must be prepaid.	Microscope Study The students will be learning how to use compound microscopes to see tiny things around them. Maximum 10 participants – must be prepaid.
Session 2: March 5	Amphibians They’re slimy, small and change a lot as they grow up. Explore the world of frogs, toads and salamanders.	Dissection – Frog The participants in this study will learn about the internal and external anatomy of a frog. All equipment and materials provided EXCEPT gloves.	Microscope Study Continuation of above-mentioned study.

Groundhog Day Celebration

February 2, Monday, 10 AM

As the weather continues cold, we all wonder when spring warmth will be arriving. One of our native animals has a reputation for being able to tell when – the groundhog. We are going to encourage him with a little celebration held in his honor.

Come to the Metea County Park Nature Center to learn about hibernation and the history of woodchuck weathermen, sing some Groundhog Day songs, and go out looking for our own Metea Park Marvin. Will he see his shadow, or will he be out cross-country skiing? Come and find out on Wednesday, February 2, 10 AM!

Call 449-3180 to reserve your space. $2.00 per person.