Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District A system of natural areas designed to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Allen County, OH
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Happy Nature Photography Day!Nature has a way of giving us moments worth capturing… whether it’s a sunset over the water...
06/19/2026

Happy Nature Photography Day!

Nature has a way of giving us moments worth capturing… whether it’s a sunset over the water, a butterfly landing nearby, or sunlight filtering through the trees.

We’d love to see the parks through YOUR eyes.

📷 Share your favorite outdoor photo and tag us for a chance to be featured!

Photo credit: Kaycee Smith

06/18/2026

🐣🦆🦌 Spring is officially in full swing… and the babies are taking over!

This week, Marie headed out to Teddy Bear Park and found herself surrounded by some of nature’s newest arrivals.

From tiny hatchlings to curious youngsters, there’s no shortage of growing, changing, and adorable wildlife this time of year.

You never know who you might meet on the trail.

Listen in as Marie introduces some of the park’s newest residents and shares why spring is one of the best seasons to slow down and notice the little things.

Because those little things don’t stay little for long.

And that’s your reminder that today (and every day) is a great time to GET OUTSIDE! 🌿

What’s your favorite baby animal to spot in the spring?

One of Ohio's most recognizable insects depends on a single type of plant to survive.Without it, this species couldn't c...
06/17/2026

One of Ohio's most recognizable insects depends on a single type of plant to survive.

Without it, this species couldn't complete its life cycle.
Do you know which one we're talking about?

Which Ohio animal depends on milkweed plants to complete its life cycle?
A. Luna moth
B. Monarch butterfly
C. Dragonfly
D. Honey bee

Drop your guess below (No Googling... the butterflies are counting on you 😏)

We'll reveal the answer later this week!
🌿 Bonus question: Have you spotted any milkweed growing yet this season?

Nothing says summer quite like bluegrass music drifting through the park on a warm evening. 🪕Join us Saturday, June 20, ...
06/16/2026

Nothing says summer quite like bluegrass music drifting through the park on a warm evening. 🪕

Join us Saturday, June 20, from 7–9 PM at the Ottawa Metro Park Amphitheater as Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass brings an evening of folk and bluegrass favorites to the Summer Amphitheater Series.

Known for high-energy performances, incredible musicianship, and that unmistakable bluegrass sound, this is the kind of show that makes you want to kick back, tap your foot, and stay awhile.

Tag someone who would absolutely love a summer bluegrass night at the park!

🎣 Did You Know? If you're hoping to spot fish near the surface, your best bet might be an early summer morning.Why?🌅 Coo...
06/13/2026

🎣 Did You Know? If you're hoping to spot fish near the surface, your best bet might be an early summer morning.

Why?
🌅 Cooler temperatures
🌤️ Lower light levels
🐟 Better hunting conditions

During the cool, dim hours of the morning, many fish become more active and move closer to the surface to feed. As the day warms up and sunlight becomes more intense, they often retreat to deeper, cooler water to stay comfortable and avoid the heat.

So if you're planning a morning walk by the water, take a moment to look closely; you might see more activity than you expect! 🐟

Coloring Page Friday 🎨This week’s page celebrates pollinators and native flowers, some of the hardest working parts of o...
06/13/2026

Coloring Page Friday 🎨

This week’s page celebrates pollinators and native flowers, some of the hardest working parts of our ecosystems.

Download your coloring page in the comments and share your finished creation with us.

We love seeing your artwork come to life!

Bell-bottoms, classic hits, and a summer night at the park? Sounds like a pretty good combination to us. ✌️Join us Satur...
06/11/2026

Bell-bottoms, classic hits, and a summer night at the park? Sounds like a pretty good combination to us. ✌️

Join us Saturday, June 13, from 7–9PM at the Ottawa Metro Park Amphitheater for an evening packed with your favorite hits from the 60s and 70s.

From singalong classics to feel-good throwbacks, this free Summer Amphitheater Series performance is the perfect excuse to grab a lawn chair, bring some friends, and enjoy a night outdoors.

Now, be honest… what 60s or 70s song instantly gets you singing along?

06/11/2026

🦌We think she knew the camera was rolling…

This week’s Weekly Wildlife Watch took an unexpected turn when Marie had a very curious visitor at the McElroy Environmental Education Center.

And let’s just say… this white-tailed deer was more than ready for her close-up.

But beyond being adorable, she was showing off something else: her fresh summer coat!

Have you ever noticed that deer change color throughout the year?

🌿 Summer coats are thinner and reddish-brown, helping deer stay cool and blend into the lush greens of the season.

❄️ Winter coats are thicker, fluffier, and grayer, helping them stay warm during Ohio’s coldest months.

Nature is constantly changing, and sometimes it gives us a front-row seat.

Have you spotted any deer in their summer coats yet?

And remember, today (and every day) is a great time to GET OUTSIDE! 🌳

🐢 Have you noticed more turtles crossing roads lately? You're not imagining it!This time of year, turtles are on the mov...
06/10/2026

🐢 Have you noticed more turtles crossing roads lately? You're not imagining it!
This time of year, turtles are on the move, but do you know why?

Why are turtles often seen crossing roads this time of the year?

A. They are finding nesting areas
B. They need to spend a lot of time out of the water after winter
C. They are trying to find somewhere cooler
D. They change where they live every year

Drop your guess below... We'll reveal the answer later this week!

🐢 Bonus challenge: Have you spotted a turtle yet this spring?

Address

1682 Slabtown Road
Lima, OH
45801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14192211232

Website

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