Nature Programs

Nature Programs are offered year-round at Lake Hope

Programs are offered 5 days a week during the summer months and weekends throughout the rest of the year.  Program schedules are posted monthly during the summer and weekly during the off-season.  During the off-season, please email us before your trip and we'll let you know what we'll have going on!

JULY 1-19, 2009

Wednesdays

9:30am            Family Creek Walk
Wear creekin’ shoes! Best for ages 6 and up.

Meet at the nature center.  2-mile hike.  (1.5 hours)
1:00-3:00pm   Nature Center/ Bookstore Open
1:00-3:00pm   Hand-feed Hummingbirds!
Learn about hummingbirds then try to hand-feed them! Check out our display and video to learn more about these amazing creatures.  Bring your camera!  Please donate to the Friends of Lake Hope.   Nature center.

Thursdays
10:00am          World’s Most Expensive Birdfeeder
Park VIP’s Chuck and Sharon Routzohn will show you how to attract birds to your backyard.  Bring an empty pop bottle or we’ll provide one for you.  (1 hour)

1:00-4:00pm   Nature Center/ Bookstore Open
1:00-3:00pm   Hand-feed Hummingbirds!

See “Wednesdays” for more info.   Please DONATE!

Fridays
10:00am          Gross-ology

Back by popular demand.  Guaranteed to be disgusting
for all ages.  Nature center.  (1.5 hours)
1:00-5:00pm   Nature Center & Bookstore Open

1:00-3:00pm   Hand-feed Hummingbirds!

See “Wednesdays” for more info.   Please DONATE!
6:00pm            Insect Hike
Meet at Hope Schoolhouse to search the fields for insects.  Nets provided.  Turn at the Lake Hope Dam onto Wheelabout Road, follow the signs.  Fun for all ages. (No program July 17)

Saturdays
9:00am            Birdwalk 
Search for colorful summer residents by sight and sound.  Fun for all ages, binoculars provided. Hope School. (except July 11)
Noon-3:00pm Hope Schoolhouse Open
Historical displays in an old one-room school.

1:00-6:30pm   Nature Center & Bookstore Open
1:00-3:00pm   Hand-feed Hummingbirds!
See “Wednesdays” for more info.   Please DONATE!
3:00pm            Archery Lessons!
Shoot a bullseye!  Best for ages 7 and up.  Parents must accompany children.  Meet behind Camp Office.  (2 hours)
8:45pm            Saturday Night at the Movies!     
Family fun at the nature center amphitheater.  Walt Disney films will be featured!  Titles for the entire summer are posted at all offices.  (1½ hours)
 
Sundays
9:30am             Hooked on Fishing!          
We provide the poles and bait….Kids catch the fish!  Meet at the boat launch ramp parking lot along Route 278.  (1 hour)

2009 Special Events!

6^th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 11^th, 2009  1:00pm
Kids can search for prize-filled eggs and families can
participate in “egg”-citing games!  Nature Center.

Annual Wildflower Walk

Saturday, April 25^th, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm,

1.5-mile walk along Raccoon Creek to identify wildflowers and discuss folklore.  Hope Furnace with your vehicle.

Youth Fishing Tournament

Saturday May 2^nd, 2009  8:00am-11:00am,
Parking Lot below the Lake Hope Dam

For kids aged 1-16. Adults must be present with each child.
Trophy presentation and cookout afterwards.
We provide the poles and bait or bring your own.

Migration Birdwalk

Saturday May 9^th, 2009   9:00am-Noon

Search different habitats for spring migrants. Last year we saw 50 species of birds!   Some binoculars provided. Hope Furnace.

Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds

June 24-Labor Day, 2009
Participants can make a feeder and attempt to
hand-feed hummingbirds.   Nature Center.

June 24^th-August 31^st every Wednesday through Sunday
1:00-3:00pm  

Hummingbird Banding Demo

July 11, 2009, Nature Center
9:00-11:00am: Banding Demo  1:00-2:00pm presentation

Hummingbird expert Allen Chartier will capture and band our hummingbirds.  Allen will also present his research about
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.

Zaleski Flint Knap-In

Saturday July 18^th, 2009  10:00am-4:00pm,

Learn how to make arrowheads, primitive tools, and atl-atls. Displays and demonstrations.  Nature Center.

            Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Saturday, October 10^th, 17^th, 24^th, & 31^st, 2009
2-5:00pm from the Nature Center
Enjoy the fall colors as we “clippity-clop” though the hills.  Continuous 20 minute rides begin at the Nature Center.

 

30th Annual Fall Hike

Saturday October 17^th, 2009     10:00am

3-mile guided hikes begin at 10:00am from the shelterhouse. Hike ends at Hope Furnace with bean soup and cornbread. Shuttles return you to your car. Enjoy Sassafras tea to start.

Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited
(ROAR) DAY

Saturday, October 31^st, 2009   9:00am-5:00pm
Shelterhouse, Hope School

Celebrate Appalachian culture through crafts, music, food, and fun. Celebrate Appalachian Halloween too.  Hayrides, S’mores, and more!

Holiday Trail of Lights

Each night in December 2009, 6:00-10:00pm

Hike through the forest to view our 100,000+ light display including animated scenes, decorated trees, and landscape lighting.  Extra activities on weekends.  Nature Center.