Nature is a wonderfully complex yet simple thing and provides a variety and beauty at every turn! We’re fortunate to have several GREAT places to explore in our area. Moving your body and being outdoors both provide great physical and mental health boosts! Join us as we explore a few of the great parks; some hikes may include extra perks like create your own trail mix, a nature scavenger hunt, etc. Plan to meet at the designated park, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring your own water. 

**June 2 @ 2pm - Narrows Reserve (2575 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek OH – Driving south on Factory Rd. you’ll be at the entrance to Narrows Reserve Parking Lot)

   -We will be hiking part of the six connecting Narrows Reserve trails for a total of 1.5 miles along the Little Miami. Easy to moderate ability. We will be learning about local plants and wildlife, visiting the Raptor Aviary and Bee Hives. There are restrooms at the Reserve.

**June 23 @ 2pm - Sugarcreek Metropark (4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305)

   -We will be hiking the Green Trail, it's 3.1 miles long, wooded, and fairly easy to walk. There are options to go down to Sugar Creek along the route. We’ll check out Sycamore Ridge and might step out to see the 550 year old, Three Sister Oak Trees. Be sure to park off the Conference Rd. entrance, there are restrooms at Sugarcreek.

**July 7 @ 2pm - Eastwood Metropark (1385 Harshman Rd. Dayton, OH 45431)

   -We will be hiking the Yellow Trail, it’s 2.6 miles long, and takes us through the woods by the Mad River, through a prairie and along a lagoon. We’ll see how the habitats change as we traverse each area. Be sure to enter the Main entrance and follow the road to the very back parking area near multiple shelter houses and restrooms.

**July 21 @ 2pm - John Bryan State Park (3790 St. Rt. 370 Yellow Springs, OH 45387 - Storybrook Trail)

   -We’ll be walking the Storybook Trail which is a short, easy hike and fun for all ages. The path is not paved and has slight inclines and declines in the terrain, it is heavily wooded. There is a nature themed story with pages dispersed along the 0.5 mile path. Parking is plentiful and right next to the storybrook trailhead, restrooms, and a playground. We will have a trail mix making activity at the picnic tables near the trailhead before the hike. At the beginning of the trail is a free little library, you’re encouraged to bring a book to leave for others to enjoy. There are several other great paths if you wish to continue your exploration after the storybrook trail!

**August 4 @ 2pm - Oakes Quarry/Pearl’s Fen (1267 E Xenia Dr, Fairborn, OH 45324)

   -We will park at Oakes Quarry Park and walk a 3 mile round trip out-and-back through the former quarry, a wooded trail, and then the fen. This option has no meaningful elevation variation and is approximately 3 miles. Part of the route will have full sun, other parts are wooded; mud is a possibility. The only restroom accessibility is a port-a-john.