Great classes through Cincy parks!

I signed up the other day for an art class for adults through Cincinnati Parks, and in looking through their fall program schedule I noticed that they have a lot of wonderful offerings for adults, kids and families. The class i signed up for three Saturdays, with art supplies included and was only 40$, which is a fraction of what other classes would cost, not counting the cost of supplies for the classes. Since all of the programs are very reasonable, I thought I'd share the info with others in the hopes that they too sign up!

Honeybees: California’s Gold Rush
Sat., Sept., 26, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. – California Woods Nature Preserve
Who knew there was California Gold right here in our area? Our “gold” is sweet, golden honey. We will have open hive demonstrations with live bees, beekeeping tools and close up pictures in our Nature Center, games, and tasting. Naturalist-led hikes to the meadow for open hive demonstrations will be at 2 and 3 pm. Meet at the Nature Center. Call 231-8678 for information.

Magic Forest Walks
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 23 - 24 – Caldwell Nature Preserve
Walk through a pumpkin-lit trail meeting costumed characters from nature and history. This is a non-scary holiday walk best suited to children ages 3-10 years. Hikes start at 7:00 p.m., and leave every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m. Each hike lasts about 1 hour.
Cost: $4 per person.
Reservations required; call 321-6070.

Fall Foliage Walks
Sat., Oct. 31, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. – Burnet Woods
Take a walk through beautiful Burnet Woods to discover the secrets behind the annual fall color change, learn how to identify trees by their fall color and discover how the local wildlife is preparing for the coming winter. Meet in front of Trailside Nature Center. Call 751-3679 for more information.

College Hill Pumpkin Patch Festival
Sat., Oct. 10, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. – College Hill Park
The annual festival returns with food, entertainment, children’s activities, craft sales, plant sales, the finale of the Farm Market, and the ever-popular Scarecrow Contest. No fee for most events, Free parking at Aiken High School.

Fourth Annual Pumpkin Chuck
Sat., Nov. 7, – Stanbery Park
Bring your own pumpkin or watch as others launch them up to 500 feet into the air using a trebuchet. There is a launching fee per pumpkin. Other activities include face painting, kids crafts and hot air balloons, weather permitting. For more details, check out the Mt. Washington Community Council website: www.mwcc.org

Vermicomposting Workshop
Fri., Nov. 20, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. – LaBoiteaux Woods
An indoor worm bin can be a fascinating way to recycle your kitchen waste into rich compost for your favorite plants. Thanks to the support of the Solid Waste Management District, Hamilton County residents can start vermi-composting for a fraction of the usual cost. You get everything you need, including instruction, the bin with worms and a helpful book for a $20 fee. Just add kitchen waste and save landfill space! Email Pat.agnew@cincinnati-oh.gov for details. Prepaid registration is required by November 13.

Amazing Race Family Challenge
Sun., Nov. 8, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. – Ault Park
Join the fun with other families as you go through the trails of Ault Park competing in nature version of the amazing race. We will have different challenges along the way along with roadblocks. Small prizes will be awarded to our contestants. Geared for families with children ages 5-12. Reservations are required. Meet at the pavilion. Call 761-4313 for more information and to reserve a spot for your family.

Annual Holiday Craft Workshop
Fri., Dec. 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. – LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve OR Sat., Dec. 5, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. – LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve
Bring the family to enjoy crafts with natural materials or a nature theme. Choose what you want to make from selections suited to all ages. Staff will instruct and advise, but the personal touches are up to you. Go home with several completed projects to brighten your home for the holidays. Fee: $5 per person or $12 per family. Paid reservations are required for this popular event. Use the registration form on page 14 and note the number of people and children’s ages.
Call 542-2909 for more information.

Winter in the Woodlands
Sat., Dec. 12, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. OR 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. – California Woods
Families and adults can follow a luminaria-lit trail on a leisurely self-guided walk, make crafts and enjoy lively music by a crackling fire. Paid reservations required by Dec. 10. $5 per person. Use the registration form on page 14. Call 231-8678 for information.

Maple in Mt. Airy
Sat., March 6, 2010 – Oak Ridge Lodge, Mt. Airy Forest
Come enjoy the magic of turning maple sap into sugar. After treating your taste buds to a delicious pancake breakfast, travel by haywagon to another site within the park to interact with costumed characters from the past and learn the history of maple sugaring. All ages are welcome to enjoy this event. Fee: $7.00 per person. Paid reservations required; call 321-6070.