Friends of Van Buren State Park

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Calendar of Events

Every Saturday

1 to 4 PM

(Memorial Day

through

Labor Day)

The Nature Center is open every Saturday from 1 to 4 PM.  See what's visiting the bird feeding station, view live reptiles and other natural history items!

For questions about park events, please call Naturalist Natalie Miller at 419-348-7679

Sat, April 4, 2009 Birdwatching for Beginners  9:00 am
Meet at the South Shore Picnic Area to learn how to get started with this great natural pastime!  Identification tips for common birds and binocular use will be covered.  Short discussion will be followed by a woodland hike.  Please wear appropriate footgear.  Binoculars helpful, but not necessary.
Fri, April 10, 2009  Weekday Birdwatching Hikes  9:00 am
Meet at the South Shore Picnic area.  Check out what birds have arrived from their winter vacations.
Sat, April 11, 2009 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt  10:00 am
Meet at the West End Parking Lot near the dam for this free event, held rain or shine!  Ages 12 and under.  Please bring a basket to collect your eggs.  Bring your camera to get your picture with the Easter Bunny!  Sponsored by the Friends of Van Buren State Park Inc.  
Thurs, April 16, 2009 Friends of Van Buren monthly meeting, 7:30 PM at the Allen Township Hall on State Route 613, Van Buren
Sun, April 19, 2009 Annual Spring Canoe Paddle  2:00 - 4:00 pm
Join Naturalist Natalie Miller to see signs of spring by canoe.  Trip will circle Van Buren Lake and may include sections of Rocky Ford Creek.  A donation to the Friends of Van Buren State Park of $10/canoe is suggested.  Participants must register before 4/16 by calling 419-348-7679.
Sat & Sun
April 25 - 26, 2009
RIDE LIKE A FOOL COMPETITIVE RIDE
25/50 mile CTR & 12.5 mile Novice on Sunday
And a 25 miles only ride on Sunday
Sanctioned by OAATS

Click HERE for ride flyer
Sun, April 26, 2009 Spring Wildflower Walk  2:00 pm
Meet at the South Shore Shelterhouse for a woodland wildflower hike.  Wildflower identification and folklore will be discussed.  Please wear appropriate footgear.
Fri, May 1, 2009  Weekday Birdwatching Hikes  9:00 am
Meet at the South Shore Picnic area.  Check out what birds have arrived from their winter vacations.
Sun, May 3, 2009 Free Family Fishing  2:00 - 4:00 pm
Bring the family to the park for an afternoon of fishing on the shores of Van Buren Lake.  Bait and poles provided while they last.  Excellent opportunity for first time fisherpersons.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. No fishing license required.  Meet in the parking lot by the dam.  
Thurs, May 7, 2009  Community Wildflower Walks  9:30 am
 Get to know your wild neighbors with guided hikes around Northwestern Ohio.  Photography is welcomed.  Hikes take place every Thursday.  Van Buren’s hike date is Thursday, May 7, 9:30am. Meet at the South Shore Shelterhouse   For a complete listing of hikes in this series, see additional flyer, or contact Natalie Miller at  419-438-7679  
Sun, May 10, 2009 Mother's Day Paddle  2:00 - 4:00 pm
Take mom for a peaceful paddle on Van Buren Lake and up the Rocky Ford Creek.  A suggested donation of $10/canoe to the Friends of Van Buren State Park.  Pre-register by 5/8 by calling 419-348-7679.
Sat, May 16, 2009 Birding By Ear  9:00 am
Learn to interpret the spring symphony of bird songs and calls.  Meet at the South Shore Picnic Area shelterhouse to practice your birding "language."  Binoculars helpful, but not necessary.  Dress for a woodland hike.
Thurs, May 21, 2009 Friends of Van Buren monthly meeting, 7:30 PM at the Allen Township Hall on State Route 613, Van Buren
Thurs, June 18, 2009 Friends of Van Buren monthly meeting, 7:30 PM at the Allen Township Hall on State Route 613, Van Buren
Thurs, July 16, 2009 Friends of Van Buren monthly meeting, 7:30 PM at the Allen Township Hall on State Route 613, Van Buren