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Geocaching
Geocaching, is an entertaining, technological game of
hide and seek using hand held Global Positioning System
devices to locate a device that’s been left in a
specific location. A cache comes in many forms, but
will always have a journal/log book where people can
leave a message, a joke, coordinates to an unpublished
cache at a different location, even a good local
restaurant. Rules for geocaching: take something from
the cache, leave something in the cache, write in the
journal/log book. To find out more about go to the
official website
www.geocaching.com.
Mountain Biking
A
new 2.5 mile Mountain Bike Trail offers beginners, and
intermediate riders some thrills and beautiful woodland
scenery along the south shores of the lake. Wooden
boardwalks cross steep ravines while the trail
crisscrosses both hiking and multiuse trails. Access to
the trail is from the south shore picnic area off of
twp. Rd. 229. Follow the group camp drive into the
woods. The trail is just past the Scarlet Haw Nature
Trail Head sign and is marked with blue blazes. Over 12
miles of multi-use trails offer steep ravines and
gentler terrain in scenic woodlands in the eastern
portion of the park and can be accessed from the parking
area on Township Road 229 and the campgrounds. Please
be aware of and yield to horses that utilize these
trails.
Hiking
Approximately 6 miles of hiking trails traverse the
south shore of the lake providing a perfect atmosphere
for jogging, nature study, birding, and wildlife
observation. The trails can be accessed from the South
Shore picnic area off of Twp. Rd. 229. Trails vary in
length from a half mile to a three mile loop trail
around the lake. Van Buren is a frequent stop and
permanent residence for a wide variety of song birds,
warblers, woodcocks, woodpeckers and owls in addition to
plentiful deer, red fox, raccoon and flying squirrels.
Horseback Riding
Van Buren has roughly 12 miles of multiuse trails that
allow horseback riding. Trails wind through a variety
of forested habitats as well as river bottoms and along
the creek. Multiple trails that traverse steep ravines
and gentler terrain allow riders of varied skill levels
to pick and choose the trail that best fits their
needs! Horses are NOT available for rent, you must
bring your own for recreation.
Boating
A
45 acre lake and one mile of stream offers catches of
crappie, blue gill and catfish. Fishing can be enjoyed
from the shoreline or on the lake and stream. There is
one boat ramp in the park, which is located off of Twp.
Rd. 229. Canoes, kayaks and electric motor rowboats are
all permitted on the lake.
Nature Programs
Van Buren State Park offers informative, educational and
exciting naturalist programs for the entire family year
round! Park Naturalist Natalie Miller conducts programs
on a regular basis, but times and events vary due to
weather. Popular programs are the Monarch Butterfly
Programs, Owl Prowls with live owls, spring Woodcock
Walks and Nature Canoe Trips around the lake. Most
programs are conducted at the nature center or in the
nearby shelter house. For more information regarding
programs, times or scheduling a naturalist led program
contact the park office.
Nature Center
The Van Buren State Park Nature Center is a small but
valuable resource for the park. A variety of nature
programs are conducted at or near the center year
round. A bird viewing window allows visitors a chance
to watch Red-headed woodpeckers, Chickadees, Juncos,
Nuthatches and an occasional Red-Tailed hawk frequent
the feeders. A variety of specimens including furs,
skulls, bones, rocks, scat, stuffed wildlife and more
are available to see. Live creatures such as snakes,
turtles and owls are available to see from Memorial
Day-Labor Day. Check the nature center program schedule
for a list of specific events. The nature center is
open Memorial Day-Labor Day on Saturday’s from 1-4.
Nature Crafts for kids are also scheduled on specified
dates throughout the summer.
Moonlight Movies
A
large screen outdoor amphitheater located in the Family
campground allows campers to enjoy movies on specified
dates from May-October (weather permitting). Movies are
advertised on the amphitheater showtime board, on the
events page and on park information boards located
throughout the park including the nature center.
Popcorn and refreshments are offered by the Friends of
Van Buren State Park for a small fee to help support the
summer movie program!
Pancake Breakfast
The Friends of Van Buren State Park
have a pancake breakfast every March during a program by
the park naturalist on maple syrup production.
Easter Egg Hunt
We sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt at Van
Buren State Park each year. This event is very popular
and grows each year.
Competitive Trail Ride
In April, we hold a competitive trail
ride to raise funds for the horsemen’s campground and
bridle trails. The Wood County Ohio Horsemen's Council
works with us on this event. It is our biggest
fundraiser thus far.
Hobo Stew
This year the FVBSP sponsored the 9th
Annual Hobo Stew ride put on by the WCOHC. Activities
included a Halloween parade, games, pumpkin carving,
silent auction and poker run. This is the biggest event
held at the park thus far.
Birds of Prey
The Black Swamp Raptors Rehab Center
also attends many of the events and holds educational
programs with the park naturalist. They give you the
opportunity to see birds of prey, including an eagle,
close up. Check the calendar to see when and where they
will be.
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