Friends of Richland County Parks District

06/16/2026

The Flag of the United States of America is now waving over Gorman Nature Center. In celebration of America 250, the
Richland County Parks District erected a beautifully landscaped flagpole and ceremonial marker. A dedication ceremony was held on Flag Day, June 14, 2026.

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The Richland County Park District dedicate a new flagpole Sunday at the Gorman Nature Center, 2295 Lexington Ave., in Mansfield.

06/05/2026

Come see the Richland County Park District at the 19th Annual Bobolink Festival in Ashland County on June 27th!

This fun, family friendly event has something for everyone. Enjoy bird walks, a live animal show led by the Richland County Park District, raffles, a puppet show, and more!

Best of all, it’s a free event, perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys learning and exploring.

We hope to see you there!

06/05/2026

The Richland County Park District invites the public to celebrate Flag Day with a special dedication ceremony for our new flag pole on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gorman Nature Center.

During the ceremony, we will proudly raise the United States flag over RCPD grounds for the first time. This flag dedication is in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, and all American conservationists, whose legacy we proudly carry on.

As we celebrate our country, we also recognize those who have worked to protect and preserve our forests, prairies, waterways, and wildlife for future generations. Their hard work and dedication have shaped the natural spaces we enjoy today and continue to inspire our mission.

We invite the community to join us for this special dedication as we honor both our country and the conservation legacy we carry forward.

06/05/2026

Critter camp is happening soon. Tomorrow is the last day to sign up.

Don't forget!!
Critter Camp sign-ups will be IN PERSON at Gorman Nature Center on Saturday, June 6th at 8:30 AM. You are welcome to line up early, however registration will not start until 8:30 AM. Registration will be first come first served, and we will have a waiting list.
This year, Critter Camp will be July 27-31, 2026. Ages 4-5 will be half a day from 9:00AM-11:30AM costing $25 per child. Ages 6-12 will be a full day from 9:00AM-2:00PM costing $40 per child.
When you come to register, please bring exact change or check payable to the Friends of the Richland County Park District. You DO NOT have to pay if you are on the waiting list.

If you have any questions you can call us at 419-884-3764

We hope to see you there!

05/21/2026

PEEP! PEEP! PEEP! What is making that loud noise? Come learn more about a tiny, hard-to-find creature that PEEPS loudly by the pond at night.

Our weekly Parents & Kids Preschool Program will be held at the Gorman Nature Center on Wednesday, May 20th. There will only be ONE PROGRAM at 10:00 AM. The 9:00 AM class will resume in June.

Please dress appropriately to hike and explore outdoors, including jackets and boots if needed. We will meet in the picnic pavilion, and we plan on being outside unless weather conditions are unsafe.

Don't forget to bring your nature-related items for show-and-tell!

04/25/2026

The Richland County Park District is dealing with a case of vandalism at the park formerly known as Camp Mowana. Link in comments.

04/25/2026

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the B&O Trail will be closed at the intersection of Lexington-Springmilll/Home Rd. This closure will take place near mile 13.5, with the trail reopening the following day.

The closure is necessary to facilitate scheduled utility work in the area of the B&O Trail. Preliminary work started this past week. This work will also affect the new Trimble Road Connector, but will not involve a closure… delays at most.

We thank you for your patience.

04/23/2026