cowanlake.net

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS

• Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
  

• Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

 

Thursday, June 4

Raptors-Behind the Scenes

• 1:00pm -3:00pm
• Go behind the scenes and discover what it takesto care for birds of prey. Participants will learn about daily raptor care, safe handling routings, feeding, enclosure upkeep, and the specialized equipment used in falconry and educational bird programs.
• We'll also explore how falconry equipment is made from leather crafting, why proper care matters, and how raptors help us teach about wildlife, conservation and responsible stewardship.
• This program is great for anyone interested in birds of prey, animal care, falconry or behind the scenes Nature Center work.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Friday, June 5

Archery - Robin Hood Style

• 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Meet us at the Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others.
• Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one of the most famous archery stories in history.
• This beginner friendly program is designed for fun, focus, and skill building. Take the Robin Hood Archery Challenge.
• Equipment and instruction provided.
• Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate.
• Fun for the whole family.
• Free and open to the public
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Lighting Bugs of Ohio

• 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Did you know we have over 25 species of lightning bugs in Ohio? Join us to learn more about what kind of species we have and where to find them.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Learn to be a Citizen Scientist of Fireflies

• 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Fireflies light up summer nights in Ohio, but many species are starting to decline or still undocumented. Learn how you can help scientists track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas citizen science project. We'll discuss what to look for, how to observe responsibly, and how your observations can support firefly research.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Flashlight Tag

• 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
• Join us for a fun, family friendly game that explores how lightning bugs use flashing patterns to communicate. Participants will use flashlights to mimic firefly signals while learning how different species find mates, avoid confusion and light up the night.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Catch, Identify and Release

• 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
• Meet at the Nature Center for a hands-on firefly observation activity. We'll carefully catch, observe, and release lightning bugs while learning basic identification tips, safe handling practices, and why these glowing insects are important to healthy nighttime habitats.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Saturday, June 6

Rocks and Relics

• 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
• Stop by the Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils at a touch table, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth's history.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Backyard Bugs

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Join us for this Naturalist-led program to dive into the world of bugs.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Understory Exploration Walk (or What's That Plant? Walk)

• 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Dogwood trail. Explore Cowan Lake's woodlands and learn to identify wildflowers and other understory plants.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Sensory Exploration Walk

• 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike as we explore the woods through the five senses. Along this walk, we'll pause for simple activities that help us experience nature in new and meaningful ways.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Friday, June 12

Guided Nature Center Tour

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center, and a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about plants and wildlife you may see in the park.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Understory Exploration Walk

• 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Dogwood trail. Explore Cowan Lake's woodlands and learn to identify wildflowers and other understory plants.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Creatures of the Night

• 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Join us to learn about nocturnal wildlife and get a chance to meet our Great-Horned owl before going on a short nighttime walk to search for bats, owls, and other creatures of the night.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Sunday, June 14

Watercraft at Cowan

• Sunday, June 14
• Stand-Up Paddleboard - Sunday Morning Stretches and Balance Techniques on the Water
• 9:30 am - 10:30 am
• Join us for a relaxing stand-up paddleboard program focused on gentle stretching, balance, breathing and mindful time on the water. This is not a formal yoga class, but a beginner friendly outdoor wellness experience designed to help participants slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the lake from a new perspective.
• Learn the basics of stand-up paddle boarding
• Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
• Equipment and instruction provided. Equipment is limited
• First come, first serve
• Weather dependent
• Meet at the campground beach.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Thursday, June 18

Raptors - Behind the Scenes

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for birds of prey. Participants will learn about daily raptor care, safe handling routings, feeding, enclosure upkeep, and the specialized equipment used in falconry and educational bird programs.
• We'll also explore how falconry equipment is made from leather crafting, why proper care matters, and how raptors help us teach about wildlife, conservation and responsible stewardship.
• This program is great for anyone interested in birds of prey, animal care, falconry or behind the scenes Nature Center work.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth

Underground Railroad and Freedom Through the Night Sky

• 5:00pm-6:00pm
• Follow the Drinking Gourd Night Paddle
• 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

 

Sunday, June 21

Summer Solstice Hike

• 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Join us for a ~5-mile guided hike on Spillway trail. Celebrate the longest day of the year by observing seasonal changes in plants, birds, and other wildlife on a peaceful stroll through the woods.
• Closed-toed shoes, appropriate clothes, and water recommended.
• Meet at the Spillway Parking Lot on the west side of the lake.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Backyard Bugs

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Join us for this Naturalist-led program to dive into the world of bugs.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Thursday, June 25

Learn and Conserve

• 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
• Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
• The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
• Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Sunday, June 28

Birding from Boats

• 9:30 am - 10:30 am
• Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we observe birds along the shoreline from our boats.
• Learn why birding is important.
• Learn how to collect information for citizen science research.
• Fun for the whole family!
• Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops).
• Boats (limited), gear and instruction are provided by the park naturalist.
• First come, first serve.
• Meet at the campground beach.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS

• Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
  

• Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

 

Friday, July 3

Archery - Robin Hood Style

• 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Meet us at the Nature Center as we step into the legendary world of Robin Hood, the skilled archer of Sherwood Forest known for courage, adventure, and helping others.
• Participants will learn basic archery safety, proper shooting form, and target practice skills while connecting this timeless outdoor activity to one of the most famous archery stories in history.
• This beginner friendly program is designed for fun, focus, and skill building. Take the Robin Hood Archery Challenge.
• Equipment and instruction provided.
• Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate.
• Fun for the whole family.
• Free and open to the public
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Lighting Bugs of Ohio

• 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• Did you know we have over 25 species of lightning bugs in Ohio? Join us to learn more about what kind of species we have and where to find them.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Learn to be a Citizen Scientist of Fireflies

• 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Fireflies light up summer nights in Ohio, but many species are starting to decline or still undocumented. Learn how you can help scientists track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas citizen science project. We'll discuss what to look for, how to observe responsibly, and how your observations can support firefly research.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Flashlight Tag

• 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
• Join us for a fun, family friendly game that explores how lightning bugs use flashing patterns to communicate. Participants will use flashlights to mimic firefly signals while learning how different species find mates, avoid confusion and light up the night.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Firefly Catch, Identify and Release

• 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
• Meet at the Nature Center for a hands-on firefly observation activity. We'll carefully catch, observe, and release lightning bugs while learning basic identification tips, safe handling practices, and why these glowing insects are important to healthy nighttime habitats.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Saturday, July 4

Sailing Kayaks

• 10:00 am - 11:00 am
• Join us for a fun and unique paddling program as we explore the basics of sailing kayaks. Participants will learn how wind, water, and balance work together to help move a kayak across the lake. We'll cover basic safety, paddling skills, steering and how to use a small sail to gravel with the wind.
• Along the way, we'll enjoy time on the water, observe lake wildlife, and learn how weather conditions can affect boating.
• Boats, Gear and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
• Weather dependent.
• Meet at the campground beach.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Sailing Kayaks

• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Join us for a fun and unique paddling program as we explore the basics of sailing kayaks. Participants will learn how wind, water, and balance work together to help move a kayak across the lake. We'll cover basic safety, paddling skills, steering and how to use a small sail to gravel with the wind.
• Along the way, we'll enjoy time on the water, observe lake wildlife, and learn how weather conditions can affect boating.
• Boats, Gear and instruction are provided.
• Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
• Weather dependent.
• Meet at the campground beach.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Kayak and Canoe Wildlife Excursion

• 1:00 pm - 2:00pm
• Join us for a kayak and canoe program designed to teach basic paddling skills, water safety, and confidence on the water while exploring the natural beauty of the lake. Participants will learn how to safely enter and exit a boat, hold and use a paddle, steer, stop, and move efficiently though the water.
• As we paddle, we'll enjoy a guided wildlife excursion and look for birds, turtles, fish, and other animals that depend on healthy lake and shoreline habitats. This program is a great way to build outdoor skills, practice safe boating habits and experience the park from a new perspective.
• Boats, gear, and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
• Participants must be geared up and ready to go by the start of instructions to participate
• Early arrival is encouraged
• All equipment and instruction provided
• Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
• Meet near the campground beach.
• Free and open to the public
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Stand-Up Paddle Board

• 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Join us on the water for an introduction to stand up paddle boarding. Participants will learn basic paddling skills, balance techniques, water safety, and how to safely get on and off the board.
• This program is a great way to build confidence on the water while enjoying the lake from a new perspective. As we paddle, we'll take time to observe wildlife and learn how to safely recreate on the water.
• Boards, paddles, life jackets and instruction are provided. Equipment is limited and available first come, first serve. Priority is given to new participants.
• Arrive early to sign waivers and get fitted for lifejackets
• Must be onsite for instruction to participate.
• Wear water shoes (not flip-flops) and clothes that can get wet
• Weather dependent
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Sunday, July 5

Step into Hiking
• 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Lakeview and Beechnut trails. Learn about wildlife and park history on the way.
• Meet at the Commissary.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Cowan's Lotus Legacy
• 11:00 am - 11: 30 am
• Join us for this Naturalist-led program exploring the American lotus, a native aquatic plant that thrives in our lake. Learn how this unique species supports wildlife, shapes wetland habitats, and cycles through seasonal changes.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Rocks and Relics
• 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
• Stop by the Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils at a touch table, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth's history.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Scales and Tails
• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Join us to learn about local amphibians and reptiles on a short, guided hike, where we'll search for them and explore their habitats, with a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Thursday, July 9

Learn and Conserve

• 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
• Join us to learn about composting basics, local native and invasive species, and how to become a better land steward.
• The pace and activities adapt to the group and conditions making each experience unique.
• Optional: Stay afterward to join our volunteer crew for hands-on land management projects such as native planting or invasive removal.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Friday, July 10

Guided Nature Center Tour

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center, and a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about plants and wildlife you may see in the park.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Tree Identification Trek

• 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
• Join us for a ~1-mile guided hike on Lakeview and Beechnut trails. Learn how to identify trees, while uncovering how different species support wildlife and shape the landscape around you.
• Meet at the Commissary.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Moth Madness

• 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
• Join us for a nighttime discovery lab where we shine lights on a white sheet to observe moths and other bugs up close as they come to visit!
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Saturday, July 11

Rolly Polly Race

• 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
• Think you can find the fastest isopod? Learn about Rolly-Pollys and search for your winning champion!
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Explore the Shore

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Join us for a guided exploration of the lake's shoreline as we discover the plants, wildlife, and other natural features that make this unique habitat so dynamic.
• Meet at the Campground Beach.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Biodiversity Challenge

• 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Team up in small groups, families, or pairs for a hands-on biodiversity challenge! Using identification apps like Seek or iNaturalist, participants will explore the area and record as many different species as they can find.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

Firefly Night

• 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
• Join us for an evening to explore the magical world of fireflies. Learn about their life cycle, glowing signals, and the role they play in local ecosystems.
• Meet at the Nature Center.
• Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp

 

Sunday, July 12

Birding from Boats

• 9:30 am - 10:30 am
• Join us for a canoe and kayak excursion as we observe birds along the shoreline from our boats> Learn why birding is important> Learn how to collect information for citizen science research. Fun for the whole family!
• Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops).
• Boats (limited), gear and instruction are provided by the park naturalist.
• First come, first serve.
• Meet at the campground beach.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Thursday, July 16

Raptors - Behind the Scenes

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to care for birds of prey. Participants will learn about daily raptor care, safe handling routings, feeding, enclosure upkeep, and the specialized equipment used in falconry and educational bird programs.
• We'll also explore how falconry equipment is made from leather crafting, why proper care matters, and how raptors help us teach about wildlife, conservation and responsible stewardship.
• This program is great for anyone interested in birds of prey, animal care, falconry or behind the scenes Nature Center work.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

 

Friday, July 17

Archery - Artemis and Orion Style - Shoot for the Moon

• 5:00 pm -6:30 pm
• Join us for an 'out of this world' archery experience connecting the art of archery, the legend of Artemis and Orion (the archers of the moon and stars), wildlife, and stewardship.
• Learn basic archery skills. Take the Orion's target challenge.
• Archery equipment and instruction provided. Free.
• Must be on-site before 1pm to register and participate. Fun for the whole family.
• Meet at the Nature Center
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

The Science of Light - Rainbows and Prisms

• 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Meet at the nature center.
• Discover the colorful science behind one of nature's most familiar mysteries.
• In this hands-on program, we'll explore how sunlight, water droplets, prisms and angles work together to create rainbows. Participants will learn about the visible light spectrum and how rainbows help us understand light, weather, water, basic elements and the natural world.
• The program will also connect rainbows to the bigger ideas in nature, including pollinators, animal vision, solar energy, weather patterns and why light is an important natural resource.
• Families will have the chance to experiment with prisms, observe colors in sunlight and discover how something as simple as a rainbow can reveal the hidden science all around us.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw

Night Light

• 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
• Meet us at the Nature Center for a fun hands-on experience to learn how light affects the night sky, wildlife, and our own ability to experience natural darkness. Participants will get an introduction to scientific tools such as a sky quality meter and a spectrometer, then learn how citizen science observations can help identify sources of light pollution. We'll explore how a basic awareness can make a big difference for neighborhoods and wildlife that depends on the dark. Stay afterwards to look at the stars though our binoculars.
• Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw