The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department’s educational series, Programs in the Parks, is returning to Tuscawilla Park on Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., with a “Birds of a Feather” hike.
The event will include a stroll through Tuscawilla Park, and attendees will get to identify different Florida bird species while learning what makes each of those birds special.
The weekly educational series is free to attend, and it will take participants through Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Avenue), the Heritage Nature Conservancy (2005 NE 3rd Street), Scott Springs Park (2825 SW 24th Avenue), and the Fort King National Historic Landmark (3925 E Fort King Street) on tours of some of the various features.
The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host additional weekly events through the end of May:
- “Bats – Night Flight” on Saturday, April 8, from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m at the Heritage Nature Conservancy. Experience bats flying out from the bat house as the park rangers share interesting facts about the world of bats.
- “Rocks, Minerals, and Caves” on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Scott Springs Park. Learn about naturally occurring rock formations, sinkholes, and caves that are found in Ocala.
- “Owl Prowl” on Saturday, April 22, from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Heritage Nature Conservancy. Join the park rangers as they talk about the different species of owls and dissect your own owl pellet (while supplies last).
- “Fishing for Beginners” on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Tuscawilla Park. Join the park rangers to learn the basics of baiting and casting at this catch and release event.
- “Learn about Pollinators” on Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Learn about the important role that pollinators play in the ecosystem.
- “Treemendous Parks” on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Heritage Nature Conservancy. Learn about the different types of trees and how to identify them. Participants will also have the opportunity to help plant a tree.
- “Animal Tracks” on Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Join the park rangers and follow different tracks to figure out the animals that they belong to. Participants will also make their own animal tracks with Play-Doh.
- “Florida Black Bears” on Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Scott Springs. Learn about the Florida Black Bear with the recreation and parks department’s Bear Mystery Box.
All programs are available to children and adults of all ages.
For more information, visit the Ocala Recreation and Parks Department website or call 352-368-5517.