The Richland County Park District and Gorman Nature Center offer a number of programs year-round for families in and around the area. Information on the types of programs we offer is listed below.
Request a Program
Gorman Nature Center does educational programs by request. Please request your program at least one month in advance so that staff has time to plan your program and can be flexible with your desired dates. During our busy Spring and Fall seasons, it is recommended that you request your program 2-3 months prior to your desired program date.
Examples of organizations we have provided programs for include: schools, girl scout and boy scout troops, garden clubs, day care and preschool programs, home school groups, special needs facilities, and retirement facilities.
GNC also facilitates private field trips for homeschool co-ops and other groups. Our programs can be tailored to a wide age range of students, and we can work with you directly to cover topics that are age appropriate and match your current studies.
We are flexible, and will try our best to fit you into our schedule and provide the type of program that fits your needs. Programs may be hosted at the nature center or provided by staff at your location. To schedule a program, please call Karen Pryor, Director of Education at (419) 884-3764 ext. 3 or email her at kpryor@richlandcountyoh.gov with your name, your organization's name, contact information, and desired dates.
Boy and Girl Scouts
GNC facilitates a number of badges and achievement goals for both girl scouts and boy scouts from March-December. We also offer enrichment programs during the Winter on a limited basis. Information on the types of programs we offer for various levels of both groups can be found here.
Public Programs
Animal Feeding Day
Every Tuesday, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (May - October)
Have you ever wondered how we take care of all of the Gorman Nature Center educational animals? If so, join us each and every Tuesday for Animal Feeding Day!
GNC has many native animals, used for display and educational purposes, and it takes a lot of work to keep them happy and healthy. This is an opportunity for kids of all ages to get up close and personal with all of our animals.
Participants will help with the feeding of the animals, assist with cage cleaning and changing water bowls, and much more! This is also an excellent chance for some hands-on time with snakes, turtles, and frogs.
For more information, please call the Gorman Nature Center at (419) 884-3764.
Join us each and every Wednesday for Gorman Nature Center's Oaks & Acorns program!
Each weekly program is designed for preschool-aged children and their guardians. Sessions are free and open to the public. Program content varies from week to week, focuses on a nature-related topic, and is delivered in a manner appropriate to preschool-aged children.
Prior to each session, we send out an email update to let parents know what the upcoming session will be about. We meet in the picnic pavilion, and we plan on being outside unless weather conditions are unsafe. Please dress appropriately to hike and explore the outdoors, including coats and boots if needed.
