"Mallards on the Wetland" Original painting by Roberta Loman, local Eaton artist and Nature Center volunteer.

Volunteer! Speaking of volunteering, if you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer at the Nature Center, please check out our Volunteer Page and see if you match any of our needs.

New Programs:

• Beautiful Butterflies - Tuesday, August 24 at 10:00 A.M.
  Did you know that Monarch butterflies are one of fifteen Ohio species that migrate in spring and fall? We will discuss migration, conservation, and habitat needs during our program on Tuesday, August 24. We will observe prairie species near the house, and woodland species on the boardwalk. A limited number of ODNR field guides to butterflies and skippers of Ohio will be available for free. Meet at the farmhouse parking lot. Strollers welcome.

• Saturday, October 9 from 10:00 – 12:00 - Let’s Feed the Birds
  This is a two hour drop-in program in the farmhouse kitchen. This is a family-friendly activity where we will make mini seed bells to hang in your yard. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Supplies provided.

• Winter Hike Series
  Adult “Healthy Heart Hikes” will start in October and will run through March, regardless of weather if roads are safe. Hikes will be 2-3 miles in length. Participants will sign in/sign out. Well behaved dogs are welcome if they are on 6 foot leads. No flexi leads. More details will be published in September.

Download a map of the hiking trails in the Garber Forest at the Nature Center
Please note: the TRAILS and boardwalk are at the rear of the property. Take the right turn at the Nature Center entrance and follow the paved to gravel road 1/2 mile out to the Garber forest.

A Little History - The Preble County Park District was created by Judge Dues in January of 2003. The first Park District Commissioners were appointed in February of 2003 and have worked diligently to establish the Board policies. In March of 2004, the Preble County Commissioners deeded over to the Preble County Park District, 100 acres of mixed farmland and forest to be used as the first County Park.

The land was donated by a local family and has been developed as the Allen & Adaline Garber Nature Center. About 33 acres of forest area has been developed into hiking trails. Another 60 acres remain as crop land and is leased out to bring income to the Park District. A wetland was created on some of the crop land and 975 trees were planted in an area adjacent to the forest.

An ODNR NatureWorks grant helped us build a 400' long handicapped accessible boardwalk that starts at the rear parking lot and ends at a viewing platform over looking our Old Oak Tree. A second NatureWorks grant helped us build an environmentally friendly restroom, "The Eloo," that was completed this June.