Friends Caring for Cowan Lake State Park
Friends Caring for Cowan Lake State Park is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
Events 2025
(All events subject to change)
Friday, January 17th
12pm Ohio’s Endangered Species - Join your park Naturalists at the Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at Cabin 1 next to the Nature Center, for a presentation on some of Ohio’s endangered species of wildlife. This will be an approximately 1-hour program.
4pm Furs and Spurs – Do you know what animals live in Cowan Lake State Park? Meet at the Nature Center to go on a 2-mile hike to look for clues of local wildlife.
Friday, January 24th
7pm Owl Prowl - Meet at the Nature Center to go on a 1-mile night hike through the forest. Learn how owls navigate through the dark and listen for them as they call in the night. Weather appropriate clothing recommended.
Saturday, January 25th
10am Winter Hike – Join us for our 6th annual winter hike! After hiking, enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends Caring for Cowan. Weather appropriate clothing advised. Meet at the Commissary for the beginning of hikes. This program is open to the public.
Friday, January 31st
4pm Going, Going, Gone – Join your park Naturalists at the Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at Cabin 1 next to the Nature Center, for a presentation on Ohio’s past wildlife and what happened to them. This will be an approximately 1.5-hour program. Water, coffee, and snacks will be provided.
Saturday, February 1st
2pm Busy Beavers – Take a break from your busy schedule and join the Naturalist for an approximately 1-mile hike on Lakeview trail to visit the beaver dam and learn about some of Nature’s hardest working wildlife. Meet at the Commissary. Dress appropriately for the weather. Close toed shoes required. Water recommended.
Friday, February 7th
10am Bark and Branches - Meet at the Nature Center to learn
about winter tree Identification on a 2-mile hike. Closed toed
shoes, warm clothes and water recommended.
Saturday, February 8th
2pm Sweetheart Hike - Meet at the Nature Center for a hike
and maple-syrup tasting. During an easy 1.5-mile hike on the
dogwood trail, learn about the breeding habits of Cowan’s
different animal species, bald eagles, spotted salamanders, rabbits, and more.
Friday, February 14th
12pm Scutes and Scales – Join Cowan’s Naturalists at the Nature Center to learn all about Ohio’s reptiles and meet some of Cowan Lake’s scaly residents.
Nature’s Dating Game – Learn about the peculiar world of animal courtship and discover how critters big and small use creativity, color, sound and movement to find their perfect match in nature. Meet at the Nature Center to join us for a fun game perfect for all ages and nature enthusiasts.
Saturday, February 15th
10am Embrace the Forest – Literally! Meet at the Commissary and go on an easy 1-mile hike as you share your love for trees. Weather appropriate clothing recommended. Great Backyard Bird Count – Meet at the Nature Center as we watch and count birds around the park. Your counts support bird conservation. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity! Binoculars are helpful if you have them. Weather appropriate clothing recommended.
Friday, February 21st
12pm It’s for the Birds- Stop by the Nature Center to learn about identifying and feeding backyard birds, and then make your own seed mix to take home.
Saturday, February 22nd
10am Eagle Excursion - Meet at the Commissary to learn about Cowan’s eagles on a 1-mile hike. Closed toed shoes, warm clothes and water recommended.
4pm The Raptor Report - Meet at the Nature Center to learn about the different raptors in our care!
Friday, February 28th
12pm Weird Wildlife – Join your park Naturalists at the Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at Cabin 1 next to the Nature Center, for a presentation on some of Ohio’s weirdest wildlife and the roles they play in their habitats.
4pm Furs and Spurs – Do you know what animals live in Cowan Lake State Park? Meet at the Nature Center to go on a 2-mile hike to look for clues of local wildlife.
Saturday, March 1st
12pm Wildlife Invasion - Stop by the Nature Center to meet some of Cowan’s wild Animal Ambassadors. Get up close and personal as you learn about their unique adaptations.
More event details to come....
**ALL ACTIVITIES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**