Fabulous Fall Forest Exploration Underway this October

Schools are back in session, temperatures are starting to drop, and harvest is kicking off—all sure signs that fall will be here before we know it. And this year, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is coordinating a do-it-yourself fall forest bingo to encourage families to spend time outdoors enjoying the wonders of an autumn woodland.

The Not So Spooky Forest bingo event will take place throughout the month of October and is free for youth and families to participate in. Online registration can be done at https://Notsospookyforest.eventbrite.com.

“Fall is one of our favorite times to explore the woods,” said Jane Houin, Ashland SWCD director. “Last year we hosted our first Not So Spooky Forest event at the Hazel Willis Woods with lots of hands-on activities, guided walks and of course, candy! This year we’re in the midst of some facility updates at the woods that prevent us from having a larger on-site event, but we still wanted to encourage families and youth to get out and explore the wonders of a fall forest this year.”

Once youth register for the do-it-yourself bingo, they will receive a printable bingo card starting on October 1. They can complete the card at any time during the month of November anywhere that is convenient to them.

They can explore woodlands that belong to family or friends, a local or state park or they are welcome to visit Ashland SWCD’s Hazel Willis Woods as well. Visitors to the Hazel Willis Woods should call 419-281-7645 or email hollyswcd@gmail.com to make arrangements for their visit in advance to ensure active construction is not underway during their planned visit.

“We have several different bingo cards for kids, so if there are multiple kids in a family they can each use a different card,” Houin said. “Once their card is completed, they can turn their card into our office at 110 Cottage Street in Ashland and they will receive a goodie bag as a reward.”

Houin hopes that the district will once again be able to offer an in-person event next fall at the Hazel Willis Woods near Mifflin. The 40-acre woodland is an outdoor learning laboratory owned by Ashland SWCD. Current facility improvements underway include improving vehicle access by widening the existing drives, establishing additional wildlife habitat, and providing electrification to the facilities.

For more information on the Hazel Willis Woods or the Not So Spooky Forest do-it-yourself bingo Conservation Chat, contact Ashland SWCD Natural Resources Assistant Holly Hale at 419-281-7645 or vey email at hollyswcd@gmail.com