COLUMBUS, OH - Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a weekend of wildlife, nature and fun during the annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Friday through Sunday, April 21-23. Events are planned at parks and other outdoor educational facilities throughout the Ashland, Mansfield and Loudonville area, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Some of the fun and educational weekend events include fly-fishing workshops, migrating wildlife watch, a barbecue and barn dance. Some events may require pre-registration and a modest fee. Friday evening’s featured speaker is Steve McKee, director of the Richland County Park District. McKee will speak on the natural history of the Mohican area.

Nearly 40 sessions are being offered to participants, including bird banding, a mini-dig for kids, wildflower walks, spinning and weaving demonstrations, a beekeeper’s workshop, wagon tours, snake workshops, owl walks, trail and shoreline hikes, bluebird nest box workshops, wagon tours and fly-fishing demonstrations.

To make the most of early morning and late evening activities, wildlife weekend participants are encouraged to stay overnight in the area of Mohican and Malabar Farm state parks. Lodging is available at area hotels and inns, Mohican Resort and Conference Center and Mohican State Park cottages. For lodge reservations call 1-800-AT-A-PARK and for cottage reservations call 1-866-644-6727. Reservations can also be made online at ohiodnr.com

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, dress according to the weather, and bring a camera and binoculars. For additional details, including a schedule of events, call 1-800-642-8282 or visit the Mohican Wildlife Weekend web site at mohicanwildlifeweekend.com