A new kayaking pond aimed at introducing families to the excitement of paddle sports will be the centerpiece of the 8-acre Natural Resources Park at the upcoming Ohio State Fair.
Among the youth-oriented activities are an aviary, walk-through butterfly garden, kids’ fishing pond, Ohio wildlife exhibit and a 15-foot animated Smokey Bear who greets visitors by name. Smokey Bear stands beside an educational Pavilion filled with informative exhibits on a variety of natural resource and recreation topics, such as recreational trails, geology, recycling, mining and conservation.
Young and old enjoy the authentic log cabin, recreating rural life in Ohio in the early 1800s.
Anyone under the age of 14 can fish at the youth fishing pond at the Natural Resources Park. The pond is stocked with thousands of bluegill and catfish. Ohio wildlife officers are on hand to assist with instruction, baiting hooks and taking fish off the hooks. Catch a fish and take it home for supper!
After checking in at Rudder’s Boat Shack, those 18 and under can head over to the Kayak Pond where they will be fitted for a lifejacket before trying their hand at kayaking.
A major attraction at the Natural Resources Pavilion is an eagle-nest exhibit, highlighting Ohio’s Bald Eagle Restoration Program. A record number of eagle pairs nested in Ohio this year as a result of restoration efforts that began in 1979 with just four eagle pairs.
The exhibit features a life-size eagle’s nest constructed by ODNR to teach visitors about the wonder and majesty of America’s national symbol. |