Events and Activities at Caesar Creek, Ohio 101

caesarcreeklake.net

Events

Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.

Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

Thursday, December 5

Ohio Nature In Color Series - Green

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Awaken creativity and learning skills through art and nature. Join the park naturalist as we explore color (ROYGBIV) through nature. This series will take place on the first Thursday of the month. This month our topic is 'green'. Discover fun storybooks and activities that fit within this topic. This program is designed for kids and people of all ages and abilities.
Activities are based on participants and weather.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join the park naturalist as we explore nature with our scavenger hunt.
Stay as a group or explore on your own with your family.
Dress for the weather. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.
Meet at the Nature Center.

The River Speaks Speaker Series

7 PM - 8 PM
The University of Dayton's River Stewards will present research on "Stream Responses to Urbanization." Join us for this informative session as part of our bi-monthly speaker series focused on various watershed topics.
Location: Multi-Purpose Space at the Fitz Center, 1401 S. Main St.
For more information about these events or to learn how you can get involved, please visit www.lmwn.org or contact us at info@lmwn.org

Friday, December 6

Invasives or Natives? Does It Really Matter?

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Learn about unique holiday decorations you can make by using local, natural, and native materials that can be grown in your backyard.
Learn about invasive plant species and understand how they disrupt native eco-systems.
Discover ways you can turn your yard into a sustainable resource for future holiday gifts and decorations.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday, December 7

Holiday Traditions Workshop
Two Sessions Available

Choose which session you'd like to attend: 10 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 3 pm.
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw. Give the gift of sustainability by bringing nature into the holidays! Learn examples of unique holiday decorations you can make by using local, natural, and native materials collected from her yard. Discover ways you can turn your yard into a sustainable resource for future holiday gifts and decorations.
Pre-register with the NCACC on Eventbrite to participate in the Holiday Traditions Workshop. Space is limited, so reserve your seat early. Details available on Eventbrite.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Maple Sugaring for Beginners
Winter Tree Identification. Morning Session

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw for a sit-down discussion on winter tree identification inside the Nature Center. Learn different ways to identify trees in the park when their best feature for identification lays dormant.
Learn the basics of Maple Sugaring through discussion.
Meet inside the Nature Center.

Maple Sugaring for Beginners
Winter Tree Identification Guided Walk. Afternoon Session

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw for a guided three-mile hike. Learn how to identify sugar maples and other trees in the park when their best feature for identification lays dormant.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Hats and gloves are recommended.
Trails can be muddy.

Thursday December 12

Campfire Stories in the Snow

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us outside around the campfire as we share some of our favorite winter themed story books.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Hats and gloves are recommended.
This program is weather dependent. Check for updates on our face book page.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Friday December 13

Nature Painting Workshop

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join us as we have fun and create art together in a natural setting just before the holidays.
This program is geared towards adults; however, all ages are welcome.
Pre-register for a seat at the Nature Center. Erin.shaw@dnr.ohio.gov
Bring your own canvas and painting supplies, or reserve some of ours.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday December 14

Perimeter Hike

10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Take a 13-mile guided hike with the Park Naturalist around the Perimeter Trail.
Hiking shoes are required. Dress in layers. Bring water and snacks.
Trails can be muddy.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Thursday, December 19, 7AM — 5PM

20^th Annual Christmas Bird Count

Here at Caesar Creek Lake, we have started planning for the 20th Annual Caesar Creek and Spring Valley Marsh Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 19th 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. Early risers will meet at 5:00 am in small groups to look and listen for owls, while everyone else should plan to be at the visitor center at 7:00 am. The hot soup lunch hosted by Friends of Caesar Creek will be at Noon.

Please contact the USACE Visitor Center at (513) 897-1050 if you'd like to attend and if you have any other questions.

Friday December 20

Hopewell Recreation Area Day Lodge Hike

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Explore nature while getting exercise outdoors.
Meet the naturalist at the Day Lodge for a 4 mile guided hike starting from the Day Lodge. Discover and discuss wildlife along the way.

Saturday December 21

Winter Solstice and Wonders of the Night Sky Symposium

Join us for an afternoon and evening as we celebrate the stars!
Stay for one, or all of the activites between 1pm - 8pm. Free and fun for the whole family. See separate flyer for details. We hope to see you at our Winter Solstice Hike, Stargazing and more!
Make and take your own star chart and astrolabe to use in your backyard.
Dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes.
Meet at the Nature Center.

What is the Winter Solstice Walk and Talk?

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Why is the Winter Solstice special? Join the park naturalist for a 3-mile guided hike.
Moderate 3-mile guided hike through Pioneer Village to Horseshoe Falls, across the Swinging Bridge and back. This is a general naturalist hike, all ages welcome.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, dress for the weather.
Meet at the Nature Center.

How to Navigate with the Stars

5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Learn how to navigate with the stars
Make and take your own star chart to use in your backyard.

Saturday December 21

Stargazing
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Celebrate the longest night of the year with us.
Connect with our past, present and future as we look at stars, planets, and other objects in the universe.
Please use a red filter if you have a flashlight. Red cellophane will be available onsite if needed.
Dress in layers. Hats, gloves and warm socks are recommended. Dress for the weather.
This program is weather dependent. Check our face book page for updates.
The Nature Center will be open to go inside and warm up.
Bring your binoculars and telescope or look through one of ours.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Sunday December 29

Holiday Season Forest Bathing

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Open your senses, relax, re-center and enjoy some much needed 'Vitamin N' during the busy holiday season.
Join the park naturalist for a slow-paced walk as we observe trees and wildlife in the park.
Distance will be based on participants and weather (average two miles).
Dress for the weather. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.

Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.

Wednesday January 1

1st Day Hike

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Start the New Year on the right foot! Join the naturalist for a guided three-mile moderate hike through Pioneer Village to Horseshoe Falls, across the Swinging Bridge and back. This is a general naturalist hike, all ages welcome.
Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, dress for the weather.
Trails can be muddy.
Check the 'Caesar Creek State Park' Facebook page the morning of the event for details and updates.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Thursday January 2

Ohio Nature In Color Series - Indigo

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Awaken creativity and learning skills through art and nature. Join the park naturalist as we explore color (ROYGBIV) through nature. This series will take place on the first Thursday of the month. This month our topic is 'indigo'. Discover fun storybooks and activities that fit within this topic. This program is designed for kids and people of all ages and abilities.
Activities are based on participants and weather.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Friday January 3

Ultraviolet Blacklight Flashlight Night Hike

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Meet the naturalist and take a unique night hike to see the world in a different light as animals may see it.
Bring your blacklight flashlight or borrow one of ours (supplies are limited).
Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.
Hike distance will be based on participants and the weather.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday Jan uary 4

Raptor Feeding

12:30 pm -1:00 pm
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw. Discover what our resident wildlife ambassador raptors eat.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Birds of Prey Walk and Talk

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet our resident red-tailed hawk and screech owl. Learn about birds you may see in the park. Discover ways you can help with our bird conservation efforts.
Walk and Talk with the naturalist as we look for birds along the trail.
Distance will be based on participants and weather (average two miles).
Dress for the weather.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Thursday January 9

Knot Tying

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Learn how to tie a variety of useful knots.
This program is designed for people of all ages.,/li>
Kids can learn different ways to tie their shoes.
Adults can learn how to tie a trucker's hitch.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Friday January 10

Meet the Animals

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Take a guided tour of the Nature Center with the Naturalist. Learn about wildlife you may see in the park as you meet our live ambassadors up close.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday January 11

Maple Sugaring for Beginners : Winter Tree Identification. Morning Session

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw for a sit-down discussion on winter tree identification inside the Nature Center. Learn different ways to identify trees in the park when their best feature for identification lays dormant.
Learn the basics of Maple Sugaring through discussion.
Meet inside the Nature Center.

Maple Sugaring for Beginners : Winter Tree Identification Guided Walk. Afternoon Session

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join Park Naturalist Erin Shaw for a guided three-mile hike. Learn how to identify sugar maples and other trees in the park when their best feature for identification lays dormant.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Hats and gloves are recommended.
Trails can be muddy.
Meet at the Nature Center

Thursday January 16

Campfire Stories in the Snow

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us outside around the campfire as we share some of our favorite winter themed story books.
People of all ages and abilities are welcome.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Hats and gloves are recommended.
This program is weather dependent. Check for updates on our face book page.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday January 18

Nature Identification

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Learn how to identify things you may see in the park.
Hear traditional stories about wildlife from near and far.
Meet at the Nature Center.

Mother Nature's Resources

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us for a hands on demonstration to learn about some of Mother Nature's greatest resources such as trees and rocks.
Meet at the Nature Center.

In April: "Native Plants for Clean Water"

Registration open now

Event Time: April 6, 2025 9am-3pm
Location: Lebanon, Ohio Countryside Y (Countryside Y is not associated with this event's ticket sales)
What: This event features best-selling author Douglas Tallamy, who will discuss the "Start a New Habitat: Homegrown National Park" movement. Attendees will also hear from Bowyer Farm native plant manager Brian Jorg. Following the presentations, enjoy a book signing with Tallamy and a screening of the award- winning documentary "WATER" by Gary Beeber. Educational booths from local partners will also be available.
Tickets available at: www.lmwn.org/events.

December

Audubon Christmas Bird Count Thursday, December 19th, 8:00 am

All programs are subject to change.
Notify the naturalist if special accommodations are needed for your participation.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Call: (513) 897-3055
Visit: ohiostateparks.org/caesarcreekstatepark
Find us: https://www.facebook.com/CaesarCreekStatePark
Recreation programs and activities can be inherently dangerous. Participants accept and acknowledge that any injury or property damage that occurs during a program or activity is not the responsibility of ODNR or its naturalist educators.

More resources for planning your outing

Link to Caesar creek State Park Facebook page

Link to ODNR's web page for Caesar Creek State Park

Link to current lake level as text and as graph

Link to current weather and 7-day forcast

Link to BeachGuard water quality reports

Link to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center page

This website, Caesarcreeklake.net is not an official website. It's a hobby project and one of its goals is to to organize and present material that would otherwise be scattered and hard to find. Here is a list of official organizations with links to thier official web pages:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Start page for Caesar Creek State Park For events, scroll to the bottom.

Facebook page

United States Army Corps of Engineers

Caesar Creek Lake

Calendar of Events; calendar hosted by FOCC

Facebook page

Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek

Home page

Facebook page for Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek

Pioneer Village

Home page: Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village

Calendar of Events

Facebook page