Mansfield, OH – In addition to the rides, barns and eating your favorite Fair food, make sure you check out what’s happening at the Nature Park during the Richland County Fair, August 7 to 13.

At the Nature Park you can relax on seating shaded by large trees and surrounded by beautiful native plant gardens, enjoy natural resource and environmental programs, and listen to live music. Programs and entertainment at the Nature Park are free with your paid admission to the Fair.

Don’t forget to stop by the exhibit area in the building, located behind the Nature Park Stage. The Nature Park is across from the “Big Red Barn.”

Stop in the Nature Park exhibit space Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for kids activities, contests and to learn more about conservation, recycling and animals native to Richland County. Mark your calendar for the Kids Scavenger Hunt on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Richland Soil and Water Conservation District – Learn how trees help manage stormwater, play trivia sponsored by Meijer for a chance to win prizes, find out how you can save 50% of the cost to have a nutrient management plan written, and discover more about other soil and water topics.

City of Mansfield Engineering Department – pick up educational materials on storm water, trees, volunteer opportunities, recycling, litter prevention and enter a drawing to win prizes for answering questions found in the educational materials or in the display.

Richland County Solid Waste Management Authority – educational materials related to reduce, reuse, and recycle will be available and kids will have fun making a craft. Stop at the booth for recycling tips for recycling success and to have your recycling questions answered.

Richland County Park District – Have you ever held a snake or turtle? This is your chance! Plus, check out educational posters, ODNR wildlife guides and examples of many natural history items from around the county.

Richland Area Beekeepers Association – learn about beekeeping and the life of bees

Master Gardener Volunteers – what is a pollinator and why are they important? Your questions will be answered.

Richland County Farm Bureau – spin the agriculture trivia wheel for a chance to win prizes and learn more about Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance.

Malabar Farm State Park – the display will inspire you to visit this working farm in southern Richland County.

Here is the complete listing of Nature Park stage events:

Sunday, August 7

7:00 p.m. “Mercy and Grace” – gospel music

Monday, August 8

3:00 p.m. “Soil and Water Trivia,” Richland Soil and Water Conservation District

4:00 p.m. “Malabar Farm-One of Richland County’s Hidden Gems” and Dot, a lamb raised by Malabar Farm State Park staff, Mark Sommer, Park Naturalist

7:00 p.m. “Mid-Ohio Community Band” music

Tuesday, August 9

3:00 p.m. “Snakes and Turtles of Richland County, Richland County Park District

4:00 p.m. “Attracting Butterflies and Pollinators to Your Backyard,” Bill Flanegan, Richland County Master Gardeners

7:00 p.m. “Blue Universe” – bluegrass music

Wednesday, August 10

3:00 p.m. Children’s Storytime with a fun activity, Mansfield Richland County Public Library. May move to Big Red Barn depending on weather.

4:00 p.m. “Meet Nathan and his Black Labrador Retriever, May,” ODRN Div. of Wildlife K-9 Unit

7:00 p.m. “Matt Goodrich” – country music

Kids from 8 to 17 are invited to join a scavenger hunt at the Nature Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a chance to win great prizes. Entries will be put into a drawing for three different prizes drawn at 12 noon, 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt rules are on the back of entry forms.

Thursday, August 11

3:00 p.m. “Basic Beekeeping,” Richland Area Beekeepers Association

4:00 p.m. “Soak Up the Rain: How Street Trees Retain Stormwater Runoff,” Kim Hildreth, Project Planner, City of Mansfield Engineering Department

7:00 p.m. “Tom’s Kitchen Table” – Oldies/Bluegrass music

Friday, August 12

3:00 p.m. Ohio Bird Sanctuary Live Bird Program

4:00 p.m. “Egg Catcher Engineer,” presented by GrowNextGen. Another program perfect for kids.

7:00 p.m. “RLC” – live music

Saturday, August 13

7:00 p.m. “Oolong Gurus,” – American music

Enjoy the Fair!

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