The University of the Great Outdoors (UGO) is a new initiative by the Hamilton County Park District Naturalist Department to encourage health and nature appreciation in the Great Outdoors. Throughout the year, UGO programs will be offered at various parks with an emphasis on outdoor exercise and nutrition. The programs are designed to be fun and educational! Experience recreation in nature!

MARCH 13
Wilderness Skills: Orienteering I / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
There is a lot of helpful information on a good map. The trick is knowing how to interpret the whole map in order to get all the facts! Join us for this indoor class on the basics. Cost is $5 and the deadline to register is March 11.

MARCH 14
Mitchell Memorial Forest Hike Times Two / 2:00 p.m.
Mitchell Memorial Forest
Join us for a 3.9 mile hike on our mountain bike/hike trail. We will hike the trail twice, from beginning to end and back again! Bring along plenty of water and snacks! Recommended for older children and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers. Deadline to register is March 12. Register online.

MARCH 20
A Long Walk Through History / 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Shawnee Lookout Miami Fort Trail
Enjoy the beautiful trails of Shawnee Lookout and learn some of the prehistoric and historic facts of the area. Fill your day pack with water and snacks. We will begin at Miami Fort Trail at 10 am, Blue Jacket Trail at 11:30 am and end with Little Turtle Trail at 12:30 pm. Join us for one, two or all three hikes.

MARCH 26
Outdoor Archery / 6:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
A certified archery instructor will teach you the basics of shooting a compound bow on our outdoor range. Then try out your new archery skills with a little target practice! Archers must be able to pull a minimum of ten pounds draw weight. Recommend ages eight to adult. Cost is $15 and the deadline to register is March 24. Register online.

MARCH 27
On Target / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
Hunting tools have changed over the years. Join us for your chance to try to stay on target using everything from a rock and throwing sticks to an atlatl to a bow and arrow! Cost is $5 and the deadline to register is March 24. Register online.

MARCH 27
Full Moon Disc Golf / 8:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
A game of disc or Frisbee golf is always fun, but playing it at night near a full moon is even more fun! Bring your own glow disc/Frisbee or rent one of ours and try your skill on our glowing course! Cost is $5 (additional $3 to rent disc/frisbee) and the deadline to register is March 25. Register online.

APRIL 10
Wilderness Skills: Orienteering II / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
Join us for this outdoor program on using a map and a compass. Try our orienteering course where you will follow a bearing, learn to travel around large obstacles and get back on the right track again! Cost is $5 and the deadline to register is April 7. Register online.

APRIL 11
West Side Nature Preserves / 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve
Join the naturalist for a day of hiking for adults, visiting four nature preserves on the west side. We’ll cover off trail steep hills, uneven terrain and creeking. Lunch is included. Cost is $13 and the deadline to register is April 8. Register online.

APRIL 11
Spring Hike and Bike / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
Enjoy beautiful spring wildflowers and waterfowl as we bike around Winton Lake and hike a nature trail. Bikes are available to rent for $8 if needed. Deadline to register is April 8. Register online.

APRIL 14
Walk Club Wildflower Excursion / 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Winton Woods
Walk Club members, meet at the Winton Centre to caravan to Trillium Trails where we will hike on a primitive trail to find wildflowers, trees and wildlife. This will be a strenuous, off-trail hike covering some uneven ground and crossing a creek. There will be no restroom available once we start at the preserve. Sturdy footwear required. Deadline to register is April 12. Register online.

APRIL 16
Spring Night Bike / 7:30 p.m.
Miami Whitewater Forest
Celebrate spring with a night bike ride! Refreshments by a warm fire will be provided after our adventure. You may choose to ride the 7.8 mile loop once or twice. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Helmets recommended. Cost is $5 and the deadline to register is April 14. Register online.

APRIL 17
Wilderness Skills - Orienteering III / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
Back azimuths, triangulation and declination will all be discussed and demonstrated during this outdoor program! Orienteering II is a prerequisite for this program. Cost is $5 and the deadline to register is April 15. Register online.

APRIL 18
Outdoor Archery / 2:00 p.m.
Winton Woods
A certified archery instructor will teach you the basics of shooting a compound bow on our outdoor range. Then try out your new archery skills with a little target practice! Archers must be able to pull a minimum of ten pounds draw weight. Recommend ages eight to adult. Cost is $15 and the deadline to register is April 16. Register online.