Things to do
At the Norma Johnson Center, we have three main loops, and over 8 miles of trails to explore. Visitors love to weave other activities into their time here, such as running, photography, dog walking, birding, and much more.
Events
We host regular events for all ages such as adult workshops, family focused activities and nature based educational events. Our Fall Fest, Celebrate the Season and Luminary walk feature activities for children, as well as a hike through the woods. Please see our calendar for upcoming event date.
summer children’s program
2024 Summer Children Program Registration
We offer Summer Children Program’s during the months of June to July. Nature programs are on Tuesdays and Crafting programs are on Thursdays. All programs are from 10am-12. Registration is a must. We do have online registration set up through Eventbrite. To register for our Nature programs please click HERE, To register for our craft programs please click HERE. We have provided a 2024 Summer Children Registration form that could be emailed or mailed to our office. Online registration is preferred.
Annual Butterfly exhibit
Our annual butterfly exhibit will again be under the picnic shelter off of Conservation Drive (3645 Conservation Drive Dover, OH 44663). During your visit, visitors will enter a screened in enclosure to see Ohio butterflies up close and personal. On hand will also be various chrysalis to observe, and if you are lucky you might just be able to see a butterfly come out as a butterfly. All A Flutter will have chrysalis on hand to sell while supplies last. Many free children’s activities will be available at the exhibit such as face painting and children’s crafts. There will be a TuscParks concession that will also be selling sand art butterflies, concrete stones, and other craft items. During your visit enjoy the trails by walking through the Pollinator Trail that highlights various caterpillars, butterflies and their host plants.
2025 spring, summer and Fall Walkabout series
Wanting to meet up and hike with others? Not familiar with the different trails systems in the TuscParks park systems. Then come join us during for our walkabout series that encompasses the Norma Johnson Center and the Towpath. Click the button above for our flyer or links below to see our meetup locations and register.
Bench Fundraiser
The Norma Johnson Conservation Center Foundation (NJCCF) is offering a unique opportunity to honor a special person or organization with a commemorative bench. These benches will allow visitors to sit and enjoy the beauty of NJC while funds raised assist the NJC Foundation mission to support the conservation of natural resources through education, community outreach and personal experience.
These high quality 4 foot recycled plastic and steel benches include installation in cement, a commemorative plaque and 50 year manufacturer guarantee for a minimum donation of $2000. Bench location and plaque wording will be mutually agreed upon by the donor and TuscParks. The donation period will last 10 years. Within this time, the NJCCF will maintain the bench and in the event of damage, replace the bench at no cost to the donor. After 10 years, the bench will be available for renewal for the cost of $1000 for the life of the bench. This tribute gift is 100% tax deductible, and the transaction does not constitute a “purchase” of the bench by the donor.
For more information, please contact a NJCCF Board member or email info@normajohnsoncenter.com to inquire more information. A plaque will be placed on the bench to show others who sponsored the bench. Click the button below view the bench fundraiser policy with application.
eDUCATION
Educational outreach is a large part of our mission. At an educator’s request, we can come into classrooms once a month to teach a lesson on the “animal of the month.” We also host field trips to the center, where students can engage with nature and learn outside the classroom. Click the button below to inquire.
2020 Program Videos
2020 Program Videos. Interacting with Nature video series. Videos have been uploaded to Youtube, Facebook, and posted on the website. Click the button above to watch.