Daytonians, the upcoming weekend holds some very interesting active events! With the official start of fall next Wednesday, September 23, this is prime time for outdoor activity, cool crisp weather, and beautiful scenery around the greater Dayton area. Kick off the season a little early this weekend with a buddy walk at Fifth Third Field, family farm chores, and a bug hike. Very interesting activities, and a perfect opportunity to try something new in your active life!
Saturday, September 19, the place to be is Fifth Third Field for The National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. Doors open at 8:30 am and The Buddy Walk officially begins at 10:00 am. The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is an inspirational and educational event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join The Buddy Walk in Dayton.
The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by the Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association (MVDSA). A donation of any amount is much appreciated for The Buddy Walk and t-shirts will be available for $5. Wake up bright and early to start the day off supporting a very worthy cause and make some new friends all while doing something active!
Also on Saturday, September 19, is Family Farm Chores at Carriage Hill Metro Park from 8:30 am until 10:00 am. This is a free event, please register in advance so the chores can be divided equally among participants. A wonderful opportunity to get to know some of the farm animals up close and personal, as well as learn the skills of what farm work entails and the effort involved with all of the chores! You will join the historical farmer to feed animals, gather eggs, clean stalls, and many other educational tasks. Families, this is an awesome fall event to take part in, and extra bonus: it’s free of charge!
On Sunday, September 20, there is one interesting event from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at The Glen Helen Reserve. This not just any hike, it is a bug hike! That’s right, come out to The Glen and go on an excursion all about bugs! For Glen Helen Members this is free, and for nonmembers this amazing experience is only $5. We live in the age of insects. Approximately one million species have been described, and it is estimated that there are 200 million individuals for every human on earth. Yet, we know very little about most species. Join Dr. John Stireman of the Wright State University Biology Department on a walk to examine some of the local insect denizens of Glen Helen and learn about their ecology and life history. Another fabulous educational opportunity this weekend, and it involves being active in one of Dayton’s most beautiful settings!
There you have it folks, some very unique and educational activities happening this weekend! Worthy causes and absolutely incredible experiences to kick off the very near fall season. Walk with a very special buddy, learn about farm life, and hike in a pristine environment while learning about little creatures that help control very large ecosystems. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!
