Swift Night Out!

2025 Swift Night Out!


This summer, Heritage Trails Park District will host two nights of bird-watching & books! 


Join us for a ‘Swift Night Out’, where we will observe an impressive colony of Chimney Swift birds return after sunset to roost within a local building's large chimney. The ‘Homeless Books’ trailer will also be there to offer free books to adopt or swap! All ages are invited to attend!


Heritage Trails Park District will give a brief presentation about the Chimney Swift and share some interesting facts about this remarkable bird. Then at dusk, we hope to observe and count the number of swifts that enter the chimney to roost for the night. ‘Swift Night Out’ is a continent-wide effort to raise awareness about & encourage interest in Chimney Swift birds. Chimney Swifts play an important role in pest control, each family of them eating up to 12,000 mosquitoes & other bugs everyday! This seasonal migration event has become a favorite for biologists and amateur bird-watchers alike. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket to sit on, as well as binoculars or cameras if you choose.


2025 Swift Night Out schedule with Heritage Trails Park District:


  • Thursday, Aug. 28th at 7:30pm - Meet at the old Buckland Elementary School, located at 306 N. Main Street, Buckland, Ohio


  • Wednesday, Sept. 3rd at 7:30pm - Meet at the St. Marys West Intermediate School, located at 1301 W. High Street, St. Marys, Ohio

        (please note, no restroom facilities will be available at this location)


More information & program updates will be posted on the Heritage Trails Park District Facebook page.

Check out 'Homeless Books' on Facebook!


See Heritage Trails Park District at the Auglaize County Fair!

See you at the Fair!

By Terry McDonald • May 28, 2025
Be sure to stop in at the Fruit Hall during this year's Auglaize County Fair, July 27th-August 2nd. Heritage Trails Park District will have an informational booth space with park district brochures, stickers for kids, program information and a fun display!

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By Terry McDonald • May 28, 2025
Earlier this month, Heritage Trails Park District was presented with the ⭐️STAHR AWARD⭐️ from Ohio's Grand Lake Region Visitors Center! We are so grateful to receive such an honor! Thank you! Each year, the Stahr Award is given to one group, organization or business for its outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in the Auglaize & Mercer County area. The granting of this award began in 1998, named for former Visitors Center Trustee, the late Bill Stahr. 💫 Pictured here:🏆 Heritage Trails Park District Executive Director PJ Fought along with Ambassador Award winner Matt Tuttle and Past President Award winner Jared Ebbing.

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By Terry McDonald • May 26, 2025
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By Terry McDonald • March 17, 2025
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THE STORY OF THE BLOODY BRIDGE

By HTPARKS • February 23, 2021
A tale of a lovers quarrel, and murder. Visitors say they can see the ghostly images of a headless man walking along the bridge at sundown, and drowned woman in the canal below. Making the Bloody Bridge a notorious attraction for those who seek the paranormal.