Programs at Mosquito Lake State Park

Mosquito Lake State Park offers a wide variety of hands-on outdoor education, recreation, and conservation programs that can support Girl Scout troops of all ages. Programs can be adapted to fit the age level, interests, and goals of the troop, including nature exploration, wildlife education, birding, fishing, paddling, outdoor safety, conservation service projects, and citizen science.

Through these opportunities, girls can learn about Ohio wildlife, local ecosystems, lake ecology, bird migration, native plants, invasive species, outdoor recreation safety, and the importance of conservation. Depending on the program selected, girls may participate in guided nature hikes, birding walks, owl programs, live wildlife presentations, fishing programs, kayak or paddleboard experiences, archery or BB gun introductory programs, park cleanups, habitat improvement projects, BioBlitz activities, and other hands-on learning experiences.

These programs are awesome because they allow girls to learn by doing. Instead of just hearing about nature, they get to explore it directly at one of Northeast Ohio’s beautiful state parks. Girls can build confidence outdoors, develop new skills, connect with local wildlife, serve their community, and better understand how they can help protect Ohio’s natural resources. Many programs also connect naturally to Girl Scout badge work, outdoor journeys, service learning, leadership development, and environmental stewardship.

Examples of possible program topics include:
Nature and wildlife hikes, Owls of Ohio, birds of prey programs, seasonal birding, spring wildflowers, aquatic ecology, fishing skills, lake exploration, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, BB gun safety, hunter safety education, boating safety, invasive species removal, Earth Day cleanups, habitat projects, and citizen science events.

Parking for Mosquito Lake State Park programs will vary depending on the specific program location. Most programs take place within Mosquito Lake State Park, and parking is generally available at the program meeting area or nearby designated parking lots. There is no cost to park at Mosquito Lake State Park.

For most park programs, participants should enter through the main park entrance and follow posted signs or program-specific directions to the meeting location. Common meeting locations may include the Park Office, campground area, beach area, boat launch, nature center/program area, marina, or trailhead parking lots.

Once registered for a program, participants will receive or be directed to the exact meeting location. Program descriptions may also include specific details such as which parking lot to use, where to meet the naturalist, and whether participants should walk from the parking area to a nearby shelter, trailhead, shoreline, or program space.

Because Mosquito Lake State Park is a large park with multiple access points, visitors are encouraged to check the program listing before arriving so they know the correct meeting location.

Programs offered by Ohio State Parks are free of charge to participants. This includes Mosquito Lake State Park programs such as guided hikes, wildlife programs, birding programs, conservation activities, nature lectures, outdoor education programs, volunteer projects, and community events.

In some special cases, a partner organization or outside presenter may offer an optional activity that requires a supply fee, such as materials for a take-home project or workshop. If that ever applies, the cost will be clearly listed in the program description ahead of time.

Some programs may require registration because of limited space, equipment, staffing, or safety needs, especially programs involving kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, archery, BB gun instruction, boating education, or special events.

Registration/Sign-Up Information:
Participants can register or sign up for Mosquito Lake State Park programs through the park’s online program listings when registration is required.

Many programs are open to the public and may not require registration. However, registration is strongly encouraged or required for programs with limited space, limited equipment, safety requirements, or planning needs. This may include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing programs, archery, BB gun instruction, boating education, hunter safety courses, special events, and programs requiring supplies.

For Girl Scout troops or groups interested in scheduling a special program, leaders may contact Mosquito Lake State Park directly to discuss available dates, program options, group size, and any specific badge or outdoor learning goals.

Caregivers, troop leaders, or responsible adults are encouraged to attend all Mosquito Lake State Park programs with participating girls. For Girl Scout troop programs, adult attendance may be required depending on the age of the girls, the type of activity, group size, safety needs, and Girl Scout supervision requirements. Adult supervision is especially important for outdoor recreation programs such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, BB gun instruction, boating education, hunter safety education, and volunteer service projects. Adult participation helps ensure that girls are properly supervised, stay with the group, follow safety guidelines, and have support during hands-on outdoor activities. Troop leaders and caregivers also help create a positive experience by assisting with group management, transitions, and program expectations.

For safety reasons, Mosquito Lake State Park staff and volunteers provide instruction and program leadership, but they are not responsible for replacing required troop or caregiver supervision.

Girls should dress appropriately for the weather and the outdoor activity. Most Mosquito Lake State Park programs take place outside, so participants should be prepared for changing weather, uneven ground, insects, mud, and wet conditions.

For most programs, girls should wear:

• Closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended for all outdoor programs and may be required for activities such as hiking, fishing, archery, BB gun instruction, volunteer cleanups, invasive species removal, and other hands-on outdoor activities.
• Boots or shoes that can get muddy are recommended for hikes, shoreline activities, creek or wetland programs, cleanups, and programs held after rain.
• Weather-appropriate clothing should be worn, including layers, jackets, rain gear, hats, gloves, or sun protection depending on the season.
• For water-based programs such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, or shoreline activities, girls should wear clothing that can get wet and bring a change of clothes if needed.

For safety, participants should avoid flip-flops, sandals, or loose clothing during active outdoor programs. Programs involving archery, BB guns, hiking, paddling, or volunteer work may have additional safety expectations listed in the program description.

Girls should bring items that help them stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for outdoor learning. What they need may vary depending on the specific program, but for most Mosquito Lake State Park opportunities, girls are encouraged to bring:

• A refillable water bottle, especially for outdoor programs, hikes, paddling, fishing, cleanups, and warm-weather activities.
• A small notebook and pencil or pen if the program includes observations, journaling, badge work, citizen science, or reflection activities.
• Weather-appropriate items such as sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, jacket, gloves, or extra layers depending on the season.
• For water-based programs, girls may want to bring a towel, change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet.
• For volunteer projects or cleanups, girls may want to bring work gloves if they have them. Some supplies may be provided depending on the program.

For most programs, Mosquito Lake State Park will provide any specialized equipment needed, such as fishing poles, paddling equipment, archery equipment, BB gun equipment, life jackets, or program materials when available. Any required items will be listed in the program description ahead of time.

Upcoming programs, registration links, meeting locations, and program details can be found at:
www.tinyurl.com/lakeprograms