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So many signs of spring to explore!

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Get Rich Outdoors

Here you will find a weekly update on select events and activities happening in northern Ohio national, state and county parks, which are in the NewsChannel 5 viewing area. Programs sometimes change for weather and other unforeseen circumstances! Check the park web-site before traveling.

Pick of the Park's for Friday, April 1 to Thursday, April 7, 2016

Featured Event

Bike Aboard! Begins: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Bike the Towpath Trail in one direction and hop on the train in the other. The train can be flagged down at boarding stations. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time. One-way fee: $3 person person ages 3 and older. Pay when you board. For more information and schedules, call 800-468-4070 or visit cvsr.com

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Lambing Days
Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Spicy Lamb Farm
Visit with spring lambs, ducklings, and bunnies. Fee: $10 for adults and $5 for children.. For details and directions, visit thespicylamb.com.

Hiking the Hills
Sunday, April 3, 9 to11:30 a.m., Kendall Lake Shelter.
Take 6.5 miles on the unpaved, hilly Cross Country, Lake, and Salt Run trails. For more information call 330-657-2752.

For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm

Ohio State Parks

UC Regatta: East Fork
Saturday, April 2, East Fork State Park
Rowing regatta managed by University of Cincinnati.

For a complete list of Northern Ohio State Park events click:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/resources/events/tabid/487/Default.aspx

Cleveland Metroparks

Edgewater Park History Hike
Saturday, April 2 11 a.m. to noon, Lakefront Reservation, Lower Edgewater Shelter
Take a stroll around Edgewater Park with Historical Interpreter Karen Lakus. Learn about the landmarks and history of this amazing property. Terrain Difficulty: mostly paved, one hill, 2 miles. Phone: 216-206-1000. Free Email: kel1@clevelandmetroparks.com

UnNatural Trail
Saturday, April 2, 2 to 3 p.m., Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, CanalWay Center, 4524 East 49th St, Cuyahoga Hts, OH 44125
We have set-up a spring trail of UnNatural items hiding along the trail. Stop in CanalWay Center for a list of what to look for while you are out walking the trail. Items will be camouflaged to blend in with nature. Terrain Difficulty: easy, 0.25 miles. Free.

For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp

Ashland County Parks

The Ashland County Park District (ACPD) is currently composed of 16 parks. Each offers a unique experience and support a variety of recreational activities including hiking, bird-watching, canoeing, dog-walking and hunting.

For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/ 

Crawford County Parks

Tellin’ Tales:
Crawford County Baseball Teams and Heroes
Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Tellin’ Tales is a gathering to share information about local history. Baseball is called America’s Favorite Pastime. That seems to be a solid theme in Crawford County’s history. Cities, villages, industries, fraternal organizations and many more had baseball teams. A few teams were deemed good enough to be called semi-pro. A short list of County greats made it to the professional ranks. From the players to the sponsors and fans, baseball was a local sporting highlight that also served as a social event. Bring your stories, photos, baseball cards and historic baseball equipment to share. We’ll have some uniforms and other items on display. Leesville History will be combined with this session and the Leesville Reds will not be missed!

Spring Nature Hike
Sunday, April 3, 3 p.m., Heckert Nature Preserve
Just about any type of weather is possible during the first days of spring. Life must adapt to the wild swings in the weather patterns during this time of year. Meet Warren Uxley at the Heckert parking lot.

For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/

Erie County Parks

“Peent!”And Boogie!
Monday, April 4, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
They’re back! American Woodcocks are filling the night sky with their famous “PEENT” calls and sky dances. Go on a guided hike for a chance to see these birds!

Metropark Hikers,
Wednesday, April 6, 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m., Edison Woods MetroPark, 8111 Smokey Rd, Berlin Heights.
Let’s hike the trails and explore your MetroParks with a fun group! 

For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml

Geauga Park District

Backcountry Ravine Exploration
Saturday, April 2, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Lindsey Elementary School, 18844 Caves Road, Chesterland
Saturday, April 2, 12:30-4 PM, Orchard Hills Park, Pondside Shelter
Venture into rocky woodland ravines to discover stately trees, meandering streams, rock ledges, salamanders and the history of the land. Bring lunch if you register to join both hikes, or bring lunch to eat with other hikers at 11:45 PM. Held rain or shine. Registration required.

For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml

Lake Metroparks

Springtime on the Farm Indoor Play Area
April 2 through May 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, Lake Metroparks Farmpark.
April showers won’t put a damper on the fun your little sprouts will have playing in the spring-themed indoor playground at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Watch newborn spring lambs, learn about plant life and (on weekends) make a spring craft. Regular Farmpark admission applies.

For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/

Lorain County Parks

Signs of Spring Hike
Sunday, April 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sandy Ridge
No registration required

For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/

Medina County Parks

April Fool's Woodcock Walk  
Friday, April 1, 7:30 to 9 p.m.,  Wolf Creek Environmental Center  
No joke! There is a bird that nests in Ohio that has a flexible bill, sings with its wings, and dances for its dinner. Celebrate this April Fool's day by learning more about this unusual bird and taking a hike to try to see one in action. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Hiking for the Health of It  
Saturday, April 2, 9 to 11 a.m., Letha House Park East
This is a hiking club for those adults who can hike four to five miles at a brisk pace.  Walking trails can be mildly strenuous with a limited amount being off trail. Please dress for the weather. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Secretive Salamanders  
Sunday, April 3, 3 to 4 p.m., River Styx Park
Natural Discoveries is a series of free nature themed programs designed for ages seven to adult. Participants in the program who complete certain hike requirements are eligible to receive awards. See the Natural Discoveries link on our website for award details. Early spring is when the salamanders are on the move. Take a hike in search of these elusive creatures and learn more about their fascinating life histories on the way. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.

For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/

Portage County Parks

Each park and trail has its own character and potential for use or protection. Portage Parks strives to balance conservation of our natural resources with public use and enjoyment. We provide opportunities for enjoying and learning about our natural areas through activities such as walking, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, geocaching, picnicking, camping, nature programs, races and special events. See individual park pages and the park activities chart for more information.

For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/

Stark Parks

Fit Friday: Mahoning Valley Trail
Friday, April 1, 9 to 11 a.m., Mahoning Valley Trail - meet at Gaskill Road Trailhead
Get out with Stark Parks for this bi-weekly, healthy walking series. Join park staff for a 3 mile walk on the Mahoning Valley Trail. Meet at the Gaskill Road Trailhead. Free.

For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/

Summit County Parks

School's Out Cookout
Friday, April 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Campfire Area, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Celebrate the start of another spring season! Bring your own hot dogs and buns to cook over an open fire, and we’ll provide drinks and condiments. Then, hike with a naturalist to enjoy the sights and sounds of spring on Cherry Lane Trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.

Quarry History Hike
Sunday, April 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula
Dig up some interesting facts about Deep Lock Quarry's hidden past along the Quarry Trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.

Cardio Hike
Monday, April 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Gorge Metro Park, Highbridge Trail, 1270 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls
Hike 5.6 miles at a vigorous pace. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. For information, call 330-865-8065.

For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org

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