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 22 to Thursday, April 28, 2016
Featured Event
Mohican Wildlife Weekend
The Crawford Park District has been invited to participate in the Mohican Wild-life Weekend. This free event takes place across the Greater Mohican and surrounding areas. The event’s focus is a celebration of wildlife, habitat, heritage, and natural history.
When is it? April 22-24
Where does it take place? A total of 13 sites in and around the Mohican Area.
What can you expect? Each site has their own programming schedule for the weekend.
Participants choose from the variety of programs offered and attend the ones that appeal to them. While participants can stay at one site for the du-ration, they are encouraged to visit others as well.
What is the Park District doing? For a list of all the CPD’s programming for the weekend see Crawford County Parks below. For other sites’ programming visit: www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com
For more information regarding Mohican Wildlife Weekend, call the Lowe-Volk Nature Center at 419-683-9000.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Recycled Rocks!
Friday, April 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ledges Shelter
Join a ranger on Earth Day for a 2.2-mile hike on the unpaved, hilly Ledges Trail. Enjoy a spring evening exploring the "recycled" rock formations. Moderate pace. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Bird Watching: Returning Songbirds
Saturday, April 23, 8 to 10 a.m., Station Road Bridge Trailhead
Go birding along the firm, flat Towpath Trail with Park Volunteer Naturalist Dwight Chasar to search for early migrants. As a bonus, we'll check a bald eagle nest. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Spring Training Hike
Saturday, April 23, 9 to 11 a.m., Boston Store Visitor Center
Hike 5 miles on the unpaved, hilly Stanford and Brandywine Gorge trails. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Hike Aboard!
Sunday, April 24, 9:05 a.m., Brecksville Station
Journey through the national park by train one way, then hike back 7.5 miles on the hilly Buckeye and Valley trails. Fast pace. Fee: $3 (pay upon boarding). For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-468-4070 or visit cvsr.com
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Family Fishing Day: East Harbor
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., East Harbor State Park
In celebration of Earth Day, we invite families to bring their children to the pond by the Lockwood Shelter House for the opportunity to catch trout released by The Ohio Division of Wildlife. Kids only will be allowed to fish from 10 to 2. Adults may fish after 2 p.m.
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
Hawk Migration
Saturday, April 23, 10 to Noon, Brookside Reservation, Brookside Valley Event Site
Now is the time to turn our eyes skyward to witness the return of our raptors. Will we see a kettle of broad-winged hawks? A venue of vultures? Bring your binoculars and let’s scan the skies! Terrain Difficulty: Easy, 0.5 mile. Free.
Hemlock Loop
Saturday, April 23, 10:30 to Noon, Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center
The rolling hills of the Chippewa Creek watershed are home to a diverse flora and fauna. Join Naturalist Wendy Weirich for a closer look at one of the best trails in Cleveland Metroparks. Terrain: rolling hills, 2.5 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
Earth Day Hike
Friday, April 22 10 a.m., Heckert Nature Preserve
What better way to celebrate than a hike! This Earth Day Hike will ex-plore the many attributes that are unique to Heckert. Join Josh on this celebratory hike as he investigates the many spring wildflowers, the early migrating birds, and of course, the amphibians calling from the ver-nal pool. Hike will take place rain or shine.
Mohican Wildlife Weekend at Lowe-Volk Park
The following schedule of events is for the Crawford Park District during the Mohican Wildlife Week-end. Be sure to check out other programming offered during this great weekend of nature appreciation at: www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com
Saturday, April 23
8:00am – 4:00pm – Lowe-Volk Nature Center Open
9:00am – Happy Snappy: Secrets of the Snapping Turtle
Snapping Turtles may be one of the most misunderstood animals out there. Prehistoric in appearance, Snapping Turtles lead fascinating lives: they sojourn across large expanses of cropland, they spend winters un-der the ice yet remain “active”, their hatchlings can “freeze” and still come to life. However, little is known of their population dynamics and the how’s and why’s of their behaviors. Come to learn about the secretive “Moss Back”, and you’ll even get an up close view of our most ancient looking animal, the Common Snapping Turtle.
11:00am – Diverse Depressions: Exploring Wetlands
Below the surface of a wetland is a dynamic and diverse world. Food chains, life cycles, and more await the nature explorer. With dip nets in hand, we’ll meet dragonflies, damselflies, scuds, mollusks, diving beetles, and more. Nets will be provided. We will not get in the water, but shoes may get slightly muddy. Fun for the whole family!
1:00pm – Diverse Diets: Feeding Time!
It’s lunchtime and our resident amphibians and reptiles need to eat, too! Watch a toad flick out its tongue, a salamander shake a worm, and maybe a snake wrap up its prey. Program participants will also get to touch some of the animals as well.
Sunrise to Sunset – Lowe-Volk Park is open for hiking and nature observation.
Sunday, April 24
8:00am – 4:00pm – Lowe-Volk Nature Center Open
8:30am – Birds, Botany, & Bedrock
Viewing early spring wildflowers with the songs of migrating birds in the background is a great gift from nature. Sandstone outcroppings adorn the trails at Lowe-Volk Park and are festooned with mosses, lichens, and ferns. This morning stroll will also follow the banks of the Sandusky River to its beginnings. Binoculars and hand lenses will be provided.
11:00am – Diverse Depressions: Exploring Wetlands
Below the surface of a wetland is a dynamic and diverse world. Food chains, life cycles, and more await the nature explorer. With dip nets in hand, we’ll meet dragonflies, damselflies, scuds, mollusks, diving beetles, and more. Nets will be provided. We will not get in the water, but shoes may get slightly muddy. Fun for the whole family!
1:00pm – Race to the Finish Line w/ Animals
This fun-filled program will look at how reptiles and amphibians get around. You’ll see frogs leap, toads hop, worms wriggle and wiggle, salamanders crawl, and much more.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Spring Bloomers!
Friday, April 22, 5 to 6 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Have you ever heard of the legend of Black-eyed Susan and Sweet
William? On this walk we will take time to stop and smell the flowers and learn folklore about different native plants.
Full Moon Night Hike
Fri. April 22, 9 to 10 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center, Erie Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
We will walk the trails of the park under the light of the full moon while looking and listening for the local wildlife. Ages 10+.
Earth Day Extravaganza!
Sunday, April 24, 11 to 4 p.m. Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
In honor of Earth Day, Erie County Solid Waste Management District, Erie MetroParks, Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, Erie County Health Department, and Old Woman Creek, etc. are sponsoring an Earth Day Extravaganza, including local government, non-profit and community organizations' informative displays and more! Ongoing activities include: Kite Building, Recycled Art Contest, Rain Barrel Clinic, Archery, Bee Keeping Demos, Green Shopping, Children's Play Area and Food Vendors.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Geauga Park District
Earth Day Extravaganza
Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frohring Meadows, Katydid Shelter
Celebrate Earth Day locally with this interactive event: hands-on tree and wildflower planting, hands-on bird banding and bird box care, amphibian and reptile show-and-tell, bird/insect walks, presentations by experts in wildlife and conservation issues, informational display booths, and tree/wildflower giveaways. Refreshments provided. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
After-Work Wildflower Walk
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m., The Rookery
Join the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio to discover the diversity of colorful spring wildflowers in the Chagrin River Valley and the fascinating folklore associated with them. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race
Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m., Harpersfield Dam to Hidden Valley Park
An annual springtime tradition; experience an 8½-mile canoe and kayak race from the Harpersfield Dam (Ashtabula County) to Hidden Valley Park (in Madison) on the wild and scenic Grand River. Features a “maddest hat” contest. Pre-registration required and fee applies; register online or call 800-669-9226 to register.
Earth Day 2016: Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Sunday, April 24, Noon to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Come out for a day of earth-friendly family fun that includes an eco-fair featuring local and national conservation organizations. Other activities include habitat preservation programs with live animals, a kid’s eco-craft, and Earth ball games. Shop for earthy items at The Nature Store. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Earth Day Hike
Friday, April 22, 11 to noon, Miller Nature Preserve
Celebrate Earth Day by counting the critters seen and heard on this hike. Easy. No registration required.
Creekside Clean Up Hike
Saturday, April 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m., French Creek, Lobby, 4530 Colorado Ave, Sheffield Village, OH 44054
Clean up materials (rubber gloves, grabbers, bags) provided; task-appropriate work clothes and sturdy shoes recommended. Strenuous hike HSP For more information call (440) 949-5200 Ext. 225. No registration required.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Medina County's 20th Annual Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 23, 10 to 4 p.m., Buffalo Creek Retreat
Come celebrate Earth Day at Medina County Park District's Buffalo Creek Retreat just south of Hubbard Valley Park. There will be earth friendly exhibits, a family fishing derby, kids' activities, food, and much more, so bring the whole family for a fun filled day. Additional parking for this event will be at Hubbard Valley Park with shuttle service provided to Buffalo Creek. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Family Fishing Derby
Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buffalo Creek Retreat.
Fish together with your family, hook some memories, and win prizes! Grab a rod and reel in an afternoon of fishing fun during our third annual Medina County Park District Family Fishing Derby! Parent/child teams can register and fish any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Registration is required in order to be eligible to win prizes. Please bring your fishing poles. A limited amount of fishing poles and bait will be available for use. This derby is held in conjunction with Medina County's 20th Annual Earth Day Festival. All ages welcome. 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
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trip - Beaver Marsh
Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Meet at the Ira Road Trailhead in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Take a field trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Meet at the Ira Road trailhead for a 4.0 mile hike exploring Beaver Marsh and Indigo Lake. Free. (330) 409-8096
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Big Bird Night
Saturday, April 23, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
Discover the amazing woodcock and attempt to witness the male bird's spectacular courtship flight over nearby fields, and then hike to search for owls. Bring binoculars and flashlights. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Wildflower Hike
Sunday, April 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron
Search for woodland wildflowers along Spring Hollow Trail. Wear footwear appropriate for stream crossings. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Schumacher In Spring
Sunday, April 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Cascade Valley Metro Park, Schumacher Valley Area, 1690 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Explore amazing sights and sounds of spring while hiking Schumacher Trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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