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, August 19 to Thursday, August 25, 2016
Featured Event
Visitors Turning Pokemon Go Into Pokemon “Oh, No”
From Summit Metro Parks
An untold number of visitors to Summit Metro Parks are playing Pokemon Go on their smartphones. Many of the park district’s employees are, too.
Now, the employees who “gotta catch ‘em all” are asking fellow gamers to be mindful of their surroundings – for the protection of natural resources and for their own personal safety.
In Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, visitors have been seen leaving established trails, walking on top of the 57-foot-high Ohio Edison dam as it spans the Cuyahoga River, and standing on top of Mary Campbell Cave. Spokesperson Nathan Eppink said this puts players at risk.
“The park is rugged to begin with. Add to that people wandering around, navigating difficult off-trail terrain while staring at their phones, and we could have a serious problem,” Eppink said.
Chief of Operations Aaron Hockman described the game’s influence on distracted walking: “We’ve had individuals literally walk into parked equipment and walk through work zones, not knowing what’s going on around them.”
In short, officials are asking users to stay on trails and be smart with their smartphones.
For information about the park district, visit www.summitmetroparks.org
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Off the Beaten Path: Over Hill, Over Dale
Saturday, August 20, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hunt House
Hike 10 miles, following the unpaved, hilly Order of the Arrow Trail. Pack a lunch and water, and be prepared for off-trail conditions and carpooling. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Day of Service: NPS Founders' Day
Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Register for locations.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service through service projects. Individuals and groups are welcome. For more information, locations, and to register call 330-657-2299 or visit www.forcvnp.org/volunteer
Music in the Meadow: Celebrate100
Sunday, August 21, noon to 5 p.m., Howe Meadow.
Grab a blanket and a picnic dinner and bring your family to hear FREE music in the national park! Dala and Mississippi Heat headline an afternoon of music crafts, games, live animal presentations, and other fun to help celebrate the NPS's 100th birthday on August 25. Learn more at www.nps.gov/cuva
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Hawaiian Weekend: Maumee Bay
Friday August 19 to Sunday August 21, Maumee Bay State Park
Join us for Hawaiian Campout at Maumee Bay State Park: Pig Roast Dinner, ice cream social afterwards, and a dance to follow. Fun evening for all ages. For registered campers only.
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
Emerald Necklace Hikers
Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. to noon, Euclid Creek Reservation, Highland Picnic Area is located off Euclid Creek Parkway, off the Highland Road entrance of Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid,
Don't feel comfortable navigating the trails on your own? Join this monthly hike to explore the Emerald Necklace, get some exercise and enjoy each others company. We’ll hike along the trails of scenic Euclid Creek in search of wildlife and summer wildflowers. Meet at Highland Picnic Area. Terrain Difficulty: some hills, 2 - 3 miles. Phone: 440-526-1012. 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 has natural features that make it distinct—including old-growth forest, native grassland, restored wetlands and spring-fed ponds. There are also miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing ponds, bird-observation decks, river access for canoeing, and even a vintage cider press stored in a historic barn, all of which make these parks truly part of Ashland County.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Two Lobelias
Sunday, August 21, 2 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Warren Uxley for this informative program on Lobelias. Among our most beautiful wildflowers, the two Lobelia species at Lowe-Volk Park produce an abundance of flowers. One red, the other blue, the Lobelias provide a window into the ecology of pollination. Warren will explain the very different pollination strategies of Lobelias. Lowe-Volk Park is located 3 miles north of US Route 30. For more information contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000. Look for information on other programs offered by the Crawford Park District by visiting their web site.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Plum Brook Station Prairie Field Trip
Sunday, August 21, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Meet at the NASA gate on Scheid Rd (off of US 250).
The tour will make about eight stops along the interior, where the unique natural history of the area, particularly the tallgrass prairies and oak savannas, will be explained by John Blakeman, Environmental Specialist at Plum Brook Station. Cameras welcome! . Ages 18+. Pre-register by Mon. Aug.15. Each participant MUST provide name, address, phone number, and be a U.S. citizen. Please contact John Blakeman at 419-433-5639 for more information.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/page/programs
Geauga Park District
Discover Underwater Life Through Snorkeling
Sunday, August 21, Noon to 1 p.m., 1 to 2 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m., Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve
See fish, plants and other aquatic life from an underwater perspective! Use equipment/wet suits provided or bring your own. Ages 8+. Six people per session. Fee: $25 for instruction. Waivers required by Just Add Water; additional waiver required for ages 8-17 attending without adult. Held rain or shine. Registration required.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Corn Maze
August 19 through October 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Do you have a good sense of direction? Here’s a chance to test your skill as you “walk the stalk” through a multitude of twists and turns through a three-acre corn maze at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Trivia questions are posted throughout the maze to help guide you along the way. Answer the questions correctly and you will proceed on the correct path. Regular Farmpark admission applies.
New: Corn Maze Grand Opening Corn Roast August 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Pre-registration required and fee applies; Call 800-669-9226 to register.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Anything Goes Hike
Saturday, August 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Columbia Reservation
Let's hike and see as much as the park as we can on this long one! Level 3. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Designs of Nature
Sunday, August 21, 3 to 4 p.m., Killbuck Lakes
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. Nature provides us with many amazing sights to behold, but, sometimes, we overlook the less conspicuous marvels such as the intricate patterns of a spider web, the ingenious design of a muskrat lodge, and the complexities of a cocoon. Hike along the trail at our newest open park as we discuss some of these amazing designs of nature and more. 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
Experienced Mountain Bike Ride 3.5
Saturday, August 20, 9 to 10 a.m., Quail Hollow Park, Mountain Bike Trailhead by the restrooms.
Real mountain bike ride on dirt trail! This is an uneven trail with some 6" tree roots, rocks, streams and a man-made, 12" wide raised platform over 80' long. There are some steep uphill climbs and descents between trees and other obstacles. If it proves to be too much after you start, you will have to walk/ride your bike back to the trailhead. Be prepared by dressing for the weather, bringing plenty of water, and wear a helmet. For ages 12 and up. Meet at the Quail Hollow Park Mountain Bike Trailhead by the restrooms. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Evening Hike Friday, August 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m., O'Neil Woods Metro Park,Trail Lot, 2550 Martin Rd., Bath
Avoid the heat of the day and hike this difficult trail with frequent stops to learn about wildlife. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Sand Run History Hike
Saturday, August 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sand Run Metro Park, Wadsworth Area, 1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron
Come hike the challenging Dogwood Trail with a naturalist while learning about the history of the area. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Atlatl Demonstration
Sunday, August 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson
Join Summit Metro Parks and Paul Wischt from the Cuyahoga Valley Archaeology Society to learn how to hunt for wooly mammoths and mastodons with an atlatl. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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