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 News 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, December 16 to Thursday, December 22, 2016
Featured Event
Annual Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 18, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Kendall Lake Shelter
Annual counts help monitor bird populations, establish which species are in the area, and alert scientists to unusual changes. Participate as a park volunteer, counting birds in the
southern portion of CVNP for the Greater Akron Audubon Society. Walking terrain will vary by location.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Hikes
Saturdays, December 17 through February 25, 1 to 3 p.m., Kendall Lake Shelter
Learn a new skill or just get out and enjoy the winter’s beauty on snowshoes. Trails vary. Moderate pace. Program is free. Rentals available. Program will be cancelled if there is less than four inches of snow.
Winter Warm-ups Hike
Sunday, December 18, 9 to 11 a.m., Ira Trailhead
Winter Warm-ups is a fitness series on CVNP’s more difficult, hilly trails. Fast pace.Challenge yourself on the unpaved, hilly terrain of the Buckeye and Deer Run trails. Fast pace. 5.5 miles.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Ohio State Parks Wants Your Assistance
With the capital budget recently signed by Governor Kasich, Ohio State Parks received an unprecedented investment that will allow for repairs and upgrades to many park facilities. We would like your help to identify and prioritize these projects. As our users these parks are here for you, so who better to offer suggestions? We are seeking input on projects that will include restrooms & shower houses, lodges, campgrounds & cabins, marinas, trails, beaches, shelters and pools. If the project you are most interested in is not on this list, tell us. We want to know. Fill out the form to have your opinion considered. While we may not be able to make every improvement offered, we want to be sure we are addressing what our visitors would like to see.
http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/improvements
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
Extreme Hiking
Saturday, December 17, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, 1 West Dr, Hinckley, OH 44233
Join Naturalist Pam Taylor as we cross creeks and climb the hills in Hinckley. Please wear appropriate footwear, trail surfaces may be slick. Terrain Difficulty: hills and creeks, 8 - 9 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 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
Nature Hike
Saturday, December 17, 3 p.m., Sears Woods, 1486 Mt. Zion Rd.
Each winter brings with it a new set of challenges for all life forms. Meet Crawford Park District Naturalist, Warren Uxley at Sears Woods State Nature Preserve and find out what this winter will bring. Food supplies vary from year to year and of course the weather patterns play a key role in determining the makeup of winter bird communities. Sears Woods is located west of Bucyrus on Mt. Zion Road. For more information contact the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Luminary Walk
Friday, December 16, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., James McBride Arboretum, 1 University Dr, Huron. Meet at the welcome center.
Enjoy hot chocolate and walk around the pond as luminaries light the path! No pets.
Firelands Audubon Society: Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 17, Dawn-Dusk.
Join us in this citizen science project as we work in teams to identify and count birds. For more information please contact firelandsaudubon@gmail.com
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.com
Geauga Park District
Winter Bird Banding Station
Saturday, December 17, 9 to 11 a.m., Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Stop by the lodge anytime during designated hours to see winter resident birds netted, banded and released. This is an excellent opportunity for up-close viewing and photography. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Winter Solstice Celebration Candlelight Walk
Wednesday, December 21, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., The West Woods, Nature Center
Dress for the weather and celebrate the longest night of the year on this popular evening walk by candlelight. Explore roots of our modern holiday celebrations outdoors; enjoy hot beverages and the Pilgrim Brass Choir indoors. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Candy Land Has Gone Wild!
November 19 to January 1, Noon to 5 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year's Eve
On a life-sized game board, discover the many flavors that nature gives us as you play along and travel through the seasons in our indoor wonderland. Draw a card, move from space to space and explore nature through the year. In addition, enjoy a craft, activity pages and scavenger hunts — fun for the whole family! Snacks and beverages are also available. Enjoy holiday shopping at The Nature Store. Snowshoe rentals available, weather permitting. Special activities from 1 to 3 pm every Saturday afternoon during the exhibit. Free.
County Lights
November 25, to December 23, 4:45 to p.m., Farmpark
Tickets are required for all dates/times. Bring your tickets with you and dress for the weather — some activities are outside, whether rain, snow or shine! In the rare occurrence of extreme weather on your event date, follow Lake Metroparks on Facebook and Twitter for an event cancellation notice. A magical evening is in store at Farmpark! Live lighted trees deck the halls that lead to Santa's Workshop and the Little Elf Corner. Take a wagon ride through light displays to the Equine Center where you'll see operating model trains, meet farm animals and enjoy presentations in the arena by the Holiday Horses. Call 440-256-2122 or 800-366-FARM (3276) for more information.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Birds Of Prey Photo Opportunity
Saturday, December17, 2 to 3 p.m., Carlisle, Raptor Center Courtyard
Join us for the special opportunity to meet up-close and photograph some of our Raptor Center residents in a winter setting. In case of inclement weather, please call ahead. Live animal. For more information call (440) 458-5121 Ext. 232.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Nature Photo Exhibit: Photo Entry Deadline
Sunday, December 18, 12 to 5 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
Today is the last day to submit entries into the 2017 Nature Photo Exhibit. Drop off entry photos along with completed registration forms at Wolf Creek Environmental Center. Ages 12 to adult. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/
Portage County Parks
Portage Park District conserves important natural areas and creates parks and trails for public use and enjoyment. We partner to improve the health and quality of life in our communities, while realizing significant economic benefits. Are you looking to embrace the beauty of the outdoors? Portage Parks offers a variety of educational activities, outdoor adventures, races, and walks, plus a number of other exciting events and activities throughout each season. Read more for additional information! There are many ways that you can help support the Portage Park District in our mission to conserve Portage County’s natural and cultural resources. Learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities and then contact us. You can help make a difference.
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Running Stark: Group Run
Friday, December 16, 5 to 6 p.m., Olde Muskingum Trail, Butterbridge Trailhead
Join RRCA Certified Running Coach Samantha Collmar for a 1-3 mile group run along the Olde Muskingum Trail. Runners of all abilities and pacers are welcome. Come wearing appropriate running attire for the weather and bring your own water.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Hike and Fire
Friday, December 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Campfire Area, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Sit around the campfire with a naturalist to learn about nocturnal critters in Summit Metro Parks. Then, we'll take a hike hoping to see and hear some of them. Marshmallows and roasting sticks will be provided, while supplies last. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Ledges Trail throughout The Year
Saturday, December 17, 4 to 5 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
We'll hike the Ledges Trail one last time, taking a photographic record of the seasonal changes. Afterward, we'll review the year in photos. Take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. This trail is not recommended for strollers. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 18, 8 to 11:30 a.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join us for the annual Greater Akron Audubon Christmas Bird Count. We will walk the trails to count the different birds we see and hear. Great for beginners and avid birders. Binoculars are recommended. Hot beverages will warm participants. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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