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 2 to Thursday, December 8, 2016
Featured Event
Christmas in Peninsula
Saturday, December 3, Peninsula
Visit with live reindeer, go on a vintage elf scavenger hunt, and enjoy adventures with the Grinch. Buy your Christmas tree, do holiday shopping, attend a craft show, and take pictures with Santa. The G.A.R. “Holiday Hall” will serve cookies, host Mrs. Claus, and provide holiday music. For details, visit www.explorepeninsula.com
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Bird Watching: December Birds
Saturday, December 3, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Kendall Lake. Shelter
Join Park Volunteer Dwight Chasar to search for wintering birds within the mixed forests surrounding
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Candlelight Holiday Tours: Malabar Farm
Saturday, December 3, 5 to 9 p.m., Malabar Farm State Park
Tour Louis Bromfield's Big House all decked out for the Holidays. Enjoy freshly baked cookies & hot cider. COST: $5/adults; $3/children.
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
Great Escape Hike
Saturday, December 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Big Creek Reservation, Snow Road Picnic Area pavilion, Parma Hts.
Take a deep breath outside before the holiday bustle and shuffle hits full swing. Escape into the forested floodplains of Big Creek with a naturalist as your guide. Terrain Difficulty: dirt trail, 1.5 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 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
National Mutt Day
Friday, December 2, 3 to 5 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Celebrate National Mutt Day with the Crawford Park District by bringing your dog to Lowe-Volk Park. Take a walk and enjoy the trails while you strut your mutt! Stop inside the Nature Center to get a treat for your dog when you’re done. The Crawford County Humane Society will be here with information on the dogs they have available for adoption. You might just find a new family member! Please keep your dog on leash and clean up any messes it may leave behind. 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.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Classroom Kayaking
Friday, December 2, 7 to 9 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center, Erie Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
This is your chance to learn everything you’ve ever wondered about canoeing and kayaking. All of your questions will be answered inside this warm and dry classroom. A certified instructor will help you learn about these paddling sports, no swim suits required!
Metropark Walk
Wednesday, December 7, 10:30 a.m. & 5 p.m., James McBride Arboretum, 1 University Dr, Huron. Meet at the restrooms.
Go on a walk with us and enjoy the beautiful landscapes the Arboretum has to share. No pets.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.com
Geauga Park District
Greens for Giving
Saturday, December 3, Noon to 3 p.m., The West Woods, Oak Room A
Join Geauga Park District at this make-and-GIVE event to create 250 evergreen decorations for Geauga County Department on Aging's home-delivered meals for seniors. All supplies provided. Help brighten a senior's holiday season!
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.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Campfire Hike
Saturday, December 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sandy Ridge
Join us for a fire followed up by a hike.
Wild Turkey Talk
Sunday, December 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Columbia
Let's discuss and search for Wild Turkey while walking a trail or two!
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of It
Saturday, December 3, 9 to 11 a.m., Chippewa Rail Trail
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, and be sure to have appropriate footwear. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. 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
Look for the Evergreens!
Tuesday, December 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Quail Hollow Park Nature Center
There's not a better time to look at the evergreens than in the winter! Join Stark Parks on a 2 mile walk to learn about coniferous trees and enjoy their beauty during the winter months. Meet at the Nature Center to begin. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Winter Scavenger Hunt Hike
Saturday, December 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Silver Creek Metro Park, Big Oak Area, 5199 Medina Line Rd., Norton
An exercise for the body and mind, join a naturalist for a hike on Chippewa Trail while searching for items on a scavenger hunt list. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cardio Hike
Saturday, December 3, 1 to 2 p.m.
Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron
Hike more than five 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.
Winter Tree I.D.
Sunday, December 4, 1 to 3 p.m., Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson
Walk with a naturalist to discover the differences between oaks, maples, hickories and several other trees. Learn how to look at the bark pattern, twigs, and buds to distinguish the differences between species. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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