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, December 25 to Thursday, December 31, 2015
Featured Event
Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Monday, December 21, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Geauga County Parks, The West Woods, Nature Center
Celebrate the longest night with a guided walk along candlelit trails with interactive stations depicting solstice cultural traditions. Indoor activities include music by the Pilgrim Brass Choir and refreshments. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake
Truxell/ Kendall Park Road, 2 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road
Peninsula, Ohio 44264
There must be four inches of snow to open. Call (330) 657-2752 for current snowfall depth. The typical schedule is Saturdays and Sundays in December, January, and February; daily, December 26 through 31; and the holidays of Martin Luther King Day and Presidents' Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It may be open additional days during heavy snowfall.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Hiking Trails in Ohio State Parks
Come prepared to hike at an Ohio State Park! For long hikes, bring water and a high-energy snack, dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. On shorter walks, pack field guides, binoculars, and a camera. More here: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hiking
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
Walk It Off Hike
Saturday, December 26, 2 to 3 p.m., Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr, Brecksville.
Tired of being stuck indoors around the holidays? Join us for a short hike around the beautiful winter forest followed by hot chocolate at the nature center. Dress for cold and ice. Terrain Difficulty: mild hills, 2 miles. Free.
Chickadees at the Overlook
Sunday, December 27, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., North Chagrin Reservation, A.B Williams Memorial Woods parking lot.
One of the joys of winter is discovering nature up-close and personal in the palm of your hand. Adults and children alike will delight in having these small songbirds land in their hands. After the hike and hand feeding, head over to the nature center for hot chocolate. Terrain Difficulty: natural surface, may be icy, 1.25 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
Colonel Crawford Bikeway
Biking is an excellent form of exercise and offers people an opportunity to get outdoors. The Crawford Park District has established a route for cyclists to ride and enjoy the wonderful scenes of Crawford County. The route starts and ends at Lowe-Volk Park. The bikeway winds its way through country roads and through Galion and Crestline. A turn by turn map is available on our web site.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Sunday Morning Trail Run
Sunday December 27, 9 to 11 a.m., East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, Eagle Point, 3819
Cleveland Rd, Sandusky.
Meet in the parking lot for a trail run. Limit 30.
Metropark Hikers
Wednesday December 30, 10:30 a.m. & 5:0 0p.m., Edison Woods MetroPark, 8728 Mason Rd, Berlin Heights.
Calling walkers and hikers of all abilities.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga County Parks
New Year's Eve Nature Celebration!
Thursday, December 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge
Celebrate New Year's Eve with fun for all ages and a "toast" at 12:00 (noon)! Snacks and beverages provided. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
For the complete Geauga County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
The WILD Days of Winter game: Candy Land has gone WILD!
November 21, 2015 through January 3, Noon to 5 p.m., Exhibit closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Northeast Ohio’s “Wildest” holiday tradition continues this year. The Wild Days of Winter game is played just like the iconic board game CANDY LAND, but with a “natural twist” ...of course. This year’s theme is Candy Land has gone WILD! On a life-sized game board, discover the many “natural” 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—it’s fun for the whole family! Snacks and beverages are also available. Enjoy holiday shopping at The Nature Store. Snowshoe rentals are available, weather permitting. Join us on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. for special, free activities. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Cocoa Hike
Monday, December 28, 2 to 3 p.m., Schoepfle Garden, Visitor Center
Walk the woods and return for a hot beverage. For more information call (440) 965-7237. Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
A Log Cabin Christmas
December 26 and Sunday, December 27, 12 to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center Stop in any weekend in December to learn about traditional holiday customs of the past, warm up with a hot beverage, and enjoy the atmosphere of a cozy log cabin at Christmas. We will get you into the Christmas spirit with a variety of make n take craft projects (a new one each weekend) that will add an old fashioned flair to your holiday decorating. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.medinacountyparks.com/
Portage County Parks
Looking to embrace the beauty of the outdoors? Portage Parks offers a variety of educational activities, outdoor adventures, races and walks, and numerous other events throughout each season. 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. 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.
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Whether you’d rather enjoy the crisp air out on the trails or stay warm inside, Stark Parks has something for you and your family! Kids and families can enjoy story time and hikers can join a moderate hike or a longer trek.
- 90+ miles of walking/bicycling trails
- 31 miles of equestrian trails
- 13 parks, including 25 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
- 778 educational programs and events to 36,301 participants
- 30 Distance Learning programs for 1,079 students across the U.S.
- 7,000 acres of land, including 2,800 acres open to hunting and 1,200 acres of lakes, ponds, reservoirs
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Winter Tree I.D.
Saturday, December 26, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Munroe Falls Metro Park, Tallmadge Meadows Area, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge
Do all trees seem to look the same without their leaves? Hike with a naturalist to learn tips and tricks for identifying trees in winter. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Forest Monster
Tuesday, December 29, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cascade Valley Metro Park, Schumacher Valley Area, 1690 Cuyahoga St., Akron
A "monster" of an animal has taken up residence in Cascade Valley. All ages can join us to learn the basics of tracking and identification while searching for this tricky creature. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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