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, February 12 to Thursday, February 18, 2016
Featured Event
Heritage Concert: Ten Strings and a Goat Skin
Saturday, February 13, 7 p.m. doors open, 8 p.m. concert begins. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Happy Days Lodge.
This unique group infuses modern and world rhythms with Irish, Acadian, French, and original songs. Admission: $17 adults, $12 Conservancy members, $5 children ages 3 – 12. Advance sales are available by 330-657-2909, option 4, or at conservancyforcvnp.org and click on Events.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, February 13, 1 to 3 p.m., Kendall Lake Shelter
Learn a new skill or just got out and enjoy the winter chill on snowshoes. If there is no snow, program will be a winter hike. Free. Trails vary. Rentals available. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad National Park Scenic Day Pass
Saturday, February 13
View wildlife and scenery in the comfort of our climate-controlled train cars. Get on and off at any station. Spend a whole day exploring or just a few hours. Fee (coach): $18 adults, $13 children ages 3 - 12. Includes the Voices of the Valley audio tour. For tickets and train schedules visit cvsr.com or call 800-468-4070.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
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
Winter Hike: John Bryan
Saturday, February 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., John Bryan State Park
Enjoy the frozen splendor of Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park on a 6-mile winter hike. Start at the trail head on Jackson St. in the village of Clifton. The trail winds along the rim of the gorge and will bring you to your first stop at Clifton Gorge Nature center where you can learn about the native plants and animals. The hike will continue and go down into the gorge on the John L. Rich trail past beautiful ice formations. As you enter John Bryan, you will follow the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stage Coach trail to the shelter house for refreshments at the midpoint of the hike. The return hike will take you down the Rim Trail or the park road depending on the weather conditions.
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
Tellin’ Tales - Leesville History If These Walls Could Talk: The Dapper Cabin
Saturday, February 13, 2 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
In the 1830’s the Dapper family came to Crawford County and built a log cabin for their family on land that was purchased from the government. Eventually, the cabin was donated by Katie Hoover to Colonel Crawford Schools. Local historian and former Superintendent of Colonel Crawford Schools, Ted Bruner, will lead a discussion on the cabin’s history and the rebuilding of it by volunteers.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Classroom Paddling
Friday, February 12, 7 to 9 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center, Firelands Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Here’s your chance to see what paddling a canoe or kayak is like without getting wet. We’ll cover safety and equipment plus go over t?e different paddling strokes. There will be a kayak simulator in the classroom so you can experience what one feels like on the water. Ages 7+. Registration required. Limit 20.
Get Fit Club
Tuesday. February 16, 6 to 7 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center, Erie Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
PiYo is designed for every age and fitness level! Join instructor Tammy Marinis to learn the real benefits of this amazing workout! Free class.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga Park District
Bird in the Hand Feeding Station
Head to The West Woods and follow these steps for the magical experience of having wildlife trust you enough to eat from your hand! In optimal conditions, volunteers this year have already reported as many as 60 chickadees in a 20-minute span! We know it can be hard to get out during a Northeast Ohio winter, but we've got you covered when it comes to motivation! There's no shortage of great activities to enjoy in your Geauga Park District.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
February Fun Day Monday
Monday, February 15, (Presidents’ Day) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
School’s out on Presidents’ Day. Looking for a fun family experience? Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 10 am and 4 pm. Visit the Nature Center for scavenger hunts, seasonal craft, outdoor x-plorer packs, hiking, hands on exhibits, the Wildlife Center, live animals and much more. Naturalists are on-hand to answer all of your nature related questions and to help guide you through the day. Visit The Nature Store, refreshments are available. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Lincoln Hike
Friday, February 12, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Columbia
Let’s celebrate President Lincoln's B-Day with as hike and learn some interesting facts along the way! Registration requested, walk-ins welcome. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Soup for the Bird Lover's Soul
Sunday, February 14, 3 to 4 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
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. Join us for a short hike in our version of the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual citizen science project collecting data in real time on wild bird populations from all over the world. Learn about a variety of bird species that call Ohio home during the colder winter months. Warm up after our hike with a hot cup of soup inside Wolf Creek Environmental Center. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/
Portage County Parks
Portage Parks manages 1,300 acres and 14 miles of hike and bike trails, connecting communities across Portage County, and with other regional trail systems. Unfortunately, over 800 acres of parkland is not yet open to the public due to lack of funding. 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.
The 2016 Wild Hikes Challenge is On!
Do you have a 2016 resolution to lose weight, start exercising or get fit? We have your solution, Start your year off right with the Wild Hikes Challenge, you can keep your resolutions while exploring Portage County and feeling good about yourself! If you finish the Challenge before the end of the year and want more, contact us and we will provide you with another challenge form with different hikes throughout the Portage Park District- Get your Hike On!
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Weekday Wildlife
Tuesday, February 16, 10 to 11 a.m., Hoover Trail, meet at E. Maple St. Ballfields Trailhead
Come take a leisurely 2 mile walk along the Hoover Trail while we search for sights and signs of local wildlife. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Exploring The Night Skies
Friday, February 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron
It's a great month for stargazing! Many bright stars are visible. Learn about the stars of the winter hexagon and the constellations associated with them. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Winter Tree I.D.
Saturday, February 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson
No leaves? No problem! Leaves are just one of many ways to identify trees. Learn how to tell your trees apart using different characteristics. For information, call 330-865-8065.
"Love Is In The Air" Hike
Sunday, February 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Silver Creek Metro Park / Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
Bring someone you love for a Valentine's Day hike on Pheasant Run Trail. Along the way, learn how some of our animal friends show their affection for one another. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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