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 19 to Thursday, February 25, 2016
Featured Event
Couch-To-5K Info Session
Sunday, February 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Summit County Parks, Sand Run Metro Park, Mingo Pavilion, 1501 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron
Learn about our running program that, in just 10 weeks, will get you off the couch and completing a 5K! During this info session, you will have an opportunity to meet trainers, ask questions and sign up for the program. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad National Park Scenic Day Pass
Saturday, February 20
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.
Hike Aboard!
Saturday, February 20, 11:20 a.m., Boston Store Visitor Center.
Journey through the national park by train and hike 6 challenging miles back on the hilly Buckeye Trail. Fast pace. Fee: $3 (pay upon boarding). For more information call 330-657-2752.
Lantern Walk
Saturday, February 20, 7 to 9 p.m., Kendall Lake Shelter.
This 2.5-mile hike by lantern light is on the hilly, unpaved Cross Country Trail. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Winter Warm-up Hike
Sunday, February 21, 9 a.m. to noon, NPS Park Headquarters.
7 miles of the hilly, unpaved Buckeye and Valley trails. For more information call 330-657-2752.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Hike for Health: Malabar Farm
Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Malabar Farm State Park
Enjoy a day viewing the winter sites at Malabar. Meet at the visitor center for maps. Upon conclusion, refreshments will be available at the visitor center conference room. Sponsored by the Richland County Health Department. For more info call (419) 774-4772. Free.
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, February 20, 9 a.m. to noon, Brecksville Reservation, Vaughn Road off of Riverview Road, Brecksville, OH
Get out of the house and into the woods! This hike is one of the shorter ones, but the scenery is spectacular! Final distance will depend upon weather and trail conditions. We will be carpooling. Jaite Wayside (Vaughn Road) parking lot. Program Leader: Naturalist Pam Taylor. Terrain Difficulty: hills, 5 - 6 miles. Phone: 440-526-1012.
Winter Photo Hike
February 20 2 to 4 p.m., South Chagrin Reservation, Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville, OH 44094
The subtle palette of a snowy landscape sets the stage as we explore the forested trail on a winter afternoon. Bring your camera to capture the sights of the season and learn about winter’s hidden secrets. Terrain Difficulty: stairs, hills, slow-paced, up to 1.5 miles. Phone: 440-473-3370.
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
Wintry Wednesdays!
Wednesday, February 24, 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Don’t let cabin fever set in! Come to the Nature Center and enjoy an hour of nature exploration! Program topics will vary and may include a story, short hike, craft, or a visit from an animal. For school-aged children and their parents. Come dressed for the weather. Morning and afternoon programs will be similar, just pick the time that best fits your schedule.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Archery Club
Saturday, February 20, 9 to 11 a.m., Osborn MetroPark, heated Shelter #4, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Bring the family and join us for a morning of learning the basics of archery. The whole family will be shooting before the morning is over! Ages 7+. Registration required. Limit 10.
Full Moon Night Hike
Sunday, February 21, 7 to 9 p.m., DuPont Marsh, 1805 River Rd, Huron.
We will walk the pathways and trails of the park under the light of the full moon while looking and listening for the local wildlife. No pets please.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Geauga Park District
Habitats Revisited Van Trip: Hyde Property
Saturday, February 20, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Meet at The West Woods, Nature Center
The first of four seasonal visits to the (undeveloped) Hyde property. Explore the variety of habitats and the wildlife that call this place home. Registration required.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Something for every season!
In addition to protecting watersheds and open space, Lake Metroparks annually provides over 2.6 million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences. These activities can be done on your own or in a program led by staff. Lake Metroparks offers a wide variety of opportunities for winter outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, hiking, and more.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Campfire Hike
Saturday, February 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sandy Ridge
Join us for a hike followed up by a campfire. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of it: Lester Rail Trail
Saturday, February 20, 9 to 11 a.m., Lester Road
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. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Night Hike
Saturday, February 20, 7 to 8 p.m., Allardale West (meet in the parking lot)
Our naturalist will lead you through the park to experience nighttime sights and sounds, as well as learn a little about the moon and night vision. Ages 5 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
High Mileage Hike: Iron Horse Trail
Saturday, February 20, 9 to noon, Iron Horse Trail
Lace up your hiking boots and get out with Stark Parks for this 6 mile hike along the Iron Horse Trail. Be prepared for a strenuous hike, wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. Meet at the First Christian Church trailhead at 1141 W. Beech St. in Alliance. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Winter at the Ledges
Saturday, February 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg.
See firsthand how forces in nature created and continue to reshape the ledges in Liberty Park. Join a naturalist to discover the beauty, intricacy and mystery of nature in winter. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Hike for Cocoa
Sunday, February 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Cascade Valley Metro Park, Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Join us for a winter's walk, then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. We will search for signs of wildlife on our way. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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