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 5 to Thursday, February 11, 2016
Featured Event
We Don’t Close In Winter! Summit Metro Parks Open Year-Round
Cold weather can make animals and humans alike want to hibernate, but Summit Metro Parks locations are open for outdoor fun 365 days a year.
On average, about 50 naturalist-led programs are offered during winter months. When conditions permit, visitors can enjoy ice skating at three locations and sledding at six locations. And for those who want a quiet hike, winter sometimes offers a unique experience: Visitors may be able to have a Metro Parks trail all to themselves.
Crews don’t clear snow from trails, with the exception of the Jogging Trail in Sand Run Metro Park. Instead, the snow is left for those who want to enjoy cross-country skiing. Observant visitors can even see what wildlife is up to by spotting tracks in the snow -- if it ever does snow this season.
The winter work continues at headquarters as well. Staff is hard at work planning for 2016, which is the 95th anniversary of the park district. Visitors can expect the unveiling of exciting projects next year to celebrate this milestone, including new park areas and a brand-new website.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad National Park Scenic Day Pass
Saturday, February 6
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.
Off the Beaten Path: Ravines at Rest
Saturday, February 6, 9 to 11 a.m., Blue Hen Falls Trailhead
Explore ravines and their ridges during the season at rest. Come dressed for hill scrambling and winter weather on this 3-mile on- and off-trail exploration. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, February 6, 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.
Explore Beaver Marsh
Sunday, February 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Ira Trailhead
Take a leisurely paced walk in search of winter wildlife. Wheelchair and stroller accessible when the ground is clear. 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
Buckeye Trail Hike: Findley
Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Findley State Park, Meet at the Nature Center in the Campground.
Join the Buckeye Trail Association to experience the beauty of winter through Findley's woodlands and around the lake. Donations accepted for corn bread and bean soup after hike. Dress for the weather. For more information call 440-647-5749 ext. 100
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
Chickadee Feeding Hike
Saturday, February 6, 2 to 3 p.m., Rocky River Reservation, Nature Center
Wild black-capped chickadees can be remarkably friendly. Join a naturalist-led walk for an attempt to lure this gentle creature to your hand. We'll supply the black oil sunflower seed.
Terrain: mostly flat, 1 mile. Free.
Winter Stroll
Saturday, February 6, 3 to 5 p.m., Lakefront Reservation, Upper picnic shelter, 4524 East 49th, Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Join us for an afternoon stroll along the lakefront. We’ll see what this beautiful winter day has in store for us. Dress for the weather and see you there! 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
Owls
Wednesday, February 10, 7 p.m., Lowe-Volk Nature Center
Charismatic and fascinating, Owls cast their spell over all of us. This will be a PowerPoint program that looks into their lives: habitat, breeding biology, ecology and their haunting calls will be examined in depth. Meet Warren Uxley at Lowe-Volk Park
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Ice Fishing For Beginners
Saturday, February 6, 2 to 4 p.m., James McBride Arboretum, 1 University Dr, Huron.
Curious about ice fishing? Come and learn about it as you fish the ponds at our Arboretum. Ages 7+. Registration required. Limit 10.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga Park District
Frozen Fest
Sunday, February 7, Noon to 4 p.m., The West Woods, Nature Center
Join Geauga Park District for an exciting afternoon of FREE winter fun! Many family activities including live ice carving/sculptures, a guest appearance by a famous "winter snowman," snowshoeing, snow-themed crafts, face painting, green screen photos, refreshments and much more! Details at http://bit.ly/gpdspecial. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Winter Hike
Sunday, February 7, 1 to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of the winter woodlands on a nature hike. Featured hikes will vary in length and terrain from flat and easy for the novice hiker to longer with rolling terrain and a few steep hills for the experienced hiker. Easy-to-follow trail maps are available in the Nature Center. Pre-registration required and fee applies. Visit lakemetroparks.com or call 800-669-9226 to register.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Hot Chocolate Hike
Saturday, February 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Carlisle, Wildlife Observation Area
After our kid-friendly hike, relax and warm-up with hot chocolate while watching wildlife visit our Wildlife Garden & playing bird-watching games. Meet and end in our Wildlife Observation Area. Child and adult. Easy hike. Weather Dependent.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of it: Chippewa Inlet Trail North
Saturday, February 6, 9 to 11 a.m. Lafayette Road (State Route 42), Chippewa Inlet Trail North
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.
Nature Through the Seasons
Wednesday, February 10 10 to 11 a.m., Schleman Nature Preserve
The Nature Through the Seasons series consists of easy walks that explore our different parks while observing the unfolding of nature throughout the seasons. These hikes also count toward the Natural Discoveries program, an award based hiking series. See our website for details about that program. 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
Lantern & Campfire Hike: Winter Tracks
Monday, February 8, 7 to 9 p.m., Meet at the Wildlife Conservation Center
Make Memories with Stark Parks as we travel along at a moderate pace by lantern light. Then enjoy S'Mores and stories around a relaxing campfire. Dress for the weather and bring your own camp chairs. Meet at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Kick the Cold
Friday, February 5, 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Park / Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Fed up with winter and the cold? Take a brief hike around Maple Loop, and then enjoy a campfire in the new shelter. Marshmallows and roasting sticks will be provided. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Coffee with the Birds
Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join Naturalist Meghan Doran for a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area. We will find out why this area is a favorite of our winter residents. Bring your mug. Coffee is provided. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Rusty Blackbird Bird Walk
Sunday, February 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Firestone Metro Park / Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist to search for the beautiful yellow eyes of the rusty blackbird, a declining species that winters in Firestone Metro Park. All other birds will be a bonus. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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