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, January 15 to Thursday, January 21, 2016
Featured Event
Winter Hike Series
Sunday, January 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m., South Chagrin Reservation, Jackson Field parking lot,
Challenge yourself to hike on Sundays in January. We’ll explore the east side parks and discover that January is not as quiet as it seems. Terrain Difficulty: flat trails, 3 miles. Free.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad National Park Scenic Day Pass
Saturday, January 16
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.
Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Saturday, January 16, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Kendall Lake Shelter
Learn the basics of cross-country skiing. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Program will be cancelled if there is less than four inches of snow. Free instruction. Limited rentals are available. For updates and to register call 330-657-2752.
Winter Warm-up Hike
Sunday, January 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Ledges Shelter
7 miles of the hilly, unpaved Ledges, Boston Run, and Haskell Run 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
Hiking Happy Through Winter at Ohio State Parks
Whether you are looking for a strenuous hike to help shake your cabin fever or you just need to get the kids out of the house during the day, your Ohio State Parks offer plenty of winter hiking adventures. No matter what type of hike you are looking for, it’s always important to be prepared. Here are a few tips from our naturalists, who hike in our state parks throughout the year:
- Check the weather. Know what the conditions will be like and dress accordingly. Dress in layers: Keep your head, neck and hands covered. Your backpack (see below!) can always be used to carry the layers you peel off as you warm up on the hike.
- Find a map of the area as well as a trail map. Knowing about your surroundings really pays off to keep you safe and maximize your enjoyment. Knowing the options on where you can go after your hike -- to get a warm drink or a meal -- can be an incentive for getting outdoors, too.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good tread and ankle and arch support. Waterproof boots are a good choice in the winter. Thick hiking socks help keep the moisture away from your feet. Trails can be wet, muddy, icy, snowy, and all of the above.
- Bring a backpack. You don’t need anything fancy, a simple over-the-shoulder school pack will do. What to pack: a small first-aid kit (band-aids), lip balm (can be used to prevent chapping on your cheeks as well as your lips), water, snacks, the trail map, gloves, hat, scarf you didn't think you'd need, plastic bag to carry out your trash
Some things to remember:
- Stay on the trail. Leaving the trail is best way to get lost. Also, staying on the trail allows you to respect the natural environment by avoiding trampling any plants or animals in the area.
- Pay attention to signage. Most paths are color-coded to help you find your way in and out, especially at intersecting points. If you’re taking the blue trail, follow the blue markers!
- Avoid slippery rocks and steep embankments. Slippery rocks can swoop out your legs and take you, painfully, to the ground. Slippery rocks near cliffs, drop-offs, or embankments can lead to falls resulting in serious injury or worse. Be careful.
- Be alert for symptoms of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, slow or slurred speech, memory lapses, or clumsiness.
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 Tree Identification
Saturday, January 16 at 11 a.m. to noon, Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr, Brecksville,
It’s not as difficult as it sounds! Use buds, branches, bark, and a few other clues to learn some common trees in our area. Terrain Difficulty: flat, .5 mile. Free.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
Ashland County Parks
Archery Deer Hunting
Saturday, January 16, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Hunting parks will be closed from for all non-hunting uses, except as noted. One exception is that hunting parks will remain open for hunting, but will also open Sunday afternoons from 12:00 noon until closing for non-hunting activities such as hiking, except during gun deer hunting season. These Sundays will be posted at all hunting park entrances.
Parks Include:
Audubon Wetlands, Black Fork Bottoms, Carpenter Waterfowl Park, Cooke Family Park, Cool Springs, Esbenshade Wetlands, Gilliom-Cherp, Pine Hill Sauers Farm and Sprinkle Park.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Rock ’n Fossil Day
Saturday, January 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Minerals, fossils, gems, and rocks – The Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center is a rock hound destination. The Crawford Park District welcomes members of The Richland Lithic and Lapidary Society who will be on hand to help identify pieces from your collection. They will also provide a special exhibit of fluorescent rocks/minerals. Add to that the many interesting displays of exhibitors and the stage will be set for an awesome Rock ’n Fossil Day. Bring your friends and family. 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. Look for information on other programs offered by the Crawford Park District by visiting their web site.
Wintry Wednesdays!
Wednesday, January 20, 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Don’t let cabin fever set in! The Crawford Park District invites you to come to the Lowe-Volk Park 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. 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. Look for information on other programs offered by the Crawford Park District by visiting their web site.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Erie MetroParks offers, for your enjoyment, a variety of reservable facilities! Many are available year-round. Picnic shelters, meeting rooms, overnight lodging, playing fields, terrace, a pergola, and public garden spaces are available for exclusive use through advanced reservation. Call 419-625-7783 ext. 221 for more information.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga Park District
Winter Fun: Sledding
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. Sledding hills can be found at Orchard Hills Park and Beartown Lakes Reservation. For after-dark sledding at Orchard Hills, find the pole with the "Lights" sign and switch, and please turn the lights off upon the last person's departure.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Winter Blast Weekends
January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31, February 6, 7, 13, 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Enjoy the January and February snows by strapping on snowshoes and striking out into the winter woods. Warm up with cocoa and cookies at the J & J Café. For a warmer Farmpark experience, be sure to try your hand at traditional crafts and activities including candle and soap making, wool processing and more! Plus meet the animals and enjoy Farmpark’s regular winter activities families have come to know and enjoy! Regular Farmpark admission applies.
January Fun Day Monday
January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
School’s out on Martin Luther King Jr. 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. All activities are for all ages. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Hot Chocolate Hike
Sunday, January 17, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Carlisle: Wildlife Observation Area
After hiking the Meadow Loop Trail, relax & warm-up with hot chocolate while bird-watching in our Wildlife Observation Area. Weather dependent. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Snowman Day
Saturday & Sunday, January 16 & 17, Noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center
All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/
Portage County Parks
Enjoy Portage Parks all year round, on your own or with others at our educational programs and special events. 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.
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
High Mileage Hike: Sippo Valley Trail
Friday, January 15, 9 a.m. to noon, Meet at Lincoln Park off of 17th St SW
Lace up your hiking boots and get out with Stark Parks for this 6.2 mile hike along the Sippo Valley Trail from Lincoln Park off 17th Street SW in Massillon to Kenyon Avenue NW and back. Be prepared for a strenuous hike--wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water. Moderate pace. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Ledges Trail Throughout The Year
Saturday, January 16, 1 to 2 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
We'll hike Ledges Trail each month this year, taking a photographic record of the seasonal changes that happen. In December we'll come in from the cold and review the year in pictures. You can take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. For information, call 330-865-8065.
The "Bear" Necessities of Hibernation
Sunday, January 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield
Join a naturalist to investigate the mysterious hibernation of the American black bear, then take a short hike to discover which other animals may be hibernating nearby. Please dress for the weather. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Quarry Hike
Tuesday, January 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula
At one point in time, two-thirds of sandstone shipped from the U.S. came from Ohio. The quarries at Deep Lock Quarry provided stone to the region for nearly 100 years. Join a naturalist on Quarry Trail to learn about this park's unique history. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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