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 22 to Thursday, January 28, 2016
Featured Event
Saturday Night Specials:Paths of Discovery: Living and Working on America's National Scenic Trails
Saturday, January 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m., North Chagrin Reservation, Nature Center, 3037 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills
Enjoy Ralph Protano’s stories and experiences as a wilderness “vagabond” working in the backcountry along the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Scenic Trail. These experiences transformed Ralph from a city kid who had never been on a real hike to Cleveland Metroparks Trails Manager. Free.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Lantern Walk
Friday, January 22, 7 to 9 p.m., Horseshoe Pond
This 2.75-mile hike by lantern light is on the rolling, unpaved Tree Farm Trail. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Explore Beaver Marsh
Sunday, January 24, 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.
Full Moon Hike
Sunday, January 24, Boston Store Visitor Center
Take an easy 3.5-mile hike on the firm, flat Towpath Trail between Boston and Jaite. 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
Full Wolf Moon Hike
Saturday, January 23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr, Brecksville,
Enjoy the beauty of a winter night under the rising full moon as we walk through the forest and by the prairie. Warm up with hot chocolate at hike’s end. Terrain Difficulty: flat, .5 mile. Free.
Chickadee Feeding Hike
Sunday, January 24, 10 to 11 a.m., Rocky River Reservation, Nature Center
24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted
Join Naturalist Dani Gray for a hike to hand feed chickadees. Meet at the nature center and we will provide the seed. Terrain: mostly flat, 1.5 miles. Free.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
Ashland County Parks
Archery Deer Hunting
Saturday, January 23, 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.
Beginners Bird Walks
Saturday, January 23, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Byers Woods, 675 Co Rd 1754, Ashland, OH 44805
Led by Tim Leslie with the Greater Mohican Audubon Society.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Let’s Go Sledding
Saturday, January 23, 12 p.m., Outhwaite Reservoir, Beechgrove Rd. , Parking lot
Sledding has always been a favored pastime for kids during the winter months. Come and join Crawford Park District Naturalist, Logan Masters, for a fun filled day of sledding. Bring your own sleds, and parents must be present. All ages are welcome. 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.
Viewing the Night Sky
Saturday, January 23, 7 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Join Crawford Park District volunteers and members of the Lowe-Volk Astronomy Club for a night sky program. This program will feature a full moon, which rises at sunset. We will explain why it works that way. Targets will be Mizar, Alcor, Polaris and the Moon. Please dress warmly as these are outside events. If cloudy, indoor programs will be presented. 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: Cleared Trails for Walking
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. Park operations crews regularly clear snow from paved walking trails at four parks: Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Chardon, Sunnybrook Preserve in Chesterland, Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge, and now on The Maple Highlands Trail-North from Big Creek Spur north to the Lake County line. (The trail will NOT be plowed from the spur south along Route 44 to the Highway Patrol.)
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Winter Blast Weekends
January 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.
Winter Art Show: Burroughs Art Show: 100th Birthday Celebration
January 23 through February 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Burroughs Nature Club is one of the oldest nature clubs in the U.S., founded in Willoughby in 1916 by some of Cleveland’s leading scientists, scholars, naturalists and photographers of the era. These men shared a common love of hiking, wildlife watching, and other investigations of the natural world. Discover the natural and cultural history of the club through this never-before-seen collection of antique hand-colored photographs taken by C.M. Shipman, one of the earliest members of Burroughs. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Cold Hike, Hot Fire, Hot Cocoa
Saturday, January 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Columbia: Briar Lodge
Come out for a chilly hike through the park then enjoy a hot fire and hot coco! Meet at Lodge. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Ice Fishing
Tuesday and Thursday, January 26 & 28, 4 to 6 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
This two-day workshop will teach you the techniques necessary to ice fish in Northern Ohio. Topics will include proper clothing, proper footwear, safety on the ice, what kind of equipment to use, best baits to use, what kinds of fish you can expect to catch, use of an ice auger, and use of an ice shanty and how to keep it warm. On the second night, we will get you on the ice to test your skills. The class will be taught by seasoned ice fishermen. Ages 16 to adult. Register by January 25. Free. Click HERE to register.
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
Full Moon Hike
Saturday, January 23, 7:30 to p.m., Petros Lake Park - meet at Perry Drive Trailhead
Join Stark Parks staff for a moderate paced walk along Petros Lake Park trails by the light of the Full Moon. Meet at the Perry Drive trailhead. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Owl Prowl
Friday, January 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Sand Run Metro Park, Treaty Line Area, 995 Treaty Line Rd., Akron
Explore for owls with a naturalist. Patience and silence are essential when prowling for owls. Program is for ages 6 and older. No dogs, please. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Full Moon Hike and Campfire
Saturday, January 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist on a moderate hike under the full Cold Moon, looking and listening for signs of wildlife. Afterward, we'll gather around a fire for hot chocolate and marshmallows. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Scat, Tracks & Splat
Sunday, January 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Munroe Falls Metro Park, Tallmadge Meadows Area, 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge
Join a naturalist in this peaceful wonderland to search for signs of wildlife. Please wear boots and dress warmly. For information, call 330-865-8065
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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