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, June 10 to Thursday, June 16, 2016
Featured Event
Find It in Medina County: A GeoTrail Launch Event!
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
Geocaching is a high-tech, outdoor treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS-enabled devices to hide and seek containers called "geocaches" anywhere in the world. This activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great way to spend time with the family in the great outdoors! In support of geocaching and showcasing our wonderful county, the Medina County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is sponsoring a county-wide GeoTrail, a series of 25
geocaches hidden at various parks and other points of interest. Join us for this kick-off event and get started on your adventure! For more information about the geo trail and this event, go to: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC6DP4G_find-it-in-medina-county-geotrail-launch-event All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad National Park Scenic Day Pass and Bike Aboard!
Friday June 10, Saturday June 11 & Sunday June 12
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. Or cycle the Towpath Trail in one direction and hop on the train to go back. Pay the one-way fee of $3.00, for ages 3 and over, when boarding. For tickets and train schedules visit cvsr.com or call 800-468-4070.
Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Location provided upon registration.
Learn about CVNP’s mission, vision, and partners, as well as the park’s expectations and standards. For new and prospective volunteers. Register online at forcvnp.org/volunteer or call 330-657-2299.
Beat the Heat Hike
Sunday, June 12, 9 to 11:30 a.m., NPS Park Headquarters.
Hike 7 miles on the unpaved, hilly 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
Lighthouse Tour: Marblehead
Saturday June 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 4 to 6 p.m., Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
Join us for a Marblehead Lighthouse tour on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie!
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
Hike N’ Paint
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. to noon, South Chagrin Reservation, Jackson Field parking lot.
Bring your paints along for the ultimate plein air experience. We will hike to a scenic location along the trail and create a masterpiece on-site. You will be given a list of suggested supplies upon registration. Weather permitting. Terrain Difficulty: moderate, flat, 1 mile
Phone: 440-473-3370. Free.
Half Hikathon
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bradley Woods Reservation, Codrington Picnic Area.
Join Naturalist Marty Calabrese on this weekly wellness hike series exploring Cleveland Metroparks. We’ll traverse a variety of wildlife topics while breaking a sweat. Hikers will gain wildlife identification skills and burn calories along 13.1 miles of natural surface hiking. 440-734-6660. Terrain: moderate, muddy, 4 miles.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
Ashland County Parks
Pine Hill Park
The 283 acre Pine Hill Park was created by combining two land parcels — 186 acres of the historical Sauers family farm and 97 acres of woodland owned by the Crall family. The property naturally divides itself into Crall Woods and Sauers Farm, each with its own district and unique characteristics.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. to11 a.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Join volunteer, Rob Farson, for a great morning of family fishing. Kids who are between 5 and 12 years old can enjoy this outdoor activity at Lowe-Volk pond. Prizes will be awarded in 3 age groups. Make it a family event!
Purple Martins
Tuesday, June 14, 7 p.m., Unger Park
Now in its fourth year, the Purple Martin colony at Unger Park is a major success story. In addition to learning how to start a Martin colony of their own, participants will get to look inside the Unger apartment complex and take part in the ongoing monitoring program. Meet Warren Uxley at the Unger parking lot.
Bookmarking Flowers
Wednesday, June 15, 6 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Flowers come in many arrangements, sizes, and colors. In this program that will explore the basics of flowers and their purpose, Joy Etter-Link will also show how to preserve flowers through pressing. After looking close at nature’s beauties, Joy will also have a craft turning those pressed flowers into bookmarks. For kids up to 5th grade.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Mothy Night
Friday, June 10, 8 to 10 p.m., Edison Woods MetroPark, 8111 Smokey Rd, Berlin Heights.
Have you ever seen a moth up close and personal? We will lure them in to get a closer look. Bring your camera! Afterward we will sit by a fire and enjoy some tasty treats! Snacks and beverages will be provided. Please bring a chair.
Walk With a Doc
Monday, June 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Castalia Quarry MetroPark, 8404 SR 101, Castalia.
Walk with a Doc is an organization dedicated to encouraging healthy physical activity in people of all ages. Join a local doctor for a brief health chat followed by a walk every Monday! Snacks and water will be provided.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Geauga Park District
Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run
Sunday, June 12, 7 to 11 a.m., The West Woods
Experience this one-of-a-kind 5K trail run through the wooded hills of The West Woods, now in its sixth year – caveman and cavewoman costumes encouraged! Walkers are once again welcome in the 5K, but new this year is a 1-Mile Fun Walk. Registration 7 to 8:30 a.m., costume contest 8:30 a.m., 5K run/walk at 9 a.m.. Applications available at http://bit.ly/gpdcaveman, at The West Woods Nature Center, and at Big Creek Park's Meyer Center. Advanced registration fee: $20; $25 for day-of-race registration. Course is primarily well graded dirt and gravel with minimal pavement running. Unique awards for winning runners and most creative costumes. Walkers welcome! Proceeds benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure. Fee: $20. Registration required.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Working Dog Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, June 11 & 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Have a howling good time and meet many breeds of dogs, talk to handlers and trainers, and find out what dog is right for you. Discover the many sports and activities you can enjoy with your four-legged friend. Children can try their “paws” at agility, Flyball, guiding the blind, and may bring their favorite stuffed toy dog for a parade. Due to the nature of this event and facility, please do not bring your pets. Regular Farmpark admission applies. Farmpark members and children younger than 2 are free.
Best of the Bluffs: Bald Eagles
June 12, 1 to 4 p.m., Lake Erie Bluffs (Lane Road)
Have you ever seen a wild bald eagle? Thanks to Lake Erie, these birds have made an incredible recovery in Ohio and are commonly seen, especially at places like Lake Erie Bluffs. Join us as we celebrate the bald eagles of Lake Erie. There will be live animals, activities, hikes, trail cart tours, information stations and we will look for bald eagles. Swoop on in this summer for lots of fun for everyone! Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Music Under The Stars
Sunday, June 2, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Lakeview Park, Fountain
Come enjoy the music of the True North Orchestra on the shores of Lake Erie. For more information call (440) 245-1193. Weather permitting. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Healthy Strides
Saturday, June 11, 9 to 10 a.m., Plum Creek Park South
Healthy Strides combines a brief, informative talk by a Cleveland Clinic physician and caregiver and a casual one- to three-mile walk. Topics change each week based on the leader's specialty and suggestions from participants. All members of the community are welcome. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Starry, Starry Nights at Letha House
Saturday, June 11, 9 to 11 p.m., Letha House Park West
Come see deep-sky objects, planets, and the moon up close using the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association's telescopes. The observatory will be open for public viewing, and members will be available to answer your questions. Activities and/or displays will be set up inside the barn for further interest on cloudy nights. Cancellations will only be made in the case of severe thunderstorms. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Reptiles!
Sunday, June 12, 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 as we learn about reptiles like milk snakes, northern water snakes, and painted turtles. We'll hike around the park to search for these reptiles in our wetland, forests, and fields. Learn about their amazing lives and the important role that these animals play in our environment. 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
Towner’s Woods Hike to the Hopewell Mound
Friday, June 10, 3 to 4 p.m., Towner’s Woods Park 2264 Ravenna Rd. Kent, OH 44240
Celebrate the Ohio Chautauqua this year in Portage County-Take a hike with us at Towner’s Woods in Kent to the Towner Mound & learn about Hopewell Indian Culture. For other Chautauqua events this week, check the website.
Portage Trail Walkers Hike: Franklin Connector
Saturday, June 11, 8:30 a.m., Meet at the PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail Franklin Connector Trailhead
Corner of Hudson and Judson Rd. in Franklin Township, Portage County
Join the Portage Trail Walkers on a Hike from the Franklin Connector Trailhead in Franklin Township heading west. The walk is up to 5 miles round trip, or turn around at Spell Rd. for a 2.6 mile round trip. Call Larry Thomas for Information: 330-673-6896
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Experienced Mountain Bike Ride 3.5
Saturday, June 11, 9 to 10 a.m., Quail Hollow Park - Mountain Bike Trailhead by the restrooms
Real mountain bike ride on dirt trail! This is an uneven trail with some 6" tree roots, rocks, streams and a man-made, 12" wide raised platform over 80' long. There are some steep uphill climbs and descents between trees and other obstacles. If it proves to be too much after you start, you will have to walk/ride your bike back to the trailhead. Be prepared by dressing for the weather, bringing plenty of water, and wear a helmet. For ages 12 and up. Meet at the Quail Hollow Park Mountain Bike Trailhead by the restrooms.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Fireflies: Nature's Nightlights
Friday, June 10, 8:30 to 10 p.m., Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist in looking for and catching some of our "brightest" residents before enjoying the glow of a campfire. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Looking For Rainbows
Saturday, June 11, 9 to 11 a.m., Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield
Ever wonder what is swimming in a stream? We will be looking for the elusive rainbow darter and its many fishy friends. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Woodland Mushrooms
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls
Mushrooms are just a tiny glimpse of what lies beneath our feet. Join a naturalist for a closer look into the fascinating world of fungi. Edibles are not a part of the program. Meet at the Indian Spring trailhead. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Mountain Bike Trail: Open House
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Mountain Bike Area, 2092 Theiss Rd., Akron
Join us at the brand-new Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Trail, whether you ride or not! Includes local bike vendors and food trucks. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cardio Hike
Monday, June 13, 9 to 10 a.m.
Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
Hike 3.2 miles at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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