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, May 13 to Thursday, May 19, 2016
Featured Event
Barn Dance: Malabar Farm
Saturday, May 14, 7 to 10 p.m., Malabar Farm State Park
Continuing a Bromfield tradition, square and line dancing with live music and caller. Beginners welcome. Alternative weekends: April 23, May 14, July 2, August 6, September 24, October 29
Food is available. $1 donation at door. For ages 12 & older. For more information visit www.MalabarFarm.org or call (419) 892-2784.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hike Aboard!
Saturday, May 14, 7 a.m. to noon, Peninsula Depot.
Journey through the national park by train one way, then hike back 7.5 miles to the Countryside Farmers' Market at Howe Meadow. Fast pace. Bring money to shop. Fee: $3 (pay upon boarding). For more information or to purchase tickets call 800-468-4070 or visit cvsr.com.
Hiking the Hills
Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m. to noon, Boston Store Visitor Center.
Challenge yourself to 5.6 miles on the unpaved, hilly Buckeye Trail. Be prepared to carpool. 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
Spring Plowing Days: Malabar Farm
Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Malabar Farm State Park
Join us at the working farm area to watch Central Ohio Draft Horse Association members demonstrate their plowing skills. Fun contests. No charge.
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
Love a Tree Hike
Saturday, May 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, Bluebird Point parking lot
There are many ways to enjoy nature. Naturalist Matt Knittel shares some fun and artistic methods to learn more about trees. Write a poem or a story, and find your tree amongst others in the forest.
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
Bird Banding
Saturday, May 14, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
In conjunction with the Pancake Breakfast, the Crawford Park District will be banding birds on the porch of the Nature Center. Join Bob Placier and Josh for a morning of science! They’ll be monitoring mist nets to see which birds inhabit or pass through Lowe-Volk Park. Banding is used to track trends in bird populations, among other research applications. All ages welcome, and grab some pancakes in support of your Park District!
Pancakes in the Park
Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
The Friends of the Crawford Park District invite you to come and support your Parks while satisfying your appetite. Pancakes topped with real maple syrup, add a side of delicious ham, and a great morning will be had enjoying your Park District!
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Campfire Tales
Friday, May 13, 7 to 9 p.m., Edison Woods MetroPark, 8111 Smokey Rd, Berlin Heights.
Campfires bring people together! Come out and listen to stories while roasting marshmallows around the fire. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Please bring your own chair.
Registration required. Limit 20.
Metropark Cleanup
Saturday, May 14, 1 to 3 p.m., Castalia Quarry MetroPark, 8404 SR 101, Castalia.
Do you need volunteer hours? Do you like to keep the environment cleaned up? Spend the afternoon hiking and picking up trash! Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Geauga Park District
Backcountry Ravine Exploration
Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 to 4 p.m., Offsite, Welton's Gorge, Burton Township
Venture into the rocky woodland ravines of a Geauga Park District preserve to discover deep rock ledges, cool streams, salamanders and other stream life. Registration required.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
HorseFest
May 14 & 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Discover the magical beauty of horses at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. HorseFest showcases many different breeds, riding disciplines and uses for these versatile animals. The event will include: driving breeds, dressage, jumping, exhibitors, pony rides ($4), children’s activities, and much more! Regular Farmpark admission applies. Farmpark members and children younger than 2 are free.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
2nd Annual Nature Fest
Sunday, May 15, 1 to 6 p.m., Columbia
Join us for a fun-filled day with nature! There will be nature programs, food and mini golf specials, and other family oriented fun! Can’t wait to see you here!
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
CAA Presents: How to Use YOUR OWN Telescope!
Saturday, May 14, 8 to 11 p.m., Letha House Park West
Have a telescope gathering dust because you don't know how to use it? Come early, and kick off the summer stargazing season with members of Cuyahoga Astronomical Association who will be on hand to show you how to use YOUR OWN telescope to view the night sky. First come, first served. Ages 6 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Roving Naturalists: Warblers
Sunday, May 15, 1 to 3 p.m., River Styx Park
Join naturalists any time between 1 and 3 p.m. to look for warblers and other birds visiting or nesting at River Styx Park. The naturalists will be stationed along the trail. Once you park your car, follow the signs that will direct you to their location. Please bring binoculars and bird ID books if you have them. There will be a limited number of binoculars and bird books available to borrow. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.medinacountyparks.com/programs/
Portage County Parks
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. See individual park pages and the park activities chart for more information.
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Adventure Bike Ride 13.0
Tuesday, May 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail - meet at Craig Pittman Trailhead
Discover the Towpath Trail on a bicycle! Take a 13.0 mile ride beginning at Craig Pittman Trailhead, riding south to the aqueduct bridge and back. This is a group ride for more advanced riders, with a faster pace and inclines. The average speed will be 9.0 mph or above. Be prepared by dressing for the weather, bringing plenty of water, and wearing a helmet. 20 opening so please register. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Ledges Trail Throughout The Year
Saturday, May 14, 1 to 2 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
We'll hike the 1.1-mile 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. Trail not recommended for strollers. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Distance Hike
Saturday, May 14, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Hike more than 9 miles at a continuous pace on trails that are difficult or primitive. There will be few, if any, rest stops. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Hike & Fire: Geology
Saturday, May 14, 6 to 8 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Walk the Ledges Trail to learn about the area's geology before returning to the campfire to roast marshmallows. Meet at the amphitheater. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Kids' Fishing
Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron
Kids 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, and then drop a line at Little Turtle Pond. A few rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must supervise their children but are not permitted to fish. For information, call 330-865-8065
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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