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 6 to Thursday, May 12, 2016
Featured Event
Free Fishing Day - Statewide
Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8, all day
All Ohioans are welcome to fish any public waterway without a fishing license on these two days, May 7 and May 8 in 2016.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Spring Training Hike
Saturday, May 7, 8:30 a.m. to noon, NPS Park Headquarters.
Challenge yourself to a 7.5 mile hike on the Buckeye and Valley trails. For more information call 330-657-2752.
Explore Ledges
Saturday, May 7, 1 to 3 p.m., Ledges Shelter.
Take a less-than-2-miles hike on the hilly, rocky Ledges Trail. For more information call 330 -657-2752.
Heron Watch
Sunday, May 8, 1 to 3 p.m., Bath Road Heronry
Celebrate the return of the great blue herons while viewing them through spotting scopes. For more information, call 330-865-8065 or visit summitmetroparks.org.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Biggest Week in American Birding: Maumee Bay
Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Maumee Bay State Park
The Nature Center will be open 8am-6pm, May 6th through 15th to accommodate birders during the spring warbler migration. Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center will have activities as well.
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
Watch the spring migrant’s return or travel through to their summer breeding grounds during the 83rd Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks. Cosponsored by Cleveland Metroparks, The Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society, Geauga Park District, Lake Metroparks, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, walks are led by experienced Birders and will be held on Sundays, April 10 through May 15 at 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the following Cleveland Metro parks locations:
Lakefront Reservation
North Chagrin Reservation
Big Creek Reservation
Brecksville Reservation
Hinckley Reservation
Rocky River Reservation
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Bedford Reservation
South Chagrin Reservation
Big Creek Reservation
Huntington Reservation
Emerald Necklace Hikers
Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Bedford Reservation, Hemlock Creek Picnic Area is located off Button Road in Bedford Reservation, just east of Dunham Road in Walton Hills.
Don't feel comfortable navigating the trails on your own? Join this monthly hike to explore the Emerald Necklace, get some exercise and enjoy each other’s company. We’ll hike along Tinker’s Creek and look for blooming bluebells.
Mother's Day with Mother Nature
Sunday, May 8, 1 to 2, West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Monarch Bluff Picnic Area
Skip buying expensive flowers this year and come see nature in spring bloom. Share the afternoon with your mom on a nice, easy hike in beautiful West Creek Reservation. Easy, 1 mile.
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
BB Gun Shoot
Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m., Unger Park Meet at Bridle Trailhead located West of Barn, 1301 Bucyrus Nevada Rd.
Got a BB Gun? Want some people to shoot with? Well, the Crawford Park District invites you to bring your BB Gun to Unger Park for a fun evening of some plinking around. There will be regular targets as well as a “Woods Walk”. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Bird Walk
Sunday, May 8, 9 a.m., Sears Woods, 1486 Mt. Zion Rd.
Meet Crawford Park District Naturalist Warren Uxley at the Sears Woods parking lot for a spring bird walk. More migratory birds pass through Ohio in early May than at any other time of the year. This massive movement of Warblers, Tanagers, Flycatchers, Vireos and Thrushes (to name just a few) is truly spectacular.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Beginner Birding
Friday, May 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Erie Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Want to try something new? Birding is a growing hobby a lot of people enjoy! Let’s learn about common birds around our area and go on a hike to look for them! Binoculars will be provided.
Walk With A Doc
Monday, May 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Oakland Cemetery, 2900 Columbus Ave, Sandusky. Park at
Erie County Services Building.
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
Transit of Mercury
Monday, May 9, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Observatory Park
Watch Mercury cross the face of the sun in this rare "mini-eclipse." We'll provide safe sun-viewing equipment. You won't get another chance to see this for years! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Springtime on the Farm Indoor Play Area
March 30 through May 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, Lake Metroparks Farmpark
April showers won’t put a damper on the fun your little sprouts will have playing in the spring-themed indoor playground at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Watch newborn spring lambs, learn about plant life and (on weekends) make a spring craft. Regular Farmpark admission applies.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Mother's Day Hike & Craft
Saturday, May 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Carlisle, Wildlife Observation Area
Bring the family out to celebrate Mother's Day with a hike & make a craft to take home. Hiking stick program. Easy Hike. For more information call (440) 458-5121 Ext. 230.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of It
Saturday, May 7, 9 to 11 a.m., Hubbard Valley Park
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.
Migratory Bird Banding
Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
Bird banding is a scientific research method that studies bird behavior and movements and provides us with valuable information about avian populations and migratory patterns. The data collected through bird banding is critical to identify contributing factors affecting populations in both winter and summer habitats and the establishment of needed conservation efforts. Join licensed Bird Banders Gary and Jill Fowler at Wolf Creek this spring to learn more about the significance of bird banding and see how it is done. Please note that bird banding is weather variable and may not be done if it is raining or snowing. Signs will be posted at Wolf Creek to let you know if bird banding is occurring and to direct you to the banding location. 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
High Mileage Hike
Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Meet at the First Christian Church trailhead at 1141 W. Beech St. in Alliance.
Lace up your hiking boots and get out with Stark Parks for this 6.10 mile hike along the Iron Horse Trail. Be prepared for a strenuous hike--wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. (moderate pace) Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Bird Walk
Saturday, May 7, 8 to 10 a.m., Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula
Join a naturalist on an early morning bird walk to search for migrating birds, including colorful warblers, in this Audubon-designated Important Bird Area. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Family Fishing
Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro
Families: Learn the basics of fishing, then try it out. Rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. No fishing licenses are required during this special weekend. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Heron Watch
Sunday, May 8, 1 to 3 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Bath Road Heronry, Intersection of Bath and Riverview roads, Akron
Celebrate Mother's Day by observing herons and their young through spotting scopes. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cardio Hike
Monday, May 9, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron
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. Route includes stream crossings. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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