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, September 30 to Thursday, October 6, 2016
Featured Event
Hands on Heritage: Cleveland Metroparks
Saturday, October 1,11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rocky River Reservation, Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Parkway, OH 44070
Visit Rocky River Nature Center and surrounding trails for a day of fun focused around traditional skills. Try your hand at the butter churn, taste the flavors of wild Ohio foods, and make a candle to take home. Plenty of opportunities are available for guests of all ages!
Grilled foods and snacks will be available for purchase until 3 p.m. Call 440-734-6660 for more information
Free all day: rug braiding craft, cider press, sapling mill, pioneer toys, butter churning, candle-making, pioneer cooking, wool spinning demonstrations, quill pen activity
Other activities:
Lawrence Grist Mill Historical Hike
11a.m. to 12:30 pm
Explore the remains of how a local grist mill operated along the banks of the Rocky River during this fun and free historical hike. Terrain: some off-trail, flat, 2 miles
All Natural Soap Making
11a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For hundreds of years people have made necessary products for everyday use in their own homes. Learn the art of soap making and make your own safe and skin nurturing bar soap to take home. Age: adults. Fee: $25. Register beginning 9:30 a.m. September 1 – 24
Ohio Heritage Luncheon catered by Merwin’s Wharf
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Learn the fascinating history behind the foods that were hunted, farmed, and foraged to feed early pioneers while tasting fresh new flavors of traditional American fare as presented in a four-course meal by Merwin’s Wharf restaurant. Fee: $25 Register beginning 9:30 a.m. September 1 – 24
Taste of the Past: The American Chestnut
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Once a towering giant of the eastern forest, the American chestnut tree was virtually eliminated by a microscopic fungi. Enjoy a presentation chronicling the rise, fall, and modern-day comeback of this American icon while enjoying two creative tastings of the chestnut prepared by Merwin’s Wharf. Fee: $15 Register beginning 9:30 a.m. September 1 – 24
Natural Dyes
3 to 4 p.m.
An assortment of beautiful dye colors can be crafted from natural materials. Learn how pioneer women made dyes for textiles in this free indoor presentation and demonstration.
Animals of Ohio’s Past
4 to 5 p.m.
Did wolves, bison, and cougars really live in Ohio? The settlement of Ohio marked a time of great change for the wild beasts that once roamed here. Learn how wildlife populations changed over time, and how re-introduction efforts have brought some species home again.
Useful Plants Hike
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Early Americans used plants for medicines, cooking, and fibers. Learn some of the fascinating uses of common plants on this fun and informative hike. Terrain: flat, one mile
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hale Farm & Village,
Celebrate the fall bounty amid the sights, smells, and tastes of the Cuyahoga Valley. Enjoy demonstrations of early American food, craft, and trade. Fee: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 - 12.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Halloween Campouts: East Harbor & Mosquito Lake
September 30 & October 1, East Harbor & Mosquito Lake State Parks
East Harbor State Park: Come join us for Halloween Campout at East Harbor State Park! We will have games, bonfires, hayrides and much more! for information, please call, 419-734-4425. Hope to see you there.
Mosquito Lake State Park: Join us for this fun camping weekend at Mosquito Lake State Park. Numerous activities to include decorating campsites, costume contest, fun & games and movie. Call the camp office for more info (330) 638-5700. Make your camping reservations early (866) 644-6727.
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
Hunt of the Month: Deer
October 1 to 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. to Sat. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday every day, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, CanalWay Center, 4524 East 49th Street, Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
As fall colors begin to appear deer become more active. Come to CanalWay to learn why and to find the 20 bucks and does we have hidden throughout the center. Then go for a hike to see if there are any deer to be seen. Free.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
Ashland County Parks
Ashland County Park District: Forests. Fields. Family. Friends. Fun.
The Ashland County Park District (ACPD) is currently composed of 16 parks—each has natural features that make it distinct—including old-growth forest, native grassland, restored wetlands and spring-fed ponds. There are also miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing ponds, bird-observation decks, river access for canoeing, and even a vintage cider press stored in a historic barn, all of which make these parks truly part of Ashland County.
Ashland County Park District: Forests. Fields. Family. Friends. Fun.
The Ashland County Park District (ACPD) is currently composed of 16 parks—each has natural features that make it distinct—including old-growth forest, native grassland, restored wetlands and spring-fed ponds. There are also miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing ponds, bird-observation decks, river access for canoeing, and even a vintage cider press stored in a historic barn, all of which make these parks truly part of Ashland County.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Sandusky Wildlife Area
Sandusky Wildlife Area (SWA) is a great public hunting opportunity here in Crawford County. Hunting within SWA is by PERMIT ONLY. A yearly drawing takes place at the end of August to determine permit recipients. A letter informing hunters of the date is mailed out in July. To be included in the notification mailing, fill out the “Sandusky Wildlife Area” form. This drawing is open ONLY to Crawford County residents or landowners. For more information, contact the Crawford Park District.
Established in 2005, SWA has afforded many Crawford County residents opportunities to pursue game animals. Many White-tail Deer have been taken, among them sizable bucks. With the many oaks and hickories, it is a haven for Fox Squirrels as they scurry about collecting nuts. Wild Turkeys are also numerous, foraging the slopes for grubs and roosting in the trees, and Mourning Doves frequent the Conservation Reserve land in the Sandusky River floodplain. The Park District is proud to offer this unique opportunity for the outdoors men, women, and youths of Crawford County at Sandusky Wildlife Area.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Luminary Walk
Friday, September 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Shelter 1, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the woods illuminated by luminaries. Warm drinks and snacks will be provided. Wheelchairs welcome! Registration required. Limit 30.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/page/programs
Geauga Park District
Homeschool Days for Ages Ages 5-8 & 9-12: Insect Extravaganza
Friday, September 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Frohring Meadows, Katydid Shelter
Discover what makes insects so interesting with fun activities, then head out into the meadow to see what we can catch. This is one of two homeschool programs offered on this day; the other program is for ages 5-8. Adults may attend (need not register) or drop off child with waiver. Program is outdoors, so dress for the weather. Long pants are recommended for field work. Free
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Fall Harvest Weekends
Apple Butter Weekend: October 1 & 2
Corn & Pumpkin Weekends: October 8, 9, 15 & 16
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Four weekends of fall harvest fun! Each weekend features an aspect of farming and harvest, and visitors enjoy family-friendly hands-on activities that are part of Farmpark’s harvest traditions. On all weekends, little farmers can pedal their way on mini tractors through a farm maze, navigate the hay maze and play in the kid’s areas. The whole family can explore the three-acre corn maze. On some weekends, visitors can help grind apples and press cider as well as taste apple cider, apple butter and harvest soup! Regular Farmpark admission applies.
Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park Open House
October 2, Noon to 4 p.m., Lake Metroparks Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park
Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Survival Workshop
Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Vermilion River, Shelter: #2
Learn survival basics including shelter building, outdoor food prep, primitive fishing, and fire skills. Pack a lunch to eat outdoors. Pre-register & call (440) 967-7310 for more information. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Tales for Tots
Thursday, September 29 or Friday, September 30, 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. Hidden Hollow Camp
Discover some of the amazing designs of nature and the creatures that make them through a story and exploration hike. For ages 3 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors; please dress accordingly. Register between August 24 and September 29. 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
Running Stark: Group Run
Friday, September 30, 6 to 7 p.m., Olde Muskingum Trail - Cherry St. Trailhead
Join RRCA Certified Running Coach Samantha Collmar for a 1-3 mile group run along the Olde Muskingum Trail. Runners of all abilities and paces are welcome. Come wearing appropriate running attire for the weather and bring your own water. Meet at the Cherry Street Trailhead. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Bike & Hike Trail
The 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail was one of the first "rails to trails" conversions in the country. Sections of the Bike & Hike Trail follow the course of two abandoned railroads. Much of the trail follows the Lake Erie & Pittsburgh Railroad (LE&P), which was later named the New York Central Railroad (NYC). Another portion of the trail rests on the old Akron, Bedford & Cleveland Railroad (AB&C, or the "Alphabet Railroad"), which was an electric passenger railway system that was in service from the late 1800s until 1932. Riders on the AB&C railroad could travel for 50 cents from Akron to Cleveland’s Public Square in about 2.5 hours. Today, east of Route 91 in Munroe Falls, the Bike & Hike Trail parallels a scenic section of the Cuyahoga River where great blue herons, Canada geese and a variety of ducks can be seen. A small pond along the north side of the trail annually hosts a chorus of spring peepers. South of Boston Mills Road in Boston Heights, the Sharon Conglomerate rock walls of the Boston Ledges rise along the trail. Farther north, the trail travels along Brandywine Road. A parking area adjacent to the bridge over I-271 offers rest and a view of Brandywine Falls, which, at 75 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in Ohio. More information and a map here:
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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