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, April 29 to Thursday, May 5, 2016
Featured Event
National Junior Ranger Day! Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Saturday, April 30, noon to 2 p.m., Ledges Shelter
There will be cake, ice cream and a variety of activities to celebrate Junior Rangers and the 100th birthday of the National Park Service before we unveil the 2016 badge design. Bring your collection of badges and patches to compete for prizes. No registration. Free. The swearing-in ceremony is at 1 p.m. For more information call 800-642-3297 ext. 100.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Junior Ranger: Spring Fishing Extravaganza
Saturday, April 30, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Location given at registration.
We'll learn how to fish, try our luck, earn prizes, and have a blast! Stroller and wheelchair accessible. For ages 7 – 12 with an adult. Free. For registration and location, call 800-642-3297 ext. 100.
Hiking the Hills
Sunday, May 1, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Pine Lane Trailhead
Take a 6.5-mile hike on the 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
Spring Woodcock Walk: Maumee Bay
Saturday, April 30, 7:45 to 8:45 p.m., Maumee Bay State Park
Meet at the Campground office at 7:45pm.
Witness the spectacular courtship flight of the “Timberdoodle” as the American Woodcock is sometimes known.
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
Gordon Park History Hike
Saturday, April 30 at 1 to 2 p.m., Lakefront Reservation, Gordon Park Boat Trailer Parking Lot, Cleveland, OH
Join Historical Interpreter Karen Lakus for a stroll around historic Gordon Park. Beginning in 1893, this was a recreation hub for Clevelanders seeking fresh air and a swimming beach on Lake Erie. While the landscape is quite different today, we will explore the remnants of one of Cleveland’s first parks. Terrain Difficulty: varied, mostly paved, 1.5 miles. Free.
“Try-it” Activities: Rock Climbing
Sunday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hinckley Reservation, Top O' Ledges Picnic Area, Hinckley, OH 44233
Discover how fun, yet challenging rock climbing can be during these "Try-Its". Participants can register for 1-hour samplers of rock climbing. Classes will begin precisely at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Registration opens February 15. Need a waiver and understand the refund policy. Cost: $7.50. Ages: 10 & over with participating adult. Equipment provided.
Moderate to Strenuous activity level. Phone: 216-341-1704 for more information.
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
Viewing the Night Sky
Saturday, April 30, 8:30 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Join members of the Lowe-Volk Astronomy Club as they share their knowledge and telescope skills with all who are interested in the celestial sights. Bring your own tele-scope or allow the volunteers to assist you with those pro-vided. It is a spectacular universe.
Pickin’ Dandelions
Wednesday, May 4, 6 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, dandelions are here, there, and everywhere. Why not have fun with them! Join Josh for an investigation of this common yard plant growing in the lawn at Lowe-Volk. A plant with many uses, we’ll pick, pluck, smear, and maybe even taste the bitter quality that defines the dandelion. If you can’t beat ‘em, why not eat ‘em! Fun for all ages.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Walk With A Doc Kickoff!
Monday, May 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron
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!
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events/index.shtml
Geauga Park District
Chestnut Comeback
Sunday, May 1, 1 to 3 p.m., The West Woods, Nature Center
This interactive, hands-on program helps you explore how the American chestnut is making a comeback after being devastated by disease. Try some tasty roasted chestnuts during the program. 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
April 2 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
On The Amphibian Hunt
Sunday, May 1, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Carlisle, CVC
Learn about and look for resident salamanders and frogs. Moderate hike. Hiking Stick Program.
For more information call (440) 458-5121 Ext. 232. No registration required.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Youth Fishing Derby
Saturday, April 30, Derby 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., River Styx Park Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Young fishermen 15 years of age or younger are invited to participate in the park district's annual River Styx Youth Fishing Derby. Girls and boys, alike, can enjoy catching fish and winning prizes. Please have your children bring their fishing poles. A limited number of poles will be available to borrow, and a limited amount of bait will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded. Free. No pre-registration required. Free.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Early Spring Wildflowers
Sunday, May 1, 3 to 4 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park
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. Only a brief window of time exists each year when woodland flowers are in their glory. Hubbard Valley Park has a spectacular diversity of spring wildflowers to discover. Prepare for muddy trails, and bring your wildflower guide if you have one. 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
18th Annual Portage County Environmental Conservation Awards Dinner
Sat. April 30, 2016 5:30 to 9 p.m., Kent American Legion Hall
1945 Mogadore Rd. Kent, OH 44240
Close to 300 folks from around the county get together at this annual event to celebrate the good work of our Environmental Conservation heroes. Enjoy live music, great food, great company and the opportunity to support conservation, parks and trails with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction with lots of cool stuff! Besides being an opportunity to recognize those who do great things for our environment, this event is also a fundraiser for the Portage Park District Foundation, which provides funding for park improvements and programs. Please consider contributing to The Portage Park District Foundation. Registration required. 330-678-9127
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby
Saturday, April 30, 8 to 11 a.m., Lock 4 Trailhead
This fishing derby, for children ages 4-15, takes place at the Lock 4 Trailhead. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Door prizes and trophies provided by the Stark County Park District, Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Berkley Fishing Team.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Family Fishing
Friday, April 29, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield
Learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Brushwood Lake. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Participants 16 and older must have a fishing license. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Birds And Blooms
Saturday, April 30, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Everett Road Covered Bridge, 2370 Everett Rd., Peninsula
Enjoy a strenuous 2.3-mile hike in the hope of seeing a variety of birds and spring wildflowers, especially Virginia bluebells. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 30, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Hike along Ledges Trail to enjoy the beauty of spring wildflowers and discover interesting facts along the way. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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