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 20 to Thursday, May 26, 2016
Featured Event
Children's Fishing Derbies
May 21 at 9:00 am to noon (ages 4-8) 1-4pm (ages 9-15), Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Kids can reel in big fun at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derbies. Free.
Each day there will be two sessions:
Children, ages 4 to 8 fish from 9 a.m. to noon
Youth, ages 9 to 15, fish from 1 to 4 p.m.
Equipment Provided: Free bait and loaner rods and reels while supplies last.
Hungry rainbow trout, catfish and a variety of other fish are ready for young anglers to try their luck on while competing for prizes. Children can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge.
Guidance will be available from experienced anglers to help those new to fishing. Bait (red worms, maggots and corn) will be available at no charge for derby participants. Bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store the “catch of the day.” While supplies last, loaner rods (fully rigged for bait fishing) are available for children who do not have their own.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each session, noon and 4 p.m. sharp! Prize categories will include the largest trout, largest other fish, smallest fish and best cast from the casting challenge. You must be present to win.
Ohio and Erie Canal fishing area and Wallace Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish between Wednesday, May 18 and Friday, May 20. These areas will be closed to fishing beginning on the day of stocking. Each area will reopen for youth fishing only, for each session of that location’s derby. Youth and adults may fish in derby waters when the event is over at 4:00 p.m.
The event is rain or shine and there is no pre-registration. Please go to the big tent when you arrive on derby day to register. All children are encouraged to learn how to cast or test their skills at the casting challenge station.
Golf Cart shuttles will provide rides throughout the event for seniors and persons with disabilities at both the Ohio & Erie Canal and Wallace Lake derbies.
Fishing recommendations: To reduce tangles, use single hooks or rigs using single hooks (no treble hooks). Still-fishing methods are strongly recommended, using live or processed bait fished from either bobber rigs or bottom rigs. Bobber rigs are the easiest for children to use since bites are easy to see. Bottom rigs are a little harder to fish but can be a productive way to catch catfish and trout. Artificial lures when fished by frequently repeated casts and fly casting should be avoided during the derbies due to the many lines in the water and the close proximity of others.
For more information, call Youth Outdoors at 216-206-1010.
Directions to the Children’s Fishing Derbies:
Ohio & Erie Canal Derbies: Park at the CanalWay Center parking lot, located down the hill from the E. 49th Street entrance to Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Hts. Follow the trail from the parking lot to the canal.
Wallace Lake Derbies: Follow the signs on Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Wingenstock 7 Concert: Idlewild
Saturday, May 21, 5 p.m. picnicking, 7 p.m. concert, Canal Corners Farm & Market.
Enjoy a concert with Idlewild, the Allman Brothers Tribute Band in the Big Red Barn at this Countryside Initiative farm. Admission: $10. For details and reservations visit www.lanterntheatreohio.com.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Midwest Junior Rowing Regatta - East Fork
Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22, East Fork State Park
Weekend event at the main beach.
Park Clean Up Day: Findley
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. to noon, Findley State Park
Join us in the campground to clean up the park, plant flowers, and paint. A hot dog lunch is served at noon. For more information, call the park office at 440- 647-5749 ext #100 or 102
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
Extreme Hiking
Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to noon, Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center
Trees are leafing out and the forest canopy is closing quickly. Hike with Naturalist Pam Taylor through the forest. Wear appropriate footwear, trails may be muddy. Terrain Difficulty: hills, creek crossings, 7 - 9 miles.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
Ashland County Parks
Walk for Wellness Challenge
Saturday, May 21, 2 p.m., Byers Woods County Park, 675 Co. Rd. 1754
Sponsored by Kingston of Ashland. A map of the trail will be available at each walk. We will walk as a group about 2 miles. Benefits of Walking
•It lowers the rate of weight gain
•It staves off dips in energy
•It lifts your spirits
•It strengthens memory
•It protects you from heart disease
•It may decrease your risk of some cancers
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Flycatchers
Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m., Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 State Route 598
Join Crawford Park District Naturalist Warren Uxley for a PowerPoint program followed by an outdoor excursion to observe flycatchers. Among nature’s supreme athletes, flycatchers enliven our fields and woodlands with their magnificent flight skills.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Full Moon Night Hike
Saturday, May 21, 8 to 10 p.m., DuPont Marsh, 1805 River Rd, Huron.
We will walk the trails of the park under the light of the full moon while looking and listening for the local wildlife. Age 10+.
Disc Golf
Sunday, May 22, 2 to 4 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, North Woods Parking lot, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
Come play Dis Golf with us on Osborn’s’ nine hole disc golf course. You won’t need any clubs or special shoes, just a Frisbee. There will be extra discs available for use. Ages 10+. Limit 20.
Walk With a Doc
Monday, May 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Battery Park, 701 E. Water St, Sandusky.
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
Cicada Sit Brood 5 Call List
Sunday, May 22, 8 to 10 p.m., Big Creek Park, Maple Grove
It’s been 17 years since the Periodical Cicadas have made an appearance. In late May or early June, Brood V will once again make its amazing, synchronous emergence, invading Geauga County and the eastern half of the state. For a first-hand, up-close look at these amazing insects as they emerge en masse from their underground abodes, add your name to the hotline list for a call when the time is right. This is an experience you won’t want to miss and will never forget! Expect a call in the late afternoon on the day of, or possibly the day before, the program. Dress for the weather. Bring flashlights. Registration required. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Shearing Weekend
May 21 & 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Sheep are shorn of their winter coats to obtain wool and prevent them from overheating during hot summer weather. This lustrous fiber is used to make many wonderful products from clothing to blankets. Learn how to spin and weave, and make felt. See a Border collie herd sheep and meet fiber-producing sheep. Regular Farmpark admission applies.
Signs of Spring Open House
May 22, Noon to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Explore the wonders of nature as it awakens from winter. Learn how and why birds migrate…discover spring flowers that appear magically on the forest floor…visit resident wildlife in the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center…explore the trails of Penitentiary Glen Reservation…ride miniature trains through the woodlands (weather permitting). The Nature Store will be open for your spring shopping. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Full Moon Hike At High Meadows
Saturday, May 21, 9 to 10 p.m., Black River, High Meadows Bridgeway Trail, 1750 Ford Rd, Elyria.
Hike High Meadows with a Black River Ranger by the light of the moon (weather permitting). Moderate hiking level.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Early Birds Hike
Saturday, May 21, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The location will be disclosed at the time of registration.
Spring migration brings a host of neotropical migrants through our area from as far away as Argentina. Join us to learn how to identify them by sight and sound. Be sure to bring your binoculars and field guide. Registration is required since birding on our trails is not practical with large groups. Some of this hike will take place on damp grass. Please wear appropriate footwear. Ages 10 to adult. Register by May 20. Free.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: A Marsh Meandering
Sunday, May 22, 3 to 4 p.m., Medina Marsh
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. We are proud to have a great blue heron rookery in one of our newest parks. You may find it surprising that these large, freshwater coastal birds nest in trees. Take a hike to learn about their life histories and view the nesting area. The trail is a mowed path but may be wet so wear waterproof boots. 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
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
Orienteering Adventure: Explore Sippo Lake
Sunday, May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Exploration Gateway
Discover the wonders of Sippo Lake Park with Stark Parks and the North Eastern Ohio Orienteering Club. Orienteering is a great way to explore the park on your own or as part of a family or group. Courses are set up for beginner, intermediate, and advanced orienteers using a map to locate flagged locations in the park. Use of your own compass is encouraged; however, limited loaner compasses are available at registration. Meet at the Exploration Gateway for registration with basic instruction available for beginners. Register from 11:30 a.m. to Noon before heading out from Noon to 1 p.m. NEOOC members $5/Non-members $10, includes event map. All participants are required to have a whistle. Bring your own or purchase one for $1.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Wildflower Hike
Saturday, May 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron
Learn some easy tips to identify these beauties as we hike this moderately difficult trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.
World Turtle Day
Sunday, May 22, 12 to 3 p.m., Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Celebrate our slow-moving friends. Get to know the turtle species found in our parks, play games, make a craft, and learn about why turtles need our help. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cardio Hike
Tuesday, May 24, 9 to 10 a.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, Cardio Hike
2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron
Hike 3.2 miles at a vigorous pace. 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
---
Follow Rich Geyser on Twitter
Download the newsnet5 app:
