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 2 to Thursday, September 8, 2016
Featured Event
Capturing the Moment: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When dressed in its dramatic cloak of fall colors, Cuyahoga Valley has an irresistible allure. Whether you are shooting with your smartphone or a long lens, autumn is ideal for landscape photography. Different spots are best at different times of day. When conditions are right, morning fog pools thickly in the lowlands. Indigo Lake appears to smoke against dawn’s fiery sky. The Cuyahoga River meanders quietly under the ghostly shroud. Station Road Bridge in Brecksville and Stumpy Basin south of Boston provide lovely views. At
Beaver Marsh, dark shapes of bobbing waterfowl often dot the misty open water. Daylight offers additional charms. At Hale Farm & Village, farm animals strut amid a backdrop of historic buildings and the painted valley wall. Monarchs and other butterflies float across the late-flowering meadows of Kendall Hills. They alight on bright yellow goldenrod, purple ironweed and asters, and pink plumes of Joe Pye weed. At Oak Hill, Sylvan Pond mirrors the colorful tree line in its placid water. Red and orange leaves lie scattered on the shale walls of Blue Hen Falls and swirl in its plunge pool. By late afternoon, Brandywine Falls steals the show. Water cascades 60 feet down into a scenic gorge. The feathery dark green needles of hemlock mix with a rich spectrum of autumnal hues. Farther south, Ledges Overlook is the premier spot for catching the sunset over the valley. If you want to sharpen your skills, Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society presents fall lectures, a workshop, and a members’ show. See the CVNP web page and the calendar for details.
National Parks: Sights and Sounds on November 4 features spectacular panoramic images set to music. This special concert with the Akron Symphony Orchestra celebrates 100 years of the National Park Service. Let the Cuyahoga Valley be your muse this season.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Migrating Songbirds
Saturday, September 3, 8 to 10 a.m. Red Lock Trailhead
Discover migrating songbirds within the lowland forests along the Cuyahoga River. This 2.5-mile walk along the firm, flat Towpath Trail is wheelchair accessible.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Pioneer Village Comes Alive: Beaver Creek
Saturday, September 3, noon to 3 p.m., Beaver Creek State Park
Pioneer Village Comes Alive featuring costumed volunteers presenting a snapshot of Pioneer life. Hands-on family activities include wheat and corn grinding demonstration in the newly refurbished Gaston's Mill, blacksmithing, and touring Pioneer buildings. Freshly ground flour and corn meal are available for purchase in the Trading Post. All activities are handicapped accessible and are free to the public. A different program is featured in the Mill Museum each month: September 3: "Civil War Music" presented by Alice Whitehill
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
Family Fun Hike at Whipp's Ledges
Saturday, September 3 at 3 to 5 p.m., Hinckley Reservation, Whipp's Ledges Picnic Area is located off State Road in Hinckley Reservation, between Bellus and Ledge roads in Hinckley Township,
Bring out the family for a strenuous, yet fun hike among spectacular sandstone ledges with Naturalist Kathy Schmidt. We’ll search for old carvings, learn about animal life of the ledges, and get lots of exercise. Free
Ages: adults, families Program Leader: Naturalist Kathy Schmidt. Terrain Difficulty: steep hills, 1.5 miles. Phone: 440-526-1012
Go Mothing!
Saturday, September 3, 9 to 10:30 p.m., West Creek Reservation, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH 44134
Join Naturalist Mark Warman as we attract as many moths as possible using light and different recipes for moth delicacies: a mash of fermented fruit, sugar and beer. Terrain Difficulty: easy, 0.5 miles. 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.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Volunteer
The Crawford Park District understands and appreciates the value of volunteers. Park Volunteers assist in many capacities, including large events, invasive plant removal, and general park maintenance - to name a few. If you would like to volunteer, print our Volunteer Form, fill it out, and mail to the address on the left. We look forward to working together with you in the parks!
Click for the Volunteer Form here: http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/uploads/1/1/8/8/11885448/volunteer_form.pdf
General Qualifications
*Possess a sincere interest in volunteer work and willingness to make a commitment.
*Enjoy working with other people.
*Support the Crawford Park District’s mission of preserving the natural heritage of Crawford County for public enjoyment.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Sunset Kayak Paddle
Friday, September 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Coupling MetroPark, 11618 SR 13, Milan. Meet at the canoe launch.
Join us to watch wildlife as we paddle the Huron River and enjoy the sunset. Ages 12+. Registration required. Limit 12. No flip flops! Those with their own paddle craft welcome.
Monarch Butterfly Tagging
Saturday, September 3, 1 to 2 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center, Erie Room, 3910 Perkins Ave, Huron.
We will tag, release, and say farewell as they head south to Mexico to their wintering grounds.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/page/programs
Geauga Park District
The Great Geauga County Fair
Saturday, September 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Geauga County Fairgrounds, Natural Resources Area
Visit our building to meet the Monarch Butterfly and see what's new with Geauga Park District! Daily live Monarch taggings at 1:30 PM as butterflies are available.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Fall Art Show: “The Way I See It” the nature art of Hap Howle
August 28 through October 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
From realism to whimsy, local artist Hap Howle interprets nature in unique and colorful ways. Enjoy the many creations in this one man show featuring paintings, sculpture, and more. Meet the artist at the free opening reception on Sunday, August 28 from noon to 4 pm. Enjoy demonstrations by the artist and light refreshments. Select artwork is available for sale. Proceeds from sales benefit Penitentiary Glen Nature Center. Admission is free.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Monarch Tagging
Friday, September 2, 11 a.m. to noon, Black River, Days Dam Trailhead
Learn about tagging monarchs and then find some to tag as we continue to help in this study of the monarch population. Wear long pants and close toed shoes as there will be off-trail hiking. Some nets provided. Hiking Level 3. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of It
Saturday, September 3, 9 to 11 a.m., Cleveland Metropark’s Whipp's Ledges, Picnic area on State Road.
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, September 3, 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 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.
Monarch Tagging
Saturday, September 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wolf Creek Environmental Center
It's time, again, for monarchs to begin their long migration to Mexico. Come out on Saturday, September 3, 10, or 17 to catch and tag monarch butterflies to contribute to the research on declining populations. Nets will be available to borrow, and a naturalist will be at the building to identify butterflies and tag any monarchs you catch. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Caterpillar Crazy!
Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 12 to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center Do you love caterpillars and the magic of how they become moths or butterflies? Join us at Susan Hambley Nature Center for games, crafts, and to learn about life as a caterpillar! 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
Live Animal Booth
Friday, September 2, 4 to 7 p.m., Wildlife Building at the Stark County Fair
Visit with Stark Parks animal ambassadors during your trip to the Stark County Fair in the Wildlife Building!
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Bird Hike
Saturday, September 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp.
Learn the basics of bird identification and search for fall birds. Good for spree credit. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Milkweed, Monarchs & Goldenrod
Sunday, September 4, 12 to 2 p.m., Milkweed, Monarchs & Goldenrod, Liberty Park / Recreation Area, 9385 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Monarchs and other pollinators are in peril. Come and learn the importance of milkweed and goldenrod in the monarch's long journey to Mexico. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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