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 9 to Thursday, September 15, 2016
Featured Event
Countryside Initiative Farms
In honor of the NPS Centennial Celebration, October is Farm Month. Visit cvcountryside.org for 100 things to see and do at the 11 active Countryside Initiative farms within the national park.
Countryside Farmers’ Markets
Local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and artists bring their wares to these unique, producer-only markets. Music and food demonstrations add spice. No pets, please. SNAP EBT and debit cards are accepted at the information booth. To learn more, visit www.cvcountryside.org
Thursdays, September 1 through September 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Highland Square
Shop for healthy eats and other treats in a funky Akron neighborhood.
Saturdays, September 3 through October 29, 9 a.m. to noon, Howe Meadow,
Browse goodies from over 60 vendors. The market hosts Crafty Mart on October 15.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Off the Beaten Path: Behind the Farm and Food Scene
Saturday, September 10, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Howe Meadow
On this 2 mile hike we’ll explore trails behind Howe Meadow and connecting to Hale Farm & Village. The hike ends at the Countryside Farmers’ Market.
Hiking the Hills
Sunday, September 11, 9 a.m. to noon., NPS Park Headquarters,
7 miles on the Buckeye Trail.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Mystery Weekend: Maumee Bay
Friday, September 9 to Sunday September 11, Maumee Bay State Park
Mystery Campout Weekend at Maumee Bay State Park: Hmmmmm....... what will it be? You will have to come camping with us to see!!!!
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, September 10, 9 a.m. to noon, South Chagrin Reservation, Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville, OH 44022
We’re off for another adventure! Join Naturalist Pam Taylor as we explore some of the best South Chagrin has to offer. It is very likely that your feet will get wet on this adventure. Terrain Difficulty: hills and creeks, 7 to 8 miles. Free.
Hikathon Mini
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Mill Stream Run Reservation, Royalview Picnic Area, located off Royalview Lane in Mill Stream Run Reservation, off Valley Parkway, just south off Royalton Road/Route 82 in Strongsville., Strongsville, OH 44136
Join Naturalist Marty Calabrese for a deep-woods hike. The Red Loop offers slopes and ravines with dramatic stream views through a quiet pine forest. If raining, hike will be canceled due to trail closure. Check www.clevelandmetroparks.com/RoyalviewTrail
for updates. Terrain: strenuous, hilly, 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
Colonel Crawford Bikeway
Biking is an excellent form of exercise and offers people an opportunity to get outdoors. The Crawford Park District has established a route for cyclists to ride and enjoy the wonderful scenes of Crawford County. The route starts and ends at Lowe-Volk Park. The bikeway winds its way through country roads and through Galion and Crestline. Map with turn by turn directions here.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Campfire Tales
Friday, September 9, 7 to 9 p.m., Edison Woods MetroPark, 8111 Smokey Rd, Berlin Heights.
Campfires bring people together! Come out and listen to stories while roasting marshmallows around the fire. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Please bring your own chair. Registration required. Limit 20.
Go Take A Hike Kickoff!
Sunday, September 11, 2:59 to 5 p.m., Please park at Huron River Path MetroPark (1805 River Road, Huron), then be shuttled to Hoffman Forest MetroPark for the event.
“Walk in the Forest” amongst artists, musicians, naturalists and storytellers. Enjoy an old fashioned picnic in the park, games, and nature scavenger hunts accompanied by sounds of blue grass music. This is the fall Kickoff for the “Go Take a Hike” program and ribbon cutting for steps project funded by the Erie County Community Foundation. This is a free family event sponsored by the Friends of Erie MetroParks.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/page/programs
Geauga Park District
Monarchs and Meadow Insects
Saturday, September 10, 12:30 to 4 p.m., Swine Creek Reservation, Lake Side Shelter
Net and tag Monarch butterflies, play an exciting “life-sized board game” dramatizing the hazards of this amazing journey, and catch a variety of butterflies, grasshoppers, praying mantids, katydids, beetles and other insects calling the meadow home. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For the complete Geauga Park District events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
Bug Day!
September 11, Noon to 4 p.m., Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Bring the whole family out for a fun afternoon of live bugs, buggy games, activities and adventure. Ride on miniature trains provided by the Lake Shore Live Steamers 1 to 3 pm (weather permitting). Check out The Nature Store for “buggy gifts.”
Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/
Lorain County Parks
Blockhouse Days Celebration
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Columbia Reservation, Shelter #1
Join us for Blockhouse days! We will have 1812 Re-enactors portraying settlers that built and manned the blockhouse with period activities all day! Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Roving Naturalists: Butterflies
Saturday, September 10, 1 to 3 p.m., Allardale West
Join naturalists any time between 1 and 3 p.m. to learn about butterflies. The naturalists will be stationed along the trail. Once you park your car, follow signs that will direct you to their locations. Stop by for two minutes or stay for two hours. Test your butterfly catching skills. Nets and containers will be available for you to borrow. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Fungus in the Forest
Sunday, September 11, 3 to 4 p.m., Plum Creek Park North
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. The summer flowers have finished blooming. The fall leaves have not yet turned. Now is the perfect time to look for color in the fungus on the forest floor. Join us for a hike to explore the world of fungi. 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
Running Stark: Group Run
Sunday, September 11, 9 to 10 a.m., West Branch Trail, meet at Monument Park
Join RRCA Certified Running Coach Samantha Collmar for a 1-3 mile group run along the West Branch Trail. Runners of all abilities and paces are welcome. Come wearing appropriate running attire for the weather and bring your own water. Meet at Monument Park. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Animal Folk Stories Campfire
Friday, September 9, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
How did the chipmunk get its stripes or the opossum its bare tail? Learn what folklore has to say, and roast a marshmallow (while supplies last) while you're at it! For information, call 330-865-8065.
Fishing for Kids
Saturday, September 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle Pond, 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron
Kids 15 and under learn the basics of fishing. A few rods and reels will be available. Bait is provided. Adults are not permitted to fish. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Healthy Strides Hike
Saturday, September 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls
Summit Metro Parks is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Akron General to present Healthy Strides Hikes. During the Fall Hiking Spree, join us on casual 1- to 3-mile walks, preceded by a brief, informative talk by physicians and caregivers. Topics change each session based on the leader’s specialty. All hikes will be on hiking spree trails. This month's topic: "Exercise in Pelvic Health & Wellness." Good for spree credit. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Behind The Scenes Hike
Sunday, September 11, 1 to 4 p.m., Liberty Park, Pond Brook Conservation Area, 3973 E. Aurora Rd., Twinsburg
Join Summit Metro Parks and the City of Twinsburg for an extended hike into one of our conservation areas. Bring binoculars, a camera, water and a snack. Waterproof footwear and long pants are recommended, as we will be hiking off trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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