Arrowhead - May/June 2024

GET ACTIVE IN THE PARKS

Numerous recreational programs are available this Spring/Summer including kayaking, cycling, fishing, golfing and more! | Pgs. 6-7

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Enjoy live music at our over 20 free outdoor concerts! All concerts now begin at 6:00 pm! Full schedule on back cover! | Pg. 12

HIKING STICK PROGRAM

Take part in ten different hikes at six different parks to get your very own hiking stick! Program ends on June 30. Remaining hike list inside! | Pgs. 4-5

James

2024 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:

Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Chairman

Joseph E. Hribar • Vice Chairman

Kenneth M. Lieux • Commissioner

James Walther • Probate Court Judge

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM (440) 458-5121 LORAIN

• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation 913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001

• Amherst HealthPlex 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 984-3470

• Black River Reservation (440) 324-5481

Bur Oak: 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

Days Dam: 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055

High Meadows: 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

• Caley Reservation 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090

• Carlisle Reservation (440) 458-5121

Carlisle Visitor Center: 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

Duck Pond Picnic Area: 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

Equestrian Center/

Nielsen Observatory: 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

NATIVE PLANT SALE

Saturday, May 18 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

French Creek Nature Center

No Registration Required | Free to attend!

The Citizens Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks will host a Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at French Creek Nature Center. Help wildlife by planting native plants in your garden! These are host plants for local bees, butterflies, and birds, nurturing and sustaining our native populations. Various plant species will be available such as swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, coneflowers, goldenrods, asters, and sunflowers but come early for the best selection (while supplies last, the selection is subject to change). The plants will be sold in gallon pots (nursery trade).

• Cascade Park 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 458-5121

• Cassell Reservation 815 High Bridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089

Charlemont Reservation 48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, Ohio 44851

• Columbia Reservation 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028 (440) 236-3254

Briarwood Lodge: 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028

• Forest Hills Golf Course 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 323-2632

• French Creek Reservation

Burrell Homestead: 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

French Creek Nature Center: 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

Pine Tree Picnic Area: 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

• Indian Hollow Reservation

Sheldon Woods: 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

Royal Oaks: 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

• Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge 1211 West River Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 324-3713

• Kopf Family Reservation 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 387-8107

• Kipton Reservation

St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

• Lakeview Park 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052

• Miller Nature Preserve (440) 937-0764

Main Entrance/Conservatory: 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011

Avon Wetlands Trailhead: 35120 Riegelsberger Rd., Avon OH 44011

North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead: 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074

Gateway Trailhead: 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035

• The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

• Sandy Ridge Reservation

6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 (440) 327-3626

• Schoepfle Garden 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 (440) 965-7237

• Splash Zone 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059

• Vermilion River Reservation

51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 (440) 967-7310

• Wellington Reservation

535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 (440) 647-2509

Honor Roll

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Bloomfield

Chambers Family Trust

The Estate of Elsie Davis

Garden Club of North Ridgeville

PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County Silver Wheels Cycling Club

Adopt-A-Raptor

Karen Cassidy

Virginia Gurewicz

Gary Korzan

Andree Underwood

Gift was given in Memory of:

Jack Gluvna by:

Susan Bylica

Jamie Gluvna

Teodoro Raponi

Delores Bove

Germaine Gluvna

Judith Gluvna

Terence Hunady

Robert and Linda Navalinsky

John and Emily Stefan

Jeanne Wharton

The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, & corporations for their donations to the Lorain County Metro Parks be it through volunteer services, monetary gifts, or other. If you would like information about making a donation, please contact the Public Information Office at (440) 458-5121.

Anna Mae Zichi

Laverne Hunady

Maureen Norris

Janice, John, Johnny and Thomas O'Connor

Charlotte Herstek by:

Sandie Miles

Donna Hubbell by:

Judith White

Deanna Koepp

Andrew Vajentic

Pat Wilkinson

Susan and James Smith

Willam Kaatz by:

William Kaatz

James Koenig by:

Phillip and Ellen Schickel

The Babiaks

James Hanna

Mark and Elaine Kapusta

Jeannine LeScoezec by: Bluespring Wealth Group

FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS HIKING STICK PROGRAM FORM |

Name: Address: City: State: Phone: E-Mail:

Please check here if you have received a hiking stick in the past and only need a year pin.

Participants must participate in 10 hikes in 6 different reservations. Participants may choose from naturalist-‐led hikes, self-‐guided, or a combination of both, therefore staff signatures are no longer required. Please return your completed form no later than July 7, 2024 to: Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

(You can pick up your hiking stick/pin at Carlisle Visitor Center from Aug. 1-31. Pins will NO longer be mailed. Due to the overwhelming response to this program, we will not accept late entries.)

Jerry Malinar by: Branka Malinar

Dorothy McManus by:

Joe & Cheryl Hribar

Elaine Mocker by: Zachary Harris

Janet Ashbrook

G. A. Cooper

Kelly Fulmer

The Herb Guild Garden Club

Michael and Kathleen Sedmak

Douglas and Lola Toot

Robert Reynolds by: Phyllis Spears

Lowell Snider by:

Diane Carpenter

James "Poppy" Tapper by:

Cynthia Tapper

Brian and Ann Lander

Georgia Wintrick by: Joe & Cheryl Hribar

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., May 1 | 10-11 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

NAT CHAT HIKE

Wed., May 1 | 1-2 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks (Grafton)

WATER CROSSING SAFETY

Thur., May 2 | 5:30-7 pm

Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP

Fri., May 3 | 11 am-3 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

MAY PACK WALK

Fri., May 3 | 5:30-6:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

WATERFALL TREK

Sat., May 4 | 9-11:30 am

Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

HALE ROAD WETLAND HIKE

Sat., May 4 | 1-3:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

WALK THE RIVER HIKE

Sat., May 4 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

MAY PACK WALK

Sat., May 4 | 2-3:30 pm

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

FOREST IMMERSION WALK

Sun., May 5 | 10 am-12 pm

Wellington Reservation

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Mon., May 6 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., May 8 | 2-3 pm

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

HERO HIKE

Fri., May 10 | 10-11:30 am

Cascade Park (Elyria)

WATERFALL TREK

Fri., May 10 | 3-4:30 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

MORNING BIRDING HIKE

Sat., May 11 | 7:30-9:30 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

BIRDING HIKE

Sat., May 11 | 8:30-10:30 am

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

DOG MOM PACK WALK

Sat., May 11 | 10-11 am

Wellington Reservation

NATIVE FLOWERS HIKE

Sat., May 11 | 10-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

BIRDING HIKE

Sun., May 12 | 8:30-10:30 am

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Sun., May 12 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

BIRDING HIKE

Wed., May 15 | 9-11 am

Wellington Reservation

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., May 15 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

CARLISLE LONG HIKE

Wed., May 15 | 10 am-2 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond (LaGrange)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., May 15 | 2-3 pm

Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)

WILDLIFE APPRECIATION HIKE

Thur., May 16 | 2-4 pm

Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge (Col. Stn.)

OWL PROWL HIKE

Thur., May 16 | 7-8:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

MORNING BIRDING HIKE

Sat., May 18 | 7:30-9:30 am

Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)

DAY'S DAM LITTER CLEAN UP

Sat., May 18 | 9-11 am

Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)

SPRINGTIME SYMPHONY STROLL

Sat., May 18 | 2-3 pm

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

RIVERSIDE TRAIL CLEAN-UP

Sun., May 19 | 10-11 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

SOUNDS OF NATURE: SPRING

Sun., May 19 | 1-1:45 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., May 22 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

FULL MOON HIKE

Thur., May 23 | 8:30-10 pm

Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

FULL MOON HIKE

Thur., May 23 | 9:30-10:30 pm

Wellington Reservation

BIRDS IN SPRINGTIME HIKE

Sat., May 25 | 10-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

COLOR CLUES KIDS HIKE

Sat., May 25 | 11-11:30 am

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

BASICS OF COMPASS NAVIGATION

Mon., May 27 | 9 am-12 pm

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

AMPHIBIAN HIKE

Tue., May 28 | 2-3 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

MORNING BIRD WALK

Sat., June 1 | 9-11 am

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center (LaGrange)

NATURE DETECTIVES HIKE

Sat., June 1 | 10-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

CELEBRATE TRAILS HIKE

Sat., June 1 | 2-3 pm

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

NAT CHAT HIKE

Mon., June 3 | 1-2 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP

Tue., June 4 | 11 am-3 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

DRAGONFLY ID HIKE

Tue., June 4 | 1-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., June 5 | 10-11 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Wed., June 5 | 10 am-12 pm

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

PARK TRIVIA HIKE

Thur., June 6 | 10:30-11:30 am

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

HERO HIKE

Fri., June 7 | 10-11:30 am

Cascade Park (Elyria)

LATE SPRING HIKE

Sat., June 8 | 11 am-12 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

INSECT APPRECIATION HIKE

Sat., June 8 | 1:30-3 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

COFFEE WALK AND TALK

Sun., June 9 | 10:30-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

WATER CROSSING SAFETY

Mon., June 10 | 1-3 pm

Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

COFFEE WALK AND TALK

Tue., June 11 | 11 am-12 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

LOG ROLLING HIKE

Tue., June 11 | 2-3 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., June 12 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., June 12 | 2-3 pm

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

MORNING CASSELL HIKE

Sat., June 15 | 9-10 am

Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)

CREEPY CRAWLY CREATURES HIKE

Sat., June 15 | 10-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

DRAGONFLY ID HIKE

Tue., June 18 | 1-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., June 19 | 2-3 pm

Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)

COFFEE WALK AND TALK

Thur., June 20 | 11 am-12 pm

Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

SUMMER SOLSTICE PACK WALK

Thur., June 20 | 8-9 pm

Wellington Reservation

FULL MOON HIKE

Fri., June 21 | 9:30-10:30 pm

Wellington Reservation

CREEK STOMPING HIKE

Sun., June 23 | 1:30-2:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

DRAGONFLY ID HIKE

Tue., June 25 | 1-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

SOUNDS OF SUMMER HIKE

Wed., June 26 | 9-10 am

Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS

Wed., June 26 | 10-11 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

COFFEE WALK AND TALK

Wed., June 26 | 10:30-11:30 am

Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

LAST CALL H.S.P. HIKE

Fri., June 28 | 5:30-6:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

MEET THE TREES HIKE

Sat., June 29 | 10-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

LAST CHANCE WILDFLOWER HIKE

Sun., June 30 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

Outdoor

Recreation

with the Lorain County Metro Parks

PADDLING PROGRAMS

Registration for all paddling programs include a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and whistle. Suggested items to bring include Water, snack, a dry bag for your phone and car keys, sandals/water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for the weather

BEGINNER KAYAK/CANOE

Wednesdays, June 5, 12, and 19 | 5:30–7 pm

Wellington Reservation

Registration required | $15-$20/person

SUNSET GLOW PADDLE

Wednesdays, June 5, 12, and 19 | 8:30-10 pm

Wellington Reservation

Registration required | $15-$20/person

BIRDING BY KAYAK/RIVER KAYAKING

Sun., May 26 | 8-10 am/12-2 pm

French Creek Kayak Launch

(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)

Registration required | $15/person

BLACK RIVER CLEANUP PADDLE

Wed., May 29 & Tue., June 18 | 5:30-7:30 pm

French Creek Kayak Launch

(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)

Registration required | Free!

SUNRISE STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING

Mon., June 10 | 6-8 am

Century Park (1955 E. Erie Ave., Lorain)

Registration required | $15/person

PADDLE TRY-ITS

Sat., June 22 | 3-6 pm

Century Park (1955 E. Erie Ave., Lorain)

No registration required | Free!

KAYAKING AND COFFEE MAKING

Sat., June 29 | 8-10 am

French Creek Kayak Launch

(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)

Registration required | $15/person

GUIDED BIKE RIDE AND

Sat., May 11 |

North Coast Inland (Meet at Oberlin Depot, Registration required

SUNSET BIKE

Sat., May 18 | Thur., June 20

French Creek Kayak (located on Old Colorado near the Rt. 611 and Registration required

KIDS FISHING DERBIES

Registration required | $5/child (adults free)

Catch and release fishing tournament. Bring your own pole and tackle. If you do not have one poles will be provided on first come first serve basis. This program is for children aged 4- 15 and must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes for different age categories. If the adult fishes they must possess a valid Ohio fishing license.

SESSION 1

Wed., Jun. 5 | 9-11:30 am

Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area

SESSION 2

Wed., Jun. 12 | 9-11:30 am

Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area

SESSION 3

Wed., Jun. 19 | 9-11:30 am

Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks

OUTDOOR EXPEDITION

Sat., June 1 | 2–6 pm

Cascade Park

Registration required | $5/person Join us for an afternoon of outdoor recreation! friendly event will have activities for all ages! archery (ages 8 and up), bike rides (bike and for use), hike to the base of the West Falls, water filtering activity, playground, and spashpad. great way to learn about all the outdoor recreation County has to offer, and to enjoy a day of

BICYCLING RIDES

AND TRAILSIDE COFFEE

9 am–12 pm

Inland Trail Depot, 240 S. Main St., Oberlin) required | Free!

RIDES TO THE LAKE

7-9 pm | 7-9 pm

Kayak Launch Colorado Ave., Sheffield and Lake Breeze Rd. junction) required | Free!

lorain county metro parks

BOAT LIVERY Opening for the season!

Officially opens Saturday, May 25! Wellington Reservation 535 Jones Road, Wellington | (440) 458-5121

EXPEDITION DAY

Opening early Spring! Call clubhouse for opening date and course conditions!

Thur. - Mon., weekly (Closed Tue. & Wed) 10:00 am - 2:00 pm*

*Timeblocks: 10-11 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, 1-2 pm

Single Kayak: $15/hour

Tandem Kayak: $25/hour

Paddleboat: $5/hour per boat

Online registration is available and recommended as time blocks fill up quickly. Walk-up registration is also available, however it is not recommended due to limited availability and the opportunity for day-of online registration. Register online at: loraincountymetroparks.com/boat-livery

*NOTE: Higher price listed is total cost with cart rental included.

Opening for the season!

recreation! This familyages! Activities included: and helmet available Falls, bonfire and s’mores, spashpad. This is a recreation Lorain play! lorain county metro parks GOLF COURSES Forest Hills Golf Course 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria | (440) 323-2632 Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge 1211 West River Rd., Elyria | (440) 324-3713

Kids & Family

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING

Sat., June 22 | 10 am-1 pm*

*10-10:30 am: Sensory-friendly time

Carlisle Visitor Center

Free! | No registration required

TRUCKS TRACTORS AND TRAINS

EXPLORE lots of large vehicles! RIDE The Little Green Choo Train! DIG with buckets and shovels! MEET local heroes! CREATE arts and crafts! PLAY games! HAVE FUN with your family! Join the staff and vehicles of Lorain County Metro Parks as well as local agencies in this FREE, fun, familyfriendly event! See emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and more! Ride The Little Green Choo, meet first responders, and get up-close looks at their vehicles. A sensory-friendly version of this event will be held from 10-10:30 a.m. with no vehicle horns or lights. Refreshments will be available from the Friends of the Metro Parks!

Mothers in May CELEBRATE

MAKER SPACE WITH M.O.M. (mentors or moms)

Sun., May 12 | 2-4 pm

Cascade Park

$8/participant | Registration by 5/5 required

Celebrate your maternal mentor or mom with an afternoon of hands-on creativity and STEAM activities. We will construct some make-and-take projects and participate in lawn games. Plus, you can take a self-guided hike “Over the River and Through the Woods.” STEAM activities combine the traditional principles of science, technology, engineering, and math with a creative twist by adding the arts. Like a maternal mentor or mom, STEAM activities teach us to problem-solve creatively and use critical thinking skills to tackle any issues that arise!

MOTHER’S DAY TEA

Sun., May 12 | 1–2:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve

$5/participant | Registration by 5/9 required

Smokey Bear READING CHALLENGE

All programs free | Registration required Help Smokey Bear celebrate his 80th birthday! Lorain County Metro Parks is joining Lorain Public Library System in helping children learn about wildfires and the environment! Visit any one of the Lorain Public Libraries to pick up your Smokey Bear Reading Challenge packet and choose your books. Join Lorain County Metro Park naturalists at special nature programming that will help you earn your badges.

SMOKEY BEAR NATURE ADVENTURE HIKE

Thur., June 20 | 2-3 pm

Columbia Reservation, Shelter 1

SMOKEY BEAR PROGRAM

Tue., June 25 | 7-8 pm

Wellington Reservation

SMOKEY BEAR TREE EXPLORATION HIKE

Wed., June 26 | 2:30-3:30 pm

Columbia Reservation, Shelter 1

SMOKEY BEAR TRIVIA HIKE

Sat., June 29 | 1:30-2:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

SMOKEY BEAR NATURE ADVENTURE BADGE

Sun., July 14 | 1-2 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

MOTHER'S DAY TRAM RIDE

Sun., May 12 | 1-4 pm

Schoepfle Garden

Free! | No registration required

Celebrate Mother's Day with a cup of tea, a light snack, and a make and take craft! As a Mother's Day bonus, all moms get into the conservatory for free to celebrate Mother’s Day! All others pay just $2 admission.

MOTHER'S DAY MAKE-AND-TAKE TERRARIUM

Sun., May 12 | 1-1:45 pm

Carlisle Visitor Center

$20/participant | Registration by 5/5 required

Celebrate Mother's Day by making a beautiful living terrarium for yourself or a loved one. This workshop will have all the materials you need to create a beautiful keepsake!

Bring mom for a loop around the garden on her special day.

DOG MOM'S DAY PACK WALK

Sat., May 11 | 10-11 am

Wellington Reservation

Free! | No registration required

Celebrating National Dog Mom's Day, please join us with your leashed dog as we walk the paved Lakeside Loop trail. This is a great opportunity to exercise and socialize for both you and your pup!

BUTTERFLY HOUSE CAROUSEL CAFÉs

Opening for the season!

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day!

SUNSET CAFÉ ORCHID CAFÉ

Lakeview Park

1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain

Monday-Friday

11 am-2 pm

Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Rd., Avon

Tuesday-Friday

11 am-2 pm

Opening for the season! Opens on Friday, May 24!

Schoepfle Garden

11106 Market St., Birmingham (440) 965-7237

Runs May-September Wed., Thurs. & Sat. | 1 pm-4 pm Fri. | 10 am-12 pm

Free Admission!

The Carousel is located inside the musicallythemed Children's Garden at Schoepfle Garden. Tram

BLACK RIVER RESERVATION

Every Wednesday | 10 am - 12 pm

Departs from Day's Dam (Lorain) shelter

CASCADE PARK

Every Tuesday | 10 am - 12 pm

Departs from the Nature Center

KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION

1st & 3rd Monday of the month* | 5:30 - 7 pm (excluding holidays)

Departs from Avon Lake Public Library

SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION

Every Saturday & Sunday | 1-4 pm

Departs from out front of nature center

Opening for the season!

Open Father's Day to Labor Day!

Miller Nature Preserve

2739 Center Rd., Avon | (440) 937-0764

Open daily from 11 am - 3:30 pm

Free Admission!

More than 12,500 visitors stop by the Butterfly House at Miller Nature Preserve each year. This free attraction has allowed guests to get close to these spectacular pollinators for over twelve years. We invite you to come see these temporary residents flitting around, sunning themselves, feeding on a flower, or chasing another around playfully. Visitors can see butterfly species from within the United States, however, some tropical species can also be found.

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN

Every Sunday | 1 - 4 pm

Every Thursday | 10 am - 1 pm

Departs from out front of visitor center

WELLINGTON RESERVATION

May: Every Monday | 6 - 8 pm

Jun.: Every Saturday | 6 - 8 pm

Jul.: Every Wednesday | 10 am - 12 pm

Aug.: Every Tuesday | 9 - 11 am

Sept.: Every Sunday | 2 - 4 pm

Departs from out front of visitor center

History

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOCUSED ON CELEBRATING HISTORY AND CULTURE

For the residents of Lorain and Sandusky much of June 28, 1924 was a typical summer day. By day’s end, the skies darkened and a massive tornado swept through the communities, shaping the future of the lakefront towns.

Join Lorain County Metro Parks in collaboration with Lorain Historical Society and other local organizations to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Lorain tornado through programs, walking tours, movie showings and exhibits.

TORNADO COMMEMORATION EVENT

Fri., June 28 | 12 pm

Lakeview Park, Sunset Terrace

Free | No registration required

This remembrance event will honor the victims and survivors of the Lorain tornado.

LORAIN TORNADO COMMEMORATION POST CARD EXHIBIT

June 1-26 | 10 am-4:30 pm

French Creek Nature Center

Free | No registration required

Recognizing the historical nature of events, photographers arrived to capture Lorain’s devastation and monthslong recovery. Their photos would be used to produce dozens of post cards, some of which were sent across the country. This exhibit portrays some of those scenes and the impressions people had in the aftermath of that horrific day.

'ONE SATURDAY AFTERNOON' MOVIE SHOWING

Sat., June 8 & Sat., July 13 | 9:30-10:45 am

French Creek Nature Center

Free | No registration required

Hear the story of the Lorain/Sandusky Tornado through the voices of historians and survivors as they relive the day that forever changed the lives for two cities and their people. After the movie join Lorain Historical Society for guided walking tours in downtown Lorain. More information about the walking tours can be found online at LorainHistory.org.

LAKEVIEW PARK WALKING TOUR

Fri., June 28 | 1 pm

Lakeview Park (meet at the fountain)

Free | No registration required

Join a naturalist to discover the history of Lakeview Park. We will explore everything from the tornado to the rose garden and more.

Historical House Tours

BENJAMIN BACON HOUSE TOURS

Vermilion River Reservation

Sundays, May 5, 19, June 2, 16 | 1-3 pm

Free | Registration required

Tour the Benjamin Bacon Museum, a 1845 Greek Revival home built by the owner of the saw and grist mills once located in today's Mill Hollow park. Furnished with 19th century housewares, learn about life for the Bacon and other early settling families as you walk through the home. First floor is handicap accessible.

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS

Schoepfle Garden

Sundays, May 12 & June 9 | 11 am-12 pm

Free | No registration required

Get a tour of Otto Schoepfle's historic home of antiques and walk his 20 acres of garden to learn more about him and the plants he cared for (walking tour is optional).

SCHOEPFLE OPEN HOUSES

Schoepfle Garden

Saturdays, May 25 & June 22 | 10 am-12 pm

Free | No registration required

Tour Otto Schoepfle's historic home of antiques at your own pace during these open houses.

Nature

PROGRAMS CENTERED AROUND OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

Big Birding Weekend

May 11 & 12 | 6 am-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation

Free | No registration required

Join us at Sandy Ridge for hikes, room displays, and everything related to birds!

National Pollinator Week

Miller Nature Preserve

In celebration of 'National Pollinator Week' a variety of pollinator-themed programs will be offered at Miller Nature Preserve this week! Some programs require registration by a certain date and are weather dependent, please read each program description closely.

CELEBRATE POLLINATOR CRAFTS

Tue., June 18 | 10 am-4:30 pm

Free | No registration required

Buzz by the lobby to pick-up a pollinator craft kit to take-n-make at home, craft is free, first come first served, while supplies last.

KIDS POLLINATOR STROLL

Wed., June 19 | 11-11:30 am & 3-3:30 pm

Free | Registration required

Learn about pollinators as we look & listen for them during a fun, kid-friendly scavenger hunt stroll thru our pretty garden.

BUTTERFLY HOUSE STORY TIME

Thur., June 20 | 10-11 am

Free | Registration required

Avon Library staff will be sharing a special story time at Miller Nature Preserve! Afterwards, join MNP staff in the Butterfly House to learn more about and observe butterflies up-close!

GARDENING FOR POLLINATORS

Thur., June 20 | 3-3:45 pm

Free | Registration required

Learn and see first-hand how to easily create a pollinator-friendly garden in your own backyard as you tour our gardens and visit the Butterfly House.

Silly ScieNce

All programs are free | Registration required

Let’s get crazy, let’s have fun! Join a naturalist to learn about different aspects of nature and science through fun hands-on messy experiments. Each month will bring a new theme, new experiment, and new fun! For ages 2-5 with an adult companion. Please register child only.

Sun., June 2 | 9:30-10:30 am

French Creek Nature Center

Tue., June 11 | 9:30-10:30 am

Cascade Park

LORAINCOUNTY METROPARKS

HERB FAIR HERB FAIR

Vermilion River Reservation

HERB FAIR

Thur., June 20 | 9:30-10:30 am

Columbia Reservation

Mon., June 24 | 9:30-10:30 am

Kopf Family Reservation (Avon Public Library)

Sat., Apr. 27 | 10 am-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

Free to attend | No registration required

With the beautiful Mill Hollow scenery as a backdrop, enjoy a fair featuring a variety of vendors selling homegrown herbs, plants, handmade décor, body products, and food items. The perfect event to shop for your gardens and homes as well as for unique, made-in-Ohio gifts for Mother’s Day, graduation, and that special someone! Stick around after shopping to grab lunch from local food vendors!

PICTURED: Yellow Warbler, courtesy of Gary A. Korzan

Cultural Arts

DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY

-LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS-

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION

Sunday Evenings | 6:00 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater

June 9 | Cloud9CLE (Classic & Contemporary Rock)

June 16 | The Goods (90's Alternative Rock)

June 23 | Ronnie Clinton (Americana)

June 30 | Summer of '65 (Tribute to the 1960's)

July 7 | Polka Pirates (Polka)

July 14 | Cats on Holiday (Louisiana-inspired Rock/Roots/Zydeco)

July 21 | Backstreet Blues Band (Blues/Country/Rock)

July 28 | Jim Gill (Soft Rock)

Aug. 4 | Kristine Jackson (Blues)

Aug. 11 | Jam Machine (70's & 80's Rock)

LAKEVIEW PARK

Every other Thursday Evening* | 6:00 pm

*No concert on July 4. Additional concert on Aug. 10

Lakeview Park (Lorain)

June 6 | Men of Steele (Classic Rock)

June 20 | Bethany Joy (Indie Soul/Jazz)

July 18 | Backspin Horns & Rhythm (Pop Swing)

Aug. 1 | The Big North Band (Country)

Aug. 10** | Scott Sopata (Island - Steel Drums)

**Special Saturday Beach Fest Concert

Aug. 15 | Dirty Little Blues Band (Blues)

Aug. 29 | The RayBans (Island, Contemp., Motown)

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE

Every other Thursday Evening | 6:00 pm

Miller Nature Preserve patio (Avon)

June 13 | Michelle Romary Trio (Indie Pop/Rock)

June 27 | Front Porch Jammin (Country/Rock/Blues)

July 11 | Cloud9CLE (Classic & Contemporary Rock)

July 25 | Island Song (Island/Classic Rock/Country)

Aug. 8 | Tweed (Celtic & Contemporary Folk)

Aug. 22 | Ronnie Clinton (Americana)

LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COLLABORATION WITH FRENCH CREEK THEATRE

North Pointe Ballet presents PETER PAN: BALLET

Fri., May 17 | 7:00 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Free to attend

Enjoy the summer with a Ballet in the Park. French Creek Theatre again partners with North Pointe Ballet to present their interpretation of the age-old story, “Peter Pan”. Meet us in Neverland with Wendy, Peter, and Tinker Bell as they discover that staying young is a matter of the heart.

French Creek Theatre presents Shakespeare in the Park MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

May 31-June 2 | Fri. & Sat.: 6 pm and Sun.: 2 pm

Bacon Woods Amphitheater, Vermilion River Reservation

Free to attend

This comedy includes two quite different stories of romantic love. Hero and Claudio fall in love almost at first sight, but an outsider strikes out at their happiness. Beatrice and Benedick are kept apart by pride and mutual antagonism until others decide to play Cupid. As these silly characters fall in and out of love, the audience will laugh and be frustrated.

-LAKEVIEW P ARKSUMMER CONCERT SERIES