Ho ho ho! Visit with Santa, check out our light displays, and travel back in time at Old-Fashioned Holiday this December! A complete listing of the park district's many holiday programs inside! | Pgs. 5-8
ADOPT-A-RAPTOR
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Why not consider donating towards the care of the birds at Carlisle Reservation's Raptor Center? More info inside! | Pg. 12
James E. Ziemnik
2024 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:
Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Chairman
Joseph E. Hribar • Vice Chairman
Kenneth M. Lieux • Commissioner
James Walther • Probate Court Judge
• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation 913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001
On Thursday, September 19, 2024 the Lorain County Metro Parks took part, for the third year, in The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Connect to a Cause. This event is an annual 12-hour fundraising competition that enables community members to donate directly to the local charities of their choice.
Through the generous donations from our community, the Lorain County Metro Parks received $7,631. Funding will be used to benefit Miller Nature Preserve's Butterfly House.
We truly appreciate the generosity of our donors and the support we received through this endeavor. Thank you!
Booking starts November 1, 2024 for February field trip dates
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (Sugar Shack)
As the winter snows begin to melt and the sap starts to run in the maple trees, you know it’s Maple Sugaring time! Are you looking for a unique field trip opportunity for your school or homeschool group? Visit Carlisle Reservation’s Sugar Bush and Sugar Shack for an educational Maple Sugaring program for your Pre-K to grade 2 students. Take a hike through the sugar bush to see sap production in action. Then you’ll head to the Sugar Shack where we will explore the science behind how the sap becomes syrup. Field trip registration will open on November 1, 2024. To register, complete a Program Registration Form online at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS ALSO AVAILABLE!
The Maple Sugaring program is also available to the public! Stay tuned to our next issue of the Arrowhead for more information on how you can come visit the sugar bush and explore the exciting process of turning sap to syrup!
Honor Roll
Kim Backus Sarag Buzas
Alex Figueroa & Lizz Labutta
Lois & Craig Koehler
The Serio Family Catawba Island Garden Club
Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperativ
Lorain Public Library System
P.C. Campana, Inc.
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.
Gift given in Honor/Memory of:
In memory of George F. Balogh by: Daniel and Gale Wenger
In memory of Matthew Castillo
In memory of Gary Edwards by: The children of Gary Edwards
In memory of Patricia Fowler by: Bruce & Mark Fowler
In memory of Rachel E. Liguzinski by: Rachel Buck Ohio Embalmers Association Anonymous
In memory of Eileen R. Lindsay by: Friends of Eileen R. Lindsay
Adopt-A-Raptor
Black River Audubon Society Greg Dore
Educational opportunities
VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES OFFERED FROM THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
SCOUT BADGE PROGRAMS
Does your troop want to earn a Girl Scout badge with a nature expert? Join a naturalist for a badge program at the Lorain County Metro Parks! All programs will include a hike and hands-on activities. Badges are included with every program. Various program topics are available to Girl Scouts from grades K through 10 and typically last about 90 minutes in length. To register for a badge program, complete the Girl Scout requested program form on our scout badge webpage at: loraincountymetroparks.com/scout-badge-programs
Programs are designed for Girl Scouts exclusively. Troop Leaders and adults within the ratio are free of charge. Additional adults and siblings are
center while their scouts participate in programming. Most programs take 1.5 hours to complete. Each program allows a
Eco Learners
Daisies (Grades K-1)
Available year-round
$8/scout
Play wildlife games, meet a live animal ambassador, learn to keep living things safe as you hike and see what “unnatural” items we can find along the trail.
Trees
Cadettes (Grades 6-8)
Available year-round
$8/scout
Learn the parts of a tree, be able to identify tree species by certain characteristics, and explore the connection between trees and humans.
Hiker
Brownies (Grades 2-3)
Available year-round
$8/scout
This naturalist-led program includes hiking basics, opportunities to practice your nature observation skills, and putting together a healthy snack to have on the trail!
Paddling
Cadettes (Grades 6-8) & Seniors (Grades 9-10)
Available year-round
$20/scout
Learn the basic skills of kayaking. This includes fitting your life jacket, entering the water, different paddle strokes, and learning how to re-enter your kayak if you capsize.
LITTLE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Free | Registration required (child only)
Learn to navigate nature as a little explorer! Each month we learn about a different nature topic geared towards encouraging little minds (ages 3 to 5) to explore the outside world. Receive a little explorer passport and get stamps as you attend future programs.
TREES
Sat., Nov. 16 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation
ANIMALS IN WINTER
Sat., Dec. 21 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation
Animal Habitats
Juniors (Grades 4-5)
Available year-round
$8/scout
Learn what a habitat is, see what animals live in them, meet a live animal ambassador and better understand the importance of keeping these habitats safe for animals.
Archery
Cadettes (Grades 6-8) & Seniors (Grades 9-10)
Available Spring, Summer, & Fall
$20/scout
Learn the basic skills of archery, as well as the safety skills of an archery range. Once you have the skills down, you will try your luck at getting a bullseye!
GARDEN SPROUTS
Free | Registration required (child only)
Join us for a nature-based program series created specifically for preschoolers. Each program will have a nature- or seasonal-inspired theme and incorporate some of these educational & playful ways for your lil' sprouts to learn & grow!
WINTER PREPARATIONS
Tue., Nov. 12 | 10:30-11:15 am
Miller Nature Preserve
REASONS FOR SEASONS
Thur., Dec. 12 | 10:30-11:15 am
Miller Nature Preserve
Holiday Happenings
OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY
Sat., Dec. 7 & Sun., Dec. 8 | 3:00-7:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
$3/person | Registration required by 12/4
Get in the holiday spirit with some oldfashioned fun-for-the-whole-family at Vermilion River Reservation! Step back-intime to the 1860’s as you tour the candlelit Benjamin Bacon House Museum where members of the Brownhelm Historical Association portray Brownhelm residents celebrating the holidays. Outside the Bacon House, by the warmth of their campfire, enjoy visiting with re-enactors as they cook and share Bacon and Brownhelm history. Go on a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through Mill Hollow’s pretty, wintry backdrop and relax & roast treats around outdoor firepits (while supplies last). Continue the holiday festivities inside the cozy Carriage Barn where The Friends of Metro Parks will be selling light refreshments (cash only) and listen to live music as you enjoy the warmth and glow of our grand fireplace and 14-foot tall Christmas tree.
The program fee includes one carriage ride and the museum tour. Pre-register EACH person in your group for a 12-minute museum tour time-block (limit of 12 people per tour). No walk-ins; pre-register by 12/4 at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. On event day, please check in at the Carriage Barn Lobby, where you will receive your Carriage Ride ticket to be used either before or after your scheduled Museum Tour. Outside activities are weather dependent. For questions, contact the Carriage Barn at 440-967-7310.
Elf Toy Workshop
Sun., Dec. 8 | 2:00-4:00 pm
Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center
$15/child (under 3 free) | Registration required by 12/6
This special holiday event allows children to learn how to build toys from the experts- Santa’s elves! Each child makes three toys from the instruction of Santa’s elves and is able to write a letter to Santa to be taken back to the North Pole. At the end of the event cookies and cocoa are served. The cost is $15 per child (ages 3-12). Please register ONLY the child, not the adult caregiver who will be attending with the child. Please limit one caregiver per child. We are allowing one caregiver per child so that each child can have an adult supervising and assisting them with the building of their toys.
This seasonal celebration finds the girls, Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy entertaining at the 1968 holiday party for Harper’s Hardware. The Wonderettes transform the hardware store into a magical winter wonderland but when Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! Tickets are available now at: loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre or by phone at (440) 949-5200. Guests who require ADA compliant seating must call French Creek Theatre Box Office and reserve a seat over the phone.
Holiday Happenings
SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT
WALKING TRAIL, REFRESHMENTS, ACTIVITIES: Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., DRIVE-THROUGH: Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Road, LaGrange
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays – Sundays
Fri., November 29 – Sun., December 22, 2024
Free* | No registration required *We ask visitors to bring one, nonperishable food item to be donated to Second Harvest Food
Join us at Carlisle Reservation this festive season for our annual Holiday Lights display! The event runs from November 29 through December 22, weekly Wednesday through Sunday. This event is held at TWO locations - the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Road and the Carlisle Center, 12882 Diagonal Road in LaGrange.
The Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center (13630 Diagonal Rd.) hosts the drive-through portion of this festive event. This mile-long drive through our classic lighted features such as Santa’s castle and the carousel. NEW this year are even more lights and new features that can be seen from the of your vehicle.
In addition to the drive-through, other displays can be viewed at the Carlisle Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd.). The Children’s Nature Discovery festively decorated for your family to walk along and enjoy the crisp early winter weather Wednesday-Saturday evenings. On Sundays during the event 5:30-9:00 p.m. the Little Green Choo runs on the trail. While walkers are not permitted along the trail on Sundays during the event, all are welcome the Little Green Choo.
There are cookies, hot chocolate, popcorn, etc. available for purchase inside the Black River Room, courtesy of the Friends of the Metro Parks. We also “Wildlife Giving Tree” at the Carlisle Visitor Center with items needed to care for the animals of Carlisle and other LCMP facilities. As always, outdoor programs are weather dependent. Please call ahead the day of the program in case of inclement weather or high wind advisories. more information, please call (440) 458-5121 or visit www.loraincountymetroparks.com.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS ACTIVITIES:
LITTLE GREEN CHOO RIDES
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Sundays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22
Children’s Nature Discovery Trail, Carlisle Visitor Center
SANTA NIGHTS
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12, & 19
Carlisle Visitor Center
BALLOON TWISTING
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11, & 18
Carlisle Visitor Center
SANTA SHOP
Courtesy of Friends of the Metro
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Fridays & Saturdays
Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 &
Carlisle Visitor Center
LaGrange
Holiday Lights Sponsors
Join us in acknowledging our amazing sponsors of this year’s Holiday Lights!
Holiday Events at the Lake
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE
Nov. 30 - Jan. 8 | Dusk-9:00 pm
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Free | No registration required
Food Bank
weekly from Carlisle Visitor
through features the comfort
Discovery Trail is event from welcome aboard
also host a advisories. For
Experience a FREE lakefront drive-thru lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park! Enjoy “Lights on the Lake” with classic holiday scenes, festive décor, and thousands of twinkling lights spanning this 26-acre park. This after-hours event is intended for drive-through only. You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 9 p.m. each night.
SANTA NIGHTS AT THE LAKE
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 8, 11, & 20 | 5:00-7:00 pm
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Free | No registration required
Celebrate the holiday season with this annual favorite! Drive through Lakeview Park to see all the magical light displays and visit with Santa at one of our Santa Nights inside the Sunset Terrace for some hot chocolate, cookie decorating, crafts, and a photo opportunity!
ACTIVITIES:
Parks & 21
Black River Audubon Society, Buckeye Community Bank, Leadership Lorain County, Lorain Public Library System, and Republic Services
Join Santa for a Holiday-fun-filled afternoon at Lakeview Park! Tickets include a pasta bar lunch, cookie decorating, one family photo with Santa, craft, and activities for kids. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call 440-458-5121 for tickets and info.
LORAIN COUNTY
Holiday Happenings
SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT
‘WHIMSICAL HOLIDAY’ DISPLAY
Nov. 29 - Dec. 30 | 10:00 am-5:00 pm, daily
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
$2/person (under 3 free)
Celebrate the holiday season with a visit to Miller Nature Preserve's 'Whimsical Holiday' - a seasonal display set within and outside the Conservatory!
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Sat., Dec. 7 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Henry’s Barn (Oberlin)
Free for attendees
$20 to rent a vendor space
Join us at Henry’s Barn the first weekend of December for our annual Winter Craft Fair! Shop for all of your holiday gifts and support local vendors during our one-day, family-friendly event. We will have handmade, crafted goods of all kinds for you to purchase. Get in the spirit of the holiday season with us!
‘WHIMSICAL HOLIDAY’ PROGRAMS
SANTA LUNCH
Sat., Dec. 7 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
$20: ages 10+
$15: ages 3-9
Free: ages 2 and under Registration by 11/30 required
Enjoy breakfast, games and activities inside the 'Iconic Holiday' Conservatory display, and a photo oppportunity with Santa! The entry fee includes access to the Conservatory's 'Whimsical Holiday' themed seasonal display. Bring along a camera or phone for the photo op!
COOKIE DECORATING WITH SANTA
Thur., Dec. 19 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Splash Zone
$8/person ($3 discount for SZ members)
Registration required
Cookie decorating fun at Splash Zone with Santa! Each child will get four cookies to decorate, followed by family swim time in the back pool!
Children under 8 will need an adult in the water with them.
Night Tree
Wed., Dec. 6 | 5-6 pm or 7-8 pm
Henry’s Barn (Oberlin)
$3/person
Join us for a new holiday tradition where we will hear the story, Night Tree, by Eve Bunting then make ornaments made of food for wildlife. We will hike outside to find and decorate our very own Night Tree then head back to the barn for hot cocoa and cookies. Pre-register by Monday, December 4. Cost is only $3 per person!
SANTA'S WHIMSICAL HOLIDAY PARTY
Fri., Dec. 13 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
$5/person (under 3 free)
Registration by 12/9 required
Stop by for games and activities both indoors and out including lighted scenes among the garden beds, holiday movies and songs, and a hot chocolate bar in the Orchid Room! The entry fee includes access to the Conservatory's 'Whimsical Holiday' themed seasonal display. Bring along a camera or phone for a photo opportunity with Santa!
SANTA SCAVENGER HUNT
Sun., Dec. 22 | 10 am-3 pm
French Creek Nature Center
Free | No registration required
The hunt for Santa's gift bag begins! Drop-in to French Creek Nature Center for a Santa Scavenger Hunt where you'll search through the Nature Center and one of our trails looking for Santa and some of his magical friends. Find all the items and win a prize from Santa's gift bag!
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS at MILLER NATURE PRESERVE
Miller Nature Preserve Gift Memberships are available for purchase at the Nature Nook Gift Shop! For $10, your gift provides your guest unlimited visits to the Conservatory for 12 full months from the date of activation. Are you searching for a special gift for those near and dear this holiday season? Check out the latest assortment of gifts available through Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc., on your next visit to Miller Nature Preserve!
Seasonal Programs
THANKSGIVING STORIES & SNACKS
Tue., Nov. 12 | 10:00-11:00 am
Wellington Reservation Free | Registration by 11/11 required
Join us in the Wellington Reservation Visitor Center Meeting Room on Tuesday, November 12 as we listen to a few Thanksgiving-themed stories and enjoy a snack. Please pre-register the child participant only. The adult guardian does not need to register.
TURKEY SCAVENGER HUNT AND CRAFT
Sat., Nov. 23 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham Free
Hunt the garden for clues to a turkey riddle and kids make a turkey craft. Pre-register child participants only by November 21.
HARVEST PARTY
Wed., Nov. 27 | 9:30 am-1:30 pm
Splash Zone
$8/child ($3 discount for SZ members)
Need time to get things ready for the big day?
Have your child join us for a few hours of fun. Please pack a lunch and bring swimsuit and towel. Age range: ages 6-12.
INDOOR THANKSGIVING
Sun., Nov. 24 | 9 am (doors open at 8:30 am) Splash Zone
TRIATHLON
$30/person ($5 discount for SZ members) | Registration required
Join us for our first annual Indoor Thanksgiving Triathlon. Participants have 30 minutes to ride a stationary bike, 30 minutes to run on the indoor track and 30 minutes to swim. Registration is required. Ages 12 and up.
Learn how to paint, step-by-step, amongst friends at this NEW Paint & Sip event at Miller Nature Preserve! Each participant is supplied with all the materials required to complete their project. Painting smock or apron recommended.
A light snack is provided; other pre-packaged items and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. This program is for those 21 and over.
The November session will include a painting of a pumpkin on 10" square pallet wood sign while the December session will feature a a painting of a snowman on a canvas.
Take a Hike!
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES
FAMILY NATURE WALK
Sat., Nov. 2 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Nov. 3 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
BACON WOODS STROLL
Tue., Nov. 5 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Nov. 5 | 10:30-11:30 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Tue., Nov. 5 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
NATURE IN NOVEMBER
Tue., Nov. 5 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WATERFOWL HIKE
Wed., Nov. 6 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Nov. 10 | 10:30-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Mon., Nov. 11 | 1:30-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)
WATERFOWL HIKE
Wed., Nov. 13 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
WALK AND TALK
Wed., Nov. 13 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
NATURE IN NOVEMBER
Wed., Nov. 13 | 2:30-3:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Nov. 14 | 9:00-10:00 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
ICON
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Thur., Nov. 14 | 10:30-11:30 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
NATURE IN NOVEMBER
Thur., Nov. 14 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station)
FULL MOON HIKE
Fri., Nov. 15 | 4:30-6:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
FULL MOON HIKE
Fri., Nov. 15 | 6:00-8:00 pm
Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
CASSELL FALL HIKE
Sat., Nov. 16 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)
WETLAND WANDERINGS
Sun., Nov. 17 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Wetlands (Avon)
WINTER WONDERS SCAV. HUNT
Sun., Nov. 17 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Nov. 19 | 9:00-10:00 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
NATURE IN NOVEMBER HIKE
Tue., Nov. 19 | 10:30-11:30 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Tue., Nov. 19 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
WATERFOWL HIKE
Wed., Nov. 20 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Wed., Nov. 20 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
WALK AND TALK
Wed., Nov. 20 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Wed., Nov. 20 | 2:30-3:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
LATE FALL SCAVENGER HUNT
Thur., Nov. 21 | 10:00-11:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
TALKIN' TURKEYS!
Sat., Nov. 23 | 1:30-3:00 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
COOPERS LOOP TRAIL HIKE
Sat., Nov. 23 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
PRE-TURKEY PACK WALK
Wed., Nov. 27 | 5:00-6:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Dec. 1 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WATERFOWL HIKE
Wed., Dec. 4 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Dec. 5 | 9:00-10:00 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Thur., Dec. 5 | 10:30-11:30 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
END OF FALL HIKE
Thur., Dec. 5 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
FAMILY NATURE WALK
Sat., Dec. 7 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Dec. 8 | 10:30-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)
BACON WOODS STROLL
Tue., Dec. 10 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Dec. 10 | 10:00-11:00 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
END OF FALL HIKE
Tue., Dec. 10 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WATERFALL HIKE
Tue., Dec. 10 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WALK AND TALK
Wed., Dec. 11 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WETLAND WANDERINGS
Wed., Dec. 11 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Wetlands (Avon)
FULL MOON HIKE
Sat., Dec. 14 | 6:00-8:00 pm
Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
FULL MOON HIKE
Sun., Dec. 15 | 5:00-6:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Dec. 17 | 9:00-10:00 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
END OF FALL HIKE
Tue., Dec. 17 | 10:30-11:30 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Tue., Dec. 17 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Av. Lk.)
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Wed., Dec. 18 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
WALK AND TALK
Wed., Dec. 18 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WINTER WANDERINGS
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
WINTER HIKING PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 1, 2024 - MARCH 1, 2025
Wander the Lorain County Metro Parks this winter and earn the Winter Wanderings button! Enjoy the winter season on 10 hikes in at least 5 different parks between November 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025. The naturalist staff have been busy planning hikes that will encourage you to get out and discover how special the winter season in the Lorain County Metro Parks truly is. So, zip up your winter coat, pull on your winter boots and join us for the NEW Winter Wanderings program! Participants may choose from naturalist led hikes, self-guided or a combination of both, therefore, staff signatures are not required. Please return your completed form no later than March 10, 2025 to any of the following locations: Miller Nature Preserve (Avon), French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village), Mill Hollow Carriage Barn (Vermilion), or Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange). Buttons will be available when you drop off your completed form.
END OF FALL HIKE
Wed., Dec. 18 | 2:30-3:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WINTER SOLSTICE PACK WALK
Sat., Dec. 21 | 9:00-10:00 am
Wellington Reservation
WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE
Sat., Dec. 21 | 9:00-10:30 am
Indian Hollow Res., Sheldon Woods (Grafton)
WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE
Sat., Dec. 21 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
NIGHT SKY HIKE
Sun., Dec. 22 | 6:00-7:30 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
ARTEMIS
LUNA
MOODY SWOOPS
Eastern Screech-Owl
Interested in helping wildlife? Then consider adopting a raptor at the Lorain County Metro Parks Raptor Center! Your tax-deductible donation, designated to the raptor of your choice, contributes directly to the cost of food, veterinary care, and other needs. In return, you receive detailed information about your adopted bird and the Raptor Center, as well as corresponding level “Thank You” items. To Adopt-A-Raptor, choose one to sponsor and select your adoption level from the list below.
ADOPT-A-RAPTOR INFORMATION
PENNY
ADOPT-AAPTOR
LORAIN
COUNTY METRO PARKS
Adoptions are valid for a period of one year. The term “adoption” does not imply ownership rights to individuals participating in the Adopt-A-Raptor program. You may visit your adopted bird and the Raptor Center any time during regular open hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Please remember that the raptors, like all living creatures, may become sick or pass away during your adoption period. If this should happen, the term of your adoption will be transferred to the care of another bird at the facility.
Visit LorainCountyMetroParks.com/raptor-center for more info and to find the link to the Raptor Center Amazon Wish List.
• Adoption Certificate
• Letter from your bird
• Parents’ Board Certificate
• All the perks of $25 adoption level plus:
• Natural History Card
• Adopt-A-Raptor Magnet
ADOPTION LEVELS
• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus:
• 8” x 10” Photo of Bird
• Window Decal*
• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus:
• 8” x 10” Photo of Bird
• Spiral Notebook with pen*
*One-on-one photo opportunity with Luna the Barn Owl held by a Naturalist in an outdoor setting.
PLEASE NOTE: All Adopt-A-Raptor forms MUST BE postmarked or dropped off no later than December 12th to ensure delivery by December 25th!
Donor Name:
If a gift, name of recipient:
Address (where to send packet):
Phone Number:
(where donor can be reached)
E-Mail Address:
(to be added to Raptor Center mailing list for periodic updates):
• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus:
• Window Decal*
• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Personalized Photo Opportunity*
• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus:
• Spiral Notebook with pen*
• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Personalized Photo Opportunity*
• Free Carlisle Room (at CVC) rental for four hours
• Personal Bird of Prey program with Naturalist Staff for your group at time of rental
Name of Raptor(s) chosen:
Adoption Level(s):
Total Check amount:
I am a returning Adopt-A-Raptor parent and wish to forgo receiving the information packet & items again. You will still be recognized on the Adopt-A-Raptor Parents’ Board.
Send form and make checks payable to:
Lorain County Metro Parks 12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange, OH 44050
