Arrowhead - July/August 2020

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

July-August 2020 | Volume 60, Number 4

YOURS TO EXPLORE BOX The inaugural 'Yours to Explore Box' was enjoyed by many families throughout the county! Learn all about this package of exciting activities inside! | Pg. 4

FUN FOR KIDS This re-imagined issue of the Arrowhead features some amazing activities and some fun word puzzles for kids! | Pgs. 6, 7, & 12

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Park Updates 2 Make a Difference 3 Yours to Explore 4&5 Kids & Family 6&7 Nature Nearby 8 Conservation 9 Cultural Arts 10 Healthy Lorain County 11 Activities 12

James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2020 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: Kenneth M. Lieux • Chairman Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Vice Chairman Joseph E. Hribar • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

(440) 458-5121

Park Updates COVID-19 UPDATE The world is in a strange state of evolution as we start to see the reopening of our state. As restrictions are lifted, the Lorain County Metro Parks will continue to move forward with caution and in accordance with instructions from state and local health officials. The parks remain a hot spot of activity as everyone continues to take advantage of nature nearby. Park visitors come to enjoy much-needed physical activity as well as for the mental and emotional benefits.

As the parks begin the steps for reopening, we ask that all visitors remain patient as we navigate this new normal. Programs will be limited to a group of 10 or less. Participants must maintain a social distance of 6 feet

from others. Face masks are strongly recommended. Everyone must abide by all recommended sanitation protocols, including frequent hand washing. If you are sick, you will not be permitted to attend/participate. A refund will be processed in full for any cancellations related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. These requirements were implemented out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our visitors and staff.

Please watch our website and social media pages for the latest in updates and information regarding our response to the COVID-19 situation.

L O R A I N C O U N T Y M E T R O PA R K S L O C AT I O N S & F A C I L I T I E S : • Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001

• Amherst HealthPlex

Equestrian Center/ Nielsen Observatory:

French Creek Nature Center:

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

• North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead:

13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 984-3470 Pine Tree Picnic Area: 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Gateway Trailhead: 4951 French Creek Rd., • Black River Reservation (440) 458-5121 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 324-5481 • Charlemont Reservation • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: • Indian Hollow Reservation Bur Oak: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 New London, Ohio 44851 Royal Oaks: Days Dam: • Columbia Reservation 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626 Ohio 44028 High Meadows: • Kopf Family Reservation • Schoepfle Garden (440) 236-3254 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 32649 Electric Blvd., 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 Briarwood Lodge: Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 387-8107 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 • Splash Zone Ohio 44028 • Kipton Reservation 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 • Carlisle Reservation • F orest Hills Golf Course St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059 (440) 458-5121 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., • L akeview Park • V ermilion River Reservation Carlisle Visitor Center: Elyria, Ohio 44035 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 323-2632 (440) 967-7310 • Miller Nature Preserve Duck Pond Picnic Area: • F rench Creek Reservation 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 • Wellington Reservation 12550 Diagonal Rd., Burrell Homestead: (440) 937-0764 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 647-2509 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

2

Make a Difference GET INVOLVED WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Due to limitations on gathering sizes and also out of an abundance of caution and care, the Lorain County Metro Parks has had to ask our dedicated group of volunteers to remain at home these last few months. The support we at the parks receive from the volunteers is abundant. We realize that many of the programs we provide would be greatly diminished without their continued help. So, during this time, when your absence is deeply apparent, we want to say “Thank You Volunteers� for all of the work that you do. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Honor Roll Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County Jacob Groshek and Family, Avon Dr. Laurie Hommema, Columbus Little Lighthouse Learning Center, Lorain

Adopt-A-Raptor Andy Shullick, Lorain Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville

Gift was given in Honor of:

Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by Parsons & Van de Voort Insurance Agency

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 was given in Memory of:

James F. Blaser by Joseph Batcha, Lorain James F. Blaser by Doris Lyle, Amherst James F. Blaser by Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda, Amherst James F. Blaser by Ellen Skinner, Westlake James F. Blaser by Joyce Towner, Lorain James F. Blaser by Jean Wingate, Amherst Jean E. Kennedy by Gregg & Candice Rolfsmeyer, Solana Beach, CA John Thomson by Joe and Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Jill and David Harmych, Amherst Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Vermilion Elementary 3rd Grade Teachers Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Burton and Barbara Vilagi, Amherst Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Mark and Kellie Hollen, Wellington Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Glenn and Pat Owen, Avon Richard "Dick" Wiegand by Dolores Wiegand, Wellington Richard and Ethel Wiegand by Tim, Gail, Paul and Ariel Wiegand, Merrimack, NH

3

Yours to Explore T RA I L F E AT U R E :

BIG WOODS TRAIL

FR E NCH CR E E K RESERVATI ON

Are you looking for a tried and true trail designed for a variety of recreational uses? The Big Woods Trail offers those who visit the French Creek Reservation in Sheffield Village a 1.5-mile continuous loop which encircles the Pine Tree Picnic PICTURED: View of the Sugar Creek (above) Area’s shelters, restrooms, and playground and acts as a central and Garder snake in the grass (below right). connector to the rest of the reservation’s trail spurs. Its level, maintained crushed limestone surface, makes it widely accessible to users throughout all seasons of the year. Offering scenic views of the Fish and Sugar Creeks, this trail supports those seeking out opportunities for recreation and fitness, nature exploration, and wildlife observation as it meanders through oak-hickory dominant forests left to mature since the land was protected as a park in the 1960s. A bonus, unimproved extension, of the Big Woods Trail offers an additional 0.75 miles of natural trail complete with a shady canopy, moist soils, seasonal wildflowers, and fungi – best used outside of periods of prolonged rain in the spring. Be sure to check out the Big Woods Trail on your next visit to the French Creek Reservation!

YOURS TO EXPLORE BOX The inaugural activity box designed for kids and families featured a "Backyard Explorers" theme and was enjoyed by dozens of Lorain County box residents. The box includes supplies and activity guides for endless Summer fun! Make sure you don't miss out on the July edition as supplies are limited!

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for info!

NEXT MONTH’S BOX:

4

HERE COMES THE SUN Featuring sun and summer fun activities!

Bigfoot Sightings!

Keep your eyes open for Bigfoot as you navigate all of the LCMP trails.

If you happen to spot him, snap a picture and share on social media with #LCMPBigFoot. Careful not to spoil the fun and keep his location a secret!

Green Lawn

DO THIS, NOT THAT FOR A HEALTHY “GREEN” YARD

We all want a beautiful yard, but we also want to take care of our environment.

While it’s not always easy, here are a few ways to keep a “green” greener lawn.

Raise the mower blades. Grass at a minimum height of 3-3 ½ inches provides less room for weeds to germinate and retains more moisture. Plus, keep your blades sharp for clean cuts for less damage and healthier grass.

Don’t bag grass clippings; instead, mulch the cuttings back into the lawn to retain moisture and nutrients. You can also apply a compost and topsoil mix in the spring and fall to provide added nutrients and avoid that store-bought fertilizer.

Not all weeds are bad; dandelions provide food for pollinators while clovers add needed nitrogen to the soil. Look for natural weed deterrents like corn gluten.

Cut back on watering. Grass is extremely resilient and will typically survive extreme heat and drought. If you must water, do it once a week in the morning and cover the entire lawn with at least an inch of water. More frequent watering prevents the grass from developing strong, deep roots to reach water already in the soil.

OUR PARK MAINTENANCE

HEROES

Amongst our small yet mighty staff of employees we all play different roles in order to keep the Lorain County Metro Parks clean, safe, and educational. It’s likely that you have interacted with a ranger or naturalist during a park visit. But there’s another group of employees that you may not frequently encounter—our maintenance staff. These men and women are a hardworking team of individuals planting trees, mowing, removing trash, cleaning facilities, maintaining trails, cleaning storm and flooding debris—they do it all. We’ve always known our maintenance staff is the glue that holds it all together, but it PICTURED: John Socha (left) at Central Maintenance Facility and Mikaela Weigel (right) at Carlisle Reservation was never more apparent than this spring.

During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, parks were deemed essential and the number of park visitors increased by 114%.

Our maintenance staff stepped up during this time to keep the parks open and maintained, even when faced with extreme challenges. They rolled up their sleeves, took on projects, and never lost sight of the importance of keeping the parks open. For this we are truly thankful, and extremely proud of our park maintenance heroes.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

5

Kids & Family

V

Engage yo can discov some natu the activity

FAMILY SUMMER

SP

Look for th

C H A L L E N G E

Print out the Sp

on the Education Re

go looking for d the spiders tha course your na

RU NN I N G J U LY- AU GU S T Interested in a new challenge? Participate in Lorain County Metro Parks’ Family Summer Challenge! During July and August, check off the list of activities to complete for each month, and put the completion date next to each activity. If you’ve completed all of the activities throughout the entire two months, you will receive a family prize pack! Completed checklists must be submitted any time from September 1st-7th via e-mail to emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com. One form per family. Prize pack distribution information will be available upon submission. Bonus activities are just for fun, not required. We challenge you to enjoy some old-fashioned family fun this summer!

J U LY AC T I V I T I E S

AU GU S T AC T I VITIE S

WEEK 1 (JULY 1ST – 11TH)

WEEK 5 (AUGUST 2ND – 8TH)

Watch the moon rise. (Full Moon: July 5th)

Search for insects.

Search for birds in your backyard.

Make s’mores for dessert!

Find something red, blue and white in nature.

G  o stargazing or have a backyard campout to celebrate Global Sleep Under the Stars Day! (August 8th)

Bonus: Learn a new card game to play.

WEEK 2 (JULY 12TH – 18TH) Go on a family walk.

Roll over a log or lift a rock. See what is underneath and place it back.

Let the kids decide what’s for dinner!

WEEK 3 (JULY 19TH – 25TH) Enjoy some ice cream together to celebrate National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July) Make a craft using materials from nature. Learn about fish, make a fish craft or go fishing.

WEEK 4 (JULY 26TH – AUGUST 1ST)

6

WEEK 6 (AUGUST 9TH – 15TH) Make a homemade butterfly feeder.

PARENTS NOTE: Yo them to a piece of shoelace, yarn or rib

Spider Bo

Spider bodies hav have two parts, h Spider bodies hav A head and abdo

Stor St

CARLISLE

Draw a sidewalk chalk masterpiece!

Find and/or photograph the alphabet in nature or do a photo scavenger hunt.

WEEK 7 (AUGUST 16TH – 22ND) Create your own homemade trail mix.

Visit a pond and see how many animals you can find.

Have a backyard picnic.

Visit the Ch Discovery Reservation soar and REA with Elyria System an through a diff month thro

WEEK 8 (AUGUST 23RD – 31ST) Play a new backyard game.

Discovery a new trail to hike.

Have a family movie night.

Read a nature story.

Go for an early evening stroll in your neighborhood.

Perform a home science experiment.

Bonus: Celebrate the end of the Family Summer Challenge!

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARK

Virtual Summer Programs for Kids

our child in nature’s summer fun! Join us for some new preschool programming where we will provide the materials online and the activity video so you ver along with us during the virtual program. So, print out your sheets, grab your pencils, your nature detective tools (your senses) and come along on ure discoveries just for preschoolers! Visit www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com/education-resources to print out the activity sheets and follow along with y video.

Preschool Park Pals:

Preschool Park Pals:

W I LDLI FE WATER SAFARI...VIRT UALLY!

P I DE R WEB WO ND E R . . .V I RT UA L LY !

he activity video on our Facebook page or our Education Resources webpage on Thursday, July 9!

pider Web Wonders sheet pictured here (available esources page of our website) so you can join us as we different kinds of spider webs and learn about at made them. You will also need a pencil and of ature detective tools (your senses!).

Spider Web Wonders

Directions: Copy the Spider Web Match Game below onto card stock. You may opt to laminate the cards for durability and future use. Place the cards at a center for children to explore during self selection time. As children explore, point out the shapes on the spider cards. Which web is most like each shape?

1. Orb webs are the type you probably envision when you think of spider webs. These wheel-shaped webs are usually found in open areas between trees or buildings where insects are likely to fly. Orb weavers often wait for their prey in the center of the web.

2. Triangle (or funnel) webs may be found outdoors in short grasses or shrubs or between buildings. With this type of web, the spider waits for its prey at one end. When an insect touches the web, the spider shakes the strands to trap it.

3. Sheet webs are hammock-like. They are often found between branches of shrubs or trees. Above the web, sheet-web weavers also spin horizontal threads for knocking down their prey.

When a flying insect hits these threads, it bounces into the sheet section. The spider, which hangs under the sheet, quickly pulls it through.

ou can also print out the Spider Web Lacing Cards and glue f cardboard. Poke holes where the dots are, gather an old bbon and you are ready to lace the cards to make spider webs!

4. Tangle webs are a shapeless jumble of threads attached to a support.

Cobwebs are tangle webs that have collected dust and dirt. Many types of garden and house spiders make tangle webs, usually in dark places.

5. There are spiders that do not spin webs.

Some species ambush their prey from a burrow, while others actively hunt and chase down their prey. This card does not have a match. Use an extra copy of a web card with a symbol drawn on it as a match, if needed.

Sing along with us!

odies (to the tune of Mary had a Little Lamb):

ve two parts, have two parts. ve two parts – omen

Spiders have four pairs of legs, pairs of legs, pairs of legs Spiders have four pairs of legsAnd spinnerets for silk

rybook troll

E VISITOR CENTER

hildren’s Nature y Trail at Carlisle n to explore, hop, AD! In partnership a Public Library nd LCMP, stroll ifferent story each ough September.

Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children © 2017 Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Look for the activity video on our Facebook page or our Education Resources webpage on Thursday, August 13!

Print out Looking at Leaves

your Wildlife Water Safari Notebook Sheet pictured here (available on the Education Resources page of our Observation Sheet website) so you can explore and discover like scientists name along with us. You will also need a pencil and of course your nature detective tools (your senses!).

Sing along with us!

Directions: Copy an Observation Sheet for each child. Give each child an Observation Sheet, a pencil, and a clipboard (or a piece of stiff cardboard with a binder clip). Take them outdoors to be nature detectives! Be sure to go over safety rules and point out harmful plants or animals, as necessary. With very young children, you may opt to enlarge sheet into cards focusing on one sense at a time. You might also take dictation and make a class poster.

____________________________________________________________

What do you see?

What do you smell?

What do you hear?

What do you feel?

Thirsty Animals (to the tune of I’m a Little Teapot): I’m a little bluebird, near the creek Here are my feathers, here is my beak When I’m very thirsty, I fill my bill Then tilt it up ‘till I am full Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children © 2009 Council for Environmental Education

I’m a little beetle, on the ground Here is a dewdrop that I have found When I’m very thirsty, I suck it up Like using a straw in a cup

More Summer Fun for Kids!

Summer Scavenger Hunt Try visiting any of our Lorain County Metro Parks locations or even just your own backyard and go on a scavenger hunt for these fun Summer things!

• LOG

• BUSH

• PINE CONE

• MUSHROOM

• BIRD

• FLOWER

• TREE

• GRASS

• SQUIRREL

• WATER

• BRANCH

• WORM

• INSECT

• ROCKS

• LEAF

• SOIL

KS.COM | (440) 458-5121

I’m a little squirrel in a tree Here is a puddle, bigger than me When I’m very thirsty, I use my tongue Lapping up water can be fun

Nature Sorting Activity

Using an old egg carton, encourage your child to sort rocks or leaves by color, shape, size, texture. Sorting is a great early math skill that can allow your child to learn and have fun in nature!

I’m a caterpillar in a hedge I like to eat leaves, here on the edge I always have water, here with me It’s inside the plants I eat with glee

Backyard Nature Play

• Encourage your child to build with sticks, pine cones and rocks – any natural items you might be able to find in your yard. Add an old box for more building and STEM fun!

• Create a digging spot in your yard with small buckets, small shovels, sand, mulch or soil and add water for extra fun!

7

It's In Our Nature Honey is a wonderful natural product with numerous health benefits. Honey, especially unfiltered or raw honey, is one of the best natural remedies for overall good health.

Here are the top 10 benefits of honey: • Its anti-inflammatory characteristics help with allergies as well as providing a type of immunity with the pollen that it has in it.

• Honey is excellent for boosting energy and serves as an excellent morning pick-me-up.

• It aids in our intellectual development by improving focus and clarity. It also contains antioxidants that help brain cells thrive.

• Honey helps to treat the common cold and soothe a cough.

• It can act as a sleep aid and improve sleep quality.

• Honey helps balance the body and improve well-being and even eyesight.

• Honey can control blood sugar levels. It's sweet as sugar but does not increase blood sugar levels.

• Honey can be used as an antibacterial.

• It helps with proper digestion because it is rich in gut-helping bacteria.

• Honey can moisturize and create younger-looking skin. *Please Note* Although it possesses all these great benefits, you should always consult your doctor for any medical or dietary concerns.

Honey, it sure is wonderful!

SPARKLING HONE Y FRUIT SPRITZER • 1/3 cup hone

y • 1 cup frozen berri es (strawberries or ras pberries) • 1 thinly sliced lim e • 1 orange halved and thinly sliced • 3 cups orange ju ice • 3 cups of sparkl ing water or club so da • Ice cubes Combine all ingred ients (except the sp arkling water and ice cu bes) in a pitcher.

Using a wooden spoon, press down on the fruit to release some of its juice and mix all components. Put in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When read y to serve, add sp arkling water and ice, then mix and enjoy!

N OCT U RN AL H AP PY H OU R

8

PICTURED: Raptor Center resident, Smokey, the Eastern Screech Owl

Most of us think of the dark hours as a quiet time to wind down and rest. However, many animals are awake only at night. Nocturnal animals use the shelter of the dark to remain hidden while they hunt for food or hide from predators. With owls, flying squirrels, bats, and more—it can be a busy place outdoors at night!

Many animals have developed unique adaptations to help them navigate nocturnally. Owls have specialized eyes to see ell in the dark, seeing mostly in grayscale. Most owl species have gold-colored eyes, to help reflect any available light from the moon to help them see.

A great-horned owl's eyes take up about half the room in their skull. On a human, those eyes proportionally would be the size of softballs! Bats use their ears to see in the dark. Bats use echolocation, in which they emit a high-pitched sound to bounce off objects and identify the object's shape, direction, and distance. This ability helps them navigate the air without seeing and catch insects mid-flight.

While nocturnal animals are mostly active at night, there are a host of reasons they can be seen out and about during the day. Seeing a nocturnal animal during the day does not mean it is sick or injured. It is most likely hunting overtime to provide food for its growing family or has been flushed from a day-time hiding spot. If you come across an animal during the day, be sure to observe from a safe distance.

Conservation L . C . M . P. C O N S E R VAT I O N U P D AT E Conservation work during the summer months is centered on efforts to control a variety of alien, invasive plant species.

By aggressively spreading and displacing native vegetation, invasives destroy habitats, reduce diversity, and leave monotonous landscapes of limited value to wildlife in their wake.

Battles with invasives are rarely completely won, but with timely and consistent effort, the most valuable and sensitive habitats can usually be protected.

The Metro Parks hires a seasonal crew each year to perform much of this work.

The list of invasives on Metro Parks’ land is large. Those receiving a great deal of attention in the summer include reed canary grass, Phragmites, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, poison

hemlock, cut-leaved teasel, spotted knapweed, and a variety of woody species including Autumn olive, buckthorn, privet, callery pear, barberry, burning bush, multiflora rose, and tree of heaven. You may recognize several common home landscape plants on this list. Mechanical (digging, pulling, mowing, whacking), chemical, and bio-control methods are employed (sometimes in combination) against the various species.

Non-native plants now comprise nearly ¼ of the species growing in Ohio’s natural areas. One of the most important aspects of conservation these days involves identifying those which pose PICTURED: On the left of the photo (above right) is an area of Lesser Celandine the conservation staff the greatest threat to habitats and did not yet treat. On the right is a treated area with developing plans to keep them in Virginia Blue Bells growing and blooming. check.

up, and start making observations.

You simply snap a picture, share it with the iNaturalist community, and can help you identify what you CITIZEN SCIENCE IN MOTION others found. Through this initiative, you can iNaturalist is a joint initiative of the California see the creatures and plants others Academy of Sciences and the National have observed in the parks too.

Geographic Society where ordinary citizens Each Lorain County Metro Park reservation and scientists can make observations, log has an event within iNaturalist, where them online, and help create a map of you can log observations. Nearly every knowledge about nature in their area. The reservation has had at least one observation Lorain County Metro Parks has this year. However, we hope initiated several different Citizen to get as much information as Science projects through the possible, and we need your iNaturalist app and program to help. Consider adding this engage visitors and to "see what activity to your next visit to the you see" in the parks.

Lorain County Metro Parks!

To participate in iNaturalist, download the free app, sign LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

9

Cultural Arts In keeping regulations necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we at French Creek Theatre closed our doors and canceled our season. Sadly, we have had to abandon our thespian motto: “the show must go on.” Despite the recent easing of some restrictions, the day when theatres reopen to a full house remains far away.

Nonetheless, even when the stages are empty and our audience is sheltered at home, the show does go on. All over the world musicians and singers are performing via social media platforms; actors and directors are organizing play readings over video chats. It is clear that “the show”, although seen and performed in a different way, “goes on”.

Since we would love nothing more than to be a part the new normal for performing arts, we bring you the French Creek Encore Series: a collection of interviews with actors, directors, and crew members sharing their favorite memories and bringing new performances right to your home.

Look for this series on the LCMP YouTube page as well as the French Creek Theatre page on our website.

-French Creek Theatre staff 1

10

F R E N C H C REEK THEATR E 2019 /2020 SEASON: 2 3 4

5

PICTURED: (Top) Kaylea Kudlaty in 'The Drowsy Chaperone'; (1) Emmy Cohen, Jessica Dupee, and Mandy Solis in 'A Christmas Carol'; (2) Bob Keefe in 'A Christmas Carol'; (3) Jonathan Kronenberger in 'The Drowsy Chaperone'; (4) Sara Danielle Chapman in 'The Drowsy Chaperone'; (5) Anthony Savage-Williams and Adam Patterson in 'The Drowsy Chaperone.'

A Healthy Lorain County • THE •

Our Lorain County Metro Parks are jam packed with awesome bike trails. This summer get outdoors and explore them! Most trails are suitable for families and beginners. Other trail options, such as the mountain bike trail at Indian Hollow, will add some adventure for more experienced cyclists. Through this self-guided program, bike at least 5 different trails on 8

PARKS

separate occasions to earn a “Pedal the Parks” bike themed prize.

Find trails at the web address listed below.

Submit the form (right) from October 1st-10th.

E-mail forms to jmatyac@loraincountymetroparks.com. Prizes will be distributed upon form submission.

w w w. lo r a i n c o u nt y met r o par ks .com/activitie s/#bicycling 1

Phone Number: E-Mail Address: Park:

Date:

Distance:

(Mileage or time): 1.

2.

3.

4.

2

HIKING STICK PROGRAM

5.

6.

7.

8.

4 3

TREE TROTTER: P.R. CRUSHER VIRTUAL SUMMER RACE SERIES

N

A•I V

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

R LO

PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Haney (1), Patty McKelvery (2), Sue Jagoda (3), Julie Lakas (4 & 6), and Amanda Hall (5). All photos taken by Hiking Stick Program participants in LCMP reservations.

OT TC R R U S H TE E .

ER EP . R

KS

Search for the Tree Trotter Series at www.RunSignUp.com for more information!

IR

CO

TU

AL

PA • R

6

OI E UNTY METE RS E R C A

SUM

S

5

Challenge yourself this summer with some awesome virtual races available from a variety of lengths to cater to runners of every skill level (distances range from 1 mile to a marathon).

Run on your own and try all 16 courses or just one...it's up to you! Series runs June 1-Aug. 31 and is only $30/runner for the entire series!

2020

R

The very popular Friends of the Metro Parks Hiking Stick Program (HSP) was started in 1986 as an incentive to get people active and to help them discover all that the Lorain County Metro Parks have to offer. Spending time in nature is very important for our physical and mental well-being during this COVID-19 health crisis. Therefore, we modified the HSP by temporarily substituting the guided programs with self-guided hikes. We encourage program participants to use this as an opportunity to explore new reservations and trails.

In addition, on March 25th the ‘Friends of LCMP Hiking Stick Program’ Facebook Group was created for members to post where and when they hiked, share their discoveries and photos, ask and answer questions, and to interact with park staff and other participants. To our excitement, more than 300 people have joined, with members posting over 800 photos/videos of their HSP adventures. We are thrilled and thankful that many have continued to participate in and have fun with our beloved HSP, and that our changes were well received and have benefited both the program and participants. Many thanks to all HSP hikers for your continued involvement, enthusiasm, and support! Stay healthy and hike on!

Name:

TR

PEDAL

MER R

11

Activities LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

F N V S A N D Y R I D G E B K

E N O Z H S A L P S E G W C R

K E E R C R E V A E B O F F A

BEAVER CREEK BEAVER CREEK BLACK RIVER BLACK RIVER CALEY CALEY CARLISLE CASCADE CARLISLE CHARLEMONT CASCADE COLUMBIA

Word Search LCMP PARKS WORD SEARCH S H R E C A R L I S L E O R P

N O A Z R K S Y K L Y R X E W

K L T K I U E C O G E F S N E

P L S C D L T H A S Y P C C I

L S H G A Z N A T D U O H H V

K T T C D A J H N U E K O C E

V E R M I L I O N R I V E R K

O I O D Y L A H B N E F P E A

X N N K L K I P T O N L F E L

FOREST HILLS INDIAN HOLLOW CHARLEMONT FRENCH CREEK COLUMBIA KIPTON HOLLSTEIN FOREST HILLS KOPF INDIAN HOLLOW KIPTON FRENCH CREEK LAKEVIEW PARK KOPF HOLLSTEIN MILLER NATURE LAKEVIEW PARK MILLER NATURE

M I M S A I B M U L O C L K J

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Crossword

LCMP Parks B L A C K R I V E R O M E I M

T N O M E L R A H C M J B O M

1. lhmahherxse_atpetl

13. onktpi

2. bekre_reevac

14. pkfo

3. lbcavkreri_

15. vlweeika

4. ylace

16. rreulnl_amtei

5. ailsrcel

17. tarhonat__nr_oiiadnscllt

18. ashno_rrtt

8. calmuibo

19. _ngreysdida

9. olsethrflis_

20. ehecopslf

10. crrefkn_eech

21. slanez_ophs

11. thneoslil

22. rrv_ivmeenrloii

12. dhaiononwill_

23. eowllgnint

2 4

5 6 7

8 9 10 12

11 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

VERMILION RIVER

Unscramble each park name and write it in the blank provided.

7. cthremanol

1 3

NORTH STAR NORTH STAR SANDY RIDGE SANDY RIDGE SCHOEPFLE SCHOEPFLE SPLASH ZONE VERMILION RIVER SPLASH ZONE

Lorain County Metro Parks Scramble

6. eadcasc

Test your knowledge of the many resources and historical facts of Test your knowledge of the many resources and historical facts of the Lorain County Metro Parks. the Lorain County Metro Parks.

ACROSS

1. This park is known for two stunning waterfalls.

3. This park holds a reservoir which served as a water supply for the City of Oberlin until the early 1900's.

5. This reservation features an over 21 acre reservoir.

7. This park features three individual creeks.

9. This park has a field dedicated to RC airplanes.

14. This park is known as the skinniest park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system.

17. This rec center holds a 2-story, indoor water slide.

18. This park offers spectacular lake front views of the Lorain Lighthouse.

19. This park is the district's largest at 1,917 acres.

DOWN

2. This rec center offers an indoor walking track.

3. The creation of this reservation started with the “Save the Woods” organization.

4. This park offers visitors an 18-hole mini golf course.

6. This reservation holds the districts first park location.

8. This reservation showcases a trail which includes a 1000-foot bridge that crosses the river in two places.

10. This reservation features an inclusive playground.

11. The highlight of this park is the 5,000 sq. foot Conservatory, the first in Lorain County.

12. This park was the first joint effort between a city and a metro park in the state of Ohio.

13. This park is one of the most popular sites for birding in Lorain County.

15. This park is actually located in Erie County, but was donated to LCMP. 16. This preserve holds a barn that dates back to the 1800s and was named after a freed slave.

Answers to these puzzles can be found on our website at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education-resources