Arrowhead - May/June 2020

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

May-June 2020 | Volume 60, Number 3

HIKING STICK PROGRAM The Hiking Stick Program will continue, but with a few changes. See full details inside! | Pg. 2

SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARKS A truly unique experience of enjoying nature while enjoying some lively tunes! | Pg. 12

*DISCLAIMER* All programs and events are subject to change due to the ever evolving COVID-19 public health situation.

Additionally, participation in public events may be limited as a safety precaution. Please visit our website for the latest information regarding scheduled events.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Park Updates Make a Difference Healthy Lorain County It's In Our Nature Cultural Arts Kids & Family Tram Time Take a Hike Yours to Explore

2 3 4 5 6&7 8 9 10 & 11 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 HIKING STICK PROGRAM UPDATE Despite recent closures and cancellations, the Hiking Stick Program has kicked off but with a few changes. The program now includes a self-guided option. Participants are simply asked to document their hikes on the official form found on our website at www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails.

Once the hike schedule resumes, participants may continue the self-guided hikes and/or participate in scheduled programs.

And new this year, an online community of fellow hiking enthusiasts! Join the Friends of LCMP Hiking Stick Program Facebook group for trail updates, hiking tips, pictures, and so much more!

VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

With recent program cancellations, our naturalist staff has been working on new ways to offer education and fun for nature lovers of all ages. Virtual programming and social media channels have allowed us to interact with park visitors despite quarantines and physical

distancing. Follow us on Facebook and check our website regularly to find these pop-up programs and digital learning opportunities.

Looking for education resources you can use at home? We’re compiling activities and learning guides at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/ education-resources.

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

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Make a Difference

ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required = Minimal Fee Required

GET INVOLVED WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

D E L E CANC FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE: "TALK ABOUT A MURDER" As a public health precaution, the Friends of the Metro Parks annual Murder Mystery dinner theatre has been unfortunately canceled this year. Be sure to check out this wonderful annual event next year!

Volunteer Opportunities FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS ORIENTATIONS Tue., May 12 | 10-11 am & 7-8 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

TEENS AT THE PARK ORIENTATION

BUTTERFLY HOUSE VOLUNTEER TRAINING Mon., Jun. 1 | 10:30-11:30 am Tue., Jun. 9 | 3-4 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Tue., May 12 | 7-8 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

Conservation GARLIC MUSTARD PULLS Sat., May 9 & Jun. 20 | 1-2 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake It is recommended for all individuals participating in conservation efforts to wear protective clothing and shoes.

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, and 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.

Anonymous Arabica Coffee Bistro Cintas First Aid & Safety Community Foundation of Lorain County Mark Detrick, Elyria Friends of Northeast Ohio Chimney Swift Garden Club of North Ridgeville

LaGrange Hunting & Fishing Club Lorain County Hook Crafters Lorain County Public Health Lorain Port Authority Nordson Corporation Margaret Sebastian, Avon Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society

Adopt-a-Raptor: Emily Baskin, Westlake (Gift to Andrew Ries) Lorain County Kennel Club, North Ridgeville Gretchen Burmeister, Avon Lake Schaefer Family (Gift to Alberta Uehlein) Kern M. Catanese, Sheffield Lake Karen Smith, Oberlin (Gift to Barbara Patton) Summerlee Walter, Cary, NC Raymond and Linda Cosma, Lorain (Gift to Jo Layton) Laura Enoch, Medina Deborah Weigel, Grafton Virginia Gurewicz, Lagrange Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Jenny Liebfried, Round Rock, TX (Gift to Buzzy Liebfried)

Gift was given in Memory of:

Janet Ackerman by Dionne Hummel, Grafton James Blaser by Tom and Lynn Hollstein, Amherst James Blaser by Floyd and Gunver Lodge, Amherst James Blaser by Judith Alexander & William Strohm, Amherst James Blaser by Sally Shumaker Vargo, Warrenville, IL Rebecca Kay Cole Brasee by Wellington High School Class of 1964 Maureen Campo by Krag and Bobbi Churchill, North Ridgeville William "Bill" Grasmehr by John and Deborah Albany, Brooklyn William "Bill" Grasmehr by Barbara Ann Burk, North Ridgeville William "Bill" Grasmehr by Debra Dobrowski, North Ridgeville William "Bill" Grasmehr by Robert and Margaret Holland, Avon William "Bill" Grasmehr by Char Kline, North Ridgeville William "Bill" Grasmehr by Lee and Nancy Klingshirn, Avon Lake William "Bill" Grasmehr by Dorothy MacIntyre, Columbia Station William "Bill" Grasmehr by Richard and Pat McCaslin, Wellington William "Bill" Grasmehr by Joe and Willa Mokos, Columbia Station William "Bill" Grasmehr by Shirley Painter, North Ridgeville Jim Hogan by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Pat Jordan by Sheree (Sheryl) Vajda, Grafton Betty Rogers by Barbara A. Wolfe, Avon Ed Seber by Hoffman Penfield Family Trust, North Ridgeville Ed Seber by John and Kathleen Thaman, Taylor Mill, KY Rosemary Bors Ziniewicz by Chet Ziniewicz, Spencer

Gift was given in Honor of:

John and Jenny Gregory by Dave & Karen Ennes, Elyria

Garlic Mustard plant

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A Healthy Lorain County ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required |

= Fee Required

GET PHYSICAL WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Swimming Lessons

FAMILY SUNDAYS Sun., May 3 & Jun. 7 | Open-Close Amherst HealthPlex Join us for Family Sunday! Families of two or more can purchase day passes for 50% off.

Can’t make it in person to register for swim lessons on registration day? Online registrations will now be available!

DASH-N-SPLASH 5K & 1-MILE FUN RUN

LEARN TO SWIM: SESSION 3

Sat., May 31 | 10:30 am-Noon Splash Zone, Oberlin Both runs/walks will start and finish at Splash Zone! A post-run party will include music, food, and access to our outdoor pool & water slides! Pre-register today (Individuals & Families) by calling (440) 774-5059 or visit us online!

Mondays-Thursdays, June 8-June 18 (8 classes) Beginning at 9 am Splash Zone, Oberlin These 2-week swim lesson classes are for all ages! Call for complete details on class levels. Pre-registration required. Members: $55, Non-Members: $70.

DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT Sat., Jun. 13 | 9-10:45 pm Splash Zone, Oberlin Come watch this family-friendly movie on the big screen while floating in the pool!

LEARN TO SWIM: SUMMER SESSION 2019 Splash-n-Dash Women's winner, Megan Dobos

SPLASH ZONE WALK-A-THON FINAL WALK Thur., May 7 | 11 am-1 pm Splash Zone, Oberlin Come walk with us! Earn a raffle ticket for participating. One winner will be drawn this month. This is your final chance to enter the Series Drawing. We'll draw the Series winner after the walk. Music and snacks will be provided!

Saturdays, Beginning on Jun. 20 | Beginning at 9 am Sundays, Beginning on Jun. 21 | Beginning at 10 am Amherst HealthPlex These 6-week swim lesson classes are for all ages! Call for complete details on class levels. Pre-registration required. Members: $40, Non-Members: $55.

Paddling Programs FAMILY CANOE SMARTSTART Sun., May 3 | 9-11 am Splash Zone, Oberlin Families will learn more about canoeing, and try it out in the pool. Open to children ages 4 and up (1 participating adult per child under 18 years of age). Pre-register by 4/26.

KAYAK LEVEL 1 Wed., May 27 | 9 am-Noon Wellington Reservation Beginner paddling on water course.

Highlights: kayak nomenclature, basic strokes, safety and demonstration of rescues.

Ages 16 & up under 18 with participating adult. $50/person; pre-register by 5/22.

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RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING May 7, 12, 14, 16, & 18 | Various Times June 4, 8, 9, 10, & 11 | Various times Splash Zone, Oberlin Become a certified lifeguard with this class! Call or visit us online for specific times.

AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD REVIEW TRAINING May 26 & 27 | 4:30-9:30 pm Splash Zone, Oberlin Earn a re-certification for American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR & AED. Valid for two years.

It's In Our Nature

ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required = Minimal Fee Required = Live Animal

PROGRAMMING GEARED TOWARD OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

Astronomy Programs

TURTLES ROCK! Wed., Jun. 10 | 11 am-Noon & 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn) After looking for Turtle Rocks and learning about why turtles rock, we will meet a live turtle!

Nielsen Observatory, Carlisle Reservation All programs co-sponsored by Black River Astronomical Society

MAY SKIES

BUTTERFLY FEEDING

Fri., May 15* | 10 pm-12 am

Thur., Jun. 18 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Watch the butterflies up close as you try your hand at feeding them!

*Cloud date: Sat., May 16

SPRING SKIES Fri., May 22* | 10 pm-12 am

*Cloud date: Sat., May 23

GOLD PANNING Tue., Jun. 30 | 11 am-Noon Vermilion River Reservation (Shelter #1) Learn about the geologic history of Ohio and try your hand at panning for gold! Pre-register by 6/26.

BIRDING TRIP: MAGEE MARSH May 1, May 7, & May 14 | 7 am-5:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Van trip to a birding hot-spot. $15/person; pre-register by at least two days prior to trip. Space is limited!

RAPTOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT: RED-TAILED HAWKS Sun., May 3 | 2-3 pm Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange Learn about these common hawks by visiting with individuals from the Raptor Center.

JUNE SKIES Fri., Jun. 19* | 10 pm-12 am

*Cloud date: Sat., Jun. 20

SUMMER SKIES Fri., Jun. 26* | 10 pm-12 am

*Cloud date: Sat., Jun. 27

SOLAR VIEWING Sun., Jun. 14 | 1-4 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

l l A g n i l l Ca Birders!

OUTER LIMITS BIRDING: SANDY RIDGE WEST Mon., May 18 | 9:30-11:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Off-trail birding in a NEW section of Sandy Ridge. Be prepared for muddy conditions. Pre-register by 5/15. Space is limited! Hiking Level 3

SPRING BIRDERS TOUR: LORAIN COUNTY Thur., May 21 | 8:30 am-4 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Guided van trip to birding locations all over Lorain County, starting at Sandy Ridge. $10/person; pre-register by 5/19.

Big Birding Weekend

May 9 & 10 | 11 am-4 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Join us at Sandy Ridge for birding displays, programs, and so much more!

THE BIG SIT Sat., May 9 | 6 am-2 pm Eight-hour bird-athon on the Observation Mound.

MORNING BIRDING HIKES May 9 & 10 | 8:30-10:30 am

RAPTOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT: VULTURES Sun., Jun. 14 | 2-3 pm Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange Learn about Turkey Vultures through a story and craft.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Cultural Arts

ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required = Minimal Fee Required

MA

DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY

ART CLASSES DRAWING & WATERCOLOR CLASSES at Miller Nature Preserve, Avon All Drawing Classes: 9:30-11:30 am All Watercolor Classes: 12:30-2:30 pm Mon., May 4 Mon., May 11 Mon., May 18

EXPLORING WATERCOLOR CLASSES at French Creek Nature Center, Classroom All Exploring Watercolor Classes: 10:30 am-12:30 pm Clela Neale’s step-by-step class for all levels of experience. $15/person.

Thur., Mar. 5 Thur., Mar. 12

Thur., Mar. 19 Thur., Mar. 26

FAIRIES, WIZARDS, GNOMES, AND UNICORN HOMES! May-Aug | Daily, 10 am-5 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon This unique exhibit is back by popular demand, but we are welcoming gnomes, unicorns, and more to join our ‘forces’ for this fairy garden display! $2/person. Check online for exact dates. Accompanying programs below!

FAIRY GARDEN ACCESSORIES

Sat., May 2 | 2-3 pm Make three accessories for a fairy garden. Free for Miller members, $3/non-members. Pre-register by 4/30.

ART SHOWS THE THINGS I SEE: NATURE’S WORLD OF WONDER

OUR BEAUTIFUL OHIO COUNTRYSIDE

May | Daily, 8 am-4:30 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange Display presented by Rusty Engle.

Art from the Lorain County Metro Parks and surroundings.

June | Daily, 8 am-4:30 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange Erie Shores Photography Club exhibits images featuring the beautiful sights of the Ohio countryside.

ART S , C RA F T S , & C RA F T S CARD-MAKING CLASSES Tue., May 19 & Jun. 16 | 6-8:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $10/members & $12/non-members; pre-register by 5/18.

GNOME GARDEN Sat., May 16 | 2-3 pm Make a gnome garden to take home or leave for display. $10/members & $12/non-members; pre-register by 5/13.

‘AND THEN THERE WERE NONE’

Sept. 11-27 | Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 pm | S French Creek Theatre (French Creek Natu Due to the recent governor’s orders regardin and the concern for the health & safety of o and staff, our upcoming production of “And Were None” originally slated to play April 24 10 has been RESCHEDULED for September 1 2020. Tickets for the new dates are officially and patrons with tickets to the original date contacted individually by our staff.

WOODCARVERS: OPEN CARVE NIGHTS Wed., May 20 & Jun. 17 | 7-9 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn

BENJAMIN BACON MUSEUM TOUR & CRAFT Wed., May 27 | 10-11:30 am Vermilion River Reservation, Benjamin Bacon Museum Tour the historical home and make a fabric flower craft!

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LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARK

AKE YOUR !

W O R G N E GARD FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDENS 101 Thur., May 7 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

ORCHIDS 101 Thur., May 21 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

HOME PRUNING WORKSHOP Sat., Jun. 6 | 10-11:30 am Schoepfle Garden (Visitor Center), Birmingham Hands-on presentation in the classroom followed by the garden. Please wear appropriate shoes. Pre-register by 6/4.

HYPERTUFA CONTAINER-MAKING CLASS Wed., Jun. 24 | 1-2 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Learn how to make a lightweight but strong planter pot out of cement, peat moss, and perlite.

Sun. at 3 pm ure Center) ng COVID-19 our patrons Then There 4 - May 11 - 27, y on sale, es will be

T H E AT R E P R O G R A M S at French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village

BIG STORIES LITTLE ACTORS Wed., May 20 | 10-11 am This month we will be reading “Giraffes Can’t Dance”

by Giles Andreae with a dance-focused lesson!

BACKSTAGE PASS Sun., Jun. 14 | 1-2 pm Witness the behind-the-scenes action of putting on the musical “The Music Man”!

GET COOKIN’ WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

COOKING CLASSES at Miller Nature Preserve, Avon French Macarons | Tue., May 5 | 2-4 pm Homemade Pasta & Sauce | Tue., May 12 | 2-4 pm Biscuits & Scones | Tue., May 19 | 2-4 pm Hungarian Nut Roll | Tue., Jun. 2 | 2-4 pm French Macarons | Tue., Jun. 9 | 2-4 pm Homemade Pizza | Tue., Jun. 16 | 2-4 pm Homemade Pasta & Sauce | Tue., Jun. 30 | 2-4 pm Marla, “the Chef in Red”, provides step by step instruction on familiar recipes and new delights.

Up to $32/person (depending on the recipe).

Pre-register by at least one week prior to class.

COOKING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS Thur., May 14 | 5:30-7:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Young Living Essential Oils Vitality line provides high-quality ingestible oils that can enhance recipes and add a new spin to favorite recipes. This class includes a salad, main course, and dessert. $15/members & $17/non-members; pre-register by 5/8.

PETER/WENDY May 29-31 Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 pm | Sun. at 3 pm Henry’s Barn, Oberlin THEATRE AT THE BARN! In this lyrical, atmospheric interpretation of Peter Pan, Jeremy Bloom strips the familiar story down to its emotional essence. Peter lures Wendy away from her nursery to the magical world of Neverland, where she joins his adventures with Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, and the menacing Captain Hook. A low-tech, inventive adaptation that pays homage to the darker themes of J. M. Barrie’s original, Peter/Wendy will mesmerize audiences of all ages.

BIG STORIES LITTLE ACTORS Wed., Jun. 24 | 10-11 am This month we are reading “The Book of Echo Songs” and working on our listening skills!

FRENCH CREEK CINEMA Sun., Jun. 28 | 2-3:30 pm Catch the movie, “The Sandlot” on the BIG SCREEN with surround sound. $1 admission includes popcorn!

KS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Kids & Family

ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required = Minimal Fee Required

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING PRESCHOOL WILD ADVENTURES!

KIDS IN THE GARDEN

Tue., Jun. 16 | 10-11 am Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn) Take part in a “Growing up WILD” program all about animals that call trees “home”!

Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

FROGS AND TOADS Wed., Jun. 3 | 2-2:30pm Hop around the kids’ garden learning about amphibians!

BLUEBIRDS! Wed., Jun. 24 | 10-11 am French Creek Reservation (Burrell Homestead) Learn about Eastern Bluebirds with a short hike, activity, and a craft!

FLOWERS WE EAT Wed., Jun. 10 | 2-2:30pm From broccoli and cauliflower to more unique culinary blooms!

THE BUZZ ON BEES

DINOS Wed., Jun. 17 | 2-2:30pm Build a dinosaur and talk Prehistoric plants!

BUTTERFLIES Wed., Jun. 24 | 2-2:30pm Craft butterflies as we learn about these amazing insects.

BABY YODA COSTUME CONTEST

Thur., Jun. 25 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn) Celebrate bees and other pollinators with a cute story and BEEutiful kid craft!

It's Not Easy being Green ECO KIDS: BEACH WALK & ECO PARADE

Mon., May 4 | 10 am-4:30 pm French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village Dress up and drop in anytime on May 4 for a Star Wars marathon and themed crafts!

Tue., May 19 | 10-11 am Lakeview Park, Lorain Learn about the environment with a story and activities! Geared toward preschoolers.

CHILDREN'S GARDEN DINO GARDEN PARTY

GREEN KIDS PROGRAM

Sat., Jun. 20 | 1-4 pm Schoepfle Garden (Nature Center), Birmingham A day of dinosaurs with a prehistoric plant walk, fossils, dino puzzles, and much more!

KIDDIE CRAFT CLUB: BUDS & BLOOMS Mon., May 4 | 10-11 am French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village Fun nature crafts geared toward preschoolers.

NATURE DISCOVERY DAYS: HOME SCHOOL

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Tue., May 12 | 9:45-11:45 am French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village Learn about nature in motion with this interactive field trip! For children ages 6-8. $3/child; pre-register by 5/8.

PARK PALS

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

GROW AS WE GO Wed., May 20 | 10-11 am & 2-3pm Explore wildlife life cycles!

INCREDIBLE INSECTS Wed., Jun. 17 | 10-11 am & 2-3pm Children explore incredible insects through a story, craft, and hike!

Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham Learn all about what makes your garden grow with a new and exciting topic each week during this program for kids!

Planting the Garden: Fri., Jun. 12 | 10:30-11 am Seeds: Fri., Jun. 19 | 10:30-11 am Water: Fri., Jun. 26 | 10:30-11 am

PRESCHOOL NATURE KIDS Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake Learn about the weekly topic through games, crafts and outdoor exploration!

PLANTS Fri., May 15 | 10-11 am

BUGS! Fri., Jun. 19 | 10-11 am

Tram Time

ICON KEY:

= Pre-registration Required

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ SCHEDULE FOR FREE TRAM RIDES THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

Kopf Family Wellington Reservation Reservation FIRST FRIDAY TRAM RIDES

SPRING TRAM RIDES

Cascade Park CASCADE RIDE

Mon., May 4 10:30 & 11 am Fri., May 1 & Jun. 5 Sun., May 3, 10, & 17 Noon-2 pm 1-4 pm Cascade Park (Nature Center), Kopf Family Wellington Elyria Reservation, Reservation Avon Lake Tours depart from Come out for a spring Rides leave library the Nature Center. tram ride on the trails every 30 minutes; Pre-register by 5/2. at the Wellington seating is limited.

Reservation.

Pre-register online or by phone.

MONDAY EVENING TRAM RIDES Every Monday* *No ride on May 25

5:30-7 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake First come, first served.

Sandy Ridge Black River French Creek Reservation Reservation Reservation BIRDING

BY TRAM

BLACK RIVER RIDE

FRENCH CREEK RIDE

Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, & 26 9-11:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville For birders who have difficulty hiking.

Sponsored by Black River Audubon. Preregister by the day before.

Every Wednesday 10 am-Noon Black River Reservation, (Day's Dam), Lorain Rides leave from Day’s Dam at 10 & 11 a.m. First come, first served.

Every Thursday 10 am-Noon French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village Tours depart from the French Creek Nature Center trailhead at 10 & 11 a.m. First come, first served.

WEEKEND RIDES Sat, & Sun., May 9-Oct. 18 1-4 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Rides leave Johnson Wetland Center every 30 min. First come, first served.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Schoepfle Garden SEASONAL WEDNESDAY RIDE Wed., May 20, 27, June 3, & 10 10 am-1 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham See the beautiful garden with a free ride.

GARDEN RIDE Thurs. | 10 am-1 pm Sun. | 1-4 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham Every Thursday and every Sunday. First come, first served.

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Take a Hike!

HIKING

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES

HIKING LEVELS:

= EASY

R e c u rring hi kes WEEKLY WALKERS May 4, 12, 20, 28, June 1, 9, 17 & 25 | 8:30-9:30 am Columbia Reservation, Columbia Station

WOODLAND WALKS Every Wednesday Morning | 9-10 am Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING Every Wednesday Morning in May | 7:30-10 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Sat., May 2 | 10-11:15 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Sat., May 2 | 2-3 pm Indian Hollow Reservation (Sheldon Woods), Grafton

SUNRISE BIRDING HIKE Sun., May 3 | 6:30-8:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

PLANTS WITH ANIMAL NAMES HIKE Sun., May 3 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Sun., May 3 | 4-5 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

FLOWERS IN THE SKY Mon., May 4 | 10-11 am Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange

HIKE FOR 5’S Tue., May 5 | 4-5 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Wed., May 6 | 1-3 pm Charlemont Reservation, New London

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= MODERATE

= STRENUOUS

STICK PROG Despite rece RAM nt closures and cancell Hiking Stick ations, the Program ha sk few change s. The progra icked off but with a m now inclu guided opti des a selfon. Pleasese e page 2 for full details.

For the official definition of our hiking levels, please visit us online at LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?” HIKE Wed., May 6 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

WILDFLOWER HIKE Thur., May 7 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Walking Center)

EVENING AMPHIBIAN HIKE Thur., May 7 | 7:30-9 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

BEGINNER BIRDING: SPRING SONGBIRDS Fri., May 8 | 9-10:30 am Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange

MOTHERS/DAUGHTERS HIKE Fri., May 8 | 4-5 pm Cascade Park, Elyria

MORNING BIRDING HIKE Sat., May 9 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

GARLIC MUSTARD PULL Sat., May 9 | 1-2 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Sat., May 9 | 1-3 pm Wellington Reservation

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR Sat., May 9 | 2-3 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

MORNING BIRDING HIKE Sun., May 10 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

COLOR HIKE Sun., May 10 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

LUNCH HOUR WALK Tue., May 12 | Noon-1 pm Hollstein Reservation (Amherst HealthPlex)

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN WALK Wed., May 13 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

FLOWER POWER HIKE Thur., May 14 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

OWL PROWL Thur., May 14 | 7:30-9 pm Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange

SPRING BIRDING WALK Sat., May 16 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

KIPTON RESERVATION HIKE Sat., May 16 | 10-11 am Kipton Reservation, Oberlin

BLACK RIVER WATERWAYS Sun., May 17 | 10-11 am Carlisle Reservation (Equestrian Center), LaGrange

SPRING SIGNS HIKE Sun., May 17 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

SPRING SURVEY HIKE Mon., May 18 | 9-10:30 am French Creek Reservation (Nature Center)

NESTING BOX HIKE

BESTIE DAY HIKE

Tue., May 19 | 3-4 pm French Creek Reservation (Burrell Homestead)

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?” HIKE

BEACH TREASURES HIKE

Wed., May 20 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Tue., June 9 | 9:30-10:30 am Lakeview Park (Sunset Terrace), Lorain

HUNT FOR SUMMER SCAVENGER HIKE Sat., May 23 | 3-4:30 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake

RHODODENDRON WALK

Thur., June 11 | 10-11:30 am Vermilion River Reservation Thur., June 11 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

LET GO, TAKE IN HIKE

KIPTON RESERVATION HIKE

Wed., May 27 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Walking Center)

FLOWER POWER HIKE

Thur., June 11 | 6:30-7:30 pm Kipton Reservation, Oberlin

WETLAND WANDERINGS

Thur., May 28 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Sat., June 13 | 10-11 am Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange

EVENING MARSH HIKE

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR

Thur., May 28 | 8-9 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

BIRDING THE BLACK RIVER

Sat., June 13 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

SNAKE HUNT HIKE

Sat., May 30 | 9-11 am Black River Reservation (Bur Oak), Elyria

EAGLE EYE HIKE

Sat., June 13 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

POLLINATORS

Sun., May 31 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn)

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?” HIKE

Sun., June 14 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

ROYAL OAKS RAMBLE

Wed., June 3 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Tue., June 16 | 10-11 am Indian Hollow Reservation (Royal Oaks), Grafton

SUNSET HIKE

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN WALK Wed., June 17 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

“WALK, RELAX, REPEAT” HIKE Wed., June 17 | 10-11 am Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn)

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?” HIKE Wed., June 17 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

GARLIC MUSTARD PULL Sat., June 20 | 1-2 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS HIKE Wed., June 24 | 9:30-11 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

POLLINATORS IN OUR PARKS HIKE Wed., June 24 | 10:30-11:30 am Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn)

FLOWER POWER HIKE Thur., June 25 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

PROCRASTINATOR’S HIKE Sat., June 27 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

EARLY MORNING MARSH HIKE Sun., June 28 | 7:30-9 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

WATERWAY WALK Sun., June 28 | 1-2 pm Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange

LAST CALL HIKE

Wed., June 3 | 8-9 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Sun., June 7 | 10:30-11:30 am Caley Reservation, Wellington

BACON MUSEUM TOUR: HISTORY HIKE

FLOWER POWER HIKE

Sun., May 24 | 11 am-Noon Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

THE CALEY CRAWL

Mon., June 8 | 8:30-10 am Black River Reservation (Bur Oak), Elyria

Sun., June 28 | 1-2 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Walking Center)

FAST PACED HIKE Mon., June 29 | 11 am-Noon Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Yours to Explore SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

Summer Music in the Parks

MUSIC ON THE PATIO

MILL HOLLOW SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Thursday evenings | 6:30-8 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Bring a chair for an evening of live music on the patio! Carpooling recommended.

Refreshments available for purchase.

Sunday evenings | 6:30-8 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Join us for outdoor music at the beautiful Bacon Woods Amphitheatre on the outskirts of the Vermilion River Reservation woods.

Jun. 11 | Strukely & Cole Jun. 25 | Kingfish Jul. 9 | Hoop & Co. Jul. 23 | Half Naked Monkeys Aug. 13 | Accordion Man & New Party Band Aug. 27 | Eric Fischer Sept. 10 | The Thor Platter Trio

SUNSET CONCERTS Friday evenings | 7 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Dance the night away during some live music on the shores of Lake Erie as the sun sets.

Fri., Jul. 10 Fri., Jul. 17

Fri., Jul. 24 Fri., Jul. 31

May 31 | Northwest Territory Bluegrass Band Jun. 7 | The Thor Platter Trio Jun. 14 | Greg Moore, Evelyn Wright, & Mike Lorenz Jun. 21 | Raquel & The Wildflowers

The Jam Machine Opus 216 The Polka Pirates Buckshot Band Celebration Aug. 2 | Little Eddy and the Boilermakers

JUNETEENTH BLUESFEST FESTIVAL

Sat., Jun. 13 | 6-7:30 pm French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Village Live barbershop music along with selections from The Music Man. Concessions available, cash only.

Sat., Jun. 13 | 4-7 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Join us for an afternoon filled with music, food, friends, and a beautiful view.

Sat., Jun. 6 | 1-4 pm Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center), LaGrange Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of our Wildlife Garden to learn ways to make your backyard wildlife-friendly!

Opens Sun., Jun. 14 Daily, 10 am-4:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve Walk among the butterflies!

Get ideas to attract butterflies to your garden at home. Open through Labor Day.

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BARBERSHOP IN THE PARK

W.O.A. BACKYARD BASH

BUTTERFLY HOUSE OPENING

Jun. 28 Jul. 5 Jul. 12 Jul. 19 Jul. 26

t s e F e r u Advent Sat., Sept. 26 | 2-6 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak Stay tuned for information regarding new event attractions!

KIDS FISHING DERBY

*PLEASE NOTE* Adventure Fest has been moved from its original time and location.

Sat., May 16 | 11 am-12:30 pm (Check-in at 10:30 am) Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow While Adventure Fest will no longer be happening on this date, still join us for the annual fishing derby!

Fishing equipment will be limited (first come, first serve), feel free to bring your own fishing equipment.