Arrowhead - November/December 2020

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

November-December 2020 | Volume 60, Number 6

GEAR UP FOR WINTER HIKES Follow our handy checklist to make sure you're prepared to brave the elements on your next cold-weather hike! | Pg. 11

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISE-THRU Carlisle Reservation is still the place to celebrate the magic of the season with a new drive-through family event! | Pg. 7

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

Park Updates

INSIDE Park Updates 2 Arrowhead Survey 3 Education 4 Coloring Page 5 Letter to Santa 6 Holiday Programs 7 Holiday Recipe 8 Plants & Gardening 9 Nature 10 Outdoor Adventures 11 Adopt-a-Raptor 12

STORYBOOK STROLL UPDATE

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

We are happy to announce that LCMP has now installed permanent Storybook Stroll signs along the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Reservation (see photo to right), using grant money generously donated by the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund. The Storybook Stroll provides an outdoor adventure that supports family connection, early childhood development as well as health and wellness. We will continue to partner with the Elyria Public Library to bring park visitors new stories every month. Check back often to read a new story and visit the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail through the change in seasons!

CONNECT TO A CAUSE UPDATE

Through generous contributions, a number of community-focused organizations were able to raise much-needed funds through the Community Foundation’s “Connect to a Cause” 12-hour fundraising event on September 17th. The Lorain County Metro Parks raised $13,611.19 thanks to the residents of Lorain County. To say we are grateful is just simply not enough. To our donors, the Community Foundation, park visitors, and to the other organizations involved - THANK YOU!

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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HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT THE ARROWHEAD? FILL OUT OUR SURVEY!

The Arrowhead is a bimonthly newsletter produced by LCMP to communicate with the residents of Lorain County. Through this survey, we would like to hear from the residents of Lorain County to ensure we continue to provide a relevant and helpful publication.

Once finished, you can drop off or mail your survey to the Carlisle Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange), or click the button below to fill out online!

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE SURVEY ONLINE

ARROWHEAD SURVEY Name: City and State: E-mail Address: What information would you like to see in the Arrowhead Newsletter?

Scheduled Programs

Park Updates

DIY Activities

Recipes with Historical or Local Significance

Nature & Wildlife Articles/Information

Family Entertainment Ideas

Other:

What is your favorite part of the Arrowhead?

What is your least favorite part of the Arrowhead?

Where do you typically hear about LCMP Programming and Events?

Print Arrowhead delivered via local newspaper

LCMP Website Program Listings

Printed Magazine

Digital version of the Arrowhead via LCMP Website

LCMP Social Media

Local Activity Guide

Radio Station

Local News Coverage

Other:

Looking for the latest info from the parks? Text LCMP to 22828 and respond with your email address to subscribe to our newsletter. This free subscription will also include email notifications when the latest digital Arrowhead is available.

Honor Roll

Lorain County JVS Anonymous Jane D. Coven Estate Bob Dempsey, Wakeman David Dibbell, Avon Lake Gwen Jaworski, Cleveland Marjean Mitchell, Grafton Marlene Sundheimer, Lorain Kristine Ann Thonnings, Broadview Heights Michael Zunich, Lorain Friends of Cascade Park Community Foundation of Lorain County United Way of Greater Lorain County

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.

Adopt-A-Raptor

Marguerite Beam, North Olmsted Jere Boyer, Lorain Virginia Cestaro, Oberlin (in Honor of Jason) Samuel and Lisa Smiddy, Grafton Donna Stevens, Valley City (Gift to Aaron Musick) Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Lorain County Probate Court

Gift was given in Honor of:

Gladys Wisnieski by Bev Essex, Canon City CO

Gift was given in Memory of:

Joanne Chulig by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Ann and John Dunn by Tom Dunn, Tory MI Leo Gorenshek by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion J.R. "J.J." Johns by David Kellar, Amherst Richard Kennedy by Marion Shafer and Family, Strongsville Connie M. O'Leary by The O'Leary Family, Vermilion Anita and Al Ortiz by Alfred Ortiz, Amherst Susan Raible by Carrie Lucas, Amherst Jim Sweat by Friends of the Jim Sweat Family, Lorain Marie Tinl by The Trende Family, Columbia Station Dee Ann Volak by Lorain High School Class of 1980 Richard Wiegand by Scott and Margaret Kent, Amherst Richard Wiegand by Timothy and Patricia Starling, Chesapeake VA

Educational Opportunities VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES OFFERED FROM THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Virtual Requested Programs $25/program Lorain County Metro Parks is now providing virtual learning opportunities for classrooms and groups! Virtual Requested Programs currently include “Predators of the Sky” and “Natural Ohio”. The cost is $25 per program. Program inquiries may be completed by submitting the online form available on our "For Educators" webpage by clicking below.

YOURS TO EXPLORE BOX

Our popular Yours to Explore box is back for winter break! This month’s theme will be all about wintertime box activities you can do at home. Each box is $10 and includes supplies for 2 children. Registration will open at 8 am on Monday, December 7th. Continue to check our Facebook page for upcoming details.

THIS EDITION: Click here to register!

WINTER BREAK

Click here for program inquiry!

Are your children learning at home? Homeschool Explorers is a new program just for you! The program will travel around each month to a different park location to engage your children in nature, history, and science. Each program will offer 2 groups (divided by age) so that each student can engage in learning, exploration, and discovery. To adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, groups will be limited to 9 students and one instructor. Therefore, only students grades 1-6 will be permitted to attend and participation waivers are required. Additional activities, such as scavenger hunts, will be provided for the families while the students are participating in class.

DUCKS

WINTER PIONEER LIFE

Wed., Nov. 11 | 10-11:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville $3/child | Pre-registration required Join us at Sandy Ridge as we discover the many species of ducks visiting the wetlands.

Binoculars provided (if you have your own binoculars, please bring them along). Geared toward children grades 1-6. Registration is open Oct. 21 - Nov. 4.

Fri., Dec. 18 | 10-11:30 am Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn $3/child | Pre-registration required Join us as we discover what pioneer life was like in the winter and learn winter outdoor skills.

Geared toward children grades 1-6. Registration is open Nov. 23 - Dec. 11.

Click here to register!

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Click the button below to visit our "For Educators" page on our website for more information regarding virtual learning opportunities, field trips, and classroom presentations!

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BUCKET LIST Keep your mind and body active by checking these activities off your winter break bucket list! Perfect for students and families to do together!

GO SLEDDING AT BACON WOODS OR CASCADE IDENTIFY 5 TREES ON A WINTER HIKE

Homeschool Explorers

Click here to register!

Winter Break

MAKE A PINECONE BIRDFEEDER

(see our Education Resources page for instructions)

WARM UP BY TOURING THE MILLER NATURE PRESERVE CONSERVATORY TAKE A WINTER SCENERY PHOTO MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE VISIT OUR LIGHTED DISPLAYS NAME AN ANIMAL THAT HIBERNATES DURING WINTER EXPLORE A NEW LCMP RESERVATION FIND & IDENTIFY ANIMAL TRACKS IN THE SNOW DRAW A PICTURE OF YOUR FAVORITE WINTERTIME ACTIVITY SIP HOT COCOA WHILE READING A NATURE BOOK NAME 1 ANIMAL THAT HIBERNATES, 1 THAT MIGRATES, AND 1 THAT LOVES WINTER

Click here to visit "For Educators" page LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

BE WEST ACH

Color in this fun holiday scene and hang it up on your fridge or cut it out and send it to Santa with your letter!

BEA EAST CH

5

anta S

TO:

THE NORTH POLE

Write your letter to Santa and bring it to one of our 'Santa Nights' at Lakeview Park or Carlisle Reservation (info on pg. 7) to be mailed directly to Santa!

CHILD’S NAME: WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR THIS WINTER SEASON?

Please write your email address below so we can notify you if your child’s letter is read aloud by Santa on our Facebook Page:

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LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Happy HOlidays SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

Miller Woods Holiday Express Dec. 4, 11, 12, and 18 | 6:30-8:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $10/person | Pre-registration required

(tickets will be sold for designated departure times)

Click here to register!

The Lorain County Metro Parks invites you to the Miller Nature Preserve for a ride on the “Miller Woods Holiday Express”. Grab your ticket for a special ride on the Little Green Choo through the woods to Santa’s workshop. Enjoy the lighted displays, sounds of the season, and possibly a glimpse of the man in red. The train is open to the weather and riders are advised to dress appropriately to ensure a cozy and fun ride for all! Tickets include one train ride per person, a cup of hot chocolate, and cookies. This event will also offer holiday themed crafts and fun. Pre-registration is required for all riders. Tickets go on sale Nov. 9, 2020. To purchase tickets, call us at (440) 458-5121 or visit us online. There will be no onsite ticket sales.

Holiday Favorites Display

Nov. 27 - Jan. 3 | 10 am-5 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $2/person ‘Frosty the Snowman’ and ‘Rudolph’ songs bring back childhood memories as we sing the catchy phrases in our heads. Step into our conservatory to relive some of your Holiday Favorites! Snoopy, Santa, The Grinch, Bumble, and more of your favorite characters, songs, and stories will be recreated into mini scenes.

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

CRUISE-THRU HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISE-THRU Nov. 27 - Dec. 27 | Wednesdays - Sundays 5:30 - 9:30 pm **CLOSED: Dec. 24th and 25th**

Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center Carlisle Reservation is still the place to celebrate the magic of the season with the Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru! This family friendly event will feature our classic lighted features such as Santa’s Castle, lighted trees, penguins, and more as seen during a mile long drive from the comfort of your vehicle. Be prepared to drive slowly to enjoy the exhibit. Please note that this event will be held at Carlisle Reservation's Equestrian Center.

Admission is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one, nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Please note that you will not be permitted to exit your vehicle during this experience except for the food drop-off, and no restrooms will be available.

Is your business interested in becoming a sponsor for the event? Please contact Bev at bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com for details.

SANTA NIGHTS WITH THE METRO PARKS

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE

Dec. 2, 6, 9, 13, & 16 Dec. 3, 10, & 17 Lakeview Park, Lorain Carlisle Equestrian Center, LaGrange Enjoy the lighted decorations from the comfort of your vehicle and celebrate the season with a socially-distanced Santa and Elves at his workshop. Although you won’t be able to exit your vehicle to visit Santa in person, please write a letter to Santa using the form on the opposite page, and his elves will be sure it gets into the North Pole mailbox. Santa will read some of the letters on our Facebook page!

Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one, nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Nov. 27 - Dec. 27 Lakeview Park, Lorain Experience a FREE lakefront drive-through lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park! Enjoy classic holiday scenes, festive décor, and thousands of twinkling lights spanning this 26acre park. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 10pm each night. We hope you find an opportunity to enjoy this cheerful and safe holiday activity!

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Get Cooking RECIPES FROM LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS' HISTORICAL FAMILIES

GINGER cookies In 1817, Benjamin Bacon settled with his family along the cliffs overlooking the Vermilion River. Members of the Bacon family continued to farm the river valley into the early 1900s. In 1957, Dorothy Bacon Demuth, a distant cousin of the Bacon family, inherited the property and donated it to the newly formed Lorain County Metro Parks. The Vermilion River Reservation was the first park in the park district. The Bacon House was opened as a museum in 1962.

In this museum visitors can see that the 19th century Bacon family kitchen is very different from the luxuries we have today. Benjamin Bacon’s wife Anna did not have the convenience of a microwave, oven, or Crockpot. She was unable to search Google, Pinterest, or the Food Network for ideas, recipes, and cooking hacks. Instead, women learned how to cook by assisting their mothers and from trial and error. Women of the era passed down tried-andtrue recipes through handwritten cookbooks and by word-of-mouth. They relied on fireplaces or cast iron wood stoves to cook their food. This proved challenging at times without the ability to set a precise temperature and time.

This Ginger Cookies recipe is straight from the Bacon Family Cookbook (notice the recipe is missing temperature and baking duration). Try this recipe yourself and share photos of your cookies on social media with #baconfamilygingercookies.

Find out more about the Bacon family at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/vermilion-river-reservation

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Bacon Family Cookbook

• Ginger Cookie Recipe • 1 cup butter • 2 cups molasses • 1 cup milk • 2 teaspoons soda • 1 tablespoon ginger • Flour

1 cup butter, 2 cups molasses...mix together.

Add 1 cup milk boiled and 2 teaspoons soda heaping.

Add while milk is boiling. Pour this hot over molasses and butter. Stir this mixture into enough flour to make a soft doug h. Add one tablespoon ginger to the flour before siftin g it. Roll out, cut into round cakes. This makes a soft and rathe r thick cookie. **NOTE: *Modern day ginger cookie recipes require a baking temperature of 350 degrees and 8-10 minutes of bake time.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Gardening TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE GARDENER AND INFORMATION ABOUT A VARIETY OF PLANTS

Holiday Trees

Holidays and Christmas trees often bring about warm, cozy feelings of timeless traditions, so it’s not too soon to start thinking about your Christmas tree! There are many factors to help you pick your perfect live tree. Some things to consider are the height, shape, fragrance, color, sturdiness of branches for ornaments, and how long does it stay fresh. Many of these are personal preferences.

The cost of the tree can depend upon several factors. One is the height; the larger the tree, the more expensive it is. Another factor is the availability of the tree and where it comes from- locally or shipped? Some big box stores can offer lower prices because they often get wholesale prices. They will often offer money back guarantees as well. The con side is that sometimes they are wrapped and difficult to assess the shape and quality.

SELECTING A TREE

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Freshness is one of the most important quality to look for Look for vibrant green needles and leaves that bend but don’t break. If needles are pale, it could be an older cut tree. When you pass your hand down the branch some needles fall out, but if there is a noticeable amount that fall out, avoid that tree. See the general shape of your tree and look for bare spots or broken branches. Sometimes you can bargain for a lower price.

The most common types of trees used for Christmas trees are: Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cypress, & Cedar $ $$ $$$ $$$$

Scotch and White Pines Norway and White Spruce Fir trees, Cypress Blue Spruce

Favorite Christmas Trees: (Key: 1 = excellent | 2 = good | 3 = fair)

SPECIES Frasier Fir Douglas Fir Balsam Fir CO Blue Spruce Scotch Pine White Pine Norway Spruce Red Cedar Virginia Pine White Fir White Spruce

SHAPE

BRANCH STRENGTH

classic classic pyramid symmetrical cone need to shape classic pyramid need to shape cone classic

2 1 2 1 1 3 1 2 1 2 1

NEEDLE RETENTION FRAGRANCE 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 3

1 1 1 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 3

AVAILABILITY

COLOR

2 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 3 2

2-tone Various tones Dark green Powdery blue Various tones Soft needles Beautiful Flattened Long needles Long needles Concolor

The benefits of

Indoor Plants

In Ohio we have lost the lush green from outdoor plants, trees and gardens for the winter but that does not mean we have to forgo the benefits of plants until spring. Indoor plants not only provide visual appeal to our homes, they also provide a psychological and physical boost that we can readily use throughout the year. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis as well as taking in household toxins and pollutants which cleans the air and makes it easier to breathe. Plants also release up to 97% of the water they take in back into the air helping raise the humidity levels that are lowered by our dry winter heating methods. Plants can help lower blood pressure and heart rates as well as reduce the number of symptoms of colds, coughs, headaches and flu-like symptoms.

Indoor plants do not need to require much of a green thumb to thrive. Most just need some sunlight, proper watering and an occasional repotting to accommodate growth or add nutrients to the soil. Some easy plants for the indoors include: sansevieria (snake plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue), philodendron, Boston fern, Peace lily and spider plants. To get the most benefits, figure about one large plant for every 100-150 square feet of indoor space.

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It's In Our Nature OBSERVE AND LEARN ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

Birds in Winter Where are all the birds in the winter? Many birds leave for warmer climates. Not because they can’t take the cold, but because the food they eat is not available (i.e.- insects and fruit). And in the case of waterfowl, the marshes, ponds and lakes where they feed are iced over.

But you can still find a good variety of birds throughout the winter months. Songbirds find seeds everywhere. Woodpeckers search for overwintering insects in the bark of trees. Some birds even eat Poison Ivy berries!

Raptors like hawks and owls stay year-round because there are still plenty of small mammals to eat.

If you want to see more birds in the winter, put up a birdfeeder. A good mix with a lot of Black Oil Sunflower seeds will attract lots of birds.

If you get a Christmas tree this year, instead of kicking it to the curb after the holidays, set it near your feeder for some extra shelter thru the winter.

Or, if you are more adventurous, go for a hike in search of birds. Visit one of the Lorain County Metro Parks on your own. Or sign-up for one of our winter birding excursions. You may start a new hobby for the New Year, and maybe get to see an Owl or an Eagle!

What happens to other animals in winter?

It’s that time of year where we pull out our winter coats, sip on warm beverages and turn the heat up in the house. Nature changes through our windows to leafless trees, early morning frost and the possibility of waking up to snow. While we have the ability to avoid the cold, animals live a different wintertime story. They prepare for colder weather long before we do. Triggered by lessening daylight, food availability and increased energy levels to keep warm, animals begin to use their cold weather adaptations as early as late August. These adaptations can be physical (white-tailed deer shedding from a thinner coat and growing a thicker one), behavioral (monarch butterflies migrating to a warmer climate) or physiological (hibernating groundhogs will lower their body temperature below 68 degrees and drastically slow down their heartrate to conserve energy). Some have unique adaptations like the Wood frog, who will freeze and thaw with the environment, turning into an almost complete “frogcicle” to survive as the weather turns frigid. Whether they use one or several adaptations to survive, animals know what to do when it comes to winter. If you think a wild animal “looks cold” and needs help, remember they are wild animals that belong outside, and they have developed these adaptations to combat even the coldest of temperatures. Instead, observe and allow animals to show you their fascinating winter adaptations. You will be surprised at how much we are alike!

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PICTURED: Bluebird walking in snow at Sandy Ridge (left); Bluejay at birdfeeder at Sandy Ridge (right)

Bi rdfeeder C ra ft

Do you enjoy feeding the birds? Here is a way you can recycle a plastic bottle and create your own birdfeeder to help you learn more about our resident birds this winter.

INSTRUCTIONS:

You will need:

1. Make the perches – Towards the bottom • Plastic bottle with of the bottle, use a push pin to make two cap, clean and dry holes on opposite sides. Use the pair of scissors to widen the holes to a width • String or twine just smaller than the width of your first • Two sticks, dowel stick or rod. Push the first stick through rods or pencils both holes to form the first perch. Do the same higher up the bottle for the second • Bird seed perch, but have the new set of holes at • Push pin 90-degree angle to the first.

2. Drainage – Make some drainage holes in • Sharp scissors the bottom of the bottle using the push pin and scissors 3. Feeding holes – Approximately 1 ½ inches above each perch, use the push pin to make a slight hole and widen it by cutting a hole with the scissors. These will be the feeding holes. The holes should be approximately 1-2 inches in width, though this will change depending on the size of the bird seed you use.

4. Hang the feeder up – towards the neck of the bottle, make two more holes opposite one another, and thread a length of string through the holes which will then be used to hand the feeder up. Pour your bird seed in and put the lid on the bottle and you are ready to hang your bird feeder! Hang your feeder in a place where there is shelter for the birds close by such as near a bush or tree (hanging your feeder in the open could attract predators).

Outdoor Adventures INFORMATION FOR ALL AGES GEARED TOWARD ENJOYING NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

Gear up for a Winter Hike!

T RA I L F E AT U R E :

BRIDGEWAY TRAIL BLACK RIVER RESERVATION

The Black River Reservation Bridgeway Trail is the perfect cold weather outdoor destination. It is open year-round, and the 4.5-mile paved trail is plowed during the winter months. This trail travels through three park areas beginning at Days Dam at the north end, traversing south to Bur Oak, and ending at High Meadows. Each area includes parking and restrooms.

Visitors will experience the beauty of the seasons while hiking through meadows, forest groves, and river bottomlands. During the winter season view spectacular shale cliff icicles and snowcovered scenic landscapes. Also take in a birds-eye view of the Black River by traversing the 1,000-foot bridge that crosses the river in two locations. If you’re looking for added adventures, explore side trails such as the Cottonwood Trail and Waterfall Trail.

This winter, get outdoors to check out the Black River Reservation Bridgeway Trail.

Find a trail map and more information by checking out www.loraincountymetroparks.com/black-river-reservation-info.

The scenery and accessibility of this trail will surely provide a winter hike to remember!

When gearing up for winter day hiking you want footwear, clothing, and traction aids that can be used across a fairly wide range of temperatures, wind speeds, sun, precipitation types, and surface conditions. **Important: Do not wear cotton on winter hikes because it takes so long to dry**

Winter Day Hiking Gear List: The following winter day hiking clothing and gear will keep you safe and comfortable in winter conditions:

FOOTWEAR

PANTS

HATS

MID-LAYER INSULATION

• Insulated hiking boots • Warm socks (sock liners optional) • High gaiters

• Hard shell pants that are waterproof and windproof with full-length zippers along the sides • Softshell pants (optional)

• Lightweight fleece or wool hat • Fleece jacket, fleece pullover, fleece • Heavyweight fleece or wool hat vest, insulated vest or softshell jacket (at least one, possibly several)

GLOVES

• Lightweight fleece or wool gloves • Waterproof shell mitts or gloves, with insulated liners

BASE-LAYER INSULATION

JACKETS

• Microspikes • Snowshoes (depending on conditions)

• Puffy insulated jacket with attached hood • Waterproof and windproof jacket with attached hood

• Long sleeve jersey • Long underwear

WINTER TRACTION AIDS WATER BOTTLES

• Water bottle insulation, if bottles are stored outside your backpack

Sledding Hill Spotlight When the snow starts flying it is time for sledding! Dig out your sled and come on out to one of our legendary LCMP sledding hills.

On the west end of the county try out the Vermilion River Reservation-Bacon Woods sledding hill. It can be found at the entrance of the park. Ample parking is available, and restrooms are open year-round.

Cascade Park in Elyria is home to the tallest and fastest sledding hill in the county.

Visitors have experienced sledding here for over 100 years! Find parking at the Furnace St. entrance, and also near the Nature Center. Restrooms are available near the playground.

Sledding hills are open during regular park hours (8am-Sunset). Please keep safety in mind (check out the safety tips below), and have a blast!

SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS:

PICTURED: 1000-ft. bridge over the Black River.

• Adult supervision is a must.

• Always go down the hill feet first.

• Learn how to stop and turn the sled with your feet.

• Only sled with the recommended number of passengers per sled.

• Make sure the base of the sledding hill is cleared of other sled riders before departing.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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ARTEMIS

Turkey Vulture

HAVOC

Peregrine Falcon

LUKE

LUNA

Red-tailed Hawk

ADOPT-A-

Interested in helping wildlife?

Then consider adopting a raptor at the Lorain County Metro Parks Raptor Center!

LO R A I N C O U N T Y M E T R O PA R K S 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.

APTOR

ADOPT-A-RAPTOR INFORMATION

OLIVIA

Barn Owl

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 am to 4:30 pm 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!

Barred Owl

SMOKEY

Eastern Screech-owl

STEWART Barred Owl

GOODBYE, APHRODITE & CALLI THE END OF AN ERA

Recently the Raptor Center has suffered two significant losses by saying goodbye to Aphrodite and Calli. These two female red-tailed hawks were among the very first residents of the Raptor Center in the mid-90s and have had an impactful career educating countless people around Lorain County. When these two birds came to the Raptor Center in 1996 and 1997 respectively, no one could have imagined the number of lives they would Aphrodite touch over their lifetimes. For over two decades, visitors have enjoyed seeing them on exhibit at the Raptor Center and throughout the County at schools, scout meetings, libraries, senior homes, festivals, and more.

The staff at the Raptor Center take their role of caretaker very seriously.

Although we are sad, we are proud that these two birds had long, comfortable, and impactful lives as wildlife ambassadors. Without a home dedicated to the care and management of non-releasable birds of prey, neither Calli nor Aphrodite would have been able to fulfill this legacy. This grief is a small price to pay for the privilege of working alongside such magnificent partners in education.

While our flock has two fewer members, we will carry them with us, soaring Calli in the sunshine of our hearts and memories. Many thanks for the hard work of the staff, volunteers, avian veterinary staff, and Adopt-A-Raptor parents who have cared for and supported Aphrodite and Calli throughout their lifetimes. They will live on in your memory as they do ours.

ADOPTION LEVELS • Adoption Certificate • Letter from your bird • Parents’ Board Certificate

$25 $50

• All the perks of $25 adoption level plus: • Natural History Card • Adopt-A-Raptor Magnet

$100 $150

• 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: • 8” x 12” Photo of Bird • Spiral Notebook with pen*

• 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

* New logoed items. ** One-on-one photo opportunity with a Red-tailed Hawk or Owl held by a Naturalist in an outdoor setting.

Donor Name:

Adoption Level(s):

If a gift, name of recipient:

Total Check amount:

Address (where to send packet):

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:

Phone Number

(where donor can be reached):

Name of Raptor(s) chosen:

$250 $500

• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus: • 8” x 12” Photo of Bird • Window Decal*

Lorain County Metro Parks 12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange, OH 44050 LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121