ExplorePrograms & Events

Wednesday, May 3,  – 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS

Saturday, May 6

0 – :30 a.m. & 2:30 – 2 p.m.

CLASSY CANVAS

Monday, May , 6:30 – 8 p.m.

WARBLER WARM-UP

Join a naturalist as we get ready for warbler season and the biggest week in American birding! We will review the basics of warbler identification and other important tidbits about our feathered friends. There will be several specimens preserved by taxidermy to provide a bird’s eye view of the many species that will be migrating through in the coming weeks. This program is designed for all levels of birding experience. LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Tuesday, May 2, 2 – :30 p.m.

NATURE-MINDED: POETRY

Connect with yourself, each other and the natural world through poetry. We will read and discuss a nature-themed poem, followed by a short mindfulness hike. WH: 22 Barlow Rd., Hudson

Tuesday, May 2,  – 3 p.m.

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS

Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg (4/26)

Wednesday, May 3, 0 a.m. – 2 p.m.

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS

Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. FASN/Visitors Center: 828 Smith Rd., Akron (4/26)

Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. (4/26)

Thursday, May 4, 0 a.m. – 2 p.m.

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS

Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron (4/26)

Thursday, May 4, 6 – 7:30 p.m. GOOD GARDEN TALKS: HEALTHY GARDEN SOIL & COMPOST

Join us in collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn about building healthy soil and using organic waste materials. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron

Friday, May 5, 0:30 –  a.m.

SPRING NATURE TALES

Young children and their adult companions can celebrate spring in an interactive, spring-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the nature play area after the program. LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Like to paint but need some instruction? Adult participants are invited to appreciate the beauty of the parks as we paint together. We’ll look at some brightly colored creatures to inspire creativity and then go through step-by-step instruction. We will provide all of the supplies needed to create a personal masterpiece. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron (4/28)

Saturday, May 6, 0 –  a.m.

BACKYARD BIRD BASICS

Learn how to properly care for bird feeders and bird baths to keep our feathered friends happy, healthy, and visiting your backyard frequently. FASN/Seneca Deck: 828 Smith Rd., Akron

Saturday, May 6,  – 2:30 p.m.

HIKE UP TO CALM DOWN

Join a naturalist as we hike the challenging 3.2-mile Adams Run Trail. We will take breaks along the way to talk about how being in nature can naturally reduce stress and how to bring more calmness into our daily lives. HH/Main Entrance: 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron

Beginning Sunday, May 7

SELF-GUIDED:

Storybook Trail

Have fun exploring with a self-guided story trail based on the book “Toad.” Look for it along Rock Creek Trail between May 7 through May 28. FR/Brushwood: 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield

Sunday, May 7, 8 – 0:30 a.m.

Biggest Week Bird Walk

Happy Biggest Week in American Birding! Hike with a naturalist to spot neotropical migrants on their journeys north. Along the way, discover how bird lovers can better support our avian friends at home. Please bring binoculars and a bird guide. CV/Valley View: 22 Cuyahoga St., Akron

Sunday, May 7, 0 – :30 a.m.

SMP CYCLING CLUB

Join us on this bi-monthly bike ride as we pedal along and explore the Towpath Trail. This will be a 0-mile, casually paced (0-2 mph), out and back ride. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron

Wednesday, May 0, 0 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nature Journaling For Adults

Join our interpretive artist for an inspiring lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness and wellness. FASN: 828 Smith Rd., Akron (5/3)

Wednesday, May 0,  – 2 p.m.

VIRTUAL: NATURE JOURNALING FOR ADULTS

Join our interpretive artist for an inspiring virtual lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness and wellness. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. (5/3)

Wednesday, May 0, 3 – 6 p.m. KIDS’

Fishing

Kids ages 5 and younger can learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Summit Lake. Some rods and reels will be available for use. Bait is provided. Adults must be there to supervise their children and if they want to fish, must have a current Ohio fishing license. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron

Sunday, May 7, 2 – :30 p.m.

Nature Drawing For Kids

Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 2. All materials will be provided.

FASN: 828 Smith Rd., Akron (4/27)

Sunday, May 7, 2 – 3 p.m.

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS

Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 2. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registration. (4/27)

Monday, May 8, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Wandering For Warblers Day Trip

Join park naturalists for an all-day exploration of the Warbler Capital of the World during the Biggest Week in American Birding. The tour bus will depart F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm at 6 a.m. for the famed Magee Marsh and other birding hotspots, returning at 6 p.m. Be prepared for extensive walking on boardwalks and trails. Dress for variable weather conditions. Pack lunch, beverages, snacks, binoculars and a camera. Cost: $75/person.

FASN: 828 Smith Rd., Akron (4/20) $

Thursday, May , 0 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nature Collage

Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist at the beautiful Liberty Park Nature Center for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg (5/5)

Thursday, May , 0 –  a.m.

LIL’ SPROUTS

This biweekly program is designed to engage children ages 3 to 5 and an accompanying adult in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered around what’s happening in the garden at that time. Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron (5/4)

Thursday, May ,  – 3 p.m.

VIRTUAL: NATURE COLLAGE

Let’s make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. (5/5)

Thursday, May , 4 – 6 p.m.

Heron Open House

Join a naturalist to observe the nesting behaviors of the great blue heron, one of Ohio’s largest birds. Stop by between 4 and 6 p.m. to use our binoculars and spotting scopes to get an up-close look. Meet at the Bath Road Heronry on Bath Rd., between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula roads in Akron. Bath Road Heronry

Friday, May 2, 3 – 5 p.m.

MOTHER’S DAY CARD MAKING

Pop over to make a nature-themed Mother’s Day card. All ages welcome. FASN/Seneca

Deck: 828 Smith Rd., Akron

Saturday, May 3, 9 –  a.m.

BIRD NERDS: WARBLERS

In this month’s edition of Bird Nerds, we’ll ditch the inside presentation and spend as much time on the trails as possible. Bring your binoculars to practice identifying warblers as we discover their natural history. F/Tuscarawas Meadows: 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron

balloflex® GET

Enjoy an online exercise session with a certified BalloFlex instructor. BalloFlex is a seated workout that incorporates the elements of dance and fitness together in a safe, low impact and fun system. It is designed for all ages and abilities!

2:30 –  p.m.

VIRTUAL : 849 6465 8634

Monday, May 

Wednesday, May 3

Thursday, May 4

Monday, May 8

Thursday, May 

Monday, May 5

Wednesday, May 7

Thursday, May 8

Monday, May 22

Thursday, May 25

KINDEREALM: GARDENS

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions can join us to dig down in the dirt and explore how seeds and plants grow in the garden. The program includes a gardening activity. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. (5/8)

Wednesday, May 24,  – 2 p.m.

LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Friday, May 26, 0:30 – :30 a.m. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron

Saturday, May 3, 0 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Special Needs Fishing Derby

Trophies will be awarded for the three largest fish caught. Only adults and children with special needs will be permitted to fish. Please bring fishing gear. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the derby, and bait will be supplied. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lunch if fishing the entire day. Presented by Wayside Furniture with support from Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club. F/Little Turtle Pond: 2400 Harrington Rd., Akron

Saturday, May 3,  – 3 p.m.

WILD NEIGHBORS: THE BLACK BEAR

Once gone from our state, the black bear has made a comeback in Ohio. A brief introduction and hike along Black Bear Trail will provide some insight about this resilient, but still endangered, native species.

LP/Nature

Center: 9999

Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Saturday, May 3, 2 – 3 p.m.

CANAL STROLL: WOLF CREEK

Take a walk along the Towpath Trail and step back in time to experience life in an 850s canal town. You’ll meet a special character from the past. TT/Wolf Creek: 33 Snyder Ave., Barberton

Sunday, May 4, 8 – 0:30 a.m.

MOTHER’S DAY 5K

Register for the 2th annual Mother’s Day 5K in Munroe Falls Metro Park. Run, jog or walk to celebrate mom during this stroller-friendly course. This chip-timed race travels twice around the scenic Munroe Falls Lake. Proceeds benefit the Summit Metro Parks Foundation. Learn more and register: bit.ly/smpMD5K. MF/Lake Area: 52 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls (/) $

Sunday, May 4, 0 – :30 a.m.

Birding With Mom

Treat your mother on this special day by taking her birding along the .-mile Redwing Trail. Coffee and tea will be available after the hike. Don’t forget your binoculars! F/Tuscarawas Meadows: 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron

Sunday, May 4, 2 – 3 p.m.

Tent Camping Open House

Before camping season kicks off, stop by and learn the basics of camping through handson activities and demonstrations. Practice pitching a tent, selecting proper clothing for weather conditions and playing some campfire games. Meet in the auditorium.

FASN/Visitors Center: 828 Smith Rd., Akron

Thursday, May 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

GOOD GARDEN TALKS: PLANT SWAP

Join us to swap some plants! These can be cuttings from plants in your yard or freshly grown from seed. Plants should be labeled by name and contained in pots. Vegetables and herbs are preferred, but all plants are welcome! All are encouraged to attend, even without plants to share. Program will be moved indoors in case of poor weather.

GYH/Main Entrance: 2077 Newton St., Akron

Friday, May 9, 2 – :30 p.m.

SENIOR SAUNTER

Whether you’re a senior by age or just want to appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace, join us for a stroll as we enjoy nature in late spring. Bring a mug and enjoy a beverage and more nature conversation afterward.

LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Friday, May 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

CAMPFIRE COOKING: PIE IRONS!

Try your hand at cooking with a pie iron over a campfire! We’ll be demonstrating techniques and sharing recipes for this easy method to create delicious meals and desserts. Help us cook, then taste the results (while supplies last). LP/Nature Center: 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Friday, May 9, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT YOGA

Join a certified yoga instructor and naturalist for a nature-inspired yoga class with an emphasis on gentle movement, breathing and mindfulness. This class is suitable for all levels of yoga experience and will be slow to moderately paced. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring drinking water and a yoga mat and/or towel. The class will be held outdoors if weather permits. FASN: 828 Smith Rd., Akron

Friday, May 9, 8:30 – 0 p.m.

Tailing Night Talons

Join a naturalist to learn about local owls as we hike and use recordings in an attempt to entice these feathered friends to fly in for a visit. Patience and silence are essential. For ages 6 and older. No dogs, please. SC/Pheasant Run: 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton

Friday, May 9, 8:30 – 0 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT FROGS

Spend the evening exploring the wet, wooded and wild habitat frogs call home. We’ll study these creatures by sight and by sound, so don’t forget your flashlight. CV/Valley View: 22 Cuyahoga St., Akron

Sunday, May 2, 0 – :30 a.m.

SMP CYCLING CLUB

Join us on this bi-monthly bike ride as we pedal along and explore the Towpath Trail. This will be a 0-mile, casually paced (0-2 mph), out and back ride. Please bring your own helmet and bicycle. Helmets are required to participate. SLNC: 4 Ira Ave., Akron