|
|
February | March | April
 |
Friday, February 03, 10:30 a.m.
SHOW & TELL ME A STORY
Join Naturalist Sarah Matheny for a special story time with puppets, songs, activities and a craft. Kids 1 and up are welcome with their favorite adult. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 04, 10 a.m.
CRYSTAL PALACE HIKE
Huge, colorful icicles drip from the rock cliffs in Gorge Metro Park during winter. Naturalist Mike Greene will accompany you to a breathtaking view of this “Crystal Palace” along the rugged 1.8-mile Glens Trail. G/Main Entrance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 04, 1 p.m.
GROUNDHOGS & WEATHER PREDICTION
Spring is just around the corner. Or is it? The whole family can join Naturalist Dave Brumfield to learn more about nature's weather forecasters. Who knows, maybe Punxsutawney Phil’s cousin will make a guest appearance. Includes a hike outdoors, weather permitting. GYH/Pavilion
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 04, 2 p.m.
AMERICAN INDIANS FROM IN THE SADDLE
Come learn about Ohio’s American Indians with Naturalist Sarah Putnam. Those who feel comfortable and confident may ride bareback like the Indians once did. Participants must bring their own horse and tack. SC/Boathouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 05, 1 p.m.
BIRD FOOD CAFE: THE SWEETS DIET
Toss on an apron and cook up some nutritious, delicious and fun treats to take home for your backyard birds with Naturalist Sarah Matheny. Discover the best high-calorie foods that provide migrating birds with abundant energy during their long journeys. SR/Mingo
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, February 07, 7:30 p.m.
WINTER IS THE TIME FOR OWLS
Join Naturalist Dave Brumfield to explore the world of common Ohio owls. We’ll begin with an indoor program and then go outside to call – and maybe see – owls in the wild. SR/Shady Hollow
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 08, 10 a.m.
HEART-HEALTHY HIKE
Hiking in the Metro Parks is good for your heart and soul. Naturalist Mike Greene will make it good for your mind as well by answering your nature and history questions on this steady stroll along the 1.2-mile Quarry Trail. DLQ
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 08, 7 p.m.
MOTHER EARTH SERIES: GROWING IN THE CITY
Join Naturalist Meghan Doran and OSU Extension Educator Denise Ellsworth to discover how Summit County is leading the way with urban gardens. We’ll discuss problems with pests and how you can get involved in this new way of city living. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 10, 10:30 a.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 10, 1 p.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 10, 6 p.m.
UNDER THE STARS HIKE
Great horned owls are creating music this time of year; perhaps we will hear their haunting calls on this nighttime journey with Naturalist Sarah Matheny and city of Twinsburg naturalist Stanley Stine. A clear sky would provide a lightshow for our enjoyment as well. LP/Pond Brook
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 10, 7 p.m.
NATURE FOR FAMILIES: WHOOO'S OUT THERE
Dress warmly for this family-friendly program about owls. We’ll call for them while hiking around Brushwood Pavilion, and finish the program with hot chocolate and vegetable soup by the fire inside. Bring a mug. FR/Brushwood
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m.
EXTENDED HIKE
Join volunteer Pat Patterson for a three-mile hike on the Jogging Trail. Meet at the Revere Lot, 2400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. SR/Revere Lot
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 11, 10:30 a.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 11, 3 p.m.
BATS IN DECLINE
A microscopic fungus threatens to decimate Ohio’s bats. Discover the latest local and national research on white-nose syndrome and how we are monitoring bat populations. Get hands-on experience with bat surveying equipment, explore how you can help and examine the future outlook for Ohio’s bat species. F/Coventry Oaks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 12, 1 p.m.
CRYSTAL PALACE HIKE
Huge, colorful icicles drip from the rock cliffs in Gorge Metro Park during winter. Naturalist Mike Greene will accompany you to a breathtaking view of this “Crystal Palace” along the rugged 1.8-mile Glens Trail. G/Main Entrance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 12, 1 p.m.
NATURALIST'S WINTER UTOPIA
Join a Metro Parks naturalist and city of Twinsburg naturalist Stanley Stine for this peaceful afternoon in the woods. We’ll seek out signs of spring and rare birds. Don’t forget to look down for coyote and fox tracks! Vistas are beautiful from this location, so bring cameras and binoculars. Warm waterproof boots are necessary. LP/Pond Brook
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 12, 2 p.m.
PUPPET SHOW
All ages will enjoy another hilarious adventure of “Puppets Say the Darndest Things.” Includes a craft. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, February 13, 10:30 a.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. GYH/Pavilion
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 15, 10:30 a.m.
NATURE DRAWING FOR SENIORS
It’s never too late to learn to draw. Join naturalist and artist Danette Rushboldt for this fun and entertaining program. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/7: 330-865-8065. Bring a sketch book, a pencil and most of all a sense of humor. Beginners welcome. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 16, 10:30 a.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. FR/Brushwood
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m.
TRAVEL TO THE AMAZON
Join Naturalist Pat Rydquist for an armchair adventure to the Amazon and discover what our rivers have in common with the largest river in the world. Feel free to bring your dinner to enjoy during the program. We will provide coffee, tea and hot chocolate. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 17, 7 p.m.
NATURAL KNITTERS
Find inspiration for needlework by discovering wildlife “knitters” in our Metro Parks with Naturalist Sarah Matheny. We’ll walk you through the basics of knitting and you’ll start making a knitted dishcloth to take home. Program intended for all knitting levels. We’ll provide the knitting needles. Please bring 100% cotton yarn. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 18, 8 a.m.
HIKE & BREAKFAST
Join us for a winter morning hike followed by robust oatmeal cooked over a campfire. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/9: 330-865-8065. Participants are asked to contribute to the feast. GYH/Pavilion
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m.
WINTER TREE I.D.
Join Naturalist Mike Greene to discover how to identify trees without their leaves while hiking the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail. CVS/Oxbow
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 18, 1 - 4 p.m.
HIKING SPREE SHIELD ASSISTANCE
You've hiked eight trails to earn this year's hiking shield, but attaching it to your hiking staff may be harder than completing the hikes. Volunteers will gladly attach it for you at no charge. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 19, 10 a.m.
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
Join Naturalist Dave Brumfield to observe birds along the Chippewa Trail during the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual event that creates a real-time snapshot of birds across the continent. Everyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. Bring binoculars. SC/Big Oak
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 19, 1 p.m.
WINTER BIRDS
Join Naturalist Pat Rydquist to discover birds spending the winter at Springfield Bog. SFB
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, February 20, 10 a.m.
SNOW DAY
Are you off school or work for the day? Join Naturalist Meghan Doran for a morning of crafts, hot cocoa and an indoor fire. We will take a short walk at 11:30 a.m. to search for tracks, scat and bird nests in the meadow. Don’t forget your sleds for a ride after the program! GYH/Main Entrance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 22, 10 a.m.
HEART-HEALTHY HIKE
Hiking in the Metro Parks is good for your heart and soul. Naturalist Mike Greene will make it good for your mind as well by answering your nature and history questions on this steady stroll along the 1.6-mile Spring Hollow Trail. HH/Main Entrance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 22, 1 p.m.
KINDEREALM: CROWS
Caw, Caw, Caw! You will certainly have something to crow about after this lesson. Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover the wonders of one of Ohio's smartest birds, the crow. Includes a hike and craft. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/2: 330-865-8065. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. F/Coventry Oaks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 22, 7 p.m.
MEET ME IN THE GARDEN
People of all ages and abilities can learn how to create miniature gardens with big appeal. Co-presented by Kyle Lukes, a landscape architect, and Priscilla Kiehl, master gardener. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m.
PRESIDENTS IN THE CIVIL WAR
Join historian and photographer Denny Reiser as he follows Presidents Hayes and McKinley to the Battle at Antietam Creek. Feel free to bring your dinner to enjoy during the program. We will provide coffee, tea and hot chocolate. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m.
AMPHIBIAN MANIA
Join Naturalist Meghan Doran for an evening filled to the gills with local amphibians. Learn about salamander and toad migrations and where to see these awesome creatures. A short presentation, live animals and a craft are included. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m.
WILDLIFE & WOOD WORKSHOP
Discover the types of squirrels you can attract to your back yard, and then build a squirrel-in-the-jar feeder. REGISTRATION BEGINS 2/16: 330-865-8065. The cost is $20 per kit. Limit one kit per family. Participation is required to purchase a kit. Space is limited. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 25, 1 p.m.
BOGS AND FENS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
Learn from Naturalist Dave Brumfield about these unique and fascinating wetlands found throughout Northeast Ohio, including how they are formed, their plant and animal life and why these fragile habitats are important. F/Coventry Oaks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, February 25, 2 p.m.
TOP OF THE SOUTH LEDGES
A few of Ohio’s winter beasts and birds are afoot! Hike with a Metro Parks naturalis and the city of Twinsburg naturalist Stanley Stine to look for these unique winter animals by sight, tracks and scat, in an undeveloped area of Liberty Park where orchards once grew. LP/Recreation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 26, 12 - 3 p.m.
YOUNG BIRDERS: OPEN HOUSE
Young birders 8 and older and their families are invited to stop in to chat with Naturalist Meghan Doran and expert volunteers at the wildlife window. We’ll have field guides, binoculars and examples of bird feeders available for you to get inspired during this cold, long winter. Sit at the window awhile, share photos of your birds and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while we explore the world of these winter residents. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, February 26, 2 p.m.
NATURE REALM BOOK CLUB
Naturalist Sarah Matheny leads this engaging discussion of this month’s Nature Realm Book Club selection, “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail” by Bill Bryson. Warm drinks and snacks provided. The book is available for purchase in the Nature Realm gift shop at 10% off. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, February 29, 7 p.m.
LEAP AHEAD: BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS
Leap ahead to warmer days ahead with Naturalist Sarah Matheny by discovering some of the beautiful butterflies and marvelous moths that you can attract to your back yard this spring and summer. FASN/Visitors Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Who Ya Gonna Call?
All animals are wards of the State of Ohio. With questions or concerns about wildlife, call the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, at 330-644-2293.
Big Oak
One of the largest northern red oaks in Summit County – 20 feet in circumference – stands in Silver Creek Metro Park.
|
|
|
 
|
|