To join a virtual program, visit www.zoom.com and enter the Zoom meeting ID.
MarchAprilMay
Join a naturalist in search of these playful water-lovers. LP/Pond Brook
Join a naturalist as we attempt to witness the annual amphibian migration across Sand Run Parkway. Programs will occur when conditions are just right. The creatures prefer a light rain, temperatures above 45 degrees and darkness. Call 330-865-8060 after 4 p.m. to learn if a program is taking place that night. The migration often ends in early April. SR/Old Portage
Discover the unique odorous and chemical properties that make one of spring's earliest bloomers one of the best. CV/Oxbow
Join a naturalist for a series on identification tips, songs and habitats of our returning warblers. New birders can get a jumpstart and experienced birders can brush up on their skills. FASN/Visitors Center
Naturalist Sarah Putnam will attempt to call owls using recordings, with hope that owls will respond. Patience and silence are essential. For ages 6 and older. No dogs, please. WH
Bring a mug and join a naturalist for a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area. We will find out why this area is a favorite of our winged residents. Coffee and tea are provided. LP/Nature Center
Join Naturalist Pat Rydquist for a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area. We will see winter residents and spring arrivals. Bring your mug. Coffee is provided. FASN/Visitors Center
We'll hike a different trail each month, taking a photographic record of the seasonal changes that happen. In December we'll come in from the cold and review the year in pictures. You can take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. F/Tuscarawas Meadows
Do you want to learn how to start running in a supportive environment? Join us and go from the couch to running your first 5K race in just 10 weeks! We will meet each week for a group run and to discuss different running topics. Space is limited, so call now to register! All participants must be registered and paid in full by February 28. Series cost is $40, which includes a training shirt AND registration to the May 14 Mother's Day 5K in Munroe Falls Metro Park. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/11: 330-865-8065. SR/Mingo
Ages 6 to 12 join a naturalist-artist for this lesson in nature drawing. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/14: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Pre-teens (ages 9 to 13) join a certified yoga instructor to disconnect from the stresses of school and extracurricular activities by reconnecting to nature through yoga. Weather permitting, this class will include a short walk. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat or towel, and water. LP/Nature Center
The 2017 Great Lakes Theater Outreach Tour performs a new work for children inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poem "The Jabberwocky." There will be a question-and-answer period after the performance. F/Coventry Oaks
Join a naturalist-artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/17: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Explore what is blooming on Bluebird Trail before enjoying the sunset. Afterward, warm up by the fire and roast marshmallows, while supplies last. LP/Nature Center
Young children and their adult companions will enjoy this interactive, nature-inspired story time intended for ages 18 months to 3 years. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/19: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
Learn about composting: what goes in, what comes out, and how to build a compost bin of your own. There will be a chance to win a pre-made bin at the end of the program. GYH/Lodge
Spring is a great time to view ducks, geese and other water birds. New and experienced birdwatchers can join Naturalist Dave Brumfield for a chance to view these birds during the spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. TT/Manchester
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions learn about our slithery snake friends. Includes a hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Join a naturalist to learn all about the similarities and differences between snowshoe hares and eastern cottontails. FR/Brushwood
Learn the sweet story of maple sugaring! Discover its history dating back to American Indians, including how trees are tapped and sap is collected. Afterward, enjoy hot pancakes and a beverage, while supplies last. LP/Nature Center
Hike with Naturalist Sarah Putnam to learn about local wildlife, and then warm up with a hot cup of cocoa. FASN/Seneca Deck
You hiked eight trails to earn the 2016 Fall Hiking Spree shield, but attaching it to your hiking staff was harder than completing the hikes. Volunteers will gladly attach it for you at no charge. FASN/Visitors Center
Celebrate the return of the great blue heron while viewing them through our spotting scopes and binoculars. Bath Road Heronry
Try your luck in searching for rare four-leaf clovers in a grassy field! Learn about the history of these lucky charms and your odds of finding one. Please dress to get muddy. F/Tuscarawas Meadows
Hike both the Rock Creek and Old Mill trails twice at a vigorous pace. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. FR/Brushwood
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions learn about our slithery snake friends. Includes a hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
Enjoy an energizing yoga practice with a certified yoga instructor. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat or large towel and drinking water. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/1: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions learn about our slithery snake friends. Includes a hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks
How do you eat an elephant? Like a pine tree: One bite at a time! Hike Piney Woods Trail to learn how people have consumed the roots, bark, needles and cones of coniferous trees for thousands of years. Samples of pine needle tea and pine nuts are included in this program. GYH/Pioneer
Cooped up all winter? Come join a naturalist for a morning hike to beat your cabin fever as we hike Prairie Trail. SFB
Hike with a naturalist and learn about the history of the Gorge. G/Main Entrance
Explore symbolism through the plants, animals and colors of spring. DLQ
Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: There's some stinky stuff out there, so let's investigate! Plants and animals use smells in different ways to survive. How does your sense of smell compare? ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/24: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Learn about Ohio's native animals that exhibit different coverings and how they help the creatures get along in nature. LP/Nature Center
Spring is in the air! Join Naturalist Dave Brumfield for a refreshing hike along Rock Creek Trail, looking and listening for signs of spring. FR/Brushwood
Register for a half-hour time slot to improve your shot. Participants must have already taken our introductory and archery games programs. All equipment provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/25: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks
Hike at Wood Hollow with a naturalist while learning about the awesome amphibians that live here. WH
Ages 9 to 15 will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 50 inches or taller. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/28: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks
Weather is all around us! Learn a little about how it works and how the forecast sometimes means more to nature than it does to us; plants and animals depend on predictable weather patterns to survive. Follow a naturalist on a hike to discover how the weather is effecting surrounding life. LP/Twinsburg Ledges
Join us for this new monthly series in which we will explore herbs, from their history to their uses. We begin this month with past uses of herbs and some of the folklore that surrounds them. FASN/Visitors Center
Ages 16 and older will play different games to build archery skills in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken one of our intro to archery programs. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/28: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks
Hike Dogwood Trail with a naturalist to discover signs of spring. SR/Wadsworth
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions learn about our slithery snake friends. Includes a hike and craft. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/18: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge
Celebrate National Goof Off Day with us. This hike promises to be laid back, easy going and an all around good time. DLQ
Join the Master Gardeners of Summit County to learn about the native orchids of the Great Lakes region. Presented by orchid enthusiast Thomas Sampliner. FASN/Visitors Center
New and experienced birdwatchers can view ducks, geese and other water birds during the spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. NR/Lot SM2
Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14: There's some stinky stuff out there, so let's investigate! Plants and animals use smells in different ways to survive. How does your sense of smell compare? ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/24: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center
Learn and listen for the calls of spring peepers, wood frogs, northern leopard frogs, pickerel frogs, and western chorus frogs. Please bring your own flashlights and wear waterproof hiking shoes. SFB
Shake off winter and join us for spring's highly anticipated hike and breakfast. Participants will be asked to contribute to the feast. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 3/7: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge
Join Naturalist Joe Malmisur as we walk Adam Run Trail to look for signs of spring. Maybe we will be lucky enough to see several "harbingers of spring," including the delicate wildflower bearing the same name, plus red maple buds, spring peepers and mourning cloak butterflies. HH/Main Entrance
While supplies last, create personalized art for your home using items that might otherwise end up in the landfill. FASN/Visitors Center
FASN/Campfire Area
Join our naturalist-artist for some creative fun, and add your individual flair to a community art project. FASN/Seneca Deck
Enjoy an afternoon campfire and learn about the animals you may find in Liberty Park. Meet at the amphitheater. The campfire will be moved to the shelter if it rains. LP/Twinsburg Ledges
Join Naturalist Joe Malmisur as we see what Mother Nature has in store for us as we look towards April in the Metro Parks. We will also be introducing Nature's Notebook, a project that tracks phenology in your back yard, Summit Metro Parks, and nationally. FASN/Visitors Center
Join a naturalist TONIGHT as we attempt to witness the annual amphibian migration across Sand Run Parkway. Please park in the Old Portage parking lot. SR/Old Portage
Kids 7 to 10 will enjoy this early-spring adventure with fun, hands-on experiences. We will be exploring the park, doing a craft and learning about nature in spring. Pack a lunch and dress to be outside for long periods of time. Cost: $10. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 2/5: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center
Spring cleaning comes to the Nature Realm! Join a naturalist to create works of art to decorate the tanks of our resident animals. Bring your creativity and dress to get messy. FASN/Visitors Center
Learn the basics of fishing, then drop a line in Brushwood Lake. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the program. Bait is provided. Participants 16 and older must have a fishing license. FR/Brushwood
Spring is a great time to view ducks, geese and other waterfowl. New and experienced birdwatchers can join us during the migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. LP/Tinkers Creek
Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day with an easy, family-friendly stroll that is appropriate for people of all ages. F/Warner Road
Watershed Specialist Elaine Marsh shares the interwoven story of Gorge Dam, the Cuyahoga River and Gorge Metro Park. The power of gravity, scenic beauty, competing economies, contamination and restoration — this tale has it all. You’ll also learn the benefits of dismantling the dam and efforts to “Free the Falls.” FASN/Visitors Center
This is the LAST DAY to get your 2016 Fall Hiking Spree rewards and have our wonderful volunteers attach a shield to your staff. FASN/Visitors Center
Hike and learn the myths about some of our local wildlife, and what is the real truth, with a naturalist. MF/Tallmadge Meadows
Join Naturalist Joe Malmisur as we explore several "black lagoons" (i.e., vernal pools) along Buttonbush Trail, looking for wood frogs, fairy shrimp, salamanders, horsehair worms, leeches and other mysterious creatures. LP/Pond Brook