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Program & Events Calendar

To join a virtual program, visit www.zoom.com and enter the Zoom meeting ID.

Summit Metro Parks staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please make the request at the time of registration and/or at least 72 hours prior to the program. Contact us at 330-865-8065.

On the rare occasion of a program cancelation or change, please visit us on social media to see the latest information.

AprilMayJune

Leaf Icon Friday, May 01, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

MAY FLOWERS


Explore the bounty of April's showers and hike a circuit of rigorous trails in search of spring's blooming flowers. HH/Main Entrance

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 02, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

BEAR-Y ENLIGHTENING HIKE


Come learn about bears during this "bear-y" enlightening program. Find out what bears are doing this time of year and why we have begun to see more of them in Ohio. SC/Pheasant Run

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 02, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: BEES


Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions can discover "sweet" facts about one of nature’s busiest creatures. Program 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 4/25: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 02, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

KINDEREALM: BEES


Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions can discover "sweet" facts about one of nature’s busiest creatures. Program 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 4/25: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 03, 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM

INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY


Celebrate nature's early morning symphony. We'll start listening before sunrise to learn what sings at that hour and why. Binoculars are recommended. FASN/Seneca Deck

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 03, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

HONEYBEE HIVE ALIVE


Bring the family out to discover the secret and fascinating life of honeybees. View photos, interact with beekeeping equipment and observe honeybees up close in a safe, controlled environment! FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 04, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

LIL' SPROUTS


This recurring program is designed to engage children ages 3 to 5 and an accompanying grown-up in the wonderful world of gardening. Each class builds upon the last and will be centered on what’s growing and ready to harvest! Adults are asked to actively participate with children during the program. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/21: 330-865-8065. GYH/Lodge

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 04, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

DAFFODILS AND HISTORY


Take a stroll to admire the beauty of spring flowers. Along the way, learn some history facts about Furnace Run Metro Park and how the Daffodil Trail came to be. Parking is limited; consider carpooling if possible. FR/Daffodil

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 04, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

WORKSHOP: PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS


Ladies and gents: Making your own personal care products is easy, frugal, sustainable and a great way to lessen your environmental footprint. Learn about traditional personal care products and their alternatives, then make your own! Cost: $10/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 4/22: Register here. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 06, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

BALLOFLEX FOR BEGINNERS


Enjoy an 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! GYH/Lodge

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 06, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

BEGINNER ADULT ANGLER INSTRUCTION TRAINING


In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this introductory, three-part program is designed to help adult participants with little to no previous angling knowledge enjoy fishing as a leisurely pastime. This session will focus on equipment, casting, knot-tying and fish ID. Participants will be required to buy a fishing license prior to the second session on May 13. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/24: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 06, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

WHY MIGRATION MATTERS


Colorful, found on every continent and oh-so-iconic, birds are worth saving. Learn about why birds matter, the labor of migration and how you can support our avian neighbors. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Thursday, May 07, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

DIG INTO HISTORY


What happened here? Hike with a naturalist to learn about what transpired at Silver Creek Metro Park before it was a park. We'll see evidence along the way! SC/Pheasant Run

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Leaf Icon Thursday, May 07, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

13 MOONS ON TURTLE'S BACK


Families will learn how Native Americans honored connections between the moon's cycles, seasons and the patterns on a turtle's shell. Create a turtle moon calendar to stay in tune with the changing seasons. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/17: 330-865-8065. FASN/Seneca Deck

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 08, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

WILDFLOWER HIKE


Join a naturalist in search of woodland wildflowers along parts of Dogwood Trail. Portions of this hike are strenuous due to hilly terrain. Meet at the Shadowfield Area. SR/Wadsworth

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 09, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DANCING DARTERS AND REGAL RAINBOWS


Join a naturalist as we look for the amazing variety of stream fish in Rock Creek. We will be electroshocking (no harm to the fish) to see if we can find the strikingly beautiful rainbow darter. Participants will get in the creek to net fish for identification. Bring water shoes and don't forget bug spray! FR/Brushwood

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 09, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

SPECIAL NEEDS TROUT DERBY


Sponsored by the Goodyear Hunting & Fishing Club and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Bring fishing gear. A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the derby. Minnows cannot be used as bait; worms will be available for purchase. Only special needs children and adults will be permitted to fish. Trophies will be awarded for the three largest fish caught by anglers 15 and younger. F/Little Turtle Pond

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 10, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

LAKE LIFE


Where there’s water, there’s life. Discover the abundance of plants and critters living in and around Summit Lake while hiking the Loop Trail with a naturalist. TT/SLNC

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 11, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

BALLOFLEX FOR BEGINNERS


Enjoy an 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! F/Coventry Oaks

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Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

MUSIC IN THE PARK


The all-volunteer Metro Parks Ensemble will perform inside Coventry Oaks Lodge with an hour of musical selections from current and past decades. F/Coventry Oaks

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive 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 4/28: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 13, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


Join our interpretive 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 4/28: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

BEGINNER ADULT ANGLER INSTRUCTION TRAINING


Join a naturalist for the second session of the BAAIT series. In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this introductory program is designed to help adult participants with little to no previous angling knowledge enjoy fishing as a leisurely pastime for many years. This session will focus on maps, casting, reading the water, cleaning, fileting and cooking your catch. Hopefully we will be able to get a line wet by the end of the session! ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/24: 330-865-8065. LP/Tinkers Creek

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 15, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: TERRIFIC TURTLES


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: Learn about Ohio’s turtles, meet some animal ambassadors up-close and learn why turtles need our help. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/1: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 15, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: TERRIFIC TURTLES


Homeschoolers, ages 7 to 10: Learn about Ohio’s turtles, meet some animal ambassadors up-close and learn why turtles need our help. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/1: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 15, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

AMPHIBIANS AT NIGHT


Discover the source of all that racket and learn about the importance of citizen science. Grab your flashlight and get an up-close experience searching for amphibians. Parking is limited. BHT/Young Road

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 16, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

NATURE ART FOR TEENS


Do you have a creative spirit? Teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to join our interpretive artist for lessons in nature-inspired art. This is a drop-off program. Please dress for a mess. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/2: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 17, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDWATCHING


Learn how to spot and identify birds while exploring the shoreline of the largest body of water in Summit Metro Parks. Please bring binoculars if possible. NR/Lot SM2

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 17, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist for this hands-on lesson in nature drawing for ages 6 to 12. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/5: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 17, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist for this hands-on lesson in nature drawing for ages 6 to 12. Paper and pencils will be provided. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/5: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 18, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

CREATIVE CANVAS


Everything is a canvas! Join our interpretive artist to create some amazing works of art using nature as our inspiration and re-purposed materials as our medium. Only requirements are a sense of humor and a great attitude. Bring snacks or your lunch. Cost: $10/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 5/7: Register here. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Monday, May 18, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

NATURE JOURNALING: TURTLES


Learn basic journaling techniques to record your nature observations. This month will be all about the secret life of turtles. We will be outside for part of the program. Taking photos is optional. Please bring a journal or notebook and writing/drawing tools. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/9: 330-865-8065. SR/Shady Hollow

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Leaf Icon Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

MUSIC IN THE PARK


The all-volunteer Metro Parks Ensemble will perform inside Goodyear Lodge with an hour of musical selections from current and past decades. GYH/Lodge

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

CREATIVE CANVAS


Everything is a canvas! Join our interpretive artist to create some amazing works of art using nature as our inspiration and re-purposed materials as our medium. Only requirements are a sense of humor and a great attitude. Bring snacks or your lunch. Cost: $10/person. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 5/7: Register here. SR/Shady Hollow

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 20, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

REMARKABLE REPTILES


Come out of your shell and hike with a naturalist to learn why reptiles in the Metro Parks are so amazing. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

GO NATIVE!


Beautiful, sustainable and an integral part of our local food web, incorporating native plants into your landscape is essential to the continued survival of our local wildlife. Seeds will be available for participants to get started at home! FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Thursday, May 21, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

GOOD GARDENS: 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 with 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. GYH/Lodge

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Leaf Icon Thursday, May 21, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

DISTANCE HIKE


Hike more than 5 miles at a steady pace to explore nature and get some exercise. Drinking water and appropriate footwear are recommended. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 22, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: TERRIFIC TURTLES


Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14: Learn about Ohio’s turtles, meet some animal ambassadors up-close and learn why turtles need our help. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 5/1: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 23, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Join a naturalist for healthy outdoor exercise by hiking at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

KIDS' FISHING


Kids ages 15 and younger can learn the basics of fishing and then cast a line into Brushwood Lake. Fishing poles and bait are provided, while supplies last. We will identify native species during the catch and release process. FR/Brushwood

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 23, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

KINDEREALM: BEES


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover "sweet" facts about one of nature’s busiest creatures. 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 4/25: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 23, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

KINDEREALM: BEES


Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions discover "sweet" facts about one of nature’s busiest creatures. 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 4/25: 330-865-8065. FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 27, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

SPRING BIRD WALK


New and experienced birdwatchers can join a naturalist for this informative bird walk on Deer Run Trail. This challenging trail includes stairs and an uphill ascent. Binoculars are recommended. ONW/Trail Lot

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 27, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

A PEEK AT BLUEBIRDS


Are bluebirds really blue? Find out this and more about the Eastern bluebird on a hike to look for them, and possibly peek at some nestlings. MF/Tallmadge Meadows

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

MEET ME IN THE GARDEN


 FASN/Visitors Center

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Leaf Icon Friday, May 29, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

GRASSLAND BIRDS: BOBOLINKS & MORE


Join a naturalist and Lara Roketenetz from The University of Akron Field Station as we look for and listen to bobolinks and meadowlarks. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope. Some binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Field Station, past the main parking lot off Ira Road and down the lane to the second house. Bath Nature Preserve: 4240 Ira Rd Bath, OH 44333

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 30, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

BEGINNER ADULT ANGLER INSTRUCTION TRAINING


Join a naturalist for the final session of the BAAIT series. Presented in conjunction with Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the BAAIT series is an introductory program designed for adult participants with little to no fishing knowledge or skills. This session will focus on using the knowledge and skills learned in previous lessons to try to catch the "big one." ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 4/24: 330-865-8065. LP/Tinkers Creek

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Leaf Icon Saturday, May 30, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

MARVELOUS MOTHS


Join a naturalist to attract moths to a white sheet using special lights, and observe these insects' amazingly beautiful colors, shapes and patterns up close. Bring a flashlight and camera. Meet at Pioneer Shelter. GYH/Pioneer

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Leaf Icon Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

BACK YARDS GONE WILD: COMPOSTING 101


New to composting? This program is for you! Learn the basics of starting, maintaining and troubleshooting a compost pile or barrel at home. Soon you’ll be turning food scraps and yard clippings into the richest soil around! LP/Nature Center

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