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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.

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 01, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

EYE SPY


Hit the trail any time during the month of December for a nature-themed game of Eye Spy! Begin by downloading or printing this month’s Eye Spy list from our “Educational Activities and Resources” page under the "Things to Do" tab, then enjoy a stroll along Ledges Trail in search of geologic features, animals and more along the way. You can also complete your search using the December 1 Instagram post (@summitmetroparks). LP/Twinsburg Ledges

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 01, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


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. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 11/27: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 01, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR ADULTS


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. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 11/27: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 02, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

VIRTUAL: BEDTIME - SEE YOU NEXT SPRING!


Young ones and their adult companions will join a naturalist online to learn about hibernation and some of the cool critters sleeping the winter away. Zoom meeting ID: 844 5160 6149 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 02, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 02, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

WINTER TREE ID


No leaves? No problem! Learn the basics of tree identification with a naturalist using bark and twig arrangement and other distinguishing features. HH/Main Entrance

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 04, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

WINTER BLAHS SENIOR PICNIC


Are you missing the warm summer days and socializing in the parks while you picnic? Join us outdoors to enjoy a picnic and activities to get rid of those winter blahs. We'll bring the hotdogs and visitors can bring their own drinks. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 11/26: 330-865-8065. SLNC

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 04, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

GLACIAL GEOLOGY OF SUMMIT METRO PARKS


Join a naturalist as we look at how the last Ice Age shaped many of the features in the Metro Parks. Learn about the kettle lakes, why the Cuyahoga River turns north and how Sand Run got its name. We will also point out glacial features in many of our parks. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 05, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

WINTER TREE ID


Join a naturalist to learn how to recognize trees using the three Bs: Bark, Buds and Branches. Dress appropriately for the weather! SC/Big Oak

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 05, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

KINDEREALM: EVERGREENS HIKE


Kids ages 3 to 6: Stop by the campfire area to enjoy a warm fire, then hike with your family to discover the wonder of evergreens. Stop along the trail to spot wildlife, learn fun facts about pine trees and enjoy the winter forest. Meet at the campfire area. Program will be moved to the shelter if it rains. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Monday, December 06, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Tuesday, December 07, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF-GUIDED: STORYBOOK TRAIL


Bundle up and enjoy some exercise and fun following a self-guided story trail based on the book "The Mitten." Look for it along Downy Loop Trail between December 7 and 12. WH

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 08, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

VIRTUAL: NATURE JOURNALING


Join our interpretive artist for an inspiring virtual lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/3: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 08, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 08, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE JOURNALING


Join our interpretive artist for an inspiring virtual lesson in nature journaling as a technique for practicing mindfulness. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/3: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 08, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

ARCHERY GAMES FOR FAMILIES


Families with children age 9 and older will play different games to build archery skills together in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken our Intro to Archery program. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 50 inches or taller. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/4: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 08, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

ARCHERY GAMES FOR FAMILIES


Families with children age 9 and older will play different games to build archery skills together in a fun and exciting way. Participants must have already taken our Intro to Archery program. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 50 inches or taller. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/4: 330-865-8065. F/Coventry Oaks

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 09, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: EVERGREENS


Homeschoolers ages 7 to 10 are invited to join a naturalist to explore all about the evergreen trees and shrubs that bring color and more to the winter world. Program will be mainly outdoors, so dress for the weather. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/5: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 09, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 09, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

HOMESCHOOLERS: EVERGREENS


Homeschoolers ages 11 to 14 are invited to join a naturalist to explore all about the evergreen trees and shrubs that bring color and more to the winter world. Program will be mainly outdoors, so dress for the weather. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/5: 330-865-8065. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 09, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

KINDEREALM: EVERGREENS HIKE


Kids ages 3 to 6: Stop by the campfire area to enjoy a warm fire, then hike with your family to discover the wonder of evergreens. Stop along the trail to spot wildlife, learn fun facts about pine trees and enjoy the winter forest. FASN/Campfire Area

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Leaf Icon Friday, December 10, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

NIGHT OWLS


Hike with a naturalist to learn about night creatures. Staff will attempt to call owls using recordings, with the hope of a response. Patience and silence are essential. For ages 6 and older. No dogs, please. F/Tuscarawas Meadows

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 11, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

VIRTUAL: WINTER NATURE TALES


What are woodland animals doing to prepare for winter? Families with youngsters ages 2 to 6 are invited to learn this and more during this fun virtual story time. Zoom meeting ID: 838 4174 1606 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 11, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

CHICKADEE TRAINING 102


The chickadees at Liberty Park aren’t yet used to being fed by hand, so come help us establish the tradition! Drop in anytime between 12 and 3 p.m. to learn about chickadees and other inquisitive birds and how they can be coaxed to feed by hand, then try your luck at enticing one to take a seed from you. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 11, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE ART FOR TEENS


Do you have a creative spirit? Teens ages 13 to 17 can join our interpretive artist for an online lessons in nature-inspired art. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/1: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 11, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

KINDEREALM: EVERGREENS HIKE


Kids ages 3 to 6: Stop by the campfire area to enjoy a warm fire, then hike with your family to discover the wonder of evergreens. Stop along the trail to spot wildlife, learn fun facts about pine trees and enjoy the winter forest. Meet at the campfire area. Program will be moved to Seneca Deck if it rains. FASN/Campfire Area

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 12, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DISTANCE HIKE


Hike about five miles at a moderate pace along a gorgeous section of the Towpath Trail. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. SLNC

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 12, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need are a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/2: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 12, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

NATIVE EVERGREENS OF OHIO


What makes the best Christmas tree? Are all pine needles sharp? Is a "fir" tree furry? Do some lose all their needles each year? Ever see a three-pound pine cone or one two feet long? Join a naturalist as we answer these questions and learn about the native evergreens of Ohio. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 12, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE DRAWING FOR KIDS


Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need are a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/2: 330-865-8065. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Monday, December 13, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Monday, December 13, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

WINTER CRAFTING


Cozy up in the outdoor shelter at Liberty Park Nature Center with a crackling fire and hot cocoa as we create beautiful, seasonal arrangements using pine boughs and other natural elements. Materials are provided, but feel free to bring additional clippings, decor and a vase if you wish. All are welcome to create along with us, or just stop by to gather materials to take home and craft. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 15, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF GUIDED: TRACKS & SCAT DISCOVERY


Become #1 at identifying #2 and discover tracks along the way! Explore the hilly Schumacher Trail December 15 through December 22 to read about and discover clues our native wildlife leave behind. CV/Schumacher Valley

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Leaf Icon Wednesday, December 15, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 16, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 16, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

VIRTUAL: EVERGREENS FOR KIDS


Children ages 7 to 14 are invited to join us online to explore what's special about the beautiful trees and shrubs that bring a touch of green to our forest even in the middle of winter. Zoom meeting ID: 895 2271 3853 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 16, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

VIRTUAL: EVERGREENS FOR ADULTS


Evergreens provide more than just a sprinkle of green in winter. Discover the evergreen trees and shrubs of our area and learn how they are important. Zoom meeting ID: 819 3202 4291 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Friday, December 17, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE COOKIES FOR KIDS


Calling all kids! Crawl, dance and hop your way into learning about the fun wildlife that is living in your back yard and enjoy decorating a wildlife cookie. A zoom link will be emailed to participants after registration and kits will be available for pick up. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS 12/10: 330-865-8065. SLNC

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 18, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

VIRTUAL: NATURE KITCHEN - HOLIDAY POPCORN


Let's bring nature and cooking together! Chef Dannika Stevenson of SipSavorSoul will host an interactive cooking lesson for kids 8 to 13 years old. The "Nature Kitchen” at Summit Metro Parks will highlight local produce and natural ingredients to make a tasty, kid-friendly recipe. This month, young chefs will make holiday popcorn! They will be given a recipe card, ingredients, and a favor to take home. Kits will be available for pick up on Thursday, December 16 or Friday, December 17 at one of three locations: Summit Lake Nature Center, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, or Liberty Park Nature Center. Cost: $10/kit. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 12/1: Register here. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 18, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

VIRTUAL: NATURE KITCHEN - HOLIDAY POPCORN


Let's bring nature and cooking together! Chef Dannika Stevenson of SipSavorSoul will host an interactive cooking lesson for kids 8 to 13 years old. The "Nature Kitchen” at Summit Metro Parks will highlight local produce and natural ingredients to make a tasty, kid-friendly recipe. This month, young chefs will make holiday popcorn! They will be given a recipe card, ingredients, and a favor to take home. Kits will be available for pick up on Thursday, December 16 or Friday, December 17 at one of three locations: Summit Lake Nature Center, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, or Liberty Park Nature Center. Cost: $10/kit. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND BEGINS ONLINE 12/1: Register here. Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Saturday, December 18, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

S'MORE SEEDS, PLEASE


Experience some wildlife magic as you try your mitten at feeding the birds of SMP right from your hand. Afterward, cozy up by the fire and warm your belly with an ooey, gooey s'more. FASN/Campfire Area

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 19, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

HIKE FOR THE HEALTH OF IT


Get your heart pumping as we hike the challenging Black Bear and Ledges trails at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Be prepared for potentially muddy and icy conditions and bring drinking water. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 19, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

PRAIRIE WINTER


Life may be a bit quieter during the winter in prairie ecosystems, but there is still plenty to observe! Discover what’s going on above and below the ground on a hike with a naturalist. SFB

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Leaf Icon Monday, December 20, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Tuesday, December 21, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE AND FIRE


Celebrate the shortest day of the year as we enjoy the crisp air while we walk Black Bear Trail. We will look for tracks and listen for owls as breeding season is underway. Following the hike, we'll enjoy some hot chocolate and a fire. LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 23, 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

VIRTUAL: BALLOFLEX


Get fit while you sit! 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! Zoom meeting ID: 849 6465 8634 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Thursday, December 23, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

VIRTUAL: COUNTING CHRISTMAS BIRDS


Join us virtually to discover the importance of a citizen science effort that began 121 years ago! From irruptions to climate models, learn about the significance of this data and get to know some species you may see on Christmas Day. Zoom meeting ID: 856 5376 3612 Zoom: , OH

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Leaf Icon Sunday, December 26, 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM

SELF-GUIDED: STORYBOOK TRAIL


Grab your coat and pull on your boots to experience a winter-themed tale any time between December 26 and January 1. As you hike Rock Creek Trail, read along with an adorable story full of cute critters. Don't forget your mittens! FR/Brushwood

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Leaf Icon Friday, December 31, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

100 YEARS OF MEMORIES


On December 31, 1921, Summit County Common Pleas Probate Judge Lewis Slusser granted a petition for a new park district, and the Akron Metropolitan Park District was created. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on our anniversary to discover and celebrate some of the amazing highlights from this century of being “Your Back Yard.” LP/Nature Center

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Leaf Icon Friday, December 31, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

CELEBRATING A CENTURY


It's time to for the official celebration! Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on our anniversary to discover and honor some of the amazing highlights from this century of being “Your Back Yard.” This outdoor celebration will include a self-guided history tour, music, ice carvings, a "noon year's eve" toast and other activities for all ages! CV/Valley View

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Leaf Icon Friday, December 31, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NEW YEAR'S EVE BIRD WALK


End 2021 on an avian note! We’ll search the banks of the Cuyahoga River for resident and migratory birds, like red-breasted nuthatches, golden-crowned kinglets and some floating waterfowl. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a guide. Meet at Brust Park. BHT/SR 91

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