Zip up your winter coat, pull on your winter boots, and join us for the NEW Winter Wanderings program! Enjoy the winter season on 10 hikes in at least 5 different parks to earn your prize! | Pg. 11
FREE FAMILY PROGRAMMING WANDER INTO WINTER
Step inside our portable plantetarium, explore silly science, and engage in nature play and exploration at our FREE kids programs! | Pgs. 6-7
COLD NEVER BOTHERED ME ANYWAY
Watch ice carvers at the Fire & Ice Walk, learn about nocturnal winter animals at Nature at Night, and tap some trees at Maple Sugaring! These and more inside! | Pgs. 8-10
James E. Ziemnik
2025 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:
Joseph E. Hribar • Chairman
Kenneth M. Lieux • Vice Chairman
Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Commissioner
James Walther • Probate Court Judge
• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation 913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001
Your Lorain County Metro Parks are open all year, even when it's snowy outside. In fact, a number of trails are even cleared to allow visitors a nice, brisk walk in the park. Some trails, however, are purposely left snow-covered to allow visitors to enjoy winter recreational activities on their own. Our brand new Winter Wanderings hiking program (details on pg. 11) is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter this season. Below is a list of trails that are typically cleared of snow:
• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation (all paved trails)
• Black River Reservation (between High Meadows and Day's Dam)
• Cascade Park (19 Acres & Black River Loop trails)
• Columbia Reservation (Heron Trail)
• Hollstein Reservation (Beaver Creek Trail North)
• Kopf Family Reservation (all paved trails)
• Schoepfle Garden (Garden path)
• Wellington Reservation (Lakeside Loop)
NOTE: For safety, LCMP snow removal efforts are first focused on parking lots and walkways. Trails (only those listed above) are cleared when staffing, equipment, and time is available. This list is provided as a courtesy but does not serve as a guarantee that trails are cleared at all times. Snow removal efforts do not include salting for ice. Wear appropriate footwear and cold weather gear when traveling outdoors in winter. Surfaces may be slippery.
• Cascade Park 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035
Thank you to the generous sponsors of our Holiday Lights event at Carlisle Reservation!
Black River Audubon Society, Buckeye Community Bank, Leadership Lorain County, Lorain Public Library System,
and Republic Services
Honor Roll
Anonymous
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Buckeye Community Bank
Norm Damm
Janice Denham
Dooley, Gambala, McLaughlin & Pecora
Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County
Robert & Margaret Holland
Maxine Houck
James & Paula Malick
Paragon Supply Company
Parsons Insurance Agency
Republic Services
Richland Astronomical Society
Kenneth & Cindy Spikowski
Women's Guild of St. Mary's Parish
Gift given in Honor/Memory of:
In Honor of David W. Pauly by:
Wynne Everett
The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, & corporations for their donations to the Lorain County Metro Parks be it through volunteer services, monetary gifts, or other. If you would like information about making a donation, please contact the Public Information Office at (440) 458-5121.
In Memory of Jane Herrmann by:
Robert & Susanne Haag
David Heinemann & Edelman Financial Engines
Harry Herrmann & Friends
In Memory of Elizabeth (Liz) Kiely by:
Marge Kiely
In Memory of Carl Luftner by:
Karen & Don Harrison
In Memory Of Marjorie Jeanne Moles by:
Diane George
In Memory of David W. Pauly by:
Lori Braunschwieger
Beth Daily, & Family
Wynne Everett
Sheila & Butch Holmes
David & Lori McCarter
Phyllis Rogers
In memory of Michael T Stump by: Patrick Collins
In memory of Jan Teets by: Georgianna & Daniel Concheck
In memory of Ben Zientarski by:
Joseph & Cheryl Hribar
Doug Benzel
Cathy Case
David & Louise Coffin
Christine Hamlet
Tudy & Bill Masica
Rich & Donna Stevens
Nicole Strick
Bill & Linda Wallis
Jeanette Wysmierski
LORAIN COUNTY
Take a Hike!
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES
TRAIL COFFEE HIKE
Thur., Jan. 2 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
NYR ALLTRAILS HIKE
Sat., Jan. 4 | 9:00-11:00 am
Wellington Reservation
EVERGREENS 101 HIKE
Sat., Jan. 4 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
A NEW YEAR AT FRENCH CREEK
Sat., Jan. 4 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WINTER HIKE
Sat., Jan. 4 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)
BIGFOOT FLASHLIGHT HUNTS
Sat., Jan. 4 & Sat., Feb. 1 | 6:00-8:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WINTER BIRDING HIKE
Wed., Jan. 8 | 9:00-10:30 am
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
THE 10 ESSENTIALS OF HIKING
Wed., Jan. 8 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
BACON WOODS STROLL
Wed., Jan. 8 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
SUGAR CREEK & BIG WOODS HIKE
Wed., Jan. 8 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WINTRY WOODS WALK
Wed., Jan. 8 | 3:00-3:45 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
DEEP FREEZE PACK WALK
Wed., Jan. 8 | 5:00-6:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
WATERFALL TREKS
Thur., Jan. 9 & Wed., Feb. 18 | 10:00-11:00 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
ICON KEY:
EVERGREENS 101 HIKE
For official definition of hiking levels, visit: LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails
All hikes qualify for the Winter Wanderings program. See page 11 for more info on this
WATERFALL HIKE
Thur., Jan. 9 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Jan. 9 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Thur., Jan. 9 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WINTER SCAVENGER HUNT HIKE
Fri., Jan. 10 | 10:00-10:45 am
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
CARLISLE EXTENDED HIKES
Sat., Jan. 11 & Sat., Feb. 22 | 12:00-5:00 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond (LaGrange)
VERMILION RIVER ICICLE HIKE
Sat., Jan. 11 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
JANUARY FULL MOON HIKE
Mon., Jan. 13 | 5:00-6:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
WINTER WANDERINGS HIKE
Tue., Jan. 14 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Jan. 14 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Tue., Jan. 14 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
DAYTIME BIGFOOT HUNTS
Tue., Jan. 14 & Sat., Feb. 15 | 3:00-4:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
JANUARY FULL MOON HIKE
Tue., Jan. 14 | 6:00-7:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Wed., Jan. 15 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
Wed., Jan. 15 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)
WATER CROSSING SAFETY HIKES
Wed., Jan. 15 & Tue., Feb. 4 | 2:00-4:00 pm
Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)
OWL PROWL
Wed., Jan. 15 | 4:30-5:30 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
OWL PROWL
Thur., Jan. 16 | 8:10-9:10 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Jan. 16 | 10:00-11:00 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Thur., Jan. 16 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station)
WINTER APPRECIATION HIKE
Sun., Jan. 19 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Cntr. (LaGrange)
OWL PROWL
Tue., Jan. 21 | 8:10-9:10 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Jan. 21 | 10:00-11:00 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
SNOWFLAKE SEARCH KIDS STROLL
Tue., Jan. 21 | 11:30 am-12:00 pm & 3:00-3:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WATERFALL HIKE
Tue., Jan. 21 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
BUR OAK BRIDGEWAY TRAIL
Wed., Jan. 22 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
OWL PROWL
Thur., Jan. 23 | 8:10-9:10 am
Reservation (Columbia
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Jan. 23 | 10:00-11:00 am
Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station)
BASICS OF COMPASS NAVIGATION
Thur., Jan. 23 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
NATURE IN WINTER HIKE
Thur., Jan. 23 | 1:30-2:30 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WINTER WANDERINGS HIKE
Sat., Jan. 25 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE
Sat., Jan. 25 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WINTER HAIKU HIKE
Sat., Jan. 25 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
LUMINARY HIKE
Sat., Jan. 25 | 6:00-7:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
WINTER STROLLER WALK
Tue., Jan. 28 | 11:00-11:45 am
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
WILDLIFE APPRECIATION HIKES
Thur., Jan. 30 & Wed., Feb. 26 | 2:00-4:00 pm
Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge
NAT'L HOT CHOCOLATE DAY HIKE
Fri., Jan. 31 | 5:00-6:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
WINTER TREE ID
Sat., Feb. 1 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
WALK AND TALK
Mon., Feb. 3 | 10:30-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
SUGAR CREEK & BIG WOODS HIKE
Tue., Feb. 4 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
VERMILION RIVER ICICLE HIKE
Wed., Feb. 5 | 10:00-11:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Feb. 6 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WINTER TREE ID HIKE
Thur., Feb. 6 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
VERMILION RIVER ICICLE HIKE
Sat., Feb. 8 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Feb. 11 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WINTER TREE ID HIKE
Tue., Feb. 11 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Wed., Feb. 12 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
FEBRUARY FULL MOON HIKE
Wed., Feb. 12 | 6:00-7:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
FEBRUARY FULL MOON HIKE
Wed., Feb. 12 | 6:00-7:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WATERFALL HIKE
Thur., Feb. 13 | 10:00-11:30 am
Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)
TWEETHEART HIKE
Fri., Feb. 14 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WOODLAND WILDLIFE HIKE
Sat., Feb. 15 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Feb. 16 | 1:30-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
OWL PROWL
Tue., Feb. 18 | 8:10-9:10 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WALK AND TALK
Tue., Feb. 18 | 9:30-10:30 am
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
WINTER WANDERINGS HIKE
Tue., Feb. 18 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WATERFALL HIKE
Tue., Feb. 18 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park, Nature Center (Elyria)
FEBRUARY PACK WALK
Tue., Feb. 18 | 5:30-6:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
OWL PROWL
Thur., Feb. 20 | 8:10-9:10 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Feb. 20 | 9:30-10:30 am
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., Feb. 20 | 1:30-2:30 am
Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station)
FOREST NIGHT HIKE
Thur., Feb. 20 | 5:15-6:15 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
LET'S TALK BIRDS HIKE - RAPTORS
Sat., Feb. 22 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WALK AND TALK
Sun., Feb. 23 | 10:30-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WINTER TREE ID HIKE
Sun., Feb. 23 | 2:00-3:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WINTER STROLLER WALK
Tue., Feb. 25 | 11:00-11:45 am
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
BUGS & MUGS HIKE
Wed., Feb. 26 | 2:00-3:15 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
BUR OAK BRIDGEWAY TRAIL
Thur., Feb. 27 | 10:00-11:30 am
Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
WINTER WANDERINGS HIKE
Fri., Feb. 28 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
NEW MOON STARGAZING HIKE
Fri., Feb. 28 | 7:00-9:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
Kids & Family
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY- AND CHILD-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
STAR LAB EXPERIENCE
Step inside our portable planetarium to experience and learn about space and its unique elements! Each month’s program explores a new astronomy topic!
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Carriage Barn
Free! | Registration required
FEBRUARY:
STORIES IN THE STARS
Sat., Feb. 1 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Carriage Barn
Free! | Registration required
PROGRAM NOTE:
• This program will happen entirely in the dark, with minimal light for the presenter to see.
SILLY SCIENCE
Free! | Registration required Let’s get crazy, let’s have fun! Join a naturalist to learn about different aspects of nature and science. Each month will have a new theme, alternating between discovery activities or hands-on experiments. For ages 2-5 with an adult companion.
Thur., Jan. 9 | 9:30-10:30 am
Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge
Tue., Jan. 14 | 9:30-10:30 am
Cascade Park (Elyria)
Sun., Jan. 19 | 9:30-10:30 am
French Creek Nature Center
Mon., Jan. 27 | 9:30-10:30 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake Public Library
Thur., Feb. 6 | 9:30-10:30 am
Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge
Tue., Feb. 11 | 9:30-10:30 am
Cascade Park (Elyria)
Sun., Feb. 16 | 9:30-10:30 am
French Creek Nature Center
Mon., Feb. 24 | 9:30-10:30 am
Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake Public Library
HOMESCH EXPLORERS
ENGAGE IN
WINTER SURVIVAL SKILLS
Wed., Jan. 22 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
PRESCHOOL PARK
Carlisle Visitor Center
Free! | Registration
CURIOUS CREEKERS
French Creek Nature Center
Free! | Registration required Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to join us as we explore French Creek Reservation. We’ll use our senses to discover nature through hikes, games, crafts, songs and hands on activities that will be sure to engage your curious creeker in nature play and exploration. We will spend part of our time outdoors so please dress for the weather.
WATER, ICE, AND SNOW
Thur., Jan. 9 | 10:00-11:30 am Fri., Jan. 10 | 10:00-11:30 am
GROUNDHOGS
Thur., Jan. 30 | 10:00-11:30 am Fri., Jan. 31 | 10:00-11:30 am
TURTLES
Thur., Feb. 20 | 10:00-11:30 am
Fri., Feb. 21 | 10:00-11:30 am
Preschoolers and invited to this fun-filled Each session features where attendees story, create a craft, the trails.
WHERE DOES SNOW COME FROM?
Tue., Jan. 14 | 10:00-11:00
THE WONDERS OF Tue., Feb. 11 | 2:00-3:00
pm
WILDLIFE FORENSICS
Thur., Feb. 13 | 10:00-11:30 am
Columbia ReservationBriarwood Lodge, Columbia Stn.
Geared for children learning at home, this program series is offered throughout the park district to engage children in nature, science, history, the arts, and recreation! The programs focus on learning and exploring Ohio’s “wild” side. Children will learn through educational biofacts, nature hikes, activities, games, crafts, or through a live animal demonstration!
Program fees are $3.00 per student. To accommodate as many students as possible only students within the age range listed in the program description will be permitted to attend, and participation waivers are required. Registration opens one month prior to the program date. For more information and to register online, visit: loraincountymetroparks.com/homeschool-explorers
VERNAL POOL CRITTERS
Wed., Mar. 26 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange
PARK PALS
Center (LaGrange)
Registration required and an adult are fun-filled program! features a new topic attendees will listen to a craft, and then hike
SNOW
10:00-11:00 am OF OWLS
2:00-3:00 pm
CANDY LAND DISPLAY
Opens Feb. 1 | 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
$2* | No registration required *2 years and under: Free
Have you ever wanted to play a life-size version of your childhood favorite board game? Stop by Miller Nature Preserve for your chance to jump from color to color and finish the classic game! Navigate through a real-life Candy Land with the whole family!
PLANTS ON THE MENU
Wed., Apr. 16 | 10:00-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
GROUNDHOG DAY
Sun., Feb. 2 | 11:00-11:45 am
French Creek Nature Center
Free! | Registration required Is spring upon us or is there six more weeks of winter?! Learn about groundhogs, hibernation, and their weather predicting shadows through a story, craft, and meeting a hibernator! This program includes a live animal. Geared towards ages 3-12 with an adult companion. Register your child only by Feb. 1.
BIRDS AND THEIR HABITATS
Tue., May 13 | 10:00-11:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville
LITTLE EXPLORERS
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Carriage Barn
Free! | Registration required Learn to navigate nature as a little explorer! Each month we will learn about a different nature topic geared towards little minds explore the outside world. Receive a little explorer passport and get stamps as you attend future programs.
SNOWFLAKES
Fri., Jan. 24 | 10:00-10:45 am
WE LOVE NATURE! Fri., Feb. 14 | 10:00-10:45 am
SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT DURING THIS WINTER SEASON
FIRE & ICE WALK
Sat., Jan 18 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow side
$5/person | Children 3 & under: FREE
Seasonal Events FIRE & ICE WALK
Watch artists work on cool ice sculptures and warm yourself at firepits along the icy cliffs of the Vermilion River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of winter, have fun roasting S’mores (while supplies last), visit with sled dogs and Frozen characters, and learn about winter fun activities. Take a ride on the Little Green Choo Train to see all the winter beauty in Mill Hollow’s Vermilion River Valley. NEW this year – ice skating on our artificial ice rink! Enjoy the ice as you glide along! (Skates are provided). Naturalist-led scenic snowshoe hikes will also be held weather permitting. Don’t worry if there is no snow – our snow globe photo op will provide a snowy backdrop for this fun winter event. We will have a variety of food trucks selling warm treats and hot beverages and the Carriage Barn will be open as an additional warming space.
SNOW DAY
Sat., Jan. 4 | 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Cascade Park, Elyria
Free to attend!
(Snowshoe rentals: $2/person per hour)
Explore winter with your family at Cascade Park for FREE! Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome! Enjoy winter crafts, guided hikes, games, and more! Make a s’more and enjoy hot cocoa by the fire, while supplies last. Weather-permitting activities may include sledding, snow painting, snowshoeing, and snowman building. Don't worry if there is no snow, we will still have plenty of winter fun!
Snowshoe rentals will be available for $2 per person per hour (first-come, first-served) and will cash only. Snowshoes can only be worn in snow that is 4” or more.
This is a ticketed event, registration is REQUIRED. Deadline to purchase tickets is January 17. No walk-ins will be permitted. Closely review your emailed receipt for additional event information. For questions contact (440) 967-7310.
This outside event is weather-dependent, and refunds will only be provided if the program is cancelled by the Lorain County Metro Parks due to weather or other circumstances.
Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange Free to attend! (Cash only event)
The Friends of the Metro Parks is back with amazing deals at their Annual Garage Sale. Join the Friends, find a rare item, favorite new toy, or needed houseware. This event does not require registration, and admission is free. The Garage Sale will be held at the Carlisle Visitor Center on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 9 am-3 pm. On Sunday, Jan. 26, shoppers can take advantage of the $5 fill-a-bag deal! Sunday’s hours are just 10 am- 12 pm. Come early for the best selection!
Looking to donate your items? Donations will be accepted at Carlisle Visitor Center on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1-4 pm; Monday, Jan. 20, 1-7 pm; and Wednesday, Jan. 22, 4-7 pm. The following items are not accepted for this event: clothing, shoes, electronics, large furniture, artificial Christmas trees, electronics, car seats, strollers, or broken items.
Seasonal Events
SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT DURING THIS WINTER SEASON
MAPLE SUGARING 2025
Sugar Shack open house: 10:00 am-Noon | Naturalist-led programs/hikes every 30 minutes: 12:30-2:30 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center (Sugar Shack), LaGrange
Free to attend! | No registration required
Maple Sugaring Open House and Guided Hikes - February is when the ideal conditions for the running of maple sap typically begins. This year, we will be tapping the Carlisle maple trees on February 12 and converting that sap to syrup in our beautiful Sugar Shack--which opened 25 years ago! Drop by between 10 am and 12 pm on Feb 15, 16, 22, and 23 to watch the process, learn about the equipment, and sample some of our home-made maple syrup. There will also be naturalist-led hikes leaving from the Sugar Shack every 30 minutes between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. These hikes will follow the paved Children’s Nature Discovery Trail and includes a stop at one of our sapcollecting sites (known as a “Sugar bush”).
SYRUP MAKING AND TASTING
Sat., Jan. 18 | 2:00-3:30 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange
Free! | Registration required by 1/16
Maple Sugaring is right around the corner, but did you know that sugar maples are not the only trees tapped to make syrup? During this program we will discuss the methods of making syrup then sample the various syrups that are commonly produced. Which will be your favorite?
Join the Friends of the Metro Parks for a delicious pancake breakfast. The cost is just $8 per person, 10-year-olds and under are $4, and ages 2 and under are free. Breakfast includes orange juice, milk, coffee or tea, sausage links, and all-you-can-eat pancakes! Admission is CASH ONLY.
Seasonal Events
SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT DURING THIS WINTER SEASON
HEARTS a glow
Sat., Feb. 15 | 5:30-8:00 pm
Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham
$5/person | Registration required by Feb. 13
Join us for an evening stroll through the garden with the one(s) you love. Romantic tunes will fill the cool night air as you walk by fire pits and luminaries that will warm and light your way. Enjoy hot beverages and sweet treats as well as a special something to share with a loved one.
Arrival times are staggered to reduce wait time for beverages and to allow for spacing along the trail. Register for your start time and pay $5 per person by February 13. The illuminated walk is along our ½ mile-paved trail that will be cleared of snow.
PAINT AND SIP
Fri., Feb. 21 | 6:00-8:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
$30/person | Registration required
Learn how to paint, step-by-step, amongst friends at this NEW Paint & Sip event at Miller Nature Preserve! The February session will include a painting of Birch Trees on a canvas. Each participant is supplied with all the materials required to complete their project. Painting smock or apron recommended.
A light snack is provided; other pre-packaged items and a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase. This program is for those 21 and over.
TRIVIA NIGHTS
Thur., Jan. 23 & Thur., Feb. 27 | 6:30-8:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
Free to attend! | Registration required
Enjoy a FREE, fun, and friendly trivia competition in the Orchid Room at Miller Nature Preserve! Prizes will be awarded. Play individually or as a team of up to 6 members. Pre-register each person attending. Alcoholic (for ages 21 & up) and non-alcoholic beverages along with snacks will be available for purchase courtesy of the Orchid Cafe.
It's In Our Nature
INFORMATION CENTERED AROUND OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE
RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
Sat., Feb. 1 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange Free! | No registration required
Each year, the Lorain County Metro Parks issue special permits for research projects and other data-collecting activities that take place within our reservations. Park managers, naturalists, and other employees of LCMP also collect data and observations throughout the year for management and conservation purposes. The results of these projects are presented on the first Saturday of February each year so that the public and others can learn more about current topics and research efforts.
So stop by Carlisle Reservation's Black River Room to learn about what research and conservation work was conducted in the Lorain County Metro Parks during 2024. All projects will be presented via poster displays and authors will be present at their posters to answer any questions. Light refreshments will be provided.
A LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS PROGRAM
WINTER NATURE AT NIGHT
Sat., Feb. 8 | 5:00-8:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
$5/person (3 yrs. old & under: Free)
Registration required by Feb. 8
Coyotes howl, trees creak, owls call, ice cracks, and snow silently falls. Join us at the French Creek Nature Center for an evening dedicated to the mystery of nature during winter nights. Participate in full moon hikes, a silhouette trail, owl pellet dissection, crafts, stargazing, s'mores by the fire, a winter insect station, and 'The Mary and Larry Show' with a special animal guest!
LEARN ABOUT WINTER BIRDS! TRY YOUR HAND AT FEEDING THEM!
WINTER WANDERINGS - HIKING PROGRAM
November 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025 (forms are due no later than Mar. 10)
Wander the Lorain County Metro Parks this winter and earn the Winter Wanderings button! Enjoy the winter season on 10 hikes in at least 5 different parks from now until March 1. Participants may choose from naturalist-led hikes (see pgs. 4-5), selfguided or a combination of both, therefore, staff signatures are not required.
Free to attend! | No registration required
Learn about winter birds and get a chance to feed them in person. A naturalist will be on hand to answer your questions about winter bird feeding, and allow you to participate in attempting to feed our resident winter birds by hand. Bird seed will be provided during the designated program time only. To feed the birds you will be outside, so please dress for the weather. All programs are weather dependent.
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Carriage Barn
Don't miss your chance to engage with the local art scene throughout our beautiful park district this year with productions ranging from indoor musicals to outdoor plays and from ballets to comedy shows!
Snowflake Comedy Club - Comedy Shows
Every 3rd Thursday of the month | Jan.-Dec. French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
Tailspinner's POLKA DOTS
March 8 & 9 | 10:00 am & 2:00 pm French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
North Pointe Ballet performs SWAN LAKE
Fri., May 16 | 7:00 pm
Lakeview Park, Lorain
ANNIE, JR. - youth theatre camp production
August 1, 2, 3*, 8, 9, & 10* | 7:30 pm
*All shows at 7:30 pm except Aug. 3 & 10 matinee shows beginning at 2 pm French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
French Creek Cabaret: Dynamic Duos
June 20 & 21 | 6:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation - Bacon Woods Amphitheater
WAIT UNTIL DARK
Sep. 12, 13, 14*, 19, 20, & 21* | 7:30 pm
*All shows at 7:30 pm except Sep. 14 & 21 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm
French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
Dec. 5, 6, 7*, 12, 13, & 14* | 7:30 pm
*All shows at 7:30 pm except Dec. 7 & 14 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm
