Arrowhead - July/August 2022

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

July-August 2022 Volume 62, Number 4

Pho to C ont e st

Winner Cindy Dufalla

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER The cover image is Cindy Dufalla's winning submission to the Black River Celebration Photo Contest. The photo was taken at Black River Landing in Lorain in Dec. 2021.

GUIDE TO THE PARKS Enjoy this 8-page exploration of every reservation in our park district! Get to know what makes each park unique! | Pgs. 3-10

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Park Updates Guide to the Parks • • • • • • • •

ABC - BRR CAL - CASC CASS - CHAR COL - FCR IHR - KFGC KFR - MNP NCIT - SG SZ - WR

2 3 - 10

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Black River Celebration Photo Contest Winners:

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Black River Celebration Photo contest!

Congratulations to our winners!

Nature 11 Special Events 12

James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2022 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: Joseph E. Hribar • Chairman Kenneth M. Lieux • Vice Chairman Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LOR AINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

(440) 458-5121

1ST PLACE: "Hey!! Where Is All the Snow??" by Cindy Duffala of Lorain. Photo taken at Black River Landing in December 2021.

2ND PLACE: "Cascade of Fall" by Nathaniel Martin of Lorain. Photo taken at Cascade Park's West Falls in November 2021.

3RD PLACE: "Living Water" by Paula Phuong Hribar of LaGrange. Photo taken at Cascade Park's West Falls in March 2022.

Honor Roll Jacob Groshek and Family, Avon Karen Lanigan, Avon Lake Midview Soccer League NMG OH 1 LLC PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County Zion Lutheran Church

John Kirkpatrick, LaGrange Lorain County Probate Court Millie Luce, Vermilion Beatrice Nisky, Oberlin Tim Stovering, Lakewood (in Memory of Adam B. Stetz)

Adopt-A-Raptor

Dee Bove by Bob and Lori Campana, Bay Village Leo and Lila Koury by Bob and Lori Campana, Bay Village

Zachary Andrews, Middleburg Heights Diana Anthony, Middleburg Heights Paul Baumgartner, Amherst Steven A. Bridge, The Villages, FL (in Memory of Margaret A. Bridge) Raymond and Linda Cosma, Jr., Lorain Lisa Fide, N Ridgeville (in Memory of Elizabeth J. Fide) Joseph Gargasz, Lorain (Gift to Kate Gargasz) Tony Godfrey, Sheffield

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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 Honor of

In Memory of

Bob Bove by Bob and Lori Campana, Bay Village Fay Bowman by Brenda Yost, Elyria Patsie and Jeneé Campana by Bob and Lori Campana, Bay Village Michael Cockburn by Sherrill M. "Cookie" McLoda, Amherst Richard E. Crow by Megan Crow Brauer, Twinsburg

Alex Krutowskis by Gerald and Kathleen Koch, Strongsville Rosemary Kuhn by Brigid O'Brien, Lorain Andrew and Emilia Matysiak by Donald and Patricia Bajcer, Sheffield Village Marie Mehallic "Granny" by Bob and Lori Campana, Bay Village Sue Moore by Laura Jones, Wellington Paul and Jerene Rosa by Family of Paul and Jerene Rosa, Hamden, CT Thomas Urbanek by Michelle Karolak, Jacksonville, FL Thomas Urbanek by Jeffrey and Kathleen Ramey, Avon Lake Louis Vojticek by John and Jennifer Sindyla, Avon Lake Watson by Diane Visgak, Elyria Elizabeth Weiss by Nancy and Philip Campbell, Bothell, WA Connie Williams by Paulette Williams-Sislowski and Ronald Sislowski, Lorain

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Amherst Amherst Beaver Creek HealthPlex Re servation 913 N. LAKE ST., AMHERST

at

Hollstein Reservation

Black River Re servation DAY'S DAM: 2720 E. 31ST ST., LORAIN BUR OAK: 6150 FORD RD., ELYRIA HIGH MEADOWS: 1750 FORD RD., ELYRIA

47160 HOLLSTEIN DR., AMHERST (440) 984-3470 Hiking Trail

Hiking Trail

Playground

ACREAGE: 90 Acres

Soccer Field

Shelter

Meeting Room

TRAILS: 1.5 miles (asphalt)

FUN FACT:

This popular park opened in 2001 and in May, 2021 the "Transformation Trail" was created, which is a set of trail activities rooted in brain science to encourage positive thought.

NATURE FACT: The southern uplands is marked by large groves of red pine, Norway spruce and red cedar, none of which are native to the area but were planted over 50 years ago.

Swimming pool

Workout facility

ACREAGE: 48 Acres

FUN FACTS:

Inclusive Playground

Splash Pad

Hiking Trail

TRAILS: 0.6 mile (asphalt)

• This 50,000-square-foot rec facility features an eight-lane swimming pool with a two-story slide, a therapy pool, a workout facility, and an indoor walking track and daily admission is only $8 (membership rates also available).

• The inclusive playground (featuring wheelchair swings, slide, sand pit, small fishing pond, and more) and splash pad (pictured below) offer a place for children of all abilities to play together.

2 Playgrounds

ACREAGE: 919 Acres

Kayaking

Shelters

TRAILS: 5.5 miles (asphalt)

FUN FACT:

Park visitors can kayak from the Bur Oak Picnic Area over 5 miles along the Black River all the way to Lake Erie passing such scenic hotspots as the Heron Rookery and the Lorain Steel Mill.

NATURE FACT: The Cottonwood Trail about a quarter-mile south of the Day's Dam Picnic Area takes visitors directly to a cottonwood tree that might be the largest and oldest tree in Lorain County.

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Caley Re servation

Carlisle Re servation

Cascade Park

18207 WEST RD., WELLINGTON

12882 DIAGONAL RD., LaGRANGE (440) 458-5121

387 FURNACE ST., ELYRIA

Hiking Trail

ACREAGE: 529 Acres

Fishing

Birdwatching

Hiking Trail Hiking Trail

TRAILS: 0.75 miles (natural)

NATURE FACTS: • Caley Reservation supports both extensive field and wetland habitats; each supporting a characteristic assemblage of plants and animals. Nesting birds in Caley’s fields include meadowlark, field and vesper sparrows.

• As far as trees go, mature stands of cottonwood, box elder, sycamore, walnut, elm, willow, and maple can be found in the bottomlands of this gorgeous natural park.

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Horse Trail

ACREAGE: 1,689 Acres

FUN FACT:

The two front ponds allow for catch-and-release fishing, which has become one of the most popular activities at this park.

Children's Nature Discovery Trail

Raptor Center

Shelters

Meetings Rooms

TRAILS: 11+ miles

(asphalt, stone, & natural)

FUN FACT:

The Visitor Center is a favorite of kids and families as it features the nature-themed Children's Nature Discovery Trail (pictured below), the indoor Dino play space and Discovery Den exploration area, and live birds of prey at the Raptor Center.

ANNUAL EVENTS: • • • • •

Maple Sugaring (Feb.-Mar.) Outdoor Live Animal Programming (June-Aug.) Nature at Night (Sept.)

Halloween Fair (Oct.) Holiday Lights (Dec.)

2 waterfalls

2 Playgrounds

ACREAGE: 145 Acres

Sledding hill

Shelters

Meeting Room

TRAILS: 2.5 miles (asphalt, natural)

FUN FACT:

The 440' bridge (installed in 2020) which spans the Black River and connects the main section of Cascade Park to Elywood Park provides a crucial link for the more than 30-mile long North Coast Inland Trail and connects two neighborhood communities in Elyria.

NATURE FACT:

Berea sandstone forms the crest of two large waterfalls. For more than 13,000 years, massive rock has been eroded, frozen, cracked, split, and weathered into the narrow gorges visitors see today.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Cassell Re servation

Century Park

Charlemont Re servation

815 HIGH BRIDGE RD., VERMILION

1955 EAST ERIE AVE., LORAIN

48600 NEW LONDON EASTERN RD., NEW LONDON

Hiking Trail

ACREAGE: 240 Acres

Birdwatching

TRAILS: 1.25 miles (gravel)

FUN FACT:

This wonderfully wooded new park in Vermilion is set to open to the public in the autumn of 2022.

NATURE FACTS: • Cassell Reservation is a haven for rare, acidloving plants (e.g. Sphagnum Moss, Blueberry, Bracken Fern, among others) including several listed by Ohio as rare or Endangered. One plant, in fact, has been found nowhere else in the state.

• Along the trail visitors can see woodland populated with black oak, black gum, and sassafras; glacial rock strewn on the forest floor; and prairie openings ablaze with wildflowers.

Beach

Playground

Kayaking

Fishing

Meeting Room

ACREAGE: 2 Acres

FUN FACTS:

• The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation of the park in 2019 in partnership with the city of Lorain.

• The Harbor House recently became available for rentals for small events.

• Century Park sits along the North Coast Inland Trail (a 30+mile-long hike and bike trail stretching from Lorain to Kipton and beyond) at around mile 1.1 of the more than 30-milelong hike and bike trail. The trail continues south into Longfellow Park and beyond.

Hiking Trail

Horse Trail

ACREAGE: 785 Acres

Hunting Birdwatching (In-season only)

TRAILS: 5.2 miles (natural)

FUN FACT:

Management of Charlemont’s extensive field habitats includes both mowing and burning. A "controlled burn" helps maintain a habitat for field-loving birds and other wildlife among other benefits.

NATURE FACT: Many bird species have nested here including Meadowlark, Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, Vesper, Grasshopper, and Henslow’s Sparrows.

Charlemont is a great place to see raptors in winter as well.

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Columbia Re servation 25145 ROYALTON RD., COLUMBIA STATION (440) 236-3254

Hiking Trail

Playground 18-hole Mini-golf

ACREAGE: 405 Acres

Shelter

meeting room

TRAILS: 4+ miles

(asphalt, stone, & natural)

FUN FACT:

Located right on Columbia Reservation, Sundae Funday's (a family-owned/operated seasonal business) offers ice cream, food, and an 18-hole, wild west-themed mini golf course.

NATURE FACTS: • Plenty of wildlife calls Columbia Reservation home, including muskrat, deer, skunk, rabbit, raccoon, fox, coyote, wild turkeys, snakes, frogs and turtles as well as many other mammals.

• Columbia Reservation has more than 7 ponds or wetlands that provide homes to many wildlife and gorgeous views to park visitors.

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Forest Hills French Creek Golf Course Re servation 41971 OBERLIN-ELYRIA RD., ELYRIA (440) 323-2632

18-hole golf course

Clubhouse

AMENITIES: 18-hole course, Driving range, Pro shop, Snack bar/Clubhouse

FUN FACT:

Forest Hills Golf Course is the home to the annual Citizen's Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks golf outing in July which typically offers participants a round of golf with a cart, lunch at the turn and an Antigua golf shirt.

NATURE FACT: The Black River runs through the course and comes into play in six holes, and there are plenty of other ponds, bunkers and hills to keep things interesting.

NATURE CENTER: 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE PINE TREE PICNIC AREA: 4951 FRENCH CREEK RD., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE (440) 949-5200

Hiking Trail

Playground & Kayak launch indoor play space

ACREAGE: 450 Acres

Theatre

Shelters

meeting room

TRAILS: 4.5+ miles (natural, stone)

FUN FACT:

The French Creek kayak launch located about 1 mile west of the Nature Center on Old Colorado Ave. offers paddlers access to the French Creek (a Black River tributary) and is only about 5 miles from Lake Erie.

ANNUAL EVENTS: • French Creek Theatre productions • Winter Nature at Night (Feb.) • Nature Camp (June) & Theatre Camp (June/July)

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Indian Hollow Re servation

Kipton Re servation

SHELDON WOODS: 38744 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON ROYAL OAKS: 1057 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON

16000 ST. RT. 511, OBERLIN

Hiking Trail

Hiking Trail

Playground

Bike Trails

ACREAGE: 809 Acres

Soccer Complex

Fishing

Shelters

TRAILS: 6+ miles (natural, stone)

FUN FACT:

A trail was just recently built in 2021 to connect the two popular sections of the park, Sheldon Woods and Royal Oaks. Visitors are now able to park at either location and walk, hike, or bike the entire 6+ miles worth of trails this Grafton park offers.

NATURE FACT: Indian Hollow is home to a cucumber tree.

This large, and fairly unknown, tree is actually a magnolia (Magnolia acuminate) and is not known to grow anywhere else in the Lorain County Metro Parks.

ACREAGE: 151 Acres

Horse Trail

Shelter

TRAILS: 2.2 miles (natural)

FUN FACT:

Kipton Reservation is the former site of a reservoir (Kipton Reservoir) which once served as the City of Oberlin’s water supply. The now largely dry basin is grown over and ringed with forest.

NATURE FACT: The reservoir served as Oberlin’s water supply until 1905 and it was at about this same time that Oberlin launched an effort to reforest portions of the site. The chosen trees included a mix of native and non-native species including white pine, catalpa, ash, red oak, black locust, larch, and Norway spruce.

Kopf Family Golf Course at

Cherry Ridge

1211 WEST RIVER RD., ELYRIA (440) 324-3713

9-hole golf course

Pro Shop/Snack Bar

ACREAGE: 82 Acres

FUN FACT:

The Lorain County Metro Parks assumed operation in 2020 after a donation from the Kopf Family.

NATURE FACT: This gorgeous 9-hole course is almost completely surrounded by the Black River on all sides except for the small entryway drive.

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Kopf Family Re servation

Lakeview Park

Miller Nature Pre serve

32649 ELECTRIC BLVD., AVON LAKE

1800 WEST ERIE AVE., LORAIN

2739 CENTER RD., AVON (440) 937-0764

Hiking Trail

ACREAGE: 139 Acres

Playground

Bike trails

Playground

TRAILS: 3+ miles (asphalt, stone)

FUN FACT:

In 2003, a group of concerned citizens formed the ‘Save the Woods Committee’ to protect this natural gem from further development. The Lorain County Metro Parks and the City of Avon Lake entered a partnership opening the park in November 2008.

NATURE FACT: The Kopf Family Reservation consists of approximately 139 acres of oak-hickory woodlands accompanied by maple, elm, ash, cherry, sassafras, and willow. Daily visits by white-tailed deer and fox squirrel make for great wildlife viewing year-round.

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Beach

Historic Rose Garden

Kayaking

Shelters

Sunset CafÉ

ACREAGE: 35 Acres

FUN FACT:

The Rose Garden at Lakeview Park was originally dedicated on May 30, 1932 and was sponsored by 17 community organizations, including the Lorain Rotary. The shape of the garden, a wheel with 8 spokes, is the Rotary Club emblem. Approximately 2,500 roses are planted in 48 beds with connecting walkways, completing the Rotary wheel and spokes.

ANNUAL EVENTS: • • • • •

Juneteenth (June) Sunset Concert Series (July) Music Under the Stars (July & Sept.)

Sunset Beach Fest (Aug.) Santa Nights & Lights on the Lake (Nov. & Dec.)

Conservatory Butterfly House

ACREAGE: 202 Acres

Hiking trail

Orchid CafÉ

Event Space

TRAILS: 1.1 miles (gravel)

FUN FACT:

In 2021, the Butterfly House (free and open seasonally from mid-June through Labor Day) was de-constructed and a larger one with more space for flowers, plants, and butterflies was rebuilt in its place.

NATURE FACT: The 5,000 square foot conservatory is an indoor oasis featuring an orchid collection donated in part by Dr. Ibrahim Eren of Lorain. Other species include bromeliads, ferns, bonsai, desert plants, palms, cycads, other tropical plants, and even more rotating plants in bloom.

WWW.LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

North Coast Sandy Ridge Inland Trail Re servation NOTABLE TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:

6195 OTTEN RD., NORTH RIDGEVILLE

MILE 0.0:

Schoepfle Garden 11106 MARKET ST., WAKEMAN (440) 965-7237

LAKESIDE LANDING, 401 LAKESIDE AVE., LORAIN

MILE 6.4:

DAY'S DAM, 2720 EAST 31ST ST., LORAIN

MILE 12:

CASCADE PARK, 387 FURNACE ST., ELYRIA

MILE 14.3:

GATEWAY TRAILHEAD, 6302 GATEWAY BLVD., ELYRIA

MILE 19.7:

BUTTERNUT TRAILHEAD, 44342 BUTTERNUT RIDGE RD., OBERLIN

MILE 27:

KIPTON COMMUNITY PARK, 57 ROSA ST., KIPTON

FUN FACT:

The 30+ mile North Coast Inland Trail begins at mile 0.0 at Lake Erie's Lakeside Landing in Lorain down south to Kipton. The trail then extends west beyond Lorain County all the way into Toledo.

Hiking Trail

Playground

Birdwatching

ACREAGE: 526 Acres

Shelters

Visitors Center

TRAILS: 3 miles (gravel)

FUN FACT:

This wetland and wildlife preserve is a birdwatching paradise, attracting birders from all over the state. Since 1995, nearly 250 species of birds have been identified in the reservation.

NATURE FACTS: • Some notable bird residents include sand hill cranes, egrets, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, as well as the elusive great horned owl.

• In addition to the wide variety of bird species, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife including white-tailed deer, fox, squirrel, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, coyote and mink.

Botanical Garden Children's Garden & Playground

ACREAGE: 77 Acres

Carousel

Hiking Trail

Visitors Center

TRAILS: 2.2 miles (natural)

FUN FACT:

The park's namesake, Otto Schoepfle did not start out to create a botanical garden. He in fact referred to it sometimes as “the garden that grew.” He traveled Europe and North America learning about different botanical varieties and methods, coming home after each trip with new ideas to contribute to his garden.

NATURE FACTS: The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hosta, shade plants, and a variety of shrubs, topiaries and trees.

Photo Credit: @misskrieg_adventures on instagram

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Splash Zone Aquatic Center

Vermilion River Re servation

95 WEST HAMILTON RD., OBERLIN (440) 774-5059

Indoor & Outdoor Swimming Pools

Fieldhouse

Workout Facility

Playground

Splash Pad

51211 NORTH RIDGE RD., VERMILION (440) 967-7310

Dog Park

AMENITIES: 8-lane swimming pool, Kiddie pool, Outdoor pool with slide, Fieldhouse with basketball/volleyball courts, Workout facility, Splash pad, Dog park

Hiking Trail

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Sledding Hill

Kayaking

Disc Golf

535 JONES RD., WELLINGTON (440) 647-2509

Hiking Trail

Playground

Horseback Riding

ACREAGE: 541 Acres

Kayaking & paddleboats

Fishing

Visitors Center

TRAILS: 6+ miles (asphalt, stone)

FUN FACT:

Amphitheatre

Shelters

ACREAGE: 1,334 Acres

FUN FACT:

The outdoor pool is perfect for the summer months and features two different 24-foot tall water slides, tumble buckets, water jets, water cannons and a separate tot pool with a mushroom waterfall. The outdoor pool also features a concession stand as well as a playground.

Playground

Wellington Re servation

Visitors center

TRAILS: 5+ miles (stone, natural)

FUN FACT:

Vermilion River Reservation was the very first Lorain County Metro Park after its donation to the newly-formed park district in 1958.

ANNUAL EVENTS: • • • •

Fire & Ice Walk (Jan.) Herb-N-Handmade Fair (Spring) VRR Summer Concert Series (June - Aug.) Old Fashioned Holiday (Dec.)

The park sits on a 21-plus acre lake formed by the Wellington South Reservoir and is perfect for kayaks and paddleboats, which can be rented from the on-site livery (open Thur.-Mon., Memorial Day-Labor Day)

NATURE FACT: The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and a lot of bluegill. Visitors may bring their own non-gas motorized boats to fish in the 107 million-gallon body of water.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

It's In Our Nature INFORMATION CENTERED AROUND OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

· Twilight ·

* STARGAZING *

WINE NIGHT

WITH THE

BLACK RIVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

L OR A IN C OU N T Y ME T R O P A R KS

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center Join the Black River Astronomical Society for a public observation night at the Nielsen Observatory at the Carlisle Reservation's Equestrian Center (13630 Diagonal Road, LaGrange). This walk-in program is free, open to the public, and weather-dependent. In the event of precipitation or clouds, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday*. A cancelation notice will be posted on blackriverastro.org.

NATURE AT NIGHT Fri., Sept. 2 | 6–9 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center $5/person; Pre-reg required by Aug. 31 Join us at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center to discover what’s happening at Nature at Night! Explore the trail on a night hike, enjoy a campfire story with popcorn and s'mores, create a nocturnal craft, and view the night sky. Discover hands-on activities to help you learn more about our native nocturnal animals like owls, bats, coyotes, and more. Come explore Nature at Night!

Fri., July 1 | 10 pm-Midnight Fri., July 22 | 10 pm-Midnight Fri., Aug. 12 | 10 pm-Midnight Fri., Aug. 26* | 10-Midnight *No Saturday Back-Up

N AT I O N A L

Moth Week

Warm summer evenings create the perfect environment for insects to be out, enjoying the cover of darkness.

Each July, the world celebrates one of nature’s nighttime insects, the moth. This year National Moth Week occurs from July 23–31. National Moth Week is a worldwide citizen science project that studies and records populations of moths. It encourages everyone to participate in nighttime surveys, whether during an organized event or individually in their own backyards.

There are more than 11,000 species of moths, which outnumber the species of butterflies. Moths can range in size from smaller than a pencil tip to larger than

Thur., Aug. 4 | 6–8:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon 21 years and over only $38 (Miller members); $45 (non-members); $12 (designated driver) Lorain County Metro Parks cordially invites you to the 3rd annual Twilight Wine Night at the beautiful Miller Nature Preserve. Sip from a selection of wines among the peaceful garden trails, the magical Butterfly House, and the lush tropical Conservatory.

Enjoy live music of local band "The Humbuckers" playing Rockabilly and some old-time favorites.

AGE

Your reservation includes a flight tasting of six highly recommended wines from Heidelberg Co., light tapas, and a keepsake wine glass. Taste, laugh, enjoy, repeat!

Tickets are $38 for Miller Nature Preserve Members and $45 for non-members. Additional sample tickets available for purchase onsite. Designated Driver tickets are just $12 and include soft drinks and tapas.

a songbird! They are fantastic mimics, helping them avoid becoming dinner for another animal. Some moths have evolved to look like less desirable insects like wasps, tarantulas, and the praying mantis, while others mimic bird droppings. They are essential pollinators of nighttime flowers and are food for many animals such as bats and the eastern screech owl.

While our parks are typically closed when most moths are out, you can attract them in your own yard using a simple set-up that involves a dry, still evening, a light source to attract, and a surface (such as a white bed sheet) where moths can rest.

For more information on National Moth Week, check out nationalmothweek.org.

Pictured: Parthenice Tiger Moth

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Yours to Explore SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

SUMMER OUTDOOR CONCERTS LAKEVIEW SUNSET CONCERT SERIES

MUSIC ON THE PATIO

Fridays evenings in July | 6-8 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain

Thursday evenings | 6:30-8:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

July 1 | Roadhouse (Mix of Hits & Fun) July 8 | Ed Klimczak Family Band (Polka) July 15 | The Four Dads (Rock, Oldies, Country, & Classics) July 22 | The Wood Pickers (Bluegrass) July 29 | The Humbuckers (Rockabilly)

July 14 | Strukely & Cole (Acoustic Rock) July 28 | Minor Adjustments (Country, Popular Hits) Aug. 11 | Wayne Tomsic Trio (‘30s-‘70s Polka Variety) Aug. 25 | Scotty Kosmic and the Cool Cats (’50s-’70s Oldies Rock) September 8 | The Four Dads (50’s- 70’s/Motown)

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS Sat., Aug. 20 | 5–8:30 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Spend your Saturday night at the beach and try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing for free (weather permitting).

Enjoy food, live music, and a beer tasting.

Plus, stick around for an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset and campfire on the beach!

Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Consumption of alcohol is not permitted prior to paddling activities. Children 5-12 years of age are welcome to try canoes with an adult. Children 13-17 may try canoes along with other types of paddle craft with an on-shore or participating adult.

Sunday evenings | 6-8 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Aug. 14 | The Liverpool Lads (Beatles Tribute) Sept. 11 | The Patriots Symphonic Band (Patriotic)

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Sunday evenings | 6:30-8 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow July 3 | The New Barleycorn (contemporary folk & traditional Celtic songs) July 10 | RailShakers (Americana & alt-country music) July 17 | Zero to Sixty (NE Ohio’s summer a cappella group) July 24 | OPUS 216 (String Quartet, eclectic mix of music) July 31 | Ava Rowland (original contemporary country music) Aug. 7 | The Tea Bags (Hits by giant bands from England) Aug. 14 | Summer of ’65 (tribute to the great artists of the 1960s)

LITTLE GREEN CHOO RIDES July 9, 14, & 23 | 11 am–12:30 pm Aug. 4, 13, & 20 | 11 am–12:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center All aboard for a train adventure to discover nature’s wonders on the Little Green Choo! The train will run every 15 minutes from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Weather permitting. Preregistration is required.

We offer general admission tickets only (First-Come, First-Served). Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime! Tickets are on sale now at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs or by phone at FCT Box Office (440) 949-5200. If you or a member of your party will be needing ADA compliant seating, please call 440-949-5200 ext. 226 to make a reservation.

SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR. SOMETHING DADA Fri., July 15 | 7:30 pm French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall $15 per person We are happy to welcome the improv comedy troupe, "Something Dada" See this live Improvised Comedy Show - based entirely on the audience's suggestions!

Aug. 5, 6, 7*, 12, 13, 14* | 7:30 pm (*Aug. 7 & 14: matinee at 2 pm)

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall $15 per person Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical- youth edition!

This production is geared towards families/kids.

AUDITIONS - Shrek is a youth show, meaning it is put on by kids. Any child age 10-18 years can audition (July 5) and will be cast in the production. There is a $150 participation fee for each child in the cast. This fee covers the day-camp style rehearsal schedule which runs July 5-Aug 4, Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm. This fee also covers the cost of scripts, costumes, and props for the production.

NORTH POINTE BALLET'S BALLET IN THE PARK Fri., Aug. 26 | 7 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Free; No pre-registration required North Pointe Ballet presents its annual fall repertoire concert. Presented outdoors near the historic rose garden at Lakeview Park. This production is geared towards families/kids.