Arrowhead - July/August 2023

July-August 2023

Volume 63, Number 4

EXPLORE THE METRO PARKS

Enjoy this 8-page exploration of every reservation in our park district! Find the park that's right for you! | Pgs. 3-10

SUNSET BEACH FEST

Spend your Saturday night at the beach enjoying food, live music, and a beer tasting at this FREE event! | Pg. 12

NATURE AT NIGHT

Explore the trail on a night hike, enjoy a campfire story with popcorn and s'mores, create a nocturnal craft, and discover what makes nighttime nature unique! | Pg. 11

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Make a Difference

NEXT VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Tue., July 11 | 10 am & 7 pm

Carlisle Visitor Center

Due to liability insurance coverage, anyone interested in volunteering is required to be a member of the Friends of the Metro Parks volunteer organization. To become a member you must complete an orientation and background check. Please bring an ID and cash/check for membership dues to your orientation. Dues are $10 per volunteer (Dues for seniors over 65 years old are just $5).

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE AT THE NATURE NOOK GIFT SHOP

Entire month of July

Nature Nook Gift Shop at Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Don't miss this seasonal sale at the Nature Nook Gift Shop at Miller Nature Preserve in Avon! ALL Christmas items are 30% off for the entire month of July! The gift shop is located in the lobby of the Miller Nature Preserve conservatory building and is operated by the Friends of the Metro Parks. All proceeds benefit the Friends.

Honor Roll

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

William Otis Jordan from Gloria Buxton

Carol Leininger from Kathryn French, Wellington

Martha Milas from Thyra Davis, Manhattan, KS

Martha Milas from Steve, Lauren, Camille & Ian Samuelson, Mt. Horeb, WI

Linda Payne from Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion

Robert A. Reynolds from James Szoradi, Fairview Park

David Ursem from Firelands Education Association

Amherst Beaver Creek

Reservation

913 N. LAKE ST., AMHERST

Amherst HealthPlex

at Hollstein Reservation

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

Black River Reservation

DAY'S DAM: 2720 E. 31ST ST., LORAIN

BUR OAK: 6150 FORD RD., ELYRIA

HIGH MEADOWS: 1750 FORD RD., ELYRIA

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.

FUN FACTS:

• 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.

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 (pictured below) that might be the largest and oldest tree in Lorain County.

Caley Reservation

18207

WEST RD., WELLINGTON

ACREAGE: 529 Acres

FUN FACT:

Carlisle Reservation

12882

Cascade Park

387

FURNACE ST., ELYRIA

TRAILS: 0.75 miles (natural)

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

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.

ACREAGE: 1,689 Acres

FUN FACT:

TRAILS: 11+ miles (asphalt, stone, & natural)

The Visitor Center is a favorite of kids and families as it features the nature-themed Children's Nature Discovery Trail, 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.)

ACREAGE: 145 Acres

FUN FACT:

TRAILS: 2.5 miles (asphalt, natural)

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.

Cassell

Reservation

815 HIGH BRIDGE RD., VERMILION

Century Park

1955 EAST ERIE AVE., LORAIN

Reservation

48600 NEW LONDON EASTERN RD., NEW LONDON

ACREAGE: 240 Acres TRAILS: 1.25 miles (gravel)

FUN FACT:

This wonderfully wooded new park in Vermilion officially opened to the public in June 2023.

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.

FUN FACTS:

ACREAGE: 2 Acres

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

• The Harbor House is 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.

ACREAGE: 785 Acres TRAILS: 5.2 miles (natural)

FUN FACT:

Management of Charlemont’s extensive field habitats includes both mowing and burning. A "controlled burn" (pictured below) 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.

Columbia Reservation

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

Forest Hills Golf Course

41971 OBERLIN-ELYRIA RD., ELYRIA (440) 323-2632

French Creek Reservation

NATURE CENTER: 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE

PINE TREE PICNIC AREA: 4951 FRENCH CREEK RD., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE (440) 949-5200

ACREAGE: 405 Acres TRAILS: 4+ miles (asphalt, stone, & natural)

FUN FACT:

Columbia's historic Blockhouse (only 0.1 mile from the parking lot) is a replica of the original safe haven house built by settlers during the War of 1812 on the land that is now Columbia Reservation.

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.

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.

ACREAGE: 450 Acres 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

• Nature Discovery Days (May)

• Nature Camp (June) & Theatre Camp (June/July)

Indian Hollow Reservation

SHELDON WOODS: 38744 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON

ROYAL OAKS: 1057 PARSONS RD., GRAFTON

16000 ST. RT. 511, OBERLIN

ACREAGE: 151 Acres TRAILS: 2.2 miles (natural)

Cherry Ridge

Kopf Family Golf Course at

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

ACREAGE:

809 Acres 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.

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.

FUN FACT:

ACREAGE: 82 Acres

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.

Kopf Family Reservation

32649 ELECTRIC BLVD., AVON LAKE

Lakeview Park

1800 WEST ERIE AVE., LORAIN

Nature Preserve

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

ACREAGE:

139 Acres 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.

FUN FACT:

ACREAGE: 35 Acres

The Rose Garden at Lakeview Park (pictured below) 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:

• Sunset Concert Series (July)

• Music Under the Stars (Aug. & Sept.)

• Sunset Beach Fest (Aug.)

• Santa Nights & Lights on the Lake (Nov. & Dec.)

ACREAGE: 202 Acres 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.

North Coast

Inland Trail

NOTABLE TRAIL ACCESS POINTS:

MILE 0.0:

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.

Sandy Ridge Reservation

6195 OTTEN RD., NORTH RIDGEVILLE

Schoepfle Garden

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

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.

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.

Splash Zone Aquatic

Center

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

Vermilion River Reservation

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

Wellington Reservation

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

AMENITIES:

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

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.

ACREAGE: 1,334 Acres 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.)

ACREAGE: 541 Acres TRAILS: 6+ miles (asphalt, stone)

FUN FACT:

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.

Yours to Explore

SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

* STARGAZING * WITH THE BLACK RIVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

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.

Fri., July 14 | 10 pm-Midnight

Fri., July 21 | 10 pm-Midnight

Fri., Aug. 11* | 10 pm-Midnight *No Saturday Back-Up

Fri., Aug. 18 | 10 pm-Midnight

Fri., Sept. 1 | 6–9:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

$5/person; Pre-reg required by Aug. 29

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!

Algae Papermaking Series

Schoepfle Garden Meeting Room

Aug. 22, 24, 27 | 1-3 pm

Join us at Schoepfle Garden for Algae Papermaking. Artist Diane Britt will demonstrate papermaking from different species of river algae harvested from the Vermilion River. This program will also allow attendees to try their hand at papermaking.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, and Thursday, Aug. 24, will be Diane’s prep days. She can be found on the back deck of Schoepfle Garden Nature Center from 1-3 pm, preparing the raw fiber needed for her process. During this time, she will be available to answer garden visitors’ questions and demonstrate many of the techniques she uses.

On Sunday, Aug. 27, in the Schoepfle Garden Meeting Room, Diane will invite attendees to watch her making paper and using the paper to create artistic sculptures. Diane’s artwork will be on display throughout July and August in the nature center lobby.

Picnic n’ Play

Wed., July 5 | 11 am-1 pm | Lakeview Park

Wed., July 12 | 11 am-1 pm | Cascade Park

Wed., July 19 | 11 am-1 pm | Black River Res.: Days Dam

Wed., July 26 | 11 am-1 pm | Century Park

Wed., Aug. 2 | 11 am-1 pm | George Abram Pavilion (Oberlin)

Come enjoy an afternoon in the park with your friends & family! Each week, travel to a different Park location to play games, do crafts and have a free lunch! Registration is required. Parks have various hiking levels. This event is for all ages! Please call (440) 865-8786 with any questions.

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Yours to Explore

SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

SUMMER OUTDOOR CONCERTS

LAKEVIEW SUNSET CONCERT SERIES

Fridays evenings in July | 6 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

July 7 | Wish Garden

July 14 | Classic Vinyl Band

July 21 | Red Idle Rejects

July 28 | Bethany Joy

MUSIC ON THE PATIO

Thursday evenings | 6:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

Sunday evenings | 6 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Aug. 6 | Chloe and the Steel Strings

Sept. 17 | TBD

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Sunday evenings | 6 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

July 2 | The New Barleycorn

Sat., Aug. 19 | 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 (pre-registration required; 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.

July 13 | Furious George Hartwig

July 27 | Hip To That

Aug. 10 | Front Porch Jammin'

Aug. 24 | The Four Dads

LITTLE GREEN CHOO RIDES

July 9 | Tim Blake & Michele

July 16 | Summer of '65

July 23 | Greg Moore & Friends

July 30 | Zero to Sixty

Aug. 6* | Jesse Jukebox

*Special Children's Afternoon Concert at 4:00pm

Aug. 13 | The RayBans

Saturday afternoons: July 8, 22, Aug. 5, and 19 | 1–3 pm

Thursday mornings: July 13, 27, Aug. 10, and 24 | 10:30 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. Weather permitting.

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/theatre 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.

MADAGASCAR: A Musical Adventure Jr.

July 21, 22, 23*, 28, 29, 30* | 7:30 pm

(*July 23 & 30: matinee performances at 2 pm)

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Hall

$10 per person

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

This show is a production put on by the participants of our Theatre Camp. Campers channel their creativity and work as a team. At the end of the camp, they showcase their newly learned skills by putting on a production of ‘Madagascar Jr.’

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Aug. 25, 26, & 27* | 6:30 pm

(*Sun., Aug. 27: matinee at 2 pm)

Bacon Woods Amphitheater, Vermilion River Reservation

Free; No pre-registration required Four feverish lovers, six inept performers, and two warring Fae courts meet in the forest for a night of entanglement, mischief, and unlikely romance. One of Shakespeare's most enduring and beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream invites us to fall in love, out of love, and back in love again.