Arrowhead - March/April 2023

March-April 2023

Volume 63, Number 2

HOPPY EASTER!

Bring your basket and dress for the weather this Easter season! Don't miss our various outdoor Easter egg hunts! | Pg. 8

HIKING STICK PROGRAM SUMMER CAMPS

Beginning in April, take part in ten different hikes at six different parks to get your very own hiking stick! | Pgs. 6 & 7

No matter what your child is interested in, we have a summer camp for them! Registration begins in February! | Pgs. 4 & 5

|

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Pictured: Lakeview Park Easter basket

Photo credit: Kyle Foisy

• Carlisle Reservation

(440) 458-5121

Carlisle Visitor Center:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Lorain County Metro Parks is hiring! Are you interest in a position which includes fresh air and the joy of working in nature? A number of positions are still available on our team. Positions are open to candidates 15 years and older. A variety of opportunities are available at sites across the county including lifeguards, park aides, golf aides, front desk staff, and more. Visit our website for a current listing of open positions and apply online today!

loraincountymetroparks.com/employment

New employees must satisfactorily complete a background check. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users.

Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Lorain County Metro Parks makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and operational need.

Equestrian Center/ Nielsen Observatory: 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

• Cascade Park 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 458-5121

• Cassell Reservation 815 High Bridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 Charlemont Reservation 48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, Ohio 44851

• Columbia Reservation 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028

Ohio 44090

(440) 236-3254

Briarwood Lodge: 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028

12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

Duck Pond Picnic Area: 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

• Forest Hills Golf Course 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 323-2632

• French Creek Reservation Burrell Homestead: 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

French Creek Nature Center: 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

(440) 949-5200

Pine Tree Picnic Area: 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

• Indian Hollow Reservation 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 Royal Oaks: 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

• Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge 1211 West River Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 324-3713

• Kopf Family Reservation 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 387-8107

• Kipton Reservation St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

• Lakeview Park 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052

• Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 (440) 937-0764

North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead: 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074

Gateway Trailhead: 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035

• The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

• Sandy Ridge Reservation 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 (440) 327-3626

• Schoepfle Garden 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 (440) 965-7237

• Splash Zone 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059

• Vermilion River Reservation 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 (440) 967-7310

• Wellington Reservation 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 (440) 647-2509

Friends of the Metro Parks

Pancake Breakfast

Sun., Feb. 26 & Mar. 5 | 9 am-1 pm

Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

Adults: $8 | Children (3-10 yrs.): $4 | Children under 3 yrs: Free!

It's Maple Syrup season! Bring the whole family out to LaGrange for a wonderful breakfast sponsored by the Friends of the Metro Parks! Visitors can enjoy eggs, sausage, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and more!

Honor Roll

Anonymous

Matt Baliko

Dr. and Mrs. John A. Costin, Avon Lake

John Hric

Dianne Kosboth

Jane Norton, Lorain

Paul Schroeter

Jim Siddall, Wellington

William Wallace, Amherst

Avon Garden Club

Black River Audubon Society

Braised in the CLE

Celestial Treats CLE

The Desich Sales Institute

Kountry Krunchins Snackfoods LLC

Lorain County Hook Crafters

Northwest Bank

The Norton Family Foundation

PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County

Plum Creek Garden Club

Rural King

Helen J. Woodward Trust

Adopt-A-Raptor

Claudia Anders, Berea

Lauren Anderson (Gift to Christine Wirth in Memory of Charlie Wirth)

Mike and Mary Beth Arendash, Columbia Station (Gift to Jesse and Ashley White)

Ron Baker, Elyria (Gift to Lola Wilbond)

Ted and Jane Berkeley, Rocky River (Gift to Laura Berkeley)

Cathy Case, North Ridgeville (Gift to Dick Egy)

Shawne Casper, Medina (Gift to Paula Nicely)

Shawne Casper, Medina (Gift to Kathy Westlake)

Karen Cassidy, Lorain (Gift to Nancy Kranstuber)

Raymond and Linda Cosma, Jr., Lorain (Gift to Dr. Jaymie Shanker)

MAPLE SUGARING

Feb. 25-26 and Mar. 4-5 | 10 am-2:30 pm*

*Sugar Shack open house: 10 am-Noon

*Naturalist-led programs/hikes: 12:30-2:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation (Visitor Center)

Help us celebrate this special time of year by learning how to take sap from sugar maple trees to turn into maple syrup! We will explore the history and science of Maple Sugaring through hands-on activities geared for all ages.

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.

Raymond and Linda Cosma, Jr., Lorain

Raymond and Linda Cosma, Jr., Lorain (Gift to Bob and Marleta Garner)

Jared Craigo, Elyria

Greg and Edie Dore, North Ridgeville (Gift to Cameron Velican)

Keith and Laura Enoch, Medina

Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain (Gift to Nancy Gorenshek)

Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain

Joseph and Laurel Irwin, Lagrange

Marlene Jacobs, Elyria (Gift to Brooklyn Wise)

Regina Knapik, Elyria (Gift to Gabby Zapesik and Don Knapik)

The Kresch Family, Oberlin

Greg and Deborah Lafferty, Old Brooklyn (in Memory of our grandchild, Peanut Killiany)

Greg and Deborah Lafferty, Old Brooklyn (Gifts to Wyatt, Everett and Colton Killiany)

Johanna Lepley and Dave Ineman, North Ridgeville (Gift to Wyatt Clark)

Martha Love and Barbara Schweitzer, Avon Lake (Gift to Don and Martha Vreeland)

Tudy and Bill Masica, North Ridgeville

Lewis Mockensturm, Avon Lake

Audrey Mockensturm, Avon Lake

Tim Nye, Amherst (Gift to Delaney Nye)

Michael and Jean Paulus, North Ridgeville (Gifts to Cassie, Shea, Tess, Alden, Cillian & Sawyer Paulus)

Barbara Peterson, Avon Lake (Gift to Garth Peterson)

Emilie Pulver, Chicago (Gift to Dale Pulver)

Arlene Ruyf, Grafton (Gift to Luke Ruyf)

Barb and Paulie Slepecky, Avon Lake (Gift to Sheila Ramsdell in Memory of Lee Krueger)

Karen Smith, Oberlin

Frank Storrow, Wellington (in Memory of Betty J. Storrow)

Nicole Strick, Lorain (in Memory of Roberta A. Schau)

Patricia Tacchite, Wellington Andree Underwood, Oberlin

Don and Yvonne Urig, North Ridgeville

Joan Vacco, Avon (Gift to Cheryl Gildenmeister)

Bill and Linda Wallis, Amherst

Donna Wilson, Oberlin

Ruth Wulfhoop, Elyria (Gifts to Ellen R. Otis and Becky A George)

Gift was given in Honor of:

Lorain High School Class of 1966 by the Lorain High School Class of 1966

The Veard Family by the Staff of United Property Management

Gift was given in Memory of:

David J. Butkowski by Paula Butkowski, Lorain

Joe Caraballo by Michelle Hensley and Joseph Caraballo, Las Vegas, NV

Viola Dumski by Nada Visnich, Avon

Judy and Denny Johns by Carol O'Brien, Wendy Mitchell, West Salem

Lois Ann Elliff Kane by Lois Ann Kane Family, Concord, NC

Terry J. Kish by Terry and Monica Tomaszewski, Amherst

Sondra Ledsome by Sharon Mikesell

Kathryn Pachuta by Craig Pachuta, Elyria

Diane Perry by Mary and Don Lottman, Lagrange

MaryAnn Pileski by Joe and Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion

Neil R. Sommers by Dennis, Bill, Cindy, Tammy, Rob & Lori, Wellington

Neil R. Sommers by Shirley Bernhardt, Littleton, CO

Neil R. Sommers by Lorain High School Class of 1966

John R. Stowe by Lucy Stowe, Sheffield Village

Emily M. Torrens by Judy Kirby, Vermilion

Mark Wenger by Jan and Bob Fitzpatrick, North Ridgeville

| (440) 458-5121

Summer Camps

YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

Early bird registration for Lorain County residents begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, February 10 and is available by phone or online! Call-in and online registrations will open for all participants on Friday, February 17.

Carlisle Visitor Center: (440) 458-5121

French Creek Nature Center: (440) 949-5200

NEW TO NATURE CAMP

A.M. SESSION:

June 8 at Century Park (Lorain) or June 15 at Cascade PArk (Elyria) | 9 am-12 pm

6-9 years old Free

Mill Hollow Carriage Barn: (440) 967-7310

P.M. SESSION:

June 8 at Century Park (Lorain) or June 15 at Cascade PArk (Elyria) | 1-4 pm

10-12 years old Free

New to Nature is a one-day camp focused on children living in urban environments that will help to familiarize them with nature and safety. Campers will learn how to identify common poisonous plants they might encounter in Ohio and what to do when they see a wild animal while exploring. They will also learn the importance of staying on a trail and bike trail safety.

NATURE CAMP

EXPLORERS:

June 13-15 | 9 am-12 pm

French Creek Nature Center

4-5 years old $75 per camper

ADVENTURERS:

June 20-23 | 10 am-3 pm

French Creek Nature Center

6-8 years old $150 per camper

Nature Camp will explore nature through hands-on activities, games, educational programs, live animals, and more! 'Explorers' is designed for first-time campers.

June 13-15 | 10 am-3 pm

JR. NATURALIST CAMP

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

11-13 years old $150 per camper

In this camp, we’ll learn together what naturalists do through hands-on experience and exploration. At the end of the week, there will be an opportunity to put the skills you’ve learned to the test by leading a mini-program of your own on a topic of your choosing!

'SPIRIT OF AMERICA' BOATING EDUCATION CAMP

June 26-30 | 9 am-3 pm

Do you want to learn more about boating while spending time on the water this summer? Take part in this camp and learn safe boating skills directly from certified boating instructors and ODNR Division of Watercraft and U.S. Coast Guard officers, earn a required state boating certificate, and become a “Captain of Your Own Vessel!”

THEATRE CAMP - Youth Theatre Production of 'Madagascar'

June 26-July 21 (weekdays) | 9 am-3 pm

French Creek Nature Center

8-18 years old

Campers will get a chance to work on their acting, dancing, singing, and set design at the French Creek Nature Center this year. Campers can channel their creativity and will work as a team. At the end of the camp, they will showcase their newly learned skills by putting on a production of ‘Madagascar Jr.’ on July 21, 22, 23, and July 28, 29, and 30.

July 5-7 | 10 am-3 pm

CAMP CURIOSITY

Join us for a fun-filled camp centered around all things curious! We will be exploring the natural world around us through activities that get us thinking through the use of our five senses.

July 6 | 9 am-1 pm

HISTORY CAMP: EARLY OHIO LIFE

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

7-12 years old $25 per camper

Explore life as it was over 200 years ago with fun games, crafts, and activities that include pioneer cooking, kids’ chores, candle making, compass skills, old-fashioned games, and more!

Cascade Park 4-6 years old $60

per camper

Become a little explorer of nature! Campers will discover how animals live in the forest and swim within the river through stories, games, hikes, and crafts.

July 11-14 | 10 am-3 pm

Carlisle

Visitor Center

old

July 24-26 | 9 am-3 pm Splash Zone (July 24) & Wellington Reservation (july 25-26) 13-17 years old $175 per camper

July 24-27

|

AGE

August

August 3-4 | 12-3 pm Carlisle Visitor Center 12-15 years old $75 per camper

AGE

Calling all bird nerds! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Carlisle Raptor Center and learn all about raptors during this 2-day camp. Activities include hiking, hands-on activities, and of course watching daily operations and training in the Raptor Center!

session)

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation 4-6 years old $60 per camper

If your preschooler is a lover of crafts, stories, games, and adventure, than this is the camp for you!

GRANDPARENTS CAMP

EVENING SESSION: August 9 | 4-7 pm

CHildren & Grandparents of all ages $10 per camper

CHildren & Grandparents of all ages $10 per camper

Take a Hike!

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES (ONLY APRIL HIKES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HIKING STICK PROGRAM)

March hikes

SPRING WALK AND TALK

Wed., Mar. 1 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks (Grafton)

SPRING, SPRANG, SPRUNG HIKE

Wed., Mar. 1 | 3-4 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks (Grafton)

FIRST FLOWERS WALK

Thur., Mar. 2 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WORLD WILDLIFE DAY HIKE

Fri., Mar. 3 | 3-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

FULL MOON HIKE

Tue., Mar. 7 | 6:30-8 pm

Wellington Reservation

WOODCOCK WALK

Wed., Mar 8 | 6:30-7:30 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

TURTLES ROCK!

Thur., Mar. 9 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

WOODPECKERS OF THE WOODS HIKE

Sat., Mar. 11 | 11 am-12 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

April hikes

WATERFOWL HIKE

Sun., Apr. 2 | 8:30-10:30 am

PLEASE NOTE: March hikes are not eligible for the Hiking Stick Program. The Hiking Stick Program runs from April 1 - June 30 only.

SKUNK CABBAGE HIKE

Sat., Mar. 11 | 1-2 pm

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

RAPTOR HIKE

Sun., Mar. 12 | 12-1 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

PI DAY HIKE

Tue., Mar. 14 | 3:14-4 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Mar. 15 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WOODCOCK WALK

Wed., Mar. 15 | 7:30-8:30 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

LEPRECHAUN HUNT

Fri., Mar. 17 | 10-11 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

FIRST DAY OF SPRING HIKE

Mon., Mar. 20 | 9-11 am

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

SPRING WALK AND TALK

Mon., Mar. 20 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

SPRING, SPRANG, SPRUNG HIKE

Mon., Mar. 20 | 3-4 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

PACK WALK

Tue., Mar. 21 | 6:30-7:30 pm

Wellington Reservation

EARLY SPRING THINGS HIKE

Wed., Mar. 22 | 3-3:45 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

WOODCOCK WALK

Wed., Mar. 22 | 7:30-8:30 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WATERFOWL HIKE

Sat., Mar. 25 | 8:30-10:30 am

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

SPRING WALK AND TALK

Tue., Mar. 28 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

WOODCOCK WALK

Tue., Mar. 28 | 7:30-8:30 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

GARLIC MUSTARD PULL

Thur., Mar. 30 | 2-3 pm

Black River Reservation, Day’s Dam (Lorain)

All April hikes listed below are Hiking Stick Program-eligible. Use the form on pg. 7 to track your progress! Check the May/June Arrowhead for the remaining schedule!

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAY HIKE

Wed., Apr. 5 | 10-11 am

SPRING BREAK HIKE

Thur., Apr. 6 | 1-2 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (N. Ridgeville)

EARLY SPRING STROLL

Sun., Apr. 2 | 2-3 pm

Caley Reservation (Wellington)

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

WELCOME BACK WILDFLOWERS HIKE

Wed., Apr. 5 | 10:30-11:30 am

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

FULL MOON HIKE

Thur., Apr. 6 | 8:30-10 pm

Wellington Reservation

HIKING LEVELS: = EASY = MODERATE = STRENUOUS

AMPHIBIAN HIKE

Fri., Apr. 7 | 2-3 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

OFF THE BEATEN PATH HIKE

Sat., Apr. 8 | 10-11:15 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAY HIKE

Wed., Apr. 12 | 10-11 am

Black River Reservation, Day’s Dam (Lorain)

APRIL SHOWERS PACK WALK

Wed., Apr. 12 | 7-8 pm

Wellington Reservation

OWL PROWL HIKE

Thur., Apr. 13 | 6:30-8 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

NORTH LOOP HIKE

Fri., Apr. 14 | 2-4 pm

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

WOODLAND WILDFLOWERS WALK

Sat., Apr. 15 | 3-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

VERMILION RIVER CLEAN-UP HIKE

Sun., Apr. 16 | 1-2 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

WETLAND WONDERS HIKE

Sun., Apr. 16 | 2-3:30 pm

For the official definition of our hiking levels, please visit us online at LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails

Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond (LaGrange)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAY HIKE

Wed., Apr. 19 | 10-11 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Apr. 19 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP HIKE

Fri., Apr. 21 | 2-3:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

EARTH DAY LITTER HIKE

Sat., Apr. 22 | 10 am-12 pm

Wellington Reservation

PLANET PROTECTORS HIKE

Sat., Apr. 22 | 10 am-12:30 pm

Cascade Park (Elyria)

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Sat., Apr. 22 | 2-3:15 pm

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

SEARCH THE EARTH SCAVENGER HUNT

Sun., Apr. 23 | 10:30-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

SIGNS OF SPRING HIKE

Sun., Apr. 23 | 1-2 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)

WILDFLOWER WALK AND TALK

Tue., Apr. 25 | 10:30-11:30 am

Kopf Family Reservation, Belle Rd. Park (Avon Lake)

WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAY HIKE

Wed., Apr. 26 | 10-11 am

Black River Reservation, High Meadows (Elyria)

WILDFLOWER HIKE

Wed., Apr. 26 | 10-11:15 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WILDFLOWER WALK AND TALK

Thur., Apr. 27 | 10-11 am

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

NATURE’S BLOOMS & TUNES HIKE

Thur., Apr. 27 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE

Sat., Apr. 29 | 10-11 am

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE

Sun., Apr. 30 | 2-3 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)

FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS HIKING STICK PROGRAM FORM | APRIL 1 - JUNE 30, 2023

Hike: Location: Date:

Name:

Address: City: State:

Phone: E-Mail:

Please check here if you have received a hiking stick in the past and only need a year pin.

Participants must participate in 10 hikes in 6 different reservations. Participants may choose from naturalist-‐led hikes, self-‐guided, or a combination of both, therefore staff signatures are no longer required. Please return your completed form no later than July 7, 2023 to:

Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

(You can pick up your hiking stick/pin at Carlisle Visitor Center from Aug. 1-31. Pins will NO longer be mailed. Due to the overwhelming response to this program, we will not accept late entries.)

Kids & Family

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING

WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

LAKEVIEW PARK EGG HUNT

Sat., Apr. 8 | 10-11 am (time blocks)

Lakeview Park, Lorain

programs

Celebrate this Spring with the Easter Bunny at Lakeview Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday April 8th. Bring your own basket or bag and dress for the weather as the hunt will go on rain, snow, or shine! All eggs collected must be emptied and returned. This event is free, however, pre-registration is required for all participating children (ages 2-13 years), not the accompanying adult. Families with multiple children should all register under the same group number and time block. Meet at west end of the park near the picnic shelters. Don’t miss this once a year tradition!

WELLINGTON EGG HUNT

Sat., Apr. 8 | 10-11 am

Wellington Reservation

Join us for our annual egg hunt! It will begin promptly at 10 am so please be sure to arrive early to ensure participation! Registration is required by April 7 and only the child participant (ages 2-12) needs to be registered. Please bring a basket or bucket to collect eggs. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance during the egg hunt!

SCHOEPFLE EGG HUNT

Sat., Apr. 8 | 10-10:45 am

Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

Kids 12 and under hunt for eggs around the front of the garden. There are three age groups (4 and under, 5-8 and 9 and older) that will be separate in their areas and hunts. All participants will receive a prize bag. Take home craft, visit with the Easter bunny and a family scavenger hunt after the egg hunt.

easter St. Patrick's Day x

BUNNY LUNCH

Sat., Apr. 8 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

$20 (10+ yrs.) | $15 (3-9 yrs.) | Free (2 yrs. and under)

Hop on over to Miller Nature Preserve for a 'Bunny Lunch' event complete with activities, games, and an Easter Bunny photo op for all ages! Admission to the Conservatory is included; must bring your own device for taking photos. Pre-register by April 1.

LEPRECHAUN HIDE-AND-GOLD

SEEK HIKE

Sat., Mar. 18 | 1-4 pm

ST. PADDY'S DAY CELEBRATION

Sat., Mar. 11 | 1-2:30 pm

French Creek Nature Center

$2 (parents & 3 and under: free)

Make your own four-leaf clover friend, an Irish cootie catcher, play leprechaun games, and take a photo with Chip-E-Munk!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Fri., Mar. 17 | 1-2 pm

Wellington Reservation

Learn about the history of the holiday and make a fun craft. Pre-register your child by Mar. 16.

LEPRECHAUN HUNT

Fri., Mar. 17 | 3-4 pm

Miller Nature Preserve

Join us as we build some leprechaun traps. Preregister your child by Mar. 13.

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow $2/child (do not register chaperone)

Using a treasure map, seek out the Vermilion leprechaun's friends for a pot-ogold goodie bag! This self-guided activity is geared toward ages 4-10. Pre-register each child (not parents) by Mar. 16.

MORE THAN 65 YEARS

Preserving Traditions and Creating Memories FOR

Lakeview's Basket Full of Memories

The historical Lakeview Park Easter Basket draws thousands of visitors to the lakefront park each spring. Serving as a token of local memory and tradition, the basket has held its prominent location at the park’s entrance for more than 80 years. The exact year of installation varies by source, but the idea of creating the basket is believed to have been initially discussed in 1937 by the City of Lorain Park Superintendent George Crehore. Crehore’s son had playfully suggested the idea of helping the Easter Bunny by placing a basket at the park. Crehore then tasked his employees with bringing the idea to life—a flower basket that would double as an Easter holiday display.

Basket creator, David Shukait, served as a mechanic in the Lorain Parks Department. When first presented with the idea, Shukait pushed back, claiming the request could not be done. However, Shukait and other park employees worked to create the towering, 10 feet tall, three and a half ton, concrete basket. The massive basket was built in a city garage and transported more than a mile, on skids, to its current home at Lakeview Park. The actual installation of the larger-than-life basket is believed to have occurred in April 1941.

Just before retiring from the parks department in 1957, Shukait received a US Patent for his unique concrete basket weave design. Shukait retired after nearly 25 years with the city park’s department. At the time of his death in 1976, the city honored Shukait with a plaque on the basket. This plaque reads, “In recognition of the exceptional artistic creativity in design and construction of the concrete Easter baskets for the city of Lorain’s park system.” Shukait’s basket work also includes a smaller version, which sits at Lorain’s Oakwood Park.

The basket is decorated each spring for the Easter holiday. This year, visitors can expect to see the eggs and beloved bunny in place by March 20 for the first day of spring. The decorations will remain in place through Easter Sunday, April 9, and Orthodox Easter, on Sunday, April 16.

NATURE LITERACY - WATER CONSERVATION

Wed., Apr. 5 | 1-3 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Water is the lifeline of our entire ecosystem, and freshwater is a scarce resource. This program will reveal the importance of water conservation through storytelling and hands-on education. Join us at Lakeview Park, overlooking the great Lake Erie, to learn more about conservation, waterway pollution, and our own role in the protection of this critical natural resource. Students will participate in outdoor exploration (weather permitting), interactive story time, hands-on science experimentation,

and an educational art activity.

HISTORICAL

Nature Literacy is a program offered in partnership with the Lorain Public Library System.

This drop-off style program is open to students in grades 3-5 (8-11 yearolds). Preregistration for this FREE program is required by April 1, as spots and supplies are limited. Participants are required to have a completed medical form on file to attend. Forms can be downloaded online at www.tinyurl.com/2e7b3865. Completed forms must be returned to Jadelynn Showalter at jshowalter@loraincountymetroparks.com by April 4. At the end of this program, Lorain Public Library materials will be available to check out with a valid ClevNet library card.

AND CURRENT PHOTOS PROVIDED BY:

(1) Deanie Shukait, (2) Kyle Foisy, (3) Lorraine Riegel-Kapalin, (4, 6) Pam Madalone, (5) J. Novak, (7) and Marlene Matos Mercurio. Special thanks to Rona Proudfoot for assistance.

Earth Week Earth Week Celebration l April 16-23

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS GEARED TOWARD CELEBRATING EARTH WEEK

Celebrate living on Earth through a variety of hands-on activities, hikes, opportunities to make a difference, and so much more! Keep up-to-date with us on social media and on our website during Earth Week to get the latest info, games and activities!

VERMILION RIVER CLEAN-UP HIKE

Sun., Apr. 16 | 1-2 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

Celebrate Earth Week by helping to keep our Vermilion River Valley clean. Pick up trash as we hike along the river. Gloves and bags provided.

PRESCHOOL EARTH DAY EVERY DAY

Tue., Apr. 18 | 11 am-12 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

Learn how to make every day Earth Day thru a cute story, fun activity, and meeting a live turtle! FREE program, pre-registration by 4/16 required.

ROSE GARDEN COMMUNITY WORK DAY

Wed., Apr. 19 | 8:30-10:30 am

Lakeview Park

All skill levels are welcome to help us cultivate the beauty of this historic garden, focusing on weeding, pruning, and deadheading. Participants are encouraged to bring hand tools if able and be prepared to work in the sun. Refreshments provided.

EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP HIKE

Fri., Apr. 21 | 2-3:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

Help clean up the French Creek Reservation on Earth Day! Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Pre-register by 4/20.

PLANET PROTECTORS

Sat., Apr. 22 | 10 am-12:30 pm

Cascade Park

Come learn about how YOU can make a difference in protecting the planet! Games and activities for all ages. Registration requested.

EARTH DAY LITTER HIKE

Sat., Apr. 22 | 10 am-12 pm

Wellington Reservation

Celebrate Earth Day with us by helping us clean our park. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Registration is requested by 4/21.

Astronomy Programs

Nielsen Observatory, Carlisle Reservation

All progrAms co-sPonsored by BlAck river AstronomicAl society

Join the Black River Astronomical Society to see the beauty of the night sky through our powerful telescopes while our members explain what you are seeing and answer questions. These programs are free.

NIGHT SKY STAR PARTY

Fri., Mar. 10* | 7-9 pm

*Cloud date: Sat., Mar. 11

Fri., Mar. 24* | 8-10 pm

*Cloud date: Sat., Mar. 25

SHELLEBRATE EARTH DAY

Sat., Apr. 22 | 1-1:30 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow We will celebrate Earth Day by learning about turtles and meeting one up-close! Educational take-home materials included! For child and adult. Pre-registration welcomed, not required.

SEARCH-THE-EARTH SCAVENGER HUNT

Sun., Apr. 23 | 10:30-11:30 am

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area Come join us in celebrating Earth Day with a Search-the-Earth Scavenger Hunt! We'll be taking a hike along the French Creek trails while searching for exciting natural content.

Sat., Apr. 29 | 11 am-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn

Fri., Apr. 14* | 9-11 pm

*Cloud date: Sat., Apr. 15

Fri., Apr. 21* | 9-11 pm

*Cloud date: Sat., Apr. 22

With beautiful Mill Hollow as a backdrop, enjoy a fair featuring a variety of vendors selling homegrown herb plants, handmade décor, body products, and food items. Plus, the historic Bacon House Museum will be open for viewing. This FREE event is weather dependent. LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

How to Help Injured Wildlife

Sharing our forests, rivers, and even backyards with wildlife neighbors can be a meaningful way to appreciate nature. Sometimes we may notice a wild neighbor in distress and want to help. Here are some helpful tips on what to do and what NOT to do to give that animal the best chance to survive.

First and foremost, if you see something unusual, don’t hesitate to contact the Naturalist staff of Lorain County Metro Parks with your wildlife questions! However, if you see an animal that is hurt or in distress, you will need to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Rehabilitators hold state and federal permits and possess specialized skills to help wild animals with the intent to re-release them. While it might be very tempting, it is illegal for anyone in Ohio to possess a native wild animal without wildlife rehabilitation permits. The law is designed to help people and wildlife stay safe. The Lorain County Metro Parks does not hold these permits. We hold Education and Salvage permits that allow us to care for our non-releasable wildlife program ambassadors. Therefore, LCMP cannot rescue or accept any injured or distressed animals.

If you find an animal acting strangely or is visibly hurt, observe the animal from a safe distance and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Divison can provide a list of rehabilitators close to you. They can be reached at (800) WILDLIFE or (800) 945-3543.

If the animal needs human assistance AND can be safely and easily captured, confine it in a small container not much bigger than the animal. Keep the contained animal in a small, dark, quiet place until you can take it to the wildlife rehabilitator. The sooner you can get the animal into the proper care, the better. Do NOT offer the animal food or water. Do not handle it or stay close to it unless absolutely necessary. Wild animals do not take comfort in human touch—it is quite the opposite. Human interaction typically paralyzes them with fear, which is a stressor that can be too much for animals dealing with injury or illness.

If you find that the animal is not injured, return it to the same area or closest safe area where you found it. Wild animals are quite attached to the area where they live. Unless it was found on park property, no animal can be released within LCMP grounds even if, to the human eye, it’s a “better habitat.”

Finding a baby wild animal alone is not the panic-inducing event that we think it is. As humans, we tend to keep babies close to us at all times. However, wild animal mothers often leave their young unattended for hours at a time to keep them safe and undetected. Wildlife babies are rarely abandoned. If the baby is sitting nice and quiet, not making a sound, then it’s not in distress. However, a wild animal walking around in circles continually crying is cause for closer observation and a few phone calls to determine if action is needed. Remember, the baby will never receive the same quality care from humans as from its natural parents. Babies need to be raised in the company of their own kind for proper behavioral development, and human intervention should always be a last resort.

The topic of injured wildlife can be overwhelming at times, but with these quick tips and the resources below, you are well on your way to being a good wildlife steward on behalf of Ohio’s wildlife. Please use the links below to gain more information, and as always, you can contact the Naturalist staff of Lorain County Metro Parks for help.

Here are some links to get more information:

LCMP Wildlife Inquiry Page: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/wildlife-inquiries

Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: www.owra.org

National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: www.nwrawildlife.org/content/what-wildlife-rehabilitation

Ohio Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov

Cultural Arts

2023 Theatre Season featuring guest companies

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 improv comedy shows!

THE PRINCESS CONCERT

Sat., Apr. 15 | Shows at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm 30-min shows followed by meet-and-greet with the princesses

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

North Pointe Ballet's BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Fri., May 12 | 7:00 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

THE FRANK AND DEAN & MORE SHOW

Sat., June 3 | Shows at 3:30 and 7:30 pm

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

SOMETHING DADA - Improv Comedy Show

Fri., July 9 | 7:30 pm

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

Ballet Legato's CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS

Fri., May 12 | 2:00 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL JOURNEY, JR. (YOUTH PRODUCTION)

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

*All shows at 7:30 pm except July 23 & 30 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Aug. 25-27 | 6:30 pm (Aug. 25-26) and 2:00 pm (Aug. 27)

Vermilion River Reservation - Bacon Woods Amphitheater

MISERY

Sep. 15, 16, 17*, 22, 23, & 24* | 7:30 pm

*All shows at 7:30 pm except Sep. 17 & 24 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

ALL SHOOK UP

Dec. 8, 9, 10*, 15, 16, & 17* | 7:30 pm

*All shows at 7:30 pm except Dec. 10 & 17 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm

French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall

DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY

PICTURED: Samantha Cocco as Truvy (top) and Hannah Watson as Shelby (bottom) in the December 2022 French Creek Theatre production of 'Steel Magnolias.'

The FRANK and DEAN SHOW