LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
March-April 2024 Volume 64, Number 2
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE Prepare for and learn about the celestial event of the decade on April 8 with some fun facts and information about our viewing locations! | Pgs. 6-7
SUMMER CAMPS No matter what your child is interested in, we have a summer camp for them! Registration begins in April! | Pgs. 4-5
HIKING STICK PROGRAM Beginning in April, take part in ten different hikes at six different parks to get your very own hiking stick! | Pg. 8
LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM
INSIDE Park Updates 2 Honor Roll & Hiking Stick Program form 3 Summer Camps 4-5 Solar Eclipse 6-7 Guided Hikes 8-9 Kids & Family 10 - 11 Cultural Arts 12
James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2024 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Chairman Joseph E. Hribar • Vice Chairman Kenneth M. Lieux • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM
(440) 458-5121
Park Updates A MOVING TRANSFORMATION AT MILLER NATURE PRESERVE
In December 2023, the parks announced the closure of the Miller Nature Preserve Conservatory in January and February 2024. Due to required maintenance on the facility, which opened in May 2011, there was an opportunity to make improvements. During the closure, staff were busy with paint touchups, revitalizing the floors, replacing the shade cloth in the Conservatory, and other necessary repairs. More robust improvements included reimagined custom mobile-planting beds. These modular beds were designed to stand alone or with other beds. This flexible option allows numerous possibilities for configuration for display and programming needs. The beds can now be moved for ample open floor space for plant care demonstrations for adult gardening enthusiasts or hands-inthe-soil activities for young aspiring horticulturalists. These new beds were fabricated by staff to accommodate plants in a range of sizes, including large trees and understory herbs. Additional plants were brought in to reinvigorate existing beds and to fill the new ones. Funding for this project was made possible in part through generous donations. The facility will re-open to guests on Friday, March 1. To celebrate the re-opening, join us for a Bonsai Silhouette Show, offered in partnership with Cleveland Bonsai Club, on Saturday, March 2. This event will be held at the Miller Nature Preserve Orchid Room from 10 am-4 pm. Explore the intricate artistry of bonsai trees at this unique exhibition and witness the harmony between art and nature. This event is free, and registration is not required. Admission to the Conservatory is just $2 per person or FREE for Miller Members and children two years and under.
L O R A I N C O U N T Y M E T R O PA R K S L O C AT I O N S & F A C I L I T I E S : • Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001
• Amherst HealthPlex
• Cascade Park
387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 (440) 458-5121
Pine Tree Picnic Area:
4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054
North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead:
44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cassell Reservation • Indian Hollow Reservation Oberlin, OH 44074 815 High Bridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 (440) 984-3470 Gateway Trailhead: Sheldon Woods: • Black River Reservation Charlemont Reservation 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 324-5481 48600 New London Eastern Rd., Royal Oaks: • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: New London, Ohio 44851 Bur Oak: 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 • Columbia Reservation • Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge • Sandy Ridge Reservation 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, Days Dam: 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 1211 West River Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Ohio 44028 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 (440) 327-3626 (440) 324-3713 (440) 236-3254 High Meadows: • Schoepfle Garden • Kopf Family Reservation Briarwood Lodge: 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 32649 Electric Blvd., 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 Ohio 44028 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 (440) 387-8107 • Splash Zone • Forest Hills Golf Course 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 • Carlisle Reservation • Kipton Reservation 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., (440) 774-5059 St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 458-5121 Elyria, Ohio 44035 • Vermilion River Reservation • Lakeview Park Carlisle Visitor Center: (440) 323-2632 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 • French Creek Reservation (440) 967-7310 • Miller Nature Preserve Duck Pond Picnic Area: Burrell Homestead: • Wellington Reservation (440) 937-0764 12550 Diagonal Rd., 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LaGrange, Ohio 44050 Main Entrance/Conservatory: (440) 647-2509 French Creek Nature Center: 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 Equestrian Center/ 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Avon Wetlands Trailhead: Nielsen Observatory: Ohio 44054 35120 Riegelsberger Rd., Avon OH 44011 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 949-5200
Honor Roll The Estate of Ann Buchanan, North Ridgeville Cox/Malloy Family Lisa Fide, North Ridgeville James Siddall, Wellington Kenneth and Cindy Spikowski, Bay Village Bill and Linda Wallis, Amherst Avon Garden Club Boy Scout Troop 450 Braised in the CLE Celestial Treats CLE Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County Kountry Krunchins Snackfoods LLC The Kubit Family Donor Fund Loper Sisters, LLC Northwest Bank Parsons Insurance Agency Plum Creek Garden Club Wright's Catering & Concessions, Inc.
Adopt-A-Raptor
Bonnie Armstrong and Dale Tokarsky, Oberlin (Gift to Brennon Thomas) Tom and Mary Berges, Avon (Gift to Stella Berges) Jane Bier, Amherst (gift to Ron Bier) Greg and Edie Dore, North Ridgeville (Gift to Cameron Velican) Keith and Laura Enoch, Medina Javier Espitia, North Ridgeville (Gift to Sarah Johnson) Carolyn Gaar, Avon Lake (Gift to Dianne Russell) Selena and Alex Gnall, Grafton Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain (Gift to Nancy Gorenshek) Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain (Gift to Joe and Cheryl Hribar) Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain Becky Homza, Lagrange (Gift to the Schill Cousin Crew) James and Michele Ilcisko, Amherst Joseph and Laurel Irwin, Lagrange Marlene Jacobs, Elyria (Gift to Brooklyn Wise)
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.
Mark & Pam Johns, Amherst Bruce Keeble, North Ridgeville (Gift to Peighton Witwer) 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) Tudy and Bill Masica, North Ridgeville Christina Moss, Wellington Sarah, Natalie and Audrey Myers, Lodi (Gift to Todd Myers) Edward and Deborah Nesbitt, Avon Lake Kim Neubauer, Grafton (Gift to Zylas Neubauer) Jeanette Piechota, North Olmsted (Gift to Tim Peters) Dale Pulver, Oberlin Emilie Pulver, Chicago (Gift to Dale Pulver) Roger Sanders, Lorain William Schuck, North Ridgeville (Gift to Joe Aquila) Cathy Shirak, Avon Lake Colin Smith, Amherst Karen Smith, Oberlin Linda Thomas, Brook Park (Gift to Paige Thomas) Dale Tokarsky, Oberlin (Gift to William Armstrong) Don and Yvonne Urig, Elyria Joan Vacco, Avon (gift to Cheryl Gildenmeister) Kamea Witwer, North Ridgeville (Gift to Bruce Keeble) Ruth Wulfhoop, Elyria (Gifts to Ellen R. Otis and Becky A George) Kevin and CC Zerbey, Rocky River (Gift to Diane Zerbey)
Gift was given in Honor of:
Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Jerry and Shelley Bellino, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Noreen Collins, Kaufman, TX Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Kenneth and Mary Kelleher, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Michael and Alice Kelleher, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Stanley Francis Koss, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Eileen Niedbalski, Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Lori and Lawrence Riddell, Elyria
Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Allen and Audrey Savina, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Joseph Siwierka, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Cindy and Scott Snyder, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Joan M. Sprague, Vermilion Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Richard Sweda, Sheffield Village Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Peter and Renee Vanderwyden, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Robert and Aurea Wilburn, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Jean Wingate, Amherst Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda and Les Kreeger by Gregory and Nancy Worcester, Elyria
Gift was given in Memory of:
Jeff Andrej by Judith M. Dugan, The Villages, FL Marilyn Caley by Andrew and Joni Robinson, Amherst John Dawson by Joy Dawson, Grafton John Dawson by The Family of John Dawson, Elyria John Dawson by Rita and Jeff Johnson, Grafton John Dawson by Robinson Family, New Castle, PA John Diedrick by The Diedrick Family, Lagrange Marge Harolds Giandso by Barbara and Dale Wolfe, Avon Jack Gluvna by Henry and Ann Kloots, Louisville Nancy Gorenshek by Jim and Jane Balogh, Lorain Nancy Gorenshek by Daniel and Gale Wenger, Lorain Joe "Dewey" Hiser by Michelle Hiser and Kimberly Moore, Elyria Cole Lieux by Joe and Jeannie LaGrotteria Cole Lieux by Kenneth Lieux, Elyria Cole Lieux by Paul Lieux Cole Lieux by Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda, Amherst Cole Lieux by Judge John Miraldi and Staff, Lorain Cole Lieux by Joan A. Salemi, Middletown, RI Charles E. Merrick from Diane and Jeff Nowak, Sydney and Conor Nowak, David Merrick, Henry Merrick, Ken and Joann Hemminger Clarence Osburn by Susan Boyle, Lorain Clarence Osburn by Kelli Houston, Lorain Clarence Osburn by Buck and Jean Mole, Lorain
FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS HIKING STICK PROGRAM FORM | APRIL 1 - JUNE 30, 2024 Hike:
Name: 1.
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:
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 9. (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.)
10.
Location: Date:
Summer Camps YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES Early bird registration for Lorain County residents begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3 and is available by phone or online! Call-in and online registrations will open for all participants on Wednesday, April 10. Carlisle Visitor Center: (440) 458-5121 French Creek Nature Center: (440) 949-5200 Mill Hollow Carriage Barn: (440) 967-7310
NATURE CAMP: EXPLORERS
June 11-13 (French Creek) or July 1-3 (Vermilion River) | 9:00-11:30 am or 1:00-3:30 pm
French Creek Nature Center or Vermilion River Reservation
AGE
4-6 years old
$75 per camper
Nature Camp: Explorers is designed for first-time campers and will explore nature through hands-on activities, games, educational programs, live animals, and more! This camp has two date options that take place at different locations. The June 11-13 session takes place at French Creek Nature Center, while the July 1-3 session takes place at Vermilion River Reservation. Nature Camp: Explorers also offers the option between an A.M. session and a P.M. session.
NATURE CAMP: ADVENTURERS
June 18-21 (French Creek) or June 25-28 (Vermilion River) | 10:00 am-3:30 pm
French Creek Nature Center or Vermilion River Reservation
AGE
7-9 years old
$150 per camper
Nature Camp: Adventurers is a great way to meet new friends and earn adventurer knowledge! The camp will explore nature through hands-on activities, hiking, educational programs, and more! This camp has two date options that take place at different locations. The June 18-21 session takes place at French Creek Nature Center, while the June 25-28 session takes place at Vermilion River Reservation.
June 11-13 | 10 am-3 pm
WILD WONDERS CAMP Carlisle Visitor Center
9-12 years old
AGE
$150 per camper
Our world is filled with wonderful places and wild creatures that capture our imaginations. Come to Wild Wonders Camp and explore some of the beautiful places and fascinating creatures found in your Lorain County Metro Parks.
CREEK STOMPERS CAMP
June 25-27 | 9:00-11:30 am or 1:00-3:30 pm
Amherst BEaver Creek Reservation
AGE
4-6 years old
$75 per camper
Join us for summer camp fun as we stomp our way along Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation, exploring the plants and animals that call it home. We’ll turn over rocks, use nets to get a closer look, and discover how amazing a creek habitat can be! This camp offers the option between an A.M. session and a P.M. session.
CRAFT AWAY CAMP
June 25-28 | 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Cascade Park
AGE
10-13 years old
$130 per camper
Listen to your "art" and color outside of the lines this summer! Spark your imagination and unleash your creative side with this immersive art camp! We will explore nature-based art, pop art, still-life, impressionism, up-cycling, printmaking, abstract art, creative writing, 3-dimensional art, mixed media, and a variety of crafts.
THEATRE CAMP - Youth Theatre Production of 'High School Musical Jr.' June 24-July 26 (Weekdays) | 9 am-3 pm
French Creek Nature Center
AGE
8-18 years old
$200 per camper
Campers will audition, be cast, rehearse, and perform a youth edition musical. Students will learn what it takes to put on a professional show from page to stage! At the end of the camp, they will showcase their newly learned skills by putting on a production of Disney Channel's smash hit ‘High School Musical Jr.’ on July 27, and 28, and August 2, 3, and 4.
MERFOLK SUMMER CAMP
Dates: TBD | 9:30-11:30 am
Splash Zone
AGE
6-12 years old
$80 per camper
Merfolk Summer Camp is a 4-day camp that will allow kids to learn to swim like merfolk in Splash Zone's merfolk tails! We will spend one hour each day in the water learning to swim and playing merfolk games. The rest of the time will be spent on land making crafts, eating snacks, and even doing a photo shoot!
JUNIOR WILD WONDERS CAMP
July 9-11 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center
AGE
6-8 years old
$150 per camper
Our world is filled with wonderful places and wild creatures that capture our imaginations. Come to Wild Wonders Camp and explore some of the beautiful places and fascinating creatures found in your Lorain County Metro Parks.
TRACKERS OF THE WILD CAMP
July 9-12 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Columbia Reservation
AGE
11-14 years old
$150 per camper
Have you ever wondered how crimes against wildlife are solved? This camp delves into the basics of wildlife forensics and crime scene investigation. Campers will join the LCMP Wildlife Academy to hone their investigation skills, learn how to use forensic techniques at a crime scene, and solve a wildlife crime case!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
July 15-18 or July 22-25 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
9-12 years old
AGE
$175 per camper
Come and have an adventure in the great outdoors! Campers will be able to hone their boating skills on kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes and learn survival skills such as fire starting, shelter building, fishing, and more!
CASCADE EXPLORERS
July 16-18 | 9:00-11:30 am or 1:00-3:30 pm
Cascade Park
AGE
4-6 years old
$75 per camper
Become a little explorer of nature! Campers will discover how animals live in the different habitats of Cascade Park through stories, games, hikes, and crafts. This camp offers the option between an A.M. session and a P.M. session.
TEEN SURVIVOR CAMP
July 29-August 1 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Black RIver Reservation, Day's Dam Picnic Area
AGE
13-17 years old
$175 per camper
Want to learn new skills to be able to survive in the wilderness? In this day camp geared towards teenagers, campers will explore the Black River by boat, bicycle, and on foot.
GARDEN EXPLORERS CAMP
July 30-August 1 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve
AGE
6-8 years old
$150 per camper
With Miller Nature Preserve's gardens, butterfly house, and conservatory as our interactive classroom, campers’ nature knowledge and skills will grow during fun, hands-on lessons and explorations, creative crafts, and a cooking class.
EARTH KEEPERS CAMP
July 30-August 1 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm
French Creek Nature Center
AGE
11-13 years old
$150 per camper
Spend time with a naturalist learning about aspects of the Earth and how we can protect it with hands-on demonstrations, games, interactive activities, and more!
SUPER SLEUTHS CAMP
August 6-8 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Columbia Reservation
AGE
4-6 years old
$90 per camper
Campers will hone their sleuthing skills through hikes, hands-on activities, investigations, and more! Join the Super Sleuths Crew, meet new friends, and learn detective skills that can be used anywhere in nature!
GRANDPARENTS CAMP AGE
CHildren & Grandparents of all ages
$10 per camper
SESSION #1:
SESSION #2:
SESSION #3:
SESSION #4:
August 7 | 10:00 am-1:00 pm Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
August 14 | 4:00-7:00 pm Cascade Park
August 21 | 10:00 am-1:00 pm Carlisle Visitor Center
August 28 | 4:00-7:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
Grandparents and grandchildren are out of this world! Come explore nature together at one of our four park options! The program includes outdoor games, indoor games, a self-guided hike, crafts and light refreshments- All with a SPACE-THEMED twist! Bring a bag lunch (for morning sessions) and a portable dinner (for evening sessions) and your senses of wonder and creativity! WWW.LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121
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TOT
LORA I N COUNT Y M ETRO PARKS
VIEWING LOCATIONS Lakeview Park 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain Parking will be limited, and traffic patterns will be modified to accommodate the influx of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. While supplies last, Sunset Café will offer a limited menu for breakfast (8-11 am) and lunch (11:30 am-5 pm). Lakeview Beach Concessions will also be open from 2-6 pm. All sales will be CASH ONLY.
Carlisle Reservation - Equestrian Center and Nielsen Observatory 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange As space is limited, parking at the Equestrian Center will be reserved for handicap access only. Additional parking will be available at the Carlisle Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd.) or Carlisle Duck Pond (12550 Diagonal Rd.). The Equestrian Center will be accessible by walking trail from the Visitor Center (approx. 1 mile) and Duck Pond (approx. 2 miles). Limited shuttle services will be available. While supplies last, a limited concessions menu will be available from 11 am-5 pm. All sales will be CASH ONLY. For safety, all trails at Carlisle Reservation will be closed to equestrian riders and horses on Monday, April 8.
APRIL 8, 2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE PATH:
SOLAR E
MONDAY,
PARTIAL BEGINS: 1:59 p.m.
TOTALITY BEGINS: 3:13 p.m.
M
3
Join us on Monday, April 8, for the celestial e Lorain County is in the path of totality for thi completely shadow the sun. Celebrate this ev two viewing locations: Lakeview Park in Lora Both viewing locations will offer activities an Solar System Walk. This walk-through displa about the planets i
Plus, we’ve partnered with the Black River A both viewing locations to answer questions a to view the eclipse. A limited number of FREE on a first-come, fi
Each park will open at 8 am with no early en visitors should be prepared for traffic patter are strictly prohibited. This event will happe to dress for the weather and to bring their ow permitted at our events, e
As more details are finalized and fo
loraincountymetrop
Source: science.nasa.gov
LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARK
TAL
ECLIPSE
Y, APRIL 8, 2024
MAXIMUM:
3:15 p.m.
TOTALITY ENDS: 3:17 p.m.
PARTIAL ENDS: 4:29 p.m.
event of the decade—the total solar eclipse! is event, which means that Earth’s moon will vent with Lorain County Metro Parks at one of ain or Carlisle Equestrian Center in LaGrange. nd information from 11 am-5 pm, including a ay will offer fun and educational information in our solar system.
Astronomical Society, which will be onsite at and provide telescopes with the proper filters E solar viewing glasses will also be available first-served basis.
ntry permitted. Parking will be limited, and rn changes. Overnight parking and camping en rain or shine, and visitors are encouraged wn lawn chairs. For safety, pets/dogs are not except for service animals.
or the latest information on this event, visit:
parks.com/Solar-Eclipse.
KS.COM | (440) 458-5121
MOON SUN
EARTH SHADOW OF TOTALITY
What exactly is a total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon’s shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse.
What can I expect?
The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. You need clear skies to have the full eclipse experience, with a clear view of the Sun and Moon. However, the eerie daytime darkness associated with eclipses is still noticeable with cloud cover. You can also expect the temperature to drop about 10 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the humidity and cloud cover at your location. When a solar eclipse reaches totality, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and nonnocturnal wildlife might think it’s time to head to sleep!
What causes an eclipse to occur?
Eclipses occur due to the special coincidence of the Moon and the Sun being the same angular size. The Sun is approximately 400 times wider than the Moon, but it is also approximately 400 times farther away, so they appear to be the same size in our sky. This is what allows the Moon to completely block the Sun during total solar eclipses. However, the Moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle, so when it is at its farthest point from the Earth, the Moon will appear slightly smaller than the Sun. Eclipses that happen during this phase of the Moon’s orbit are known as annular eclipses, and the Sun is still visible in a “ring of fire” encircling the Moon.
How rare are total solar eclipses?
Every 1,000 years there are 840 partial eclipses, 791 annular eclipses, 635 total eclipses, and 114 hybrid eclipses throughout the world. That works out to 2-3 solar eclipses of all kinds each year, and about 2 total solar eclipses every 3 years. This, however, will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044 and it is estimated that in any given location on Earth, a total eclipse happens only once every 360 years! All information above sourced from: science.nasa.gov
Take a Hike!
HIKING LEVELS:
= EASY
= MODERATE
= STRENUOUS
For the official definition of our hiking levels, please visit us online at: LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES (ONLY APRIL HIKES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HIKING STICK PROGRAM)
March hikes
PLEASE NOTE: March hikes are not eligible for the Hiking Stick Program. The program runs from April 1 - June 30 only.
COFFEE WALK AND TALK Tue., Mar. 5 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WATERFALL TREK Wed., Mar. 6 | 3-4:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
INDIAN HOLLOW EXTENDED HIKE Fri., Mar. 8 | 2-4 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)
COTTONWOOD TRAIL HIKE Sat., Mar. 9 | 9-10:30 am Black River Reservation, Day’s Dam (Lorain)
WATERFALL TREK Sat., Mar. 9 | 2:30-4:30 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
SKUNK CABBAGE HIKE Sun., Mar 10 | 1-2 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
COFFEE WALK AND TALK Tue., Mar. 12 | 11 am-12 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE Tue., Mar. 12 | 2:30-3:30 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
MARCH PAK WALK Tue., Mar. 12 | 6:30-7:30 pm Wellington Reservation
WOODCOCK WALK Tue., Mar. 12 | 7:30-8:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
BIGFOOT FLASHLIGHT HUNT Wed., Mar. 13 | 6-8 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
PI IN THE SKY HIKE
8
Thur., Mar. 14 | 3:14-4:15 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WATERFOWL HIKE Sat., Mar. 16 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
SHAMROCK SEARCH KIDS STROLL Sat., Mar. 16 | 11-11:30 am & 3-3:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
FIRST DAY OF SPRING HIKE Tue., Mar. 19 | 10 am-12 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR Wed., Mar. 20 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
COFFEE WALK AND TALK Wed., Mar. 20 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
WATER CROSSING SAFETY HIKE Wed., Mar. 20 | 2-4 pm Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE Wed., Mar. 20 | 2:30-3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
WOODCOCK WALK Wed., Mar. 20 | 7:30-8:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP Fri., Mar. 22 | 10 am-1 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
BASICS OF COMPASS NAVIGATION Sat., Mar. 23 | 9 am-12 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)
VERNAL POOL HIKE Sat., Mar. 23 | 2:30-4 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
WATERFOWL HIKE Sun., Mar. 24 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
QUARRY HISTORY HIKE Sun., Mar. 24 | 1-2:30 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)
EARLY SPRING HIKE Sun., Mar. 24 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
MARCH FULL MOON HIKE Mon., Mar. 25 | 8:30-9:30 pm Wellington Reservation
EARLY SPRING HIKE Tue., Mar. 26 | 11 am-12 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
NAT CHAT HIKE Tue., Mar. 26 | 1-2 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks (Grafton)
SPRING THAW HIKE Tue., Mar. 26 | 4-4:45 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
FULL MOON HIKE Tue., Mar. 26 | 6-8 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
WILDLIFE APPRECIATION HIKE Wed., Mar. 27 | 2-4 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WOODCOCK WALK Wed., Mar. 27 | 7:30-8:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
COFFEE WALK & TALK Thur., Mar. 28 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
WILDLIFE TRACKS & SIGNS HIKE Thur., Mar. 28 | 3-4 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP Sat., Mar. 30 | 10 am-1 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
April hikes
All April hikes listed below are Hiking Stick Program-eligible. Use the form on pg. 3 to track your progress! Check the May/June Arrowhead for the remaining schedule!
WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS
COFFEE WALK AND TALK
Wed., Apr. 3 | 10-11 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WATER CROSSING SAFETY HIKE Wed., Apr. 3 | 9-10:30 am Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)
Tue., Apr. 16 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
NAT CHAT HIKE Tue., Apr. 16 | 1-2 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center
INDIAN HOLLOW EXTENDED HIKE Thur., Apr. 4 | 12-2 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)
BASICS OF COMPASS NAVIGATION Sat., Apr. 6 | 9 am-12 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)
BOOTS ON, KICK OFF HIKE
HOP INTO SPRING HIKE Tue., Apr. 16 | 3-4 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
BIGFOOT FLASHLIGHT HUNT Tue., Apr. 16 | 7-9 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Sat., Apr. 6 | 11 am-12 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Wetlands Trailhead
WALK THE RIVER HIKE Sat., Apr. 6 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
COFFEE WALK AND TALK
SALAMANDER HIKE
Tue., Apr. 9 | 2-4 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS
WATERFALL TREK
Wed., Apr. 17 | 2-4 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
COFFEE WALK AND TALK Thur., Apr. 18 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station) Thur., Apr. 18 | 3-4 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
NORTH LOOP HIKE
Wed., Apr. 10 | 3-4:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)
Fri., Apr. 19 | 1-3 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)
NATIONAL PET DAY PACK WALK Thur., Apr. 11 | 7-8 pm Wellington Reservation
DAY'S DAM LITTER CLEANUP Sat., Apr. 20 | 9-11 am Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)
SYLVESTER WETLANDS HIKE
BLUEBELL TREK HIKE
Sat., Apr. 13 | 2-4 pm Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area
HERO HIKE
FULL MOON HIKE Tue., Apr. 23 | 6-8 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)
FULL MOON HIKE Tue., Apr. 23 | 8-9:30 pm Wellington Reservation
WILDFLOWER HIKE
WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS
Wed., Apr. 17 | 2-3 pm Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)
HOP INTO SPRING HIKE
Wed., Apr. 10 | 2-3 pm Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
Mon., Apr. 22 | 1:30-2:30 pm Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)
WILDFLOWER WEDNESDAYS
Thur., Apr. 18 | 11-11:45 am Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP
HERO HIKE
Wed., Apr. 24 | 10-11:15 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
NATURECISE HIKE
Tue., Apr. 9 | 10-11 am Wellington Reservation
Mon., Apr. 22 | 10 am-12 pm Wellington Reservation
Wed., Apr. 17 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
WILDLIFE APPRECIATION HIKE
Sun., Apr. 7 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
EARTH DAY CLEAN UP
Sat., Apr. 20 | 10-11 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
Wed., Apr. 24 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
TREE ID HIKE Fri., Apr. 26 | 10-11 am Cassell Reservation (Vermilion)
CASCADE PARK WATERFALL CLEANUP Sat., Apr. 27 | 9-11 am Cascade Park (Elyria)
SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Sat., Apr. 27 | 2-4 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)
PACK WALK Sat., Apr. 27 | 2:30-4 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WILDFLOWER HIKE Sun., Apr. 28 | 10-11 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WILDFLOWER HIKE Sun., Apr. 28 | 2-3:15 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
LAST CHANCE AT 200 MILES HIKE Tue., Apr. 30 | 10 am-2 pm Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area
EARTH DAY-PLAY DAY
Mon., Apr. 15 | 1:30-2:30 pm Black River Reservation, Day's Dam (Lorain)
Sat., Apr. 20 | 1-3 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121
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Kids & Family
easterprograms
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
LAKEVIEW PARK EGG HUNT
Sat., Mar. 30 | 10 & 11 am (time blocks) Lakeview Park, Lorain Celebrate this Spring with the Easter Bunny at Lakeview Park’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt. 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 0-12 years), not accompanying adult. Don’t miss this once a year tradition! Families with multiple children should all register under the same time block. Meet at west end of the park near the picnic shelters.
WELLINGTON EGG HUNT Sat., Mar. 30 | 10-11 am Wellington Reservation The egg hunt will begin promptly at 10am so please be sure to arrive early. Registration of the child participant is required by 3/29. Please bring a basket or bucket to collect eggs. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance during the egg hunt. We hope to see you for our annual Easter Egg Hunt!
SCHOEPFLE EGG HUNT Sat., Mar. 30 | 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. Hunt starts promptly at 10am, limited parking, arrive early to ensure in place for start of the hunt. Take home craft, visit with the Easter bunny and a family scavenger hunt after the egg hunt.
AQUA UNDERWATER EGG HUNT Sat., Mar. 30 | 10 am-12 pm (Egg hunt: 10-11 am | Open family swim 11 am-12pm) Amherst HealthPlex $6/child (pre-registration required by 3/23) Bring your suits, goggles, and towels and come join us to gather all the eggs you can at our Second Annual Aqua Egg Hunt! All children ages 7 and under must be accompanied in the pool by a swimming adult. Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper. Come make a craft and take a picture with the Easter Bunny!
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BUNNY LUNCH Sat., Mar. 23 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $15/person Hop on over to Miller Nature Preserve for a 'Bunny Lunch' event complete with lunch, activities, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and admission to the Conservatory. Included activities and/or treats may not be suitable for our youngest visitors, parental discretion is required. Pre-registration required by March 18.
LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121
SILLY SCIENCE
BONSAI SILHOUETTE SHOW Sat., Mar. 2 | 10 am-4 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Free! Join us for a day of botanical beauty as the Cleveland Bonsai Club collaborates with Lorain County Metro Parks to present a FREE Bonsai Silhouette Show in Miller Nature Preserve's Orchid Room. Enjoy and explore botanical beauty and the intricate artistry of bonsai trees in their winter splendor. In their seasonal dormancy, the trees are bare of leaves and the architectural silhouette of the trunk and branches are on full display.
Various dates | All programs at 9:30-10:30 am Various park locations (full schedule below) Free! Let’s get crazy, let’s have fun! Join a naturalist to learn about different aspects of nature and science through fun hands-on messy experiments. Each month will bring a new theme, new experiment, and new fun! For ages 2-5 with an adult companion. Pre-register child only at least one day prior to program. Tue., Mar. 5 | Vermilion River Reservation Sun., Mar. 10 | French Creek Nature Center Mon., Mar. 18 | Kopf Family Reservation Wed., Mar. 20 | Cascade Park Thur., Mar. 28 | Columbia Reservation Sun., Apr. 7 | French Creek Nature Center Sun., Apr. 14 | Kopf Family Reservation Tue., Apr. 16 | Cascade Park Thur., Apr. 18 | Columbia Reservation
• Discover the art of bonsai with a stunning display of meticulously crafted trees. • Engage with experienced bonsai enthusiasts and gain insights into the ancient art form. • Enjoy the serene ambiance of the Lorain County Metro Parks while immersing yourself in the beauty of winter bonsai silhouettes. • Food and drinks concessions available for purchase courtesy of the Orchid Cafe. • No registration required; free admission, free parking!
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
This event is a wonderful opportunity for nature lovers, bonsai enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Don't miss the chance to witness the harmony between art and nature at the Cleveland Bonsai Club's Bonsai Silhouette Show! For more information, visit: ClevelandBonsaiClub.org. We look forward to sharing the beauty of bonsai with you!
CONSERVA-STORIES SERIES Thur., Mar. 7 | 11-11:30 am Wed., Apr. 10 | 3-3:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Join a naturalist in the Conservatory to read a nature or seasonally-themed story, and then enjoy a self-guided activity! This free program includes admission into the Conservatory. Registration is required for both adults and children. at least day prior to program, limited spots, please register both adult and child, no drop-ins. Check-in and meet in the lobby.
St. Patrick's Day
BRICKFEST Mar. 23 & 24 | 10 am-4:30 pm French Creek Nature Center Free! Explore, create, and construct with us at Brickfest! This is a FREE event with LEGO displays presented by NEOLUG. Activities include a scavenger hunt, freestyle brick building, and brick building challenges. Additional Brickfest and brick-building programs will be listed in our program catalog. Some of these will require registration and may have an additional fee. See loraincountymetroparks.com/programs for details.
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ST. PADDY'S CELEBRATION
SHAMROCK SEARCH KIDS STROLL
Sat., Mar. 16 | 1-2:30 pm French Creek Nature Center $2 (parents & 3 and under: free) Make a clover craft, search for gold, play leprechaun games, take a photo with Chip-E-Munk and more!
Sat., Mar. 16 | 11-11:30 am & 3-3:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve After learning about which plants are associated with "good luck", we will stroll through the conservatory and gardens to search for both real and decorative shamrocks, and find the pot of gold for a prize!
LEPRECHAUN HIDE-AND-GOLD SEEK HIKE Sun., Mar. 17 | 1-4 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Using a map left behind by the Vermillion leprechaun, you will hike around Mill Hollow looking for his “hiding” leprechaun friends. Find them to earn a clue to where their hidden 'Pot of Gold' is for a St. Paddy’s Day goodie bag! This self-guided activity is geared for children ages 4-10. Pre-register each child (not parents) by Mar. 15.
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Cultural Arts DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY
2024 Theatre Season featuring guest companies
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Purchase yours today by phone or online!
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!
(440) 949-5200 loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre
Matt Venuti in Concert Thur., Mar. 14 | 7:00 pm French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
Northeast Ohio Creatives' PRINCESS BALL Sat., Apr. 27 | Shows at 10 am, 1 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 PETER PAN Fri., May 17 | 7:00 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain
- Shakespeare in the park MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
P R E S
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MUCH ADO ABOUT
NOTHING BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
May 31-June 2 | Fri.& Sat. shows: 6:00 pm; Sun. show: 2:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation - Bacon Woods Amphitheater MAY 31 - J UNE 2
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PERFORMANCES at 6:00 P.M.
LIVE AT BACON WOODS AMPHITHEATER VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION, 51211 N. RIDGE RD., VERMILION
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, JR. - youth production
FREE TO ATTEND ADDRESS: VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION, 51211 NORTH RIDGE RD., VERMILION | ONLINE: LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/THEATRE | (440) 949-5200
July 27, 28*, August 2, 3, & 4* | 7:30 pm
*All shows at 7:30 pm except July 28 & Aug. 4 matinee shows beginning at 2 pm
French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALJ
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JU LY 27 - AU G U ST 4
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 7:30 P.M. & SUNDAYS at 2:00 P.M.
LIVE AT FRENCH CREEK THEATRE 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE
Snowflake Comedy Club - Comedy Show
GENERAL ADMISSION: $10 ADDRESS: FRENCH CREEK THEATRE, 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE | ONLINE: LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/THEATRE | (440) 949-5200
Sat., August 17 | 7:00 pm French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
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Sep. 13, 14, 15*, 20, 21, & 22* | 7:30 pm
*All shows at 7:30 pm except Sep. 15 & 22 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm
French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall
baskerville Ken Ludwig’s
A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
SEPTEMBER 13 - 22
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 7:30 P.M. & SUNDAYS at 2:00 P.M.
LIVE AT FRENCH CREEK THEATRE 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE
WINTER WONDERETTES
GENERAL ADMISSION: $15 P R E S E N T S ADDRESS: FRENCH CREEK THEATRE, 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE | ONLINE: LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/THEATRE | (440) 949-5200
Dec. 6, 7, 8*, 13, 14, & 15* | 7:30 pm
PICTURED: Cast members performing the December 2023 French Creek Theatre production of 'All Shook Up.'
*All shows at 7:30 pm except Dec. 8 & 15 matinee shows beginning at 2:00 pm
French Creek Nature Center - Ewing Hall DEC EMBER 6 - 15
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 7:30 P.M. & SUNDAYS at 2:00 P.M.
LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121 LIVE AT FRENCH CREEK THEATRE 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE
GENERAL ADMISSION: $15
ADDRESS: FRENCH CREEK THEATRE, 4530 COLORADO AVE., SHEFFIELD VILLAGE | ONLINE: LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/THEATRE | (440) 949-5200