Arrowhead - November/December 2021

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

November-December 2021 Volume 61, Number 6

'TIS THE SEASON! The holiday season is right around the corner! Discover the dozens of affordable holiday events happening throughout the park district in our holiday pull-out section! | Pgs. 5-8

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA Kids of all ages are invited to drop a letter to Santa in North Pole mailboxes set up at various park locations! | Pg. 3

WINTER HIKES Got cabin fever? Check out our extensive list of guided winter hikes with varying themes from birding hikes to campfire hikes! | Pg. 11

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Park Updates 2 Honor Roll 3 Spring Field Trips 4 Holiday Events Pull-Out Section 5-8 Recreation 9 Nature 10 & 11 Adopt-a-Raptor 12

James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2021 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

Park Updates CONNECT TO A CAUSE

On September 16, the Lorain County Metro Parks took part in The Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Connect to a Cause.

This event is an annual 12-hour fundraising competition that enables community members to donate directly to the local charities of their choice. This year we elected to focus our fundraising efforts on the Raptor Center at Carlisle Visitor Center.

Through the generous donations from our community, the Raptor Center received $11,212.40. This total includes more than $9,500 of donations and another $1,700 in matching funds from the Community Foundation. Funding will be used for the care of our resident birds including food, medicine, and veterinary fees.

We truly appreciate the generosity of our donors and the support we received through this endeavor. On behalf of our feathered friends and all of us here at LCMP, Thank you!

(440) 458-5121 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

Equestrian Center/ Nielsen Observatory:

French Creek Nature Center:

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

• North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead:

13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 984-3470 Pine Tree Picnic Area: 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Gateway Trailhead: 4951 French Creek Rd., • Black River Reservation (440) 458-5121 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 324-5481 • Charlemont Reservation • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: • Indian Hollow Reservation Bur Oak: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 New London, Ohio 44851 Royal Oaks: Days Dam: • Columbia Reservation 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626 Ohio 44028 High Meadows: • Kopf Family Reservation • Schoepfle Garden (440) 236-3254 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 32649 Electric Blvd., 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 Briarwood Lodge: Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 387-8107 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 • Splash Zone Ohio 44028 • Kipton Reservation 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 • Carlisle Reservation • F orest Hills Golf Course St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059 (440) 458-5121 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., • L akeview Park • V ermilion River Reservation Carlisle Visitor Center: Elyria, Ohio 44035 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 323-2632 (440) 967-7310 • Miller Nature Preserve Duck Pond Picnic Area: • F rench Creek Reservation 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 • Wellington Reservation 12550 Diagonal Rd., Burrell Homestead: (440) 937-0764 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 647-2509 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

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a t n a S

A E T I R W LETTER TO

SANTA MAIL November 26-December 17 Lakeview Park, Lorain French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Kids of all ages are welcome to drop a letter to Santa in North Pole mailboxes set up at Lakeview Park, French Creek Nature Center, and Miller Nature Preserve. Please include an e-mail address in order to receive a return letter.

Participants are welcome to use the letter template found on our website at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/whats-happening. Letters must be submitted no later than December 17th in order to ensure delivery to the North Pole.

Honor Roll A gift (bench) was given by Cookie McLoda for Lakeview Park

Denise Ames, Arlington TX Keenan and Norma Cook, Amherst Lon Gersten, Avon Louise Murray, Huron Terry Polnasek, Avon Helen J. Woodward Trust Lorain High School Class of 1970 PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County White Squirrel Clayworks, Oberlin

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.

Adopt-A-Raptor

Lorain Faith United Methodist Church Gail Petry, Grafton (Gift to Anna Petry) Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville

Gift was given in Memory of:

James F. Blaser by Sherrill M. "Cookie" McLoda, Amherst Mary Campana by Family of Mary Campana, Lorain Terry and Alma Feeley by The Ellerbrock Family, Columbus Terry and Alma Feeley by Friends and Co-workers of Nancy Feeley Britton Pearse Flash by Theresa Babuder, Avon Britton Pearse Flash by Bay High School, Bay Village Joe Hribar by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Janice and Gary Huntley by Rachel and Michael Huntley,

Streetsboro Janice and Gary Huntley by Lisa and Matthew Huntley Gail Bara Hurt by Joan Bara Brown, Elyria Marilyn Sue Kayle by The Blake Glasser Family, Avon Lake Marilyn Sue Kayle by Carole J. Ryan, Vermilion Ali Lynné Marr by Megan Robart, Elyria Lila McGinnis by Dorothy MacIntyre, Oberlin Vince Monteleone by Dave & Karen Ennes, Elyria Florence Bobel Muller by John and Sally Bobel Family, Cincinnati Florence Bobel Muller by Bill and Judy Shepard, Elyria Eva-Maria Peters by Barbara Cucciarre, Olmsted Township Michael Rutar Sr. by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Ed Seymore by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Michelle Kay Smith by Daniel and Gale Wenger, Lorain Christopher Walsh by Ann Bakich, Warren

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Spring Field Trips EXPLORE THESE UNIQUE FIELD TRIPS FOR STUDENTS THAT HIGHLIGHT OUR REGION

MAPLE SUGARING Mar. 1-4 | Registration opens Jan. 4 Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange $3 per student (teachers and chaperones free)

As the winter snows begin to melt and the sap starts to run in the maple trees, you know it’s Maple Sugaring time! Are you looking for a unique field trip opportunity for your school or homeschool group? Visit Carlisle Reservation’s Sugar Bush and Sugar Shack for an educational Maple Sugaring program for your Pre-K to grade 2 students. We are scheduling school programs March 1–4. Take a hike through the sugar bush to see sap production in action. Then you’ll head to the Sugar Shack where we will explore the science behind how the sap becomes syrup. Program fee is $3 per student (teachers and chaperones free) and registration will open on Jan. 4. To register, complete a Program Registration Form online at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education.

ROAD TO FREEDOM

AN INTERACTIVE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD EXPERIENCE April 2022 | Registration opens Nov. 1 Various LCMP locations Free (pre-registration required) Black River Celebration field trips are coming in April 2022. Field trip opportunities will be available for grade levels 3-12 and include various interactive activities, an indoor exhibit, and outdoor exploration. Content will align with grade-level standards. This program is free, but pre-registration is required and opens on Nov. 1. Transportation vouchers are available to qualifying schools. Register and find more information online at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education.

For questions, contact Kiara at: kwilliams@ loraincountymetroparks.com or call (440) 219-7873.

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May 2022 French Creek Reservation, Sheffield Free ‘ROAD TO FREEDOM: An Interactive Underground Railroad Experience’ returns to French Creek Reservation in May 2022! Face your fears and test your courage as you play the role of a preCivil War slave traveling along the Underground Railroad.

Risking being caught by bounty hunters to be sold to the Deep South, you’ll flee from your captors, encountering potential friends and foes along your escape to the north.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in this unique history-based programming opportunity provided by Lorain County Metro Parks!

Register to receive more information online at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education.

For questions, contact Aimee at aharrell@ loraincountymetroparks.com or call (440) 9495200, ext. 225.

Holiday Happenings SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CRUISE-THRU 5:30 - 9:00 pm Wed.-Sun. | Nov. 26 - Dec. 23 Sun.-Thur. | Dec. 26 - Dec. 30

**CLOSED: Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1**

Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center Carlisle Reservation is still the place to be to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru 2021! This drive through family friendly event will feature our classic lighted features such as Santa’s Castle and the Carousel. NEW this year will be even more lights and new features such as the lighted train and the twinkling Christmas tree that can be seen during the milelong drive from the comfort of your vehicle. This event will be held at the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio 44050.

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

CRUISE-THRU

Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring nonperishable food items to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Please note that you will not be permitted to exit your vehicle during this experience and no restrooms will be available. As always, outdoor programs are weather dependent. For more information, visit: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/holidays.

Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru Sponsors Join us in acknowledging our amazing sponsors of this year’s Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru!

Patsie & Jeneé Campana Foundation

C o o k i e M c Lo d a - P a r k C o m m i s s i o n e r, P a r s o n s I n s u ra n c e , Lo ra i n P u b l i c L i b ra r y S y s t e m , Fr i e n d s o f t h e M e t r o P a r k s i n L o r a i n C o u n t y , I n c . , a n d U r b a n L e a g u e o f L o r a i n C o u n t y

s t n e v E y a d i l Ho at the Lake LIGHTS ON THE LAKE

SANTA NIGHTS AT THE LAKE

Nov. 26 - Dec. 30 | 5:30-9 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Free Experience a FREE lakefront drive-through lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park! Enjoy classic holiday scenes, festive décor, and thousands of twinkling lights spanning this 26-acre park. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 9 pm each night. We hope you find an opportunity to enjoy this cheerful and safe holiday activity!

Nov. 27, 28, & Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, & 18 | 5-7 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Free (Pre-registration required) Come visit Santa and celebrate the magic of this holiday season with hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and crafts. Be sure to bring your camera to take a photo with Santa and capture all the wonderful memories. Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one, non-perishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

MILLER SANTA BREAKFAST

Sat., Dec. 4 | 10:30 am Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $15/person (children under 3 free) Start your Holiday season by joining us for a Santa Breakfast at Miller Nature Preserve on Sat. Dec. 4 at 10:30 am. The menu will include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles with toppings, a muffin, and a beverage. Participants will enjoy crafts in the conservatory amongst the holiday display and, of course, a visit from Santa!

Registration and payment can be made online by 11/29, $15.

Children 2 and under are free.

LAKEVIEW SANTA BREAKFAST Sat., Dec. 11 | 10 am-12 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain $15/person (kids under 3 free) Get in the holiday spirit this season and stop down to Lakeview Park to enjoy breakfast, crafts and activities with Santa! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity for your child! Pre-registration is required and opens on Friday, October 15.

The Night Tree

Wed., Dec. 8 | 5-6 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm Henry’s Barn, Oberlin $3/person Join us for a new holiday tradition where we will hear the story, Night Tree, by Eve Bunting then make ornaments made of food for wildlife. We will hike outside to find and decorate our very own Night Tree then head back to the barn for hot cocoa and cookies. Pre-register by Monday, December 6. Cost is only $3 per person!

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Holiday Happenings SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

s d o o W r e l l Mi

Holiday Express

Fridays, Dec. 3, 10, & 17 | 5-9 pm (tickets for specific departure times) Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $12/person (under 3 free) The Lorain County Metro Parks invites you to the Miller Nature Preserve to ride on the “Miller Woods Holiday Express.” Grab your ticket for a memorable ride on the Little Green Choo through the woods to Santa’s village. Enjoy the lighted displays, sounds of the season, and possibly a glimpse of the man in red. The train is open to the weather, and riders are advised to dress appropriately to ensure a cozy and fun ride for all! Tickets include one train ride per person, a cup of hot chocolate, and cookies. This event will also offer holiday-themed crafts and a visit to see the holiday display in the conservatory.

Tickets are $12 per person (2 and under free), and fees are non-refundable. Preregistration is required for all riders; tickets go on sale on Oct. 15. To purchase tickets, visit www.loraincountymetroparks.com/programs or call (440) 458-5121. There will be no onsite ticket sales. Train rides will be dependent on trail conditions, and route adjustments will be made as needed. The last train departs at 8:30 pm.

Elf Toy Workshop

OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY

Dec. 4 | 3-8 pm Dec. 5 | 2-6 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow $2/person Get in the holiday spirit with some old-fashioned fun-for-the-whole-family at Vermilion River Reservation! Step back in time to the 1860s as you tour the candlelit Benjamin Bacon House Museum. The Brownhelm Historical Association will re-enact the lives of Brownhelm residents as they cook on the fire, share Bacon and Brownhelm history, and perform Christmas carols!

Sun., Dec. 12 | 2-4 pm Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center $15/child (under 3 free) Join Santa’s elves at the Wellington Reservation Visitor Center to learn how to make toys at our Elf Workshop! Each child will be taking home toys that they build themselves. Participants will also have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa. At the end of the program, hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Please limit one caregiver per child and register children only.

Space is limited, and registration is required. Register at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. For questions, contact Carolyn at cbarck@loraincountymetroparks.com.

Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride thru Mill Hollow’s scenic landscape. Then stop by the Carriage Barn to warm up and take photos beside a majestic 14-foot tall Christmas tree. Outdoor fireside S’mores Stations will be offered for free while supplies last. Light refreshments will be on sale inside (cash only).

Pre-registration for each person is required and includes a take-home Holiday Treat Bag. Limit of 8 people per 15-minute time block. Register at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/ programs. Outside activities are weather-dependent. For questions contact, the Carriage Barn at (440) 967-7310.

Classic Christmas Evenings

Holiday Happenings

SENIOR LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

Thursdays, Dec. 2, 9, & 16 | 6-8 pm French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield $5/person Meet your favorite classic Christmas characters, make crafts, play games, and take home a themed goodie bag! Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your camera for a photo opportunity with each character. $5 per participant. Register for one of two sessions per night.

• DECEMBER 2: Buddy the Elf • DECEMBER 9: Chip-E-Munk Rudolph • DECEMBER 16: Mr. & Mrs. Claus

Thur., Nov. 11 & Thur., Dec. 9 | 11:15 am Splash Zone Free Splash Zone is pleased to announce a Senior Lunch and Learn series. and a presentation on topics important to seniors. The first presentation Edward Jones Financial Planner, Steve Schmittle, on Nov. 11 at 11:15 am. presentation will be by Welcome Nursing Home on Dec. 9 at 11:15 am. www.loraincountymetroparks.com/programs.

Enjoy lunch will be by Our second Register at

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Sat., Dec. 4 | 10 am-2 pm Henry’s Barn, Oberlin Free | $15 or $25 for vendors Find a unique gift or something for yourself at our Holiday Craft Fair! There is no cost to attend the craft fair. Vendors can reserve a table for $15 (limited electric spots available for $25). Vendors can contact Splash Zone at (440) 774-5059 to reserve a space today!

Are you looking to renew your Splash Zone membership or looking for a great holiday gift idea?

Throughout December, Splash Zone will be offering 13 months for the price of 12. Stop in or call (440) 774-5059 for yearly rates and be sure to get your extra month free (purchase must be made between Dec 1-Dec 31).

Splash Zone is hiring American Red Cross certified lifeguards! Not certified, but want to be? We will get you certified. Call us at (440) 774-5059 or apply online at loraincountymetroparks.com/employment.

MILLER HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP

Are you looking for a unique gift for that someone special in your life? Stop by the Friends of the Metro Parks’ Gift Shop at Miller Nature Preserve. You’ll find large and small items for everyone on your shopping list. Miller Nature Preserve is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

Recreation GET PHYSICAL WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Ever wanted to explore the countless waterways in Lorain County but you weren't sure where to begin? Take part in our indoor kayaking classes that get you comfortable on the water and ready for your new adventures out on the open waters!

OPEN PADDLE

KAYAK LEVEL 1

Sun., Nov. 7 | 9-11 am Sun., Dec. 12 | 9-11 am Splash Zone, Oberlin $7/person (pre-registration required) Come practice kayaking in the pool at Splash Zone on Nov. 7 or Dec. 12 from 9-11 am at our Open Paddle! Work on strokes or rescues with advice from an instructor. Personal boats are welcome as long as they are cleaned before entering the building. This program is $7 per person, and registration is required.

Sun., Nov. 14 | 5-7 pm Splash Zone, Oberlin $50/person We will also be conducting a beginner paddling course, Kayak Level 1, at the Splash zone on Nov. 14 from 5-7 pm. This kayak course will highlight nomenclature, basic strokes, as well as safety and demonstration of rescues. Ages 16 & up under 18 with participating adult. $50 per person.

KAYAK LEVEL 2

Sun., Dec. 19 | 9-11 am Splash Zone, Oberlin $50/person A follow-up to the Kayak Level 1 course is our Kayak Level 2 conducted at Splash Zone on Dec. 19 from 9-11 am. This follow-up class to Kayak Level 1 focuses on perfecting basic strokes, learning advanced strokes, as well as learning and practicing different rescues.

Ages 16 & up under 18 with participating adult. $50 per person.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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It's in our Nature INFORMATION CENTERED AROUND OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

Winter AT S CH OE PF L E GA R D EN

Good Weather for the Ducks!

November is a great month for observing migrating waterfowl. Ducks stop at our local waterways to fuel up on their southbound trip—and it’s a lot more than just Mallards and Canada Geese. A decent pair of binoculars and a field guide are highly recommended.

DABBLERS Dabbling ducks hang out in shallow water like ponds, flooded fields, and marshes and swamps. They feed by tipping their bodies head-first into the water. Mostly omnivorous, their diets include plants, insects, fish, amphibians, and crayfish. These ducks come in an amazing array of colors.

A great example is the Wood Duck. The male sports a head crest with green, white, and purple colors.

The female is subtler with a brown head and a “tear-drop” of white around the eye. These are ducks of wet woods. They nest in tree cavities, and their diet includes acorns.

Other dabbling ducks include Mallard (pictured above), Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Blue-winged Teal.

DIVERS Diving ducks hang out in lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. They feed by diving underwater. Some are omnivorous, while others almost exclusively feed on fish, crustaceans, or mollusks.

They also come in a beautiful palette of colors. Many divers can be found in Lake Erie during the winter months in years the lake doesn’t freeze over.

An example is a Canvasback. The male has a chestnut-red head and a back that, well, looks canvaswhite. The female is again subtler with brown to grey hues. Canvasbacks can be found in rough weather in big lakes, bobbing and diving in the waves.

Other diving ducks include Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, and Ruddy Duck, to name a few.

While the garden is put to bed for the season, we can spend time decorating for the holidays. Join us for a wide range of craft programs for all ages.

PAINT YOUR OWN CERAMIC ORNAMENT Sat., Nov. 20 | 10:30 am or 11:15 am $10 per ornament We will provide all the supplies for you to make a keepsake or gift ornament and have it fired and ready for you for the holidays! (Pre-register by Nov. 16)

KIDS TURKEY CRAFT Wed., Nov. 24 | 10 am (Pre-register by Nov. 22) Learn about turkeys and make their own Thanksgiving table centerpiece!

NATURAL ORNAMENTS Sat., Dec. 18 & Wed., Dec. 22 | 10 am Use pine cones, acorns, and seeds to create handmade ornaments. (Pre-register by Dec. 16)

YEAR-END CRAFT CLEAN-UP Thurs. Dec. 30 | 10 am or 1 pm Help us use up old craft supplies to make something new for you! (Pre-register by Dec. 28)

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE Duck identification may seem a little overwhelming the first time you go out, but it gets easier if you try to learn a couple of birds at a time. And we have several birding hikes scheduled at Sandy Ridge in November. On a good day, you may spot over 20 species of waterfowl in the marsh!!! Check out our website for dates and times for these walks.

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LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

HOMESCH EXPLORERS E N G A G E

I N

N A T U R E ,

H I S T O R Y ,

L A N D

S C I E N C E

Are your children learning at home? Homeschool Explorers is a program just for you! Each month the program will travel to a different park location to engage your children in nature, history, and science. Explore topics such as Geology, Raptors, Spring Wildflowers, Wildlife in Winter, and Maple Sugaring. Put on your running shoes for a Sports Day at Splash Zone and participate in the Black River Celebration field trip program at French Creek Nature Center. This program is restricted to students in 1-6 grades and participation waivers are required. Cost to attend varies by program.

Registration opens one month prior to the program date.

Look for all our Homeschool Explorer programs at: loraincountymetroparks.com/whats-happening

Registration is open now for: HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS: GEOLOGY Thur., Nov. 11 | 1-2:30 pm Cascade Park, Elyria

HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS: RAPTORS Thur., Dec. 9 | 10-11:30 am Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

Winter

Hiking Opportunities

Get outside and join us on a guided hike! Many hikes do require pre-registration, so please check our website for more information along with additional hiking opportunities, www.loraincountymetroparks.com/programs.

WINTER ANIMALS HIKE

FALL COLORS HIKE Wed., Nov. 3 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

ANIMAL HOMES HIKE

FALL WOODS HIKE Sat., Nov. 6 | 2-3 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

PREGAME CAMPFIRE HIKE Sun., Nov. 7 | 11:30 am-1 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

FRUITS, NUTS, & SEEDS HIKE Tue., Nov. 9 | 10:30-11:30 am Miller Nature Preserve, Avon Wed., Nov. 10 | 9-11 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

LATE FALL BIRDING Wed., Dec. 15 | 9-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

EVERGREEN HIKE Sat., Dec. 18 | 2-3 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham Sat., Dec. 18 | 2-2:45 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Carriage Barn)

BEGINNER BIRDWATCHING HIKE

YOUNG BIRDERS HIKE Sat., Nov. 13 | 10 am-12 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain

Tue., Dec. 14 | 10:30-11:30 am Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

SHIVER ME RIVERS HIKE

OUTER LIMITS BIRDING

(FOCUS ON WATERFOWL & GULLS)

Sun., Dec. 12 | 2-3 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

*For Children 8-17 with an adult. Pre-register

by Fri., Nov. 12

WATERFOWL WALK Sun., Nov. 14 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

OUTER LIMITS BIRDING Wed., Nov. 17 | 9-11 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

BIRD TALK WALK: BALD EAGLES Sat., Nov. 20 | 11-11:45 am Vermilion River Reservation (Bacon Woods)

I'M THANKFUL FOR NATURE HIKE Sun., Nov. 21 | 2-2:45 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Bacon Woods)

Sun., Dec. 19 | 9-10 am Cascade Park, Elyria

WINTER SOLSTICE WOODLAND WALK Tue., Dec. 21 | 11-11:45 am Vermilion River Reservation (Bacon Woods)

WINTER WALK Wed., Dec. 29 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

CAMPFIRE HIKE: SEARCH FOR RAPTORS Wed., Dec. 29 | 1-2:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

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ARTEMIS

LUKE

Turkey Vulture

Red-tailed Hawk

LUNA

OLIVIA

Barn Owl

Interested in helping wildlife? Then consider adopting a raptor at the Lorain County Metro Parks Raptor Center! Your tax-deductible donation, designated to the raptor of your choice, contributes directly to the cost of food, veterinary care, and other needs. In return, you receive detailed information about your adopted bird and the Raptor Center, as well as corresponding level “Thank You” items. To Adopt-A-Raptor, choose one to sponsor and select your adoption level from the list below.

Barred Owl

STEWART Barred Owl

ADOPT-A-

APTOR

LO R A I N C O U N T Y M E T R O PA R K S

ADOPT-A-RAPTOR INFORMATION

Adoptions are valid for a period of one year. The term “adoption” does not imply ownership rights to individuals participating in the Adopt-A-Raptor program. You may visit your adopted bird and the Raptor Center any time during regular open hours, 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. Please remember that the raptors, like all living creatures, may become sick or pass away during your adoption period. If this should happen, the term of your adoption will be transferred to the care of another bird at the facility.

Visit LorainCountyMetroParks.com/raptor-center for more info!

• Adoption Certificate • Letter from your bird • Parents’ Board Certificate

$25 $50

• All the perks of $25 adoption level plus: • Natural History Card • Adopt-A-Raptor Magnet

ADOPTION LEVELS

$100 $150

• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus: • Window Decal* • Behind the Scenes Tour • Personalized Photo Opportunity*

• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus: • 8” x 12” Photo of Bird • Spiral Notebook with pen*

• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus: • Spiral Notebook with pen* • Behind the Scenes Tour • Personalized Photo Opportunity* • Free Carlisle Room (at CVC) rental for four hours • Personal Bird of Prey program with Naturalist Staff for your group at time of rental

* One-on-one photo opportunity with Luna the Barn Owl held by a Naturalist in an outdoor setting.

PLEASE NOTE: All Adopt-A-Raptor forms MUST BE postmarked or dropped off no later than December 12th to ensure delivery by December 25th!

Donor Name:

Adoption Level(s):

If a gift, name of recipient:

Total Check amount:

Address (where to send packet):

I am a returning Adopt-A-Raptor parent and wish to forgo receiving the information packet & items again. You will still be recognized on the Adopt-A-Raptor Parents’ Board.

Send form and make checks payable to:

Phone Number

(where donor can be reached):

Name of Raptor(s) chosen:

$250 $500

• All the perks of $50 adoption level plus: • 8” x 12” Photo of Bird • Window Decal*

Lorain County Metro Parks 12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange, OH 44050 LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121