Arrowhead - November/December 2022

HOLIDAY

BOARD OF PARK

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001

Amherst HealthPlex

Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001

984-3470

• Black River Reservation (440) 324-5481

Bur Oak:

Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Days Dam:

E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055

High Meadows:

Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

• Caley Reservation

18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090

• Carlisle Reservation (440) 458-5121

Carlisle Visitor Center:

Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050

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

Park Updates

CONNECT TO A CAUSE

On September 15, the Lorain County Metro Parks took part, for the third year, 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.

Through the generous donations from our community, we received $15,103. Funding will be used for conservation efforts throughout the county including education, tree planting, and environmental restoration efforts

We truly appreciate the generosity of our donors and the support we received through this endeavor. Thank you!

COUNTY METRO

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 (440) 236-3254

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

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

French Creek Reservation

Homestead:

E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

French Creek Nature Center:

Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

949-5200

Pine Tree Picnic Area:

French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

Indian Hollow Reservation

Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

Oaks:

Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044

Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge

West River Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

324-3713

Kopf Family Reservation

Electric Blvd.,

Lake, Ohio 44012

387-8107

Kipton Reservation

Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

Lakeview Park

West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052

• Miller Nature Preserve

Center Rd., Avon OH 44011

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

Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 (440) 327-3626

Schoepfle Garden

Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 (440) 965-7237

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

Vermilion River Reservation

N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 (440) 967-7310

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in supporting the parks by donating your time! We are always excited to welcome new volunteers. The Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. is the volunteer branch of the Lorain County Metro Parks. To become a member, you must first attend an orientation and have a background check completed. Orientations are held bi-monthly.

The Friends organization accepts volunteers 16 years and older. Those under 18 require an accompanying volunteer adult. A minimal membership fee is required to cover organizational costs, including accidental insurance coverage. This annual fee is waived for members with more than 40 volunteer hours. Background checks are completed, and membership fees are due at orientation (cash or check only).

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Tue., Nov.

Carlisle Visitor

Pre-registration

Honor Roll

Brittany Baker Family, Fairview Park

Barb Bobrowski, Westlake

Bonnie Burns, Lagrange

Rosa Hughes

Thomas and Eleanor Klosterman, Oberlin Beta Sigma Phi

Black River Audubon Society

Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County

PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County

Plum Creek Garden Club

Red Hat Society - Avon Lake

Adopt-A-Raptor

Brittany Baker Family, Fairview Park

MEMBERSHIP FEES

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.

Ann and Eric Hauser, Wellington (Gift to Ruth and Earl Devereaux)

Phoenix Ink and Beauty, Amherst (Gift to Melissa Combs and Sullivan Carr)

Doreen Von Pless, Fairview Park (Gift to Gerri Asbury)

Gift was given in Honor of:

Bob and Jan Fitzpatrick's 50th Anniversary by Daniel and Gale Wenger, Lorain

Jan Snider's 90th Birthday by Jan Odell, Grafton

Gift was given in Memory of: Rose M. Diso by Paulette Williams-Sislowski and Ronald, Lorain

Bill Hunady by Margaret and Steve Michener, Amherst

Bruce Jasen by Theresa Babuder, Avon

Bruce Klingshirn by The Family of Aunt Toots, Bay Village

Rita Raponi by Lakeside 62 Condo Community, Lorain

Fritz and Peg Ruder by Fred and Sharon Ruder, Columbia Station

Christopher "CJ" Sayers by Alexis Champe, Lakewood

Susan E. Schubert by Karen Huston, Oberlin

Susan E. Schubert by Craig & Lynn Youngblood, Wellington

Charles Wirth by James (Ralph) & Brenda Troxtell, Lagrange

Charles Wirth by Mary Anne Grachek, Huron

Charles Wirth by Mark and Barbara King, Elyria Charles Wirth by Richard and Susan Mack, Elyria Charles Wirth by Kevin and Pamela Monschein, Huron Charles Wirth by Rich and Nancy Noga, Lorain

Recycling

REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE TO HELP PROTECT OUR PLANET

MAKE A GIFT day

Did you know - Earth Day isn’t the only holiday created to raise environmental awareness in the United States? On November 15th (a date recognized by President Clinton by a signed proclamation in 1999 and now annually observed), citizens will participate in programs and efforts geared to make a positive planetary impact through collective, cooperative, and individual efforts across the nation.

While the prominent focus of these efforts will be centered around the “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” foundational concepts most of us were introduced to in our youth (which hopefully shape our behaviors as adults), the educational message will likely offer the benefits to recycling – which include the overall reduction of waste, protection, and conservation of our natural resources, prevention of pollution and habitat destruction, and the support of the domestic economy, manufacturing industry and jobs related to environmental efforts (recycling, protection, and regulation).

How can YOU help? Consider how you can REDUCE, REUSE, & RECYCLE at home, work, and school. Contact your solid waste services provider for information on WHAT and HOW to recycle correctly, and share these tips with your family and friends. Pick up litter when you come across it (“PLOGGING” is picking up litter while jogging), and shop responsibly to avoid overpurchasing single-use items. Check out the list of our upcoming programs to find programming opportunities (informational talks, clean-up hikes, and more) relating to environmentally-focused activities!

Celebrated on December 3rd each year, this unofficial holiday encourages people to make gifts for people instead of relying on ready-made goods. The time, energy, & thought that goes into a “homemade/handmade gift” makes the gift more special & meaningful to receive and more fun & fulfilling to give. The act and tradition of “giving and receiving gifts” has been around for thousands of years and done by cultures worldwide, with older cultures even holding “gift-giving ceremonies.” Gift-giving has become commonplace in today’s world, and you may give or receive a gift for a holiday, special occasion, an accomplishment, a loss, or “just because”, as a means of showing love, gratitude, celebration, and respect. In addition to “making a gift”, you can also celebrate Make A Gift Day by hosting a Gift Making Party or DIY Gifts Exchange, learning a new arts & crafts skill, and attending one of our various instructor-led classes here at the Parks this winter!

HOLIDAYS OPPORTUNITIES!

From Turkeys to Gingerbread houses to ornaments, there are fun chances for you and the kids to craft this holiday season.

CERAMIC ORNAMENT CRAFT

Sun., Nov. 13 | 1:30pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn

$11 per person/ornament

Paint your own ornament for a gift or keepsake during this craft activity!. Preregistration required by 11/9.

TURKEY SCAVENGER

HUNT AND CRAFT

Sat., Nov. 19 | 11am

Schoepfle Garden Hunt for turkeys in the garden and follow up the activity by making one for the Thanksgiving table!

KIDS GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Sat. Dec. 17 | 10am Schoepfle Garden

$5 per person/house Kids make a candy covered Gingerbread house. Pre-reg required by 12/14.

Stop

the Carlisle

RECYCLES DAY DISPLAY

"It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

~Mother Teresa

Holiday Happenings

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

CRUISE-THRU

5:30 - 9:00 pm

Wednesdays-Saturdays

Fri., Nov. 25 - Fri., Dec. 23

Carlisle ReservationEquestrian Center (13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange)

Carlisle Reservation is still the place to be to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the Holiday Lights CruiseThru 2022! 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 Santa and his sleigh and the nutcrackers guarding Santa’s Castle that can be seen during the mile-long drive from the comfort of your vehicle. This event will be held at the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center.

Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring nonperishable food items that will be donated 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. Please call ahead on the day of the program in case of inclement weather or high wind advisories. For more information, please call (440) 458-5121 or visit www.loraincountymetroparks.com

Is your business interested in becoming a sponsor for the event? Please contact Bev at bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com for details.

NIGHT LIGHTS AT CARLISLE VISITOR CENTER presented by AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17

Little Green Choo Rides | 4:00 - 5:00 pm Walking Trail | 5:30 - 9:00 pm

Carlisle Reservation - Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange)

Celebrate the change in seasons by taking in the festive Night Lights and activities at Carlisle Reservation this December. We have planned three weekend events to get you and your family into the cheerful spirit of the season. Each night the Little Green Choo will be running on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail from 4-5 pm. The trail then converts to a walking trail from 5:30-9 pm. Each evening of Night Lights from 5:30-9 pm, there will be cookies, hot chocolate, popcorn, etc., available for purchase inside the Black River Room, courtesy of Friends of Metro Parks. Each weekend will have a different focus so your family can return and enjoy all three weekends with something new each time.

• Dec. 2 & 3 – Friends of Metro Parks Santa Shop will be set up in the Carlisle Room from 4-7 pm.

• Dec. 9 & 10 – Night Tree Storytime and craft program. Sessions will be from 6-6:45 pm, 7-7:45 pm, and 8-8:45 pm (Cost: $2/participant, and pre-registration is required)

McLoda - Park Commissioner, Leadership Lorain County, Lorain Public Library System, WOBL Radio Inc., and Friends of the Metro Parks

• Dec. 16 & 17 – Santa Nights – Visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus for free! You must bring your own camera. Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. We will also host a “Wildlife Giving Tree” with items needed to care for the animals of Carlisle and other LCMP facilities, from our resident raptors and reptiles to wild songbird visitors.

Holiday Happenings

‘A TROPICAL HOLIDAY’ DISPLAY

Nov. 25 - Dec. 30 | 10 am-5 pm, daily

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

$2/person (under 3 free)

Are you looking for a seaside twist on traditional holiday decor? Escape to Miller Nature Preserve’s Tropical Holiday seasonal display this December! We’re inspired by beach themes this year, incorporating all our favorites into our Conservatory and outdoor beds. From flamingoes to sea stars, you’ll find just what you need to warm up in cold weather while celebrating the winter season in familiar ways. Daily admission to the Conservatory is $2 per person 3 years and up (as always - members enter for FREE); access to the outdoor gardens is FREE.

SANTA BRUNCH & BEACH PARTY

Sat., Dec. 3 | 10:30 am-12 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $15/person (ages 2 & under: free) Enjoy a warm breakfast, the Conservatory’s TROPICAL HOLIDAY seasonal display, and a photo opportunity with Santa! Registration is required for ALL participants and seating is limited. Admission to the Conservatory is included in the $15 fee for those 3 years and up - those 2 years and under are FREE! You must bring your own device for taking photos.

ST. NICK LIGHT WALK

Tue., Dec. 6 | 6-7:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $5/person (ages 2 & under: free)

Registration is open for an evening of ‘dropin’ style family holiday fun for all agesincluding a photo opportunity with St. Nick! Walk among the lighted displays of the Outdoor Gardens, then warm up indoors for games and activities, holiday movie shorts, and light refreshments in the Orchid Room. Admission to the Conservatory’s TROPICAL HOLIDAY is included in the $5 fee for those 3 years and up - those 2 years and under are FREE!

OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY

Sat., Dec. 3 & Sun., Dec. 4 | 3-7 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow $3/person

UGLY SWEATER OFFICE PARTY

Thur., Dec. 15 | 6:30-8:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $38/member | $45/non-member | $12/des. driver

Join us for an agenda filled with outdoor lighted scenes among the garden beds, ‘The Office’-inspired holiday trivia, mixed drinks (cocktails and mocktails) and light tapas in the Orchid Room, and admission to the Conservatory’s TROPICAL HOLIDAY seasonal display!

Ugly Sweaters are recommended but not required. Bring a “gift” valued at $5 or less for an optional ‘white elephant’ gift exchange - everyone “wins”! Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

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, where members of the Brownhelm Historical Association portray Brownhelm residents celebrating the holidays. Outside the Bacon House, by the warmth of their campfire, enjoy visiting with re-enactors as they cook & share Bacon and Brownhelm history. Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride thru Mill Hollow’s pretty, wintry backdrop, and then stop by the cozy & charming Carriage Barn to warm up and take Holiday photos by our beautifully decorated fireplace and 14foot tall Christmas tree. Relax & roast S’mores around our outdoor firepits (while supplies last), and The Friends of Metro Parks will be selling light refreshments inside the Carriage Barn (cash only).

The program fee includes one Carriage Ride and the Museum Tour. Pre-register EACH person in your group for a 12-minute Museum Tour time-block (limit of 12 people per Tour). No walk-ins; preregister by 11/30 at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. On event day, please check in at the Carriage Barn Lobby, where you will receive your Carriage Ride ticket to be used either before or after your scheduled Museum Tour. Outside activities are weather dependent. For questions, contact the Carriage Barn at 440-967-7310.

Elf Toy Workshop

Sun., Dec. 11 | 2-4 pm

Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center

$15/child (under 3 free)

This special holiday event will allow children to learn how to build toys from the experts- Santa’s elves! Each child will make three toys from the instruction of Santa’s elves and will be able to write a letter to Santa to be taken back to the North Pole. At the end of the event cookies and cocoa will be served. The cost is $15 per child (ages 3-12). Please register ONLY the child, not the adult caregiver who will be attending with the child. Please limit one caregiver per child. We are allowing one caregiver per child so that each child can have an adult supervising and assisting them with the building of their toys.

ClassicChristmas

Thursday, Dec. 15 | 6-8 pm

French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield $5/person

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, play games, watch a holiday movie on the large screen, and receive a themed goodie bag! Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your camera for a photo opportunity. $5 per child. Adults 18 and over are free. Children 3 and under do not need to be registered unless they would like to receive a goodie bag. Preregister by 12/9.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Sun., Dec. 4 | 10 am-3 pm

Henry’s Barn, Oberlin

Free for attendees | $20 to rent a vendor space

Join us at Henry’s Barn the first weekend of December for our second annual Winter Craft Fair! Shop for all of your holiday gifts and support local vendors during our one day, family friendly event. We will have hand-made, crafted goods of all kinds for you to purchase. Get in the spirit of the holiday season with us!

JR. CAVS BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Call for dates and times

Splash Zone, Oberlin Splash Zone is partnering with the Jr. Cavs to offer youth basketball leagues. Please call or email for additional information including times and dates!

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.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS at MILLER NATURE PRESERVE

Miller Nature Preserve Gift Memberships are available for purchase at the Nature Nook Gift Shop! For $10, your gift provides your guest unlimited visits to the Conservatory for 12 full months from the date of activation.

Are you searching for a special gift for those near and dear this holiday season? Check out the latest assortment of gifts available through Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc., on your next visit to Miller Nature Preserve!

Holiday Eventsat the Lake

LIGHTS ON 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 the park. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 10 pm each night. We hope you find an opportunity to enjoy this cheerful and safe holiday activity!

SANTA NIGHTS AT THE LAKE

Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 4, 7, 11, & 16 | 5-7 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain Free (Pre-registration required)

Celebrate the holiday season with this annual favorite! Drive through Lakeview Park to see all the magical light displays from November 26th until Deccember 31st. Visit with Santa at one of our Santa Nights inside the Sunset Terrace for some hot chocolate, cookie decorating, crafts, and photo opportunity!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA BY THE LAKE

Sat., Dec. 10 | 10 am-12 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain $15/person (kids under 3 free)

Join Santa for Breakfast at Lakeview Park! Tickets are $15 per person, children 3 and under free. Includes a carriage ride around Lakeview Park, breakfast buffet, one family photo with Santa, and kids craft. Preregistration required, call 440-458-5121 for tickets and information. Space is limited.

French Creek Theatre Holiday Show

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Dec. 9, 10, 11*, 16, 17, & 18* | 7:30 pm

*Dec. 11 & 18 are matinee shows at 2:00 pm

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Theatre $15/person

Set in Truvy’s beauty salon, a group of women spend time together adding hilarious repartee, support for one another, and face tragedy revealing their underlying strength and love for each other. This show is not recommended for children. Tickets are available now at loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre or by phone at (440) 949-5200. Guests who require ADA compliant seating must call French Creek Theatre Box Office and reserve a seat over the phone.

Educational opportunities

HOMESCH EXPLORERS

Homeschool Explorers is back for another fun-filled school season at the parks! Geared for children learning at home, this program series (September thru May) will travel around to a different park location to engage your children in nature, science, history, the arts, and recreation! The programs for this school season will focus on learning about and exploring the “wild” side of Ohio and how to identify trees, wildflowers, and birds, as well as enjoy hands-on activities as you learn about habitats, weather, winter survival, and more! Depending on the program’s topic & location, children will learn thru educational biofacts, nature hikes, activities or games, arts & crafts, or meeting a live animal! The program fee is $3.00/child. To be able to accommodate as many students as possible only students within the age range listed in the program description (usually ages 7-12) will be permitted to attend and participation waivers are required. Registration opens 1 month prior to the program date. Please dress for the weather.

Look for all our Homeschool Explorer programs at: loraincountymetroparks.com/homeschool

Registration is open now for:

HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS: ORIGINS OF THANKSGIVING

Wed., Nov. 23 | 10 am-12 pm

Splash Zone, Oberlin

HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS: CONIFERS

Fri., Dec. 9 | 10 am-11:30 am

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

MAPLE SUGARING

REQUESTED PROGRAM INFORMATION

Booking starts January 3, 2023 for February and March dates

Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

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. 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 registration will open on January 3. To register, complete a Program Registration Form online at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/education.

Winter Outdoor Fun

HIKING LEVELS: = EASY = MODERATE = STRENUOUS

Take a Hike!

WELLINGTON FULL MOON HIKE

Tue., Nov. 8 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Wellington Reservation

MINDFALL FOLIAGE HIKE

Wed., Nov. 9 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

WATERFOWL HIKE

Wed., Nov. 9 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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

guided hikes through

Please join

PACK WALK

County Metro Parks!

Sun., Nov. 27 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Wellington Reservation

GUIDED, EASY HIKE

Mon., Nov. 28 | 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

CAMPFIRE HIKE

Sat., Dec. 3 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

FALL FUN HIKE

Sat., Nov. 12 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

WHAT'S CHANGING HIKE

Tue., Nov. 15 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Nov. 16 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WATERFOWL HIKE

Wed., Nov. 16 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

MILL HOLLOW HIGHLIGHTS HIKE

Fri., Nov. 18 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

SUNDAY STROLL

Sun., Nov. 20 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

WILDLIFE IN WINTER HIKE

Sun., Nov. 20 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

WATERFOWL HIKE

Tue., Nov. 22 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WINTER TREE ID

Sun., Dec. 4 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Caley Reservation (Wellington)

MORNING MARSH WALK

Wed., Dec. 7 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

MERRY & BRIGHT HIKE

Thu., Dec. 8 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

WELLINGTON FULL MOON HIKE

Thu., Dec. 8 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Wellington Reservation

JR. NATURALIST HIKE: WINTER TREE I.D.

Sat., Dec. 10 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

BRIDGEWAY TRAIL HIKE

Sun., Dec. 18 | 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Black River Reservation, Bur Oak

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Dec. 21 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

WINTER BREAK HIKE

Wed., Dec. 21 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

WINTER SOLSTICE STORY & STROLL

Wed., Dec. 21 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

PACK WALK

Thu., Dec. 22 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Wellington Reservation

NATIONAL HIKING DAY

November 17th is National Hiking Day, an unofficial “holiday” established by the American Hiking Society to encourage more people to experience the great outdoors. Hiking is an excellent exercise for both your physical and mental health! Hiking can help you create stronger bones, improve cardiovascular health, and balance. Hiking is a great way to improve your mental well-being and helps to reduce stress or anxiety, boost your mood, and can help to lower the risk of depression.

When you’re out on the trail, don’t forget some key items to make your experience as enjoyable as possible! You’ll want to bring water to stay hydrated and some healthy snacks such as fruit or granola bars. Wear comfortable shoes that don’t slip, such as hiking boots, hiking sandals, or an athletic style shoe. Weather can change quickly in Ohio, so adding extra layers will help you stay warm while hiking during the colder months. You’ll also need a comfortable bag or backpack to store all of this on the trail!

You can celebrate this unofficial holiday in the Lorain County Metro Parks this year by visiting our numerous hiking trails! If you prefer a paved hiking trail, check out Hollstein Reservation or Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation in Amherst, Kopf Family Reservation in Avon Lake, Wellington Reservation, or the North Coast Inland Trail, which can be picked up near Splash Zone in Oberlin. For unpaved trails through the woods, visit Caley Reservation in Wellington, Cascade Park in Elyria, Charlemont Reservation in New London, or the French Creek Reservation in Sheffield Village.

Many of us will be celebrating the season with evergreen trees this holiday. Or are they pine trees? Or are they conifers? Let’s take a closer look at these beautiful trees! Evergreens consist of trees whose leaves are mostly needle-like that stay green all year long unlike the deciduous trees whose leaves change color and drop in the fall. Most evergreen trees can be categorized into one of these Families; Pine or Cypress. The Pine family is the largest and includes tamarack, Douglas-firs, firs, spruces, pines, and hemlocks. The Cypress family includes arborvitae, white cedar, red cedar (juniper), and bald cypress. All these trees are considered evergreen with their needlelike leaves except for the bald cypress and tamarack trees that drop their leaves every fall. This would make them a deciduous conifer since they both produce cones. Conifers refer to trees that produce seeds that are protected by cones (pine cones) instead of having their seed production in a flower. Using the term “pine trees” is accurate for many of the evergreen conifers if you are referring to one of the trees within the Pine Family and includes many of the species that you would find growing in Lorain County Metro Parks. We are glad to welcome the growth

of these evergreens in our forests and fields so they can provide food and shelter to our winter wildlife. Take a walk in your favorite LCMP reservation to look for the evergreens that grow along your favorite trail and stop to look further to see if they are also conifers with cones hanging from their branches. Join a naturalist on a hike this winter to learn more about these exceptional evergreens!

Eastern White Pine

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Hemlock

LUNA Barn Owl LUKE

OLIVIA

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.

ADOPT-A-RAPTOR INFORMATION

ADOPT-AAPTOR

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

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!

Donor Name:

Phone Number

Adoption Level(s):

Total Check amount:

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: Lorain County Metro Parks 12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange, OH 44050

Red-tailed Hawk

Barred Owl

SKYWALKER Red-tailed Hawk STEWART Barred Owl