Arrowhead - September/October 2022

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

September-October 2022 Volume 62, Number 5

Pre-sale Registration only!

Tickets on sale September 27!

HALLOWEEN FAIR IS BACK! This family-friendly event includes the haunted walking trail, pumpkin lagoon, train rides, food booths, games, and more!

See inside for program changes and details.| Pg. 7 Pictured: Pumpkin Lagoon on the Halloween Fair haunted trail

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

INSIDE Park Updates 2 Honor Roll 3 Nature 4-5 Autumn Events 6-7 Cultural Arts 8 Kids & Family 9 Outdoor Adventure 10 Conservation 11 Volunteer 12

James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2022 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: Joseph E. Hribar • Chairman Kenneth M. Lieux • Vice Chairman Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

(440) 458-5121

Park Updates CONNECT TO A CAUSE The Community Foundation of Lorain County is yet again hosting Connect to a Cause. This event is a 12-hour fundraising competition that enables community members to donate directly to the local charities of their choice. Organizations like the Lorain County Metro Parks benefit not just from generous donations but also receive a portion of funding match from the Community Foundation. In 2021, the Lorain County Metro Parks received over $11,000 through this campaign.

Connect to a Cause 2022 takes place on Thursday, Sept. 15. Donations will be accepted via credit/debit card at: peoplewhocare.org/c2c2022. To donate by check, please endorse to Community Foundation. Checks must be postmarked or delivered to the Foundation office (9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, OH 44035) by 8:00 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Questions may be directed to our Administration Office at (440) 458-5121 or pr@loraincountymetroparks.com. We truly appreciate your consideration and continued support of the Lorain County Metro Parks.

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., Oberlin, OH 44074 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park (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 • Cassell Reservation • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: Bur Oak: 815 High Bridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 • Indian Hollow Reservation 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Charlemont Reservation Royal Oaks: Days Dam: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 New London, Ohio 44851 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626

High Meadows:

1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035

• Caley Reservation

18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090

• Carlisle Reservation (440) 458-5121

Carlisle Visitor Center:

• Columbia Reservation

25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028 (440) 236-3254

Briarwood Lodge:

25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, Ohio 44028

12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 • Forest Hills Golf Course 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Duck Pond Picnic Area: Elyria, Ohio 44035 12550 Diagonal Rd., (440) 323-2632 LaGrange, Ohio 44050

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• French Creek Reservation Burrell Homestead:

2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

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

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

• Kipton Reservation

St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074

• Lakeview Park

1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052

• Miller Nature Preserve

2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 (440) 937-0764

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

• Splash Zone

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

• Vermilion River Reservation

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

• Wellington Reservation

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

NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION & RENTAL SOFTWARE COMING SOON! The Lorain County Metro Parks is introducing brand-new registration and rental software. Over the next few months, visitors making program registrations or room rentals will see a number of positive changes to our process. This new software provided

by CivicPlus is a cloud-based recreation management solution allowing residents greater visibility into offered programs with more convenient online options. It will also allow residents to access facilities like shelters and meeting rooms.

The system will be rolled out gradually, starting with programs/activities in August and facility rentals in September.

Starting on August 19, you can create a new park account at: loraincountymetroparks.com/my-account.

As we adapt to the new system, we ask for your continued patience. If you have questions about establishing a customer account or processing an online registration or rental, contact the administration office (440) 458-5121, 8 am-4:30 pm daily.

Honor Roll Patti Bollinger, LaGrange Jeff Urban, North Royalton Lorain High School Class of 1952 A&B, Lorain PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County, Grafton

Adopt-A-Raptor

Howard Chester, Avon Lake Ava Cook, Porter, TX Bob and Marleta Garner, Los Osos, CA (in Honor of Ray and Linda Cosma) Steve Holland, North Ridgeville (Gift to Tara McGuinness) Colin Smith, Amherst Sarah and Dylan Snell, Peru, VT (Gift to Marcia Logan in Memory of Cory Logan) Stephanie St. Esprit, Elyria (Gift to Parker McIntyre)

Gift was given in Honor of:

Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by Stan and Jane Koss, Amherst

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.

Gift was given in Memory of:

Mark Belis by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Madge Brandau by Rebecca Brandau Jane Ferguson by Nancy Ferguson Alice Lee by Wanda Robinson, Vermilion Judie Longacre by Paul and Debbie Jaroch, North Ridgeville Thomas Urbanek by Germaine and John Gluvna, Lorain Thomas Urbanek by Recordkeeping Svcs Transform and TIAA, Charlotte, NC Thomas Urbanek by Patricia Witkowski and Mary Ribaric, Lorain Camelia Williams by Mark and Kristine Arnold, Caledonia Carmelia Williams by Kathleen Petro, Lorain Connie Williams by Natalie Dague, Elyria

The Big Sit

Anonymous Claudia Anders, Berea Marti Burrows, Westlake

Eileen Cernea, Bay Village James and Janice Denham, North Olmsted Bob and Marilyn Fabritius, North Ridgeville Margaret and Mike Fairweather, Sheffield Lake Kathleen Fruner, Elyria Linda and John Heiden, Avon John and Mary Ann Henderson, Lakewood Anne Holmes Schuerger, Sheffield Lake Gary Korzan, Elyria Carol Martinsen, North Ridgeville Ron and Shirley McCoy, Elyria Linda Mitchell, Avon Lake Andrea Nagy, Avon Drina Nemes, Bay Village Penny O'Connor, Cleveland Bill Ohlsen, North Olmsted Lorraine Ontko, North Ridgeville James and Elza Philips, Bay Village Dan and Diana Stacho, North Ridgeville Larry Wilson, Elyria

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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It's In Our Nature OBSERVE AND LEARN ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

MONARCH MIGRATION Monarchs, like most butterflies, live 2 to 4 weeks. However, each year a single generation has an extended life span of seven months to allow them to make a necessary migration. Birds also make long migrations but make the round trip several times in a lifetime, and adults show the way to firsttimers. In comparison, monarch butterflies make the trip just once without the help of experienced adults. This feat is impressive since they always end up in El Rosario, Mexico, in what is now a protected area. This migration could be a trip as long as 3,000 miles for butterflies that leave Canada!

After spending the winter in Mexico, the monarchs begin the journey north to Texas before laying eggs and dying. At that time, the second and future generations return to living just 2 to 4 weeks, and it is likely the third generation that makes it to Ohio.

Monarchs face many trials during their migration, including clear-cutting in Mexico, genetically engineered crops, and weather such as early frost or flooding. Monarchs use only milkweed plants to lay their eggs and for their young caterpillars to eat. The loss of this plant is a significant threat to butterflies.

Citizen scientists are essential in monitoring the monarchs and discovering their migration path. You can be a citizen scientist and participate in one of the park’s monarch tagging programs. Sandy Ridge is an excellent location since the abundance of fall wildflowers makes this area a great place for monarchs to rest and refuel, and several tagging programs are offered here. Ask our wonderful staff about these programs the next time you visit!

BIRD MIGRATION Many birdwatchers enjoy getting out in the spring to see bird species only available in their area for a short time. The birds passing through are also in their best coloration as they put on a show for the breeding season. It is a unique opportunity to see a scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole, or one of the many species of wood warblers. However, fall bird migration, while different, can be equally rewarding.

While fall migration starts in July with shorebird species, September is the best month for variety as songbird migration is peaking. During this time, shorebirds are still coming through, and waterfowl will start flocking up in ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. September is also great for raptor migration.

Pick a spot along Lake Erie on a good day, and you may see many hawks such as red-tailed, redshouldered, Cooper’s, and broad-winged hawks migrating along the shore. Wading birds such as great blue heron and great egret are also found in large numbers.

October and November are best for waterfowl, both in numbers and variety. At a marsh, like Sandy Ridge Reservation, one can easily see a dozen different species of duck. There will still be songbirds and shorebirds trickling through too. You may also spot the “first of the season” American tree sparrows at your bird feeders. Tree sparrows and some other songbirds spend summers up north but come down to Ohio to spend the winter.

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If you want to witness fall migration firsthand, we have several opportunities at Lorain County Metro Parks. Check out loraincountymetroparks.com/programs for fall birding programs.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

It's In Our Nature OBSERVE AND LEARN ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE

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Bat species are incredibly diverse in size and appearance. Here are some bat-tastic facts: • The world’s smallest bat is the bumblebee bat which weighs 2 grams as a full-grown adult.

• The largest bat is the giant golden-crowned flying fox with a six-foot wingspan.

• Only three species of bats drink blood, and they live in the New World tropics, not around here.

• The oldest known bat lived to be at least 41 years old.

• Bracken Cave near San Antonio, Texas, holds the largest bat colony in the world of up to 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats.

• The little brown bat may be the most common species of bat found in Ohio.

Little brown bat

• Most insectivorous bats can eat up to half their body weight in insects, and pregnant or nursing mothers can eat up to 100% of their body weight each night.

• Bats will pollinate fruits such as bananas, avocados, and mangos. They also help spread cacao seeds, the main ingredient for chocolate.

The next time you see a bat, think of all the ways they are beneficial and not the scary nighttime terrors you may have once thought.

FALL EQUINOX While we might expect some summer-like weather to continue for a few more weeks, the seasons are about to shift—thanks to the “autumnal equinox” set to occur on Sept. 22. Derived from the Latin words “aequis” and “nox” (meaning “equal” and “night”), the term refers to the calendar date at which the number of daylight hours equals the number of nighttime hours (12 of each).

Physically speaking, the points at which the two hemispheres catch an equal number of light rays on Earth’s orbit around the sun are equinoxes, and they occur in the spring and fall as the sun appears to cross over the equator.

We might not feel the effects of the equinox right away, but the transition into fall has a decrease in light hours and lower temperatures. The upcoming equinox will also trigger observable physical and behavioral responses in our local plant and animal wildlife species. It may also impact humans’ moods, sleep rhythms, and other biological cycles, sometimes negatively.

To prevent adverse effects of seasonal change, focus on being part of it! Celebrate the fall equinox with a new focus on healthy habits, and engage in a new workout or nutrition regimen. Experience fall by visiting the parks or attending programs or fall seasonal events.

Join us and enjoy the fall season at the Lorain County Metro Parks!

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Autumn Events FALL HAPPENINGS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

FALL WAGON RIDES Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 | 12-3 pm Wellington Reservation $1/person (pre-registration required) Bring the family out for fall fun at the Wellington Reservation. We will have fall wagon rides and fun games that the kids will enjoy. Each wagon ride will last about 20 minutes and will allow visitors to experience the beauty that Wellington Reservation has to offer in autumn. Pre-registration is required as space is limited and is $1 per person. Rides will take place on September 30th, October 1st, 2nd, 7th , 8th, and 9th.

Registration opens August 19th. Walk ups will not be permitted. See you there!

BOO BASH Sat., Oct. 22 | 1-3 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center Classroom $5/child (accompanying adult is free) Fun for the whole family! Join us for an afternoon of Halloween crafts, games and activities!

Wear your Halloween costume to participate in our Halloween Parades at 1:45 pm & 2:45 pm.

Registered children will receive a Halloween goodie bag. All participants need to register by Oct. 15.

BOO BASH

Trick-Or-Treat Pet Trail Sat., Oct. 22 | 10–11 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center $2/pet (pre-register by Oct. 15) Bring your pet and travel this unboolievable treats trail! Dress your pet up in a spooktacular costume and collect treats along the trail as well as check out our fun Halloween photo opp.

HALLOWEEN PIRATE TREASURE HUNT Sun., Oct. 30 | 1–4 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn $2/child (pre-register by Oct. 26)

Ahoy mateys! Stop by the Vermilion River Reservation’s Carriage Barn Lobby, anytime between 1-4pm, to pick up a Treasure Hunt map left behind by the Great Lakes pirates. Use the map & clues to find the mystery letters to solve the Code Word for a spooktacular prize or walk the plank! Geared towards kids aged 3-10, and will take around 30 minutes to complete Dress as a funny or fearsome pirate for an extra prize!

CRAFTS AND CANDY

Mon., Oct. 31 | 3-4 pm Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center Free (pre-registration required) We will do a Halloween themed craft and each participant will take some candy home. Feel free to dress up in your Halloween costume to get in the spirit! Pre-register attending children only (adults not required to register).

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LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARK

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Halloween Fair booth closes at 9:45 pm) Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 | 4:30-10 pm (Entrance gates close at 9:30 pm; Ticket Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center, LaGrange $5 per person | children 3 and under: FREE | Tickets available by pre-sale only Everyone’s fall favorite, Halloween Fair, is back! This family-friendly spooktacular event brings back the haunted walking trail, including the pumpkin lagoon, train rides, food booths, games, and more! Tickets are limited and available by presale only. Tickets are only $5 per person, with children three and under FREE! Tickets go on sale September 27 and are available through our website loraincountymetroparks.com/programs, by calling (440) 458-5121, or can be purchased in person at the Carlisle Visitor Center 8 am-4:30 pm daily.

HAUNTED TRAIL The non-spooky family-friendly version of the trail will be open from 4:30-6:30 pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy favorites like pumpkin lagoon before the spookier attractions begin. The trail will turn spooky at 7 pm, with plenty of spooks and startles to entertain everyone in the family. The trail will be closed from 6:30-7 pm.

LITTLE GREEN CHOO & Pumpkin Express TRAM RIDES The Little Green Choo and tram rides will continuously run from 5-10 pm around the non-spooky familyfriendly Children’s Nature Discovery Trail. The entry line will close at 9:30 pm.

FOOD, GAMES, FUN & ENTERTAINMENT A variety of food vendors will be available, as well as low-cost children’s carnival games sponsored by our volunteer organization, Friends of the Metro Parks. Enjoy face painters, balloon artists, and dance party music until 9:30 pm.

Parking & Updates This year, parking will only be available at the Carlisle Visitor Center; carpooling is encouraged.

Entry gates close at 9:30 pm, and the ticket booth closes at 9:45 pm. As always, these outdoor programs are weather dependent. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for day-of closures and information. For more information, visit loraincountymetroparks.com/halloween.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY, ALL ABILITY DAY

New!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 | 6:30-9 pm 6:00-7:00 pm: Pumpkin Express Tram Rides on the Haunted Trail 6:00-7:00 pm: Little Green Choo Rides on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail 7:00-9:00 pm: Haunted Trail and Children’s Nature Discovery Trail open for walking Enjoy the haunted trail with sensory-friendly attractions! Lights and sounds will be limited to reduce the stimulus of the event. Trams will be available on the walking trail on a first-come-first-served basis.

This special evening includes the family-friendly haunted trail, train rides on the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail, and games.

KS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Cultural Arts DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY

French Creek The atre Pre sents:

SUMMER OUTDOOR CONCERTS

Just a few more opportunities remain to catch a free concert in the parks. Check out these last few evenings to enjoy music at the parks!

MUSIC ON THE PATIO Thurs., Sept. 8 | 6:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon "The Four Dads" offer a mix of country and Motown favorites from the 50's, 60's and 70's

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Sept. 16-18 | 7:30 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater $10/person Cut off from the outside world by its remote location, Hill House receives new and curious visitors whose sensibilities are soon jolted by strange and eerie occurrences. The Haunting of Hill House F. Andrew Leslie, from the novel by Shirley Jackson. This show is not recommended for children. Tickets are available now at loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre or by phone at (440) 949-5200.

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.

Early Ohio Life Field Trip Opportunity - Available starting Sept. 12 Vermilion River Reservation Students in 3rd and 4th grade are invited to explore early settler life with a visit to the 1845 home of Mill Hollow’s saw and grist mill owner.

We'll take a look back at transportation, daily life activities, cooking and food preparation, river activities including gold panning and geology, and community building. This re-imagined field trip program (formerly known as Pioneer Craftsman Experience) offers more hands-on, curriculumbased activities and more flexibility with dates and learning styles. A homeschool program date will be Thurs., Sept. 22nd, pre-register online!

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Sun., Sept. 11 | 6:30 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain "The Patriots Symphonic Band" will play a mix of patriotic favorites.

FRENCHCREEK - c i n e m a -

The curtains are up and the big screen is ready for the return of French Creek Cinema at French Creek Nature Center! The morning movie is selected just for our youngest movie-goers (all children must be accompanied by an adult) then in the afternoon the curtain opens for movies with nature and science topics that will appeal to older audiences. So settle into the theatre with your popcorn (included free) and enjoy the show!

SEPTEMBER 17 Join us each month for this free program to discuss our latest selection, enjoy light refreshments, and select next month's book.

SEPTEMBER MEETING Thur., Sept. 1 | 7:00-8:00 pm Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center

OCTOBER MEETING Thur., Oct. 6 | 7:00-8:00 pm Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center

10:30 am | The Lorax 1:00 pm | Hidden Life of Trees

OCTOBER 8 10:30 am | Finding Dory 1:00 pm | Puff: Wonders of the Reef

NOVEMBER 5 10:30 am | 101 Dalmatians 1:00 pm | Life Love Dogs

DECEMBER 3 10:30 am | A Bug's Life 1:00 pm | Tiny World

Kids & Family FAMILY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS MILLER NATURE PRESERVE'S FALL DISPLAY:

YELLOW BRICK ROAD Sept. & Oct. | 10 am-5 pm, daily Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $2/person (2 yrs & under are free) Journey through transformed gardens and displays inspired by the Wizard of Oz with a fall twist!

Take a self-guided tour & scavenger hunt within the outdoor garden’s character beds and immerse yourself in scenes depicted within the Conservatory. Associated ‘Yellow Brick Road’ programs and events will be incorporated into the Program Schedule throughout the display period.

Annual Memberships are available for $10; membership benefits include unlimited entry into the Conservatory and discounts on many programs and events.

MAKE & TAKE CRAFT

WITCHES BREW & WINE NIGHT

Tue., Sept. 20 | 7-8 pm Miller Nature Preserve $5/person Create an Oz-inspired decoupage luminary amid the themed Conservatory display. Pre-register by Sept. 18.

Fri., Sept. 23 | 6-8 pm Miller Nature Preserve $38/members | $45/non-members $12/designated driver ticket Experience the wicked side of our ongoing Yellow Brick Road display with an adults-only wine and beer tasting event! Sweep through the character beds in the outdoor gardens, peer through the scene displays within the Conservatory, and cast your best guesses at Wizard of Oz trivia while enjoying a variety of wines and brews paired with light tapas. A keepsake wine glass and admission into the Conservatory is included. Costumes are optional, though highly encouraged (photo ops available)!

Designated driver option (soft drinks and tapas) also available.

TRUCKS, TRACTORS, TRAINS

&

Sat., Sept. 10 | 10 am-1 pm*

*10-10:30 am: Sensory-friendly time

Carlisle Visitor Center Free!

EXPLORE lots of large vehicles! RIDE The Little Green Choo Train! DIG with buckets and shovels!

MEET local heroes! CREATE arts and crafts! PLAY games! HAVE FUN with your family!

Join the staff and vehicles of Lorain County Metro Parks as well as local agencies in this FREE, fun, family-friendly event! See emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, and more! Ride The Little Green Choo, meet first responders, and get up-close looks at their vehicles. A sensory-friendly version of this event will be held from 10-10:30 a.m. with no vehicle horns or lights.

Awesome Autumn BUCKET LIST

ENJOY AUTUMN’S SIGHTS & DELIGHTS AT A NEW-TO-YOU METRO PARKS RESERVATION GET OUTDOORS & EXPLORE ON ONE OF OUR FALL-THEMED NATURE HIKES SNACK ON S’MORES WHILE TELLING GHOST STORIES AROUND A COZY CAMPFIRE TRY TO OBSERVE AN OWL IN THE WILD AND VISIT THE OWLS AT OUR RAPTOR CENTER (AT CARLISLE VISITOR CENTER) GET CRAFTY AND MAKE FALL POTPOURRI, A WREATH, OR A SCARECROW LOOK FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES GO ON A SCENIC WAGON RIDE AT WELLINGTON RESERVATION ENJOY A PICNIC-IN-THE-PARK WITH YOUR FAVORITE FALL FOODS & DRINKS ATTEND FRENCH CREEK THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (AT MILL HOLLOW - SEPT. 16, 17, 18) DECORATE (PAINT/CARVE/BEDAZZLE) A PUMPKIN TRY SOMETHING NEW, LIKE ONE OF OUR ART, COOKING, OR EXERCISE CLASSES BE MIND-FALL & BREATHE IN THE CRISP AUTUMN AIR WHILE RELAXING ON A PARK BENCH EXPERIENCE THE FUN & FRIGHTS AT HALLOWEEN FAIR TAKE A “SELFIE” WITH YOUR FAVORITE FALL BACKDROP

WWW.LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

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Outdoor Adventure LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF THE OUTDOORS

HIKING LEVELS:

= EASY

Recurring:

Take a Hike!

= MODERATE

OHIO HIKE

Every Wed. thru Oct. 5 | 8-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

IMAGINATION HIKE: AMONG US

Tue., Sept. 20 | 3-4 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

FOREST BATHING HIKE

Sun., Sept. 4 | 10:30-11 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

Sun., Sept. 25 | 6-7:30 pm Wellington Reservation

FULL MOON HIKE

HABITATS HIKE

Sat., Sept. 10 | 8-9:30 pm Wellington Reservation

Tue., Sept. 27 | 2:30-3:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

TREE I.D. HIKE

LEAF I.D. HIKE

Sun., Sept. 11 | 10-11 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Wed., Sept. 28 | 4-5:30 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

EASTERN BLUEBIRD HIKE

MEADOW HIKE

Wed., Sept. 14 | 10-11 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

Wed., Oct. 5 | 3-4 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

NATIONAL PAWPAW DAY HIKE

LEAF I.D. HIKE

Thur., Sept. 15 | 10 am-12 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)

Sat., Oct. 8 | 1-2:30 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

FALL PACK WALK (bring your dog!)

FULL MOON HIKE

Sat., Sept. 17 | 9-11 am Wellington Reservation

Sun., Oct. 9 | 6:30-8 pm Wellington Reservation Join us for a free tram ride to tour the parks! The tram rides below are first-come, first-served with limited seating/availability and take approx. 15-30 minutes.

CASCADE PARK (ELYRIA) Every Tuesday | Through Sept. 27 9 am-11:30 am

KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION (AVON LAKE) Monday, Sept. 19 5-7:30 pm

SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION (N. RIDGEVILLE)

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

Please join us for these naturalist-led guided hikes through our beautiful Lorain County Metro Parks!

WED. MORNING BIRDING HIKES

Tram Rides

= STRENUOUS

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN (BIRMINGHAM)

FALL COLORS HIKE Tue., Oct. 18 | 3-4 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

LAST CHANCE GUIDED HIKE Fri., Oct. 21 | 2-4 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)

HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE Fri., Oct. 21 | 5:30-6:30 pm Wellington Reservation

* STARGAZING WITH THE * BLACK RIVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center Join the Black River Astronomical Society for a public observation night at the Nielsen Observatory at the Carlisle Reservation’s Equestrian Center.

Fri., Sept. 16 | 9 pm-11 pm Fri., Oct. 14 | 9 pm-11 pm Fri., Oct. 28 | 9 pm-11 pm

Solar Observing Dates Sun., Sept. 11 | 1-3 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville Sun., Oct. 9 | 1-3 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

Every Tuesday & Thursday | Through Oct. 27 10 am-1 pm

WELLINGTON RESERVATION Every Tuesday | Through Sept. 27 9-11 am

Visit LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trams

Every Saturday & Sunday | Through Oct. 16 for more details!

1-4 pm LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121

These walk-in programs are free, open to the public, and weather-dependent. If there is precipitation or clouds, a cancelation notice will be posted on blackriverastro.org.

Conservation Poison Hemlock

PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND LEARN ABOUT EARTH'S NATURAL RESOURCES

A prohibited Noxious Weed in Lorain County

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), a native of Europe, West Asia, and North Africa- now grows aggressively in many parts of the world. It’s a widely recognized invasive plant. It is prolific, problematic, and poisonous and an unwanted addition at pretty much every stop. It’s been in Lorain County for a while but in recent years seems to be cropping up cruelly.

Poison hemlock was originally brought to the U.S. as an ornamental in the late 1800s. Plants escaped from cultivation and spread and in many areas are now common along roadsides, ditches and streams, fence lines, and cultivated field edges. Like many invasive plants it likes disturbed areas. In Ohio its general progression seems to have been south to north.

assist in limiting the spread of listed plants. The law prohibits the sale of products containing noxious weed seed and has provisions that can compel landowners to control noxious weeds on their own properties.

All parts of the poison hemlock plant contain alkaloids that are poisonous, and often fatal, to mammals. If you’re reading this you’re likely mammalian so please refrain from eating hemlock or touching it and then putting your hand near your mouth or eyes. Livestock can also be killed so inform them as well. Hemlock kills by causing respiratory failure. In livestock nonlethal ingestion of hemlock by adult animals can lead to deformities in offspring.

Sources seem to vary on the danger of merely Ohio has identified poison hemlock as a touching poison hemlock. Some indicate it is a skin “prohibited noxious weed”. The Noxious Weed irritant and others indicate the danger lies only in Law was created to establish a set of rules that contacting the plant and then introducing the sap

Photos courtesy of "Buckeye Yard & Garden Online"

internally by eating with unwashed hands, rubbing eyes, etc. Surely the prudent thing to do is to avoid contacting the plant whenever possible and to clean up immediately if you ever do. Also, be aware that activities like mowing and weed-whacking set sap flying and make it available for inhalation.

The most common hemlock look-alike in our area is Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), another non-native member of the carrot family (Apiaceae). Both are biennials but Queen Anne’s lace is later blooming; much smaller (2' or 3’ tall as compared to 2 or 3 meters tall for hemlock); and hairy (hemlock is hairless with purple-blotched stems).

The best course of action is to locate budding poison hemlock infestations early and to kill them- carefully- before they have the chance to get out of hand. If you do that you’ll be in compliance with the Ohio Noxious Weed Law.

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Volunteering GET INVOLVED WITH THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

BECOME A FRIENDS VOLUNTEER! The Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. is the volunteer branch of the Lorain County Metro Parks. Friends members work closely with park staff to assist with programs, plant care, special events, gift shops, and more. 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 for free, and membership fees are due at orientation (cash or check only).

UPCOMING ORIENTATION: Tue., Sept. 13 | 10 am & 7 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

MEMBERSHIP FEES: 16-64 years old: $10 65 and older: $5

DONATING TO THE LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Through the generous contributions of individuals, groups, corporations, and foundations, Lorain County Metro Parks can provide various services and facilities beyond the limitations of its tax levy. Donations can be made to the park district for general use or earmarked for a specific park, program, or necessary items. Donations are acknowledged publicly in the park’s bimonthly newsletter, the Arrowhead, in the Honor Roll (see page 3).

Consider a financial contribution to the ‘Adopt-a-Raptor’ program to benefit the Carlisle Reservation’s Raptor Center and our resident birds. Or, limited opportunities also exist for benches, trees, and Lakeview Rose Garden contributions. To donate or for more information, visit loraincountymetroparks.com/gifts-and-donations, contact pr@loraincountymetroparks.com, or call the administration office at (440) 458-5121.

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM | (440) 458-5121