Arrowhead - Sept/Oct 2023

September-October 2023

Volume 63, Number 5

HALLOWEEN FAIR

This family-friendly event includes the haunted walking trail, pumpkin lagoon, train rides, food booths, games, and more! Pre-registration is required! | Pgs. 6 & 7

NATURE AT NIGHT

Explore the trail on a night hike, enjoy a campfire story with popcorn and s'mores, create a nocturnal craft, and discover what makes nighttime nature unique! | Pg. 8

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

LaGrange, Ohio 44050

Park Updates

CASSELL RESERVATION RIBBON-CUTTING

The Cassell Reservation first began in 2004 with an initial donation of land by the Cassell family. Through additional acquisitions (substantially funded by Clean Ohio grants) and a 2023 land donation from the Sommer Realty Company, Cassell Reservation now stands at nearly 290 acres. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Highbridge Trailhead.

Due to the site’s unique hydrologic features, and somewhat acidic soils, Cassell Reservation is a haven for unique plants, including several listed by the State of Ohio as rare or endangered. In fact, one identified plant has not been found throughout the state since 1894. In 2017, researchers identified Carey’s Smartweed (Persicaria careyi) within wetland areas of the park. Currently, the reservation features more than a mile of trail to explore. The trail was cautiously built to avoid negative impacts on the site’s soil and plant life. The gravel trail is constructed of sandstone rather than traditional crushed limestone to eliminate altering the soil’s pH.

Cassell Reservation’s geology, soils, and plants set it apart from all others in Lorain County. Future development plans include a picnic shelter, supplemental parking areas, and additional trails. With time, protection, and stewardship, Cassell Reservation may ultimately be recognized as one of Northeast Ohio’s premier natural areas.

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

French Creek Nature Center: 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

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

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

• Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge 1211 West River Rd., Elyria,

•

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 2022, the Lorain County Metro Parks received over $15,000 through this campaign.

Connect to a Cause 2023 takes place on Thursday, September 21. Donations will be accepted via credit/debit card at: peoplewhocare.org/c2c2023. 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. 21.

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.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF LORAIN COUNTY'S

CONNECT TO A CAUSE

Thursday, September 21 | 8 am- 8 pm

www.peoplewhocare.org/c2c2023

Honor Roll

Jonell Baker, Grafton

Rita Bowen, Elyria

Joanne Brandt, Mansfield

Randal W. Cooper, Lorain

Dick Egy, North Ridgeville

Karen Lanigan, Avon Lake

Tina Lubrano

Douglas and Marjorie Mulder Family Fund

Firelands Fly Fishers

Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County PERI Chapter 83 Lorain County

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

Carly Dayton (Gift to Jonnie Logar)

Ken Miller Family

Nancy Stemmer

Gift was given in Honor of:

Dan Wenger by Jan and Bob Fitzpatrick, North Ridgeville

Gale Wenger by Jan and Bob Fitzpatrick, North Ridgeville

Gift was given in Memory of:

Fred Barck by Ric Barck, Vermilion

David Butkowski by Elaine and Jim Bruder, Lorain

Perri Harmon by Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain

Perri Harmon by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion

Tracey Howsare-Mallory by Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain

William Otis Jordan by Gloria Buxton

Kathy Matheson by the Teacher Friends of Kathy Matheson, Elyria

Tony and Vince Villanucci by Patricia Villanucci, Lorain

Dorothy Jane and Donald Ray Washingtonby the Quinn

Washington Family, Lorain

Geraldine Wegener by Jan and Bob Fitzpatrick, N. Ridgeville

Geraldine Wegener by Daniel and Gale Wenger, Lorain

Timothy Wenger by Jan and Bob Fitzpatrick, N. Ridgeville

Timothy Wenger by Daniel and Gale Wenger, Lorain

| (440) 458-5121

Cultural Arts

DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY

Presents:

MISERY

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

*Sept. 17 & 24 are matinee shows at 2:00 pm

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Theatre

$15/person

'Misery' follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does. 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.

ALL SHOOK UP

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

*Dec. 10 & 17 are matinee shows at 2:00 pm

French Creek Theatre, Ewing Theatre

$15/person

It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitarplaying young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” 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.

ART GALLERIES

Our art galleries typically feature local artists and their work ranging from hand-drawn or hand-painted artwork to photography.

MARIE PERME

Sept. | Open 8 am-4:30 pm, daily

Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

THE ERIE SHORES

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Oct. | Open 8 am-4:30 pm, daily

Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

CLELA NEALE - Artist & Teacher

Oct. | Open 10 am-4:30 pm, daily

French Creek Nature Center, Sheffield

BOOKS IN THE WOODS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LORAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Wed., Sept. 6 | 10-11 am

Wed., Oct. 4 | 10-11 am

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center Free! Registration requested through L.P.L. Books in the Woods is an adult book discussion in partnership with the Lorain Public Library. Each month, we will be discussing books that inspire, educate, and enrich our understanding of the natural world. Some of our discussions will have special learning opportunities provided by the Metro Parks. Please register with the Lorain Public Library online at: lorainpubliclibrary.org/events

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB

Thur., Sept. 7 | 7-8 pm

Thur., Oct. 5 | 7-8 pm

Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center Free! (Pre-registration requested, but not required)

Join us each month for this free program to discuss our latest selection. New members are always welcome and light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested at least one day prior. Hope to see you there!

INSTRUCTIONAL ART CLASSES

WITH INSTRUCTOR CLELA NEALE

Learn art techniques one step at a time. Clela will demonstrate and create a finished painting.

DRAWING 101

Every Mon., Sept. 11-Oct. 30 10-11:30 am

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $12/person; pre-reg required

WATERCOLOR CLASS

Every Mon., Sept. 11-Oct. 30 12:30-2:30 pm

Miller Nature Preserve, Avon $15/person; pre-reg required

HAIKU WORKSHOP

Fri., Oct. 20 | 2:30-4 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods area Free!

After a short introduction to haiku poetry, we will split up for some individual writing time around Indian Hollow. Then we will reconvene to share what we observed and share what we created. Open to all ages and writing levels.

LIVE OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

Sun., Sept. 17 | 6-8 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Join us for an evening of live outdoor music from 'Dodworth Saxhorn Band'. Take a stroll through the Historic Rose Garden and watch the sunset over beautiful Lake Erie. Bring a blanket or chair to relax while you enjoy the show.

BEGINNING ACRYLIC PAINTING

WITH INSTRUCTOR BRIAN MICKEY

Sat., Sept. 16 | 2-4 pm

Sat., Oct. 21 | 2-4 pm

French Creek Nature Center

$10/person

Join us as we explore the wonderful world of acrylic painting! You will learn everything you need to know about the tools and techniques required to create your very own masterpiece! For ages 14 and up. Registrants must bring supplies. View complete list of necessary supplies online.

Autumn Events

FALL HAPPENINGS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

NATURE AT NIGHT

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Fri., Sept. 1 | 6–9:30 pm

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

$5/person; Pre-reg required by Aug. 29

Join us at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center to discover what’s happening at Nature at Night! Explore the trail on a night hike, enjoy a campfire story with popcorn and s'mores, create a nocturnal craft, and view the night sky. Discover hands-on activities to help you learn more about our native nocturnal animals like owls, bats, coyotes, and more. Come explore Nature at Night!

BOO BASH

Sat., Oct. 28 | 1-2:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

$5/person

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. All participants (adults AND children) need to register by Oct. 26 (children 2 and under are free). Registered children will receive a Halloween goodie bag.

CRAFTS & CANDY

Tue., Oct. 31 | 3-4 pm

Wellington Reservation, Visitor Center

Free (pre-registration required)

Join us inside the Wellington Reservation Visitor Center for some Halloween fun! 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! Please pre-register the child participating (adults not required to register) online by Oct. 30.

HALLOWEEN PIRATE TREASURE HUNT

Sun., Oct. 22 | 1-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn

$2/child (parent does not need to register)

Ahoy mateys! Celebrate Halloween with a fun-in-nature Pirate Treasure Hunt! Drop anchor at Vermilion River Reservation's Carriage Barn lobby, anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 pm, to receive a Treasure Hunt Map left behind by the Great Lakes pirates. Use the map and clues to solve the pirate password for a spooktacular prize or walk the plank! This arrrgh activity is geared towards buccaneers aged 3-10 years old and will take around 30 minutes to complete. Pre-register child (only) by Oct. 20.

Astronomy

CELESTIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE PARK DISTRICT

ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING

Sat., Oct. 14 | 11 am-3 pm

Lakeview Park, Lorain

Celebrate this amazing celestial event with information, crafts, food, and an excellent viewing location on the shores of Lake Erie. Bring an empty cereal box to make your own eclipse viewer! Black River Astronomical Society will have telescopes available for viewing as well as members who will share solar eclipse information. A limited number of solar viewing glasses will be available on a first-come first served basis.

WHAT IS AN "ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE?"

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon.

Credit: solarsystem.nasa.gov

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE - COMING ON APRIL 8, 2024!

Join us for the celestial event of the decade – the total solar eclipse! Lorain County is in the path of totality for this unique event which means that the sun will be completely shadowed by Earth’s Moon. Stay tuned to upcoming Arrowhead issues, our website, and our social media channels for more information on events surrounding this exciting occurrence!

* AsTRONOMY PROGRAMMiNG WITH THE BLACK RIVeR AsTRONOMiCAL SoCIETY *

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.

NIGHT SKY STAR PARTY

Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

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

Fri., Sept. 15 | 9 pm-11 pm (Rain date: 9/16/23)

Fri., Oct. 6 | 8 pm-10 pm (Rain date: 10/7/23)

SolAR ObSeRvATioNs

Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

Join the Black River Astronomical Society to take a safe look at the sun. Clear skies only.

Sun., Sept. 17 | 1-3 pm

Sun., Oct. 22 | 1-3 pm

Looking to the Future

Lorain County Metro Parks STRATEGIC

PLAN

The Lorain County Metro Parks recently announced the completion of the organization’s Strategic Plan. The park district’s plan includes a review of accomplishments earned over the last ten years and reveals the critical steps necessary for continued success in the future. To ensure all citizens are given access to this information, a Speakers Bureau has been established to offer presentations to groups and organizations serving Lorain County. By actively sharing and answering questions, the district will broaden awareness of the impact and importance of our local metro parks.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Presentations will be offered from August through October this year. Presentations are adaptable to your availability and can last 10-60 minutes. These presentations can be offered virtually or in person to suit your group’s needs. A presentation can be requested online at: https://tinyurl.com/LCMPStrategicPlan2023 (or by scanning the QR code with your mobile device), by phone at (440) 865-7838, or by email to: bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks.com WANT

Park Visitors

Annual visitation to the Lorain County Metro Parks has increased from 3,308,480 in 2014 to 3,858,721 in 2022, with a significant spike at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

By the numbers Trails

The park district has grown in size and services over the last decade. The ever-changing landscape of the county required the park district to evolve its offerings and its dedication to preserving the county’s best natural resources. Here is a snapshot of just some of the numbers the park district is proud to share.

11,257

Lorain County Metro Parks PROTECTS over 11,000 acres of land.

Employees

183 77 Full-time employees including: 7 naturalists & 14 Rangers

13 Part-time employees

seasonal employees

Acres of land

38 Park Properties

The park district is comprised of public parks and reservations as well as preserved land.

Lorain County Metro Parks has roughly 145 miles of trails (118 miles of multipurpose and 27 miles of designated water) for recreation.

of Multipurpose trails 10

27 Miles

118 Miles of designated water trails

Facilities

From 2014-2022

33,185 facilities rented

Programs

The Lorain County Metro Parks offers picnic shelters, meeting rooms, and large event spaces available for rent to the public.

which equates to

10.1 rentals per day

1,341,219 people served 408.2 people served per day

The Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County, Inc. is the volunteer branch of the Lorain County Metro Parks assisting with programs, animal care, plant care, special events, gift shops, and more. 584 volunteers have donated at least 1 hour of their time since 2014.

Environmental education programming is offered to the general public to create learning opportunities in the great outdoors. These programs are also offered by request to classrooms and groups.

118,329 hours volunteered from 2014-2022*

312 Active Volunteers *Roughlytheequivalentof5.6 full-time employees

15,580

1,890

Serving Serving people people

1,029,964

89,394 Public Programs from 2014-2022 Requested Programs from 2014-2022

Take a Hike!

HIKING LEVELS: = EASY = MODERATE = STRENUOUS

PACK WALK

Fri., Sept. 1 | 7-8 pm

Wellington Reservation

TRAILS LESS TRAVELED HIKE

Sat., Sept. 2 | 11 am-12 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

FOREST BATHING HIKE

Sun., Sept. 3 | 6-8 pm

Wellington Reservation

COMPASS NAVIGATION

Thur., Sept. 7 | 6-7:30 pm

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

THINGS WITH WINGS HIKE

Sat., Sept. 9 | 1:30-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

MEADOW MARVELS HIKE

Wed., Sept. 13 | 3-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

PAWPAW HIKE

Thur., Sept. 14 | 9-11 am

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

THINGS WITH WINGS HIKE

Thur., Sept. 14 | 1:30-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

TRAIL DINNER AND HIKE

Thur., Sept. 14 | 6-8 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods

PAWPAW KIPTON WOODS HIKE

Fri., Sept. 15 | 3:30-4:30 pm

Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

LATE SUMMER WOODS HIKE

Sun., Sept. 17 | 10-11:30 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

THINGS WITH WINGS HIKE

Tue., Sept. 19 | 1:30-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

TUESDAY TREK

Tue., Sept. 19 | 10-10:45 am

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

MINDFUL FALL STROLL

Tue., Oct. 3 | 5:30-6:30 pm

French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree Picnic Area

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Sept. 20 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

MILLER HIKE

Thur., Sept. 21 | 12-1 pm

Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

SO LONG SUMMER LIL' KIDS STROLL

Fri., Sept. 22 | 11-11:30 am & 3-3:30 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Carriage Barn

BLACK RIVER CRITTERS HIKE

Sat., Sept. 23 | 1:30-3:30 pm

Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods

WALK AND TALK

Tue., Sept. 26 | 12:30-1:30 pm

Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

WATER CROSSING SAFETY

Wed., Sept. 27 | 5:30-7:30 pm

Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

EAGLE EYE HIKE

Thur., Sept. 28 | 11 am-12 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

FULL MOON HIKE

Fri., Sept. 29 | 7:30-8:30 pm

Wellington Reservation

CALEY SNAKE SURVEY

Sat., Sept. 30 | 8-9:30 am

Caley Reservation (Wellington)

MUSHROOM HIKE

Sat., Sept. 30 | 2-3 pm

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

TREE I.D. HIKE

Sat., Sept. 30 | 10-11 am

Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

KIDS' LEAF I.D. HIKE & CRAFT

Sat., Oct. 7 | 10-11:30 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

OWL PROWL

Sun., Oct. 8 | 5:30-7 pm

Wellington Reservation

THINGS WITH WINGS HIKE

Tue., Oct. 17 | 1:30-3 pm

Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

LEAF I.D. HIKE

Tue., Oct. 17 | 4-5 pm

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR

Wed., Oct. 18 | 10-11 am

Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

LAST CALL WILDFLOWERS WALK

Wed., Oct. 18 | 3-4 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

LAST CHANCE GUIDED HIKE

Thur., Oct. 19 | 2-4 pm

Charlemont Reservation (New London)

GHOST TREE HIKE

Sat., Oct. 21 | 2-3 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

COOL-CRAWLIES KIDS HIKE

Tue., Oct. 24 | 11-11:45 am & 3-3:45 pm

Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

FULL MOON HIKE

Sat., Oct. 28 | 6-7:30 pm

Wellington Reservation

HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE

Sun., Oct. 29 | 6-7 pm

Wellington Reservation

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES