Arrowhead - Fall 2026

FALL 2026 VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3

MORE INFO ON PG. 22!

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

MONARCH MIGRATION | PG. 8

Learn about the full migratory cycle of the monarch butterfly and why Lorain County plays a vital role in this magical journey.

GEOLOGY ROCKS! | PG. 12

OCTOBER

9-24

*FRI. & SAT. ONLY

Discover Lorain County's ancient geologic past and explore where to see the magnificent valleys, ravines, and cliffs home to the Lorain County Metro Parks.

WWW.LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM

ADMISSION

7

PER PERSON

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS • ARROWHEAD

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

3 Letter from the Director 4-5 Park District Addresses/Park Map 6 Park-by-Park Amenities Grid 7 Honor Roll 8-11 Cover Story - Fall Migration of the Monarch Butterfly 12-13 Nature - The Geology of Lorain County Metro Parks 14-15 Conservation - Fall Management 16-19 Programs & Events - Kids & Family 20-21 Programs & Events - Adult-Focused 22-23 Programs & Events - Seasonal 24-27 Programs & Events - Guided Hikes

The Arrowhead is a publication of the Lorain County Metro Parks and is published seasonally.

A digital version is available at loraincountymetroparks.com/arrowhead.

If you are aged 65 and older or have mobility or transportation limitations and are interested in receiving a printed copy of the Arrowhead delivered to your home or residence, please call our administrative offices at (440) 458-5121.

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ALERTS AND CLOSURES

CONTACTING A RANGER

Occasionally, some of our trails or facilities close due to extreme weather, maintenance, or renovations.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels to remain up-to-date on any alerts or closures.

LorainCountyMetroParks @LCMetroParks

If you are in a Metro Park and need immediate help, the quickest way to reach a ranger is to dial 9-1-1.

A ranger will be notified of the emergency and be dispatched to your location as soon as possible.

@LorainCoMetParks

For any non-emergencies, the ranger department can be reached at: (440) 670-4692 rangers@loraincountymetroparks.com

loraincountymetroparks.com (440) 458-5121

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Tick Check Station Installed at Six Metro Park Locations Dear Residents, In July, we launched another successful partnership with Lorain County Public Health by installing Tick Check Stations at six of our parks. Since that time, we have seen firsthand how a simple idea can make a meaningful difference for our park visitors and the community.

At Lorain County Metro Parks, our mission extends beyond providing beautiful places to explore. We are equally committed to ensuring visitors have the information and James E. Ziemnik resources they need to enjoy the outdoors safely. The Tick Check Stations have Director/Secretary become an important part of that commitment by providing educational information, an easy way to report tick encounters, and a safe way to dispose of ticks found during outdoor activities. Earlier this summer, Tick Check Stations were installed at the following locations: • Carlisle Reservation – 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange • Indian Hollow Reservation: Royal Oaks – 1057 Parsons Rd., Grafton • Miller Nature Preserve: Avon Wetlands – 35120 Riegelsberger Rd., Avon • Sandy Ridge Reservation – 6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville • Vermilion River Reservation: Bacon Woods – 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion • Wellington Reservation – 535 Jones Rd., Wellington Ticks thrive in wooded areas, tall grasses, and along trails, where they play a role in the broader ecosystem. While we often receive questions about spraying to reduce tick populations, widespread pesticide use is neither a viable nor a responsible solution in park settings. Chemical spraying is generally ineffective and can have unintended consequences.

These treatments do not target ticks exclusively and may harm beneficial insects, as well as birds and other wildlife that contribute to a healthy, balanced habitat. Rather than relying on spraying, we focus on education and prevention.

The Tick Check Stations have strengthened our ability to educate residents about tick awareness while also supporting Lorain County Public Health's efforts to better understand tick activity throughout our region. By encouraging visitors to report ticks through the digital submission system, we are helping collect valuable information that can guide future public health education and outreach.

The response from park visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed appreciation for having convenient stations available at trailheads. The stations have also increased awareness that tick prevention should be a routine part of spending time outdoors, whether in our parks or elsewhere in Lorain County.

Successful community initiatives are built on strong partnerships, and we are grateful to Lorain County Public Health for their collaboration and shared commitment to protecting the health of our residents. Together, we have created a practical resource that benefits both public health and outdoor recreation.

Sincerely,

PS – To help visitors be even more prepared, Lorain County Metro Parks is offering a free tick remover tool for a limited time. Stop by the Carlisle Visitor Center to pick up yours while supplies last.

James E. Ziemnik Director/Secretary

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Jennifer Bracken

Paul J. Hruby

Asst. Director

Asst. Director

2026 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

Lorain County Metro Parks is governed by a three-member Board of Park Commissioners, who are appointed by the Lorain County Probate Court Judge and serve without pay.

Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda Chairman

Joseph E. Hribar Vice Chairman

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Robert E. Baker Jr. Commissioner

LOCATIONS & FACILITIES AMHERST BEAVER CREEK RESERVATION

INDIAN HOLLOW RESERVATION Sheldon Woods: 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044 Royal Oaks: 1057 Parsons Rd., Grafton, OH 44044

913 North Lake St., Amherst, OH 44001

AMHERST HEALTHPLEX/ HOLLSTEIN RESERVATION

47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 (440) 984-3470

KOPF FAMILY GOLF COURSE at CHERRY RIDGE

BLACK RIVER RESERVATION

1211 West River Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 324-3713

Bur Oak: 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 Day’s Dam: 2720 East 31st St., Lorain, OH 44055 High Meadows: 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, OH 44035

KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION

32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012

KIPTON RESERVATION

16000 St. Route 511, Oberlin, OH 44074

CALEY RESERVATION

LAKEVIEW PARK

18207 West Rd., Wellington, OH 44090

1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052 (440) 865-7630 (Sunset Café)

CARLISLE RESERVATION

(440) 458-5121 Carlisle Visitor Center (Park District Headquarters): 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 Duck Pond Picnic Area: 12550 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 Equestrian Center/Nielsen Observatory: 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE

(440) 937-0764 (Conservatory) (440) 865-8944 (Orchid Café) Main Entrance/Conservatory/Orchid Café: 2739 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011 Avon Wetlands Trailhead: 35120 Riegelsberger Rd., Avon, OH 44011 Upper French Creek Wetlands Trailhead: 4488 Jaycox Rd., Avon, OH 44011

CASCADE PARK

387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035 Elywood Entrance: 552 Washington Ave., Elyria, OH 44035

NORTH COAST INLAND TRAIL

Butternut Ridge Trailhead (Mile Marker 19.7): 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074 Gateway Trailhead (Mile Marker 14.3): 6302 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035

CASSELL RESERVATION

Highbridge Trailhead: 815 Highbridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 Sunnyside Trailhead: 880 Sunnyside Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089

THE NORTH STAR PRESERVE/ HENRY’S BARN

CENTURY PARK

46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, OH 44074

1955 East Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052

SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION

CHARLEMONT RESERVATION

6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039 (440) 327-3626 Sandy Ridge West: 7020 Case Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039

48600 New London Eastern Rd., New London, OH 44851

COLUMBIA RESERVATION

25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028 (440) 236-3254 Briarwood Lodge: 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, OH 44028

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN

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

DORLON RESERVATION

SPLASH ZONE

18200 Station Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028

95 West Hamilton Rd., Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 774-5059

FOREST HILLS GOLF COURSE

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION

41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (440) 323-2632

51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089 (440) 967-7310

FRENCH CREEK RESERVATION

WELLINGTON RESERVATION

(440) 949-5200 French Creek Nature Center/Theatre: 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH 44054 Pine Tree Picnic Area: 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village, OH 44054

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

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PARK DISTRICT MAP

PARK DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT The Lorain County Metropolitan Park District was established for the responsible use, enjoyment, and accessibility of every citizen of Lorain County.

The Park District acquires land to promote and demonstrate the wise use of our natural resources.

The Park District strives to preserve and create a diversity of ecosystems while providing educational and recreational opportunities which are compatible with and promote conservation of these resources.

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Me S eti & now S F Spl Sh XC Sshoe Sle wimm Disc Min ash ood/C ng Ro i-G Go ing Pad afe oms elters kiing ing dding olf lf †

Ind Hik oor Do ing P P K n T ayak laysp laygro g Wa Cy /Wa Fis c l rai hin Go k ing ∆ ace und ling lking ing ls lf g tria

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Amhe rst Be aver C reek R Amhe eserva rst He althPle tion x Black River R eserva Caley tion Reser vation Carlis le Res ervatio n Casca de Par k Casse ll Rese rvatio n Centu ry Par k Charle mont Reser vation Colum bia Re servat ion Dorlon Reser vation Forest Hills G olf Co urse French Creek R e s ervatio Indian n Hollow Reser Kopf Fa vation mily Go lf Cours Kopf F e at Ch amily erry Rid Reser ge vation Kipton Reser vation Lakev iew Pa rk Miller Nature Prese North rve Coast Inland Sandy Trail Ridge Reser vation Schoe pfle G arden Splash Zone Vermil ion Riv er Res ervatio Wellin n gton R eserva tion

PARK-BY-PARK AMENITIES

∆ Kayak rentals are only available at Wellington Reservation. Physical launches are only located at Black River Reservation/French Creek Reservation and Wellington Reservation. † Lake swimming at Lakeview Park is only allowed during the summer months, while lifeguards are on duty.

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HONOR ROLL

DONATIONS LISTED BELOW SPAN FROM APRIL - JUNE 2026 The Honor Roll is our way of publicly thanking individuals, families, organizations, and 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 Officer at (440) 458-5121.

General Donations:

Anonymous Mary Beth Arendash Mikenzie Bartolone Jason & Heather Booth Chris & Mark Chonko Community Foundation Of Lorain County Kristi Dorinski Friends Of Metro Parks In Lorain County Garden Club Of Nort`h Ridgeville Jacob & Robyn Groshek & Family Jay Harbeck Travis Hicks John Kirkpatrick LaGrange Hunting & Fishing Club*

Karen Lanigan Sherrill ("Cookie") McLoda Don & Bev Murphy Plum Creek Garden Club Jeanette M. Piechota Red Hat Mamas Christine Suvak Titus Bible Study Twin Lakes Estate of David & Rosalind Ursem** Vermilion YMCA Silver Sneakers Kate Walsh Laura White White Squirrel Clayworks, LLC*

Gift given in Honor/Memory of: In Memory of Quinn M Andrews by: Jordan And Lindsay Andrews In Memory of Bill Bistak by: Barbara Gorenshek In Memory of Bill Kallas by: Joe And Cheryl Hribar

In Memory of Christopher T Nagel by: Joseph & Sandra Guzik In Memory of James W. Siddall by: The Revsbech Family *Donation made in February, 2026 **Donation made in March, 2026

RAPTOR CENTER

The

AT CARLISLE RESERVATION 12882 DIAGONAL RD., LAGRANGE

Open daily, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm The Raptor Center is a facility dedicated to the professional care and management of non-releasable raptors while maintaining the highest level of welfare possible. Through quality programs, we provide the knowledge, skills, experiences, and dedication that empower visitors to become stewards for their neighboring wildlife and wild places.

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Scan here to donate!

tinyurl.com/aar-donate

COVER STORY

The Magic of

MONARCHS Article by Rachel Kalizewski, Naturalist Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are one of many stunning butterflies we can see here in Northeast Ohio from spring through early fall. With a striking orange color, outlined in thick black veins and white dots, it is hard to miss this butterfly as it flits among the fields. What makes this butterfly different than others is its incredible journey that lies ahead at the end of summer.

stage is the emergence of the adult butterfly. After emerging, it takes up to four hours for the wings to fully dry and harden before the butterfly takes flight.

Monarch butterflies rely entirely on plants in the milkweed family to complete their metamorphosis. There are 13 species of milkweed native to Ohio. Species commonly found in Lorain County include common Life Cycle milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed Monarch butterflies undergo a complete (Asclepias incarnata), and butterfly weed metamorphosis with four main stages and (Asclepias tuberosa). As caterpillars, monarchs five instar stages as caterpillars. The first feed on the stems and leaves of these plants, stage begins as an almost microscopic egg. After four days, the egg hatches into a caterpillar (larva) with distinct black, white, and yellow stripes. For about two weeks, the caterpillar feeds constantly, stopping only to rest and molt. Once the caterpillar reaches its final instar, it transforms into a chrysalis (pupa), where it remains for 10 to 14 days.

The chrysalis is light green with delicate gold-colored markings along the top. The final -8-

Look Alike

In the natural world, animals have unique traits to protect themselves against predators. One of these traits is called mimicry. Mimicry is the evolved ability of an organism to closely resemble another species or its environment, gaining a survival advantage.

Viceroy butterflies (Limenitis archippus) have used this trait to closely resemble the monarch butterfly.

While almost visually identical, two physical features separate the species. Viceroys have a dark line that extends from one end of their hind wings to the other, whereas monarchs lack this. Viceroys are also smaller than monarchs.

Getting close enough to see these traits can be difficult, so flight patterns are another way to differentiate the two. The viceroy's flight is erratic compared to the monarchs' float-like, "flap, flap, glide" pattern. Viceroys also do not migrate but instead overwinter as larvae rolled up in a leaf of their host plants, typically willow or poplar trees.

VICEROY BUTTERFLY

absorbing and storing the plant’s toxins (cardiac glycosides).

These compounds can deter some vertebrate predators but are less effective against invertebrate predators such as ants, spiders, and wasps.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY

After leaving the milkweed plant, adult butterflies use their straw-like mouthpart, called a proboscis, to collect nectar from flowers. This nectar is converted into fat and stored in the butterfly’s abdomen, becoming a critical energy source for winter survival. These fat reserves fuel their long migration and must sustain them until the following spring, when they begin their journey back north.

PHOTOS: Male monarch butterfly on flower (main image); Common milkweed flowers (pg. 8); Viceroy butterfly* (pg. 9 - top); Monarch butterfly* (pg.

9 - bottom); Male monarch butterfly* (pg. 11 - top); Female monarch butterfly* (pg. 11 - middle); Tagged monarch butterfly (pg. 11 - bottom) *Photo courtesy of Gary Korzan -9-

Continued on pg. 10 >>

A Generational Voyage

It takes 3 to 4 generations of Monarchs to complete the full migratory cycle. In Lorain County, we typically see the birth of the "super generation," that departs for the long journey south.

H

BEG

FEB. INS TO MIGRATE NORT JAN.

^ ADULTS LIVE 2-5 WEEKS

2ND GENERATION

MAY THROUGH JUNE

NOV.

^ ADULTS LIVE 2-5 WEEKS

^ ADULTS LIVE 2-5 WEEKS

4TH GENERATION

(A.K.A. “SUPER GENERATION”)

SEPT.

FALL MIGRATION

JULY THROUGH AUG.

ADULTS LIVE 8-9 MONTHS

MIGRATE SOUTH

3RD GENERATION

OVERWINTERING

DEC.

MID-MAR. THROUGH APR.

SUMMER MIGRATION

OVERWINTER IN WARM CLIMATES

SPRING MIGRATION

1ST GENERATION

OCT. - 10 -

The Long Journey South

Eggs laid in late July and early August produce butterflies that are biologically and behaviorally different from earlier summer generations.

While typical summer monarchs live only 2 to 5 weeks, this late-season generation delays reproduction and becomes the “super generation.”

These monarchs can live up to 8 to 9 months, allowing them to complete the demanding migration cycle.

As summer comes to an end, the monarch’s genetic instincts are triggered by the diminishing daylight and lack of food, indicating that it is time to migrate. Out of the roughly 18,000 species of butterflies, monarchs are one of the few that migrate, and this migration is no easy feat. Each fall, millions of these butterflies gather in unison to fly upwards of 3,000 miles to spend winter in warmer climates. Typically solitary animals, the migrating butterflies stick together as they move south, clustering at night in the safety of trees. If they linger too long in cold weather, these cold-blooded creatures won’t be able to fly.

Following food sources south, monarch butterflies make their way to the mountain regions of Mexico, including Michoacán, where they spend the winter resting in oyamel fir forests. These forests sit at elevations approaching 2 miles above sea level and provide ideal conditions for overwintering. With temperatures ranging from 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and humid conditions to prevent them from drying out, this area is the perfect microclimate where butterflies can rest until spring.

Why Lorain County Matters

What makes Lorain County unique for monarch butterflies is that our region provides the habitat and nourishment needed for the final generation to make the journey south. Natural areas along the lakeshore provide important resting habitat for butterflies arriving from Canada after crossing the lake. Additionally, these monarchs rely on our native flowers, such as tall ironweed, goldenrods, asters, and blazing star, to build fat reserves for their journey.

Unfortunately, threats to monarch butterflies are increasing. In both eastern and western populations, numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, changing landscapes that disrupt migration routes, natural predators, parasitoids, diseases, and climate change. One of the most impactful actions we can take to support monarch recovery is to plant native milkweed and nectar-rich flowers in our gardens and avoid using pesticides. These efforts provide the habitat monarchs need to complete their lifecycle while also benefiting thousands of other wildlife species. You can also contribute by participating in monarch tagging programs that help scientists track migration patterns. Over time, these efforts help ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of monarch butterflies.

Male & Female

Both male and female butterflies look very similar except for one distinct feature. On both hind wings, a male monarch will have two dots, while the female will lack these. Males are also slightly larger than females.

MALE MONARCH

FEMALE MONARCH

Monarch Tagging

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES MEET A MONARCH HIKES

Thur., Sept. 3 | 10:00-11:00 am Wed., Sept. 9 | 3:00-4:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | No registration required

Since 1992, the Monarch Watch Tagging Program through Monarch Watch has helped us to understand the MONARCH HIKES dynamics of the monarchs’ fall migration through marking Tue., Sept. 8, 15, & 22 | 1:00-2:00 pm and recapture. Initially, this program was designed to help Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville) locate overwintering monarchs and later determine where Free | No registration required they came from. As time has gone by, it has done so much more! Tagging has helped to answer questions about the origins of the monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, changes in geographic location, and mortality during migration.

At Lorain County Metro Parks, naturalists order and receive sets of monarch tag stickers to place on soonto-be migrating monarchs to help in this citizen science project. We will either catch wild monarchs to tag or raise caterpillars to butterflies and then tag them. The lightweight tags are designed specifically for monarchs and do not interfere with flight or harm them if placed correctly on the hind wing. If you ever find a butterfly with a tag, you can go to Monarch Watch’s website, enter in the number, and see where they began their flight.

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NATURE

Geology Beneath Our Feet

Article by Bev Walborn, Outdoor Experiences Manager

Discovering Lorain County’s Ancient Past

Article by Bev Walborn, Outdoor Experiences Manager When we explore Lorain County today, it is easy to focus on forests, rivers, wetlands, and the shoreline of Lake Erie.

Yet beneath every trail, streambank, and scenic overlook lies a story written over hundreds of millions of years.

The landscape we know today was shaped by ancient oceans, layers of buried sediment, advancing glaciers, and water that continues to shape the land.

Think Lorain County has always looked like it does today? Think again.

Long before roads, parks, farms, and neighborhoods existed, this region looked dramatically different. Warm, shallow seas once covered the area.

Ancient marine life moved through waters that stretched across Ohio.

Later, immense sheets of ice slowly advanced and retreated, carving and reshaping the landscape.

Every rock, river valley, and change in elevation tells part of that story.

Today’s landscapes are more than places to explore. They are a living record of deep time, revealing clues about environments that existed hundreds of millions of years before the first visitors ever set foot in Lorain County.

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When Lorain County Was Underwater

Picture Lorain County hundreds of millions of years ago. Instead of neighborhoods, highways, and park trails, a warm, shallow sea stretched across the landscape. Beneath the surface, marine life flourished. Corals formed underwater communities while shellfish, snails, and trilobites, Ohio’s official state fossil, moved across the seafloor.

Over vast stretches of time, those ancient waters transformed the landscape in ways that still influence Lorain County today. Layer by layer, mud, sand, shells, and other sediments settled to the bottom of the sea and slowly compressed into rock. These deposits formed portions of the shale, sandstone, and limestone bedrock that remain beneath much of northern Ohio.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY SILLY SCIENCE: FOSSILS!

Sun., Nov. 8 | 9:30-11:00 am French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield) Free | Registration (child only) required Travel back in time at Super Silly Science: Fossils! Children ages 2 to 5 and their adult companion will explore the fascinating world of fossils through fun, hands-on experiments and discovery activities.

As conditions changed and inland seas advanced and retreated, thick underground salt deposits also formed deep below the surface. Today, some of that ancient salt is mined beneath Lake Erie and used to help improve winter road safety.

The seas eventually disappeared, but they left behind clues to their existence. Fossils preserved in limestone and sedimentary rock offer snapshots of an ocean long gone. Look closely at exposed stone, and you may discover tiny shell impressions or coral patterns, like pages from Earth’s oldest scrapbook.

Though hidden beneath our feet, this ancient foundation continues to support the rivers, forests, wetlands, and landscapes we experience across Lorain County today.

Glaciers on the Move

During the Ice Age, about 1.6 million years ago, enormous glaciers crept south from Canada, moving so slowly you would not see them travel—but with enough power to scrape, grind, and reshape the land.

As the glaciers moved and melted, they helped create ancient lakes and sandy shorelines. Those old shorelines became ridges we still know today. Roads such as Chestnut Ridge Road, Butternut Ridge Road, Middle Ridge Road, and North Ridge Road follow land shaped by ancient water and ice. Long before cars used them, these higher ridges also served as natural travel routes for early settlers.

So, the next time you drive along one of these roads, imagine the scene: glaciers as tall as buildings, lakes where dry land now sits, and a landscape slowly being carved into the county we recognize today.

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Continued on pg. 14 >>

Where to See Geology in Lorain County Metro Parks

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Vermilion River Reservation

Visitors can hike along trails that feature stunning, millions-of-years-old winding shale cliffs carved by the Vermilion River. As the river erodes the cliff faces, it drops bits of sandstone, shale, and natural, rounded stone formations, known as "turtle rocks", into the riverbed.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES TURTLE ROCK HUNT HIKE

Wed., Sept. 30 | 3:00-4:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | No registration required Join a naturalist as we search the riverbed for unique rocks, including the area's distinctive turtle rocks, while learning about the forces that shaped them.

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OHIO GEOLOGY HIKE

Wed., Nov. 4 | 2:00-3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | No registration required Discover the ancient story written in stone! Begin with a rock meet-and-greet before heading out on the Riverside Trail to explore the fascinating geological history of the Vermilion River Valley and observe the spectacular rock layers exposed in the cliffs.

Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

Amherst is home to one of the most historically significant sandstone quarrying regions in the world, where Berea sandstone was once extracted and shipped globally. At Amherst Beaver Creek, visitors can see how the landscape continues to reflect that geologic foundation. Since the retreat of the last glaciers, the creek has steadily carved through sandstone and shale, shaping a varied terrain of rolling hills, wooded ravines, and cliffs up to 30 feet high.

PHOTOS: Shale cliffs at Vermilion River Reservation (pg. 12); Child at geology program at French Creek Reservation (pg. 13)

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY 'NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY' HIKE

Tue., Nov. 17 | 10:00-11:00 am Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation Free | No registration required Join a naturalist for a relaxing one-mile hike along the paved trail as we take in the sights and sounds of late autumn and celebrate the many benefits of spending time in nature.

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Cascade Park

Visitors can explore dramatic river-carved gorges and towering shale cliffs along the East and West Branches of the Black River. A scenic trail leads to the West Falls overlook, where visitors can witness the power of the falls as it cascades over erosion-resistant layers of Berea sandstone and shale, showcasing the natural forces that have shaped this landscape over time.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY GEOLOGY OF CASCADE PARK

Thur., Oct. 29 | 10:00-11:30 am Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required Discover the fascinating geological story of Cascade Park with a naturalist! Begin inside the nature center to learn how the area's landscape was formed, then head outdoors to explore the trails and take in scenic views from the West Falls overlook. Along the way, you'll uncover the powerful natural forces that shaped the park over millions of years.

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Indian Hollow Reservation: Sheldon Woods

At Sheldon Woods Park, sandstone outcrops and steep ravines reflect Lorain County’s bedrock geology.

Berea sandstone forms subtle ledges and ridges, while softer layers have been carved into shaded hollows and uneven terrain. The site also contains remnants of a former sandstone quarry, and along the Windfall Quarry Trail, visitors can see exposed quarry faces and stone artifacts that reflect the area’s industrial past. Today, the forest landscape blends natural features with visible history shaped by both geology and human use.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY QUARRY HISTORY HIKE

Sun., Nov. 1 | 10:00-11:00 am Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton) Free | Registration required Travel with a Lorain County Metro Parks naturalist for a guided hike through Grafton's historic quarrying landscape, where remnants of an industry that helped shape the community still remain. Along the way, you'll discover the stories behind the quarries and explore the lasting impact this once-thriving business had on the region.

GEOLOGY ROCKS BUS TRIP

Not able to attend this guided hike?

Check out this self-guided tour of the Windfall Quarry Trail by scanning below!

Sat., Nov., 14 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm Trip begins and ends at Lakeview Park (Lorain) $50/person (includes transportation, boxed lunch, and expert interpretation) Interested in learning more about our unique geological history? Travel through millions of years of Earth's history on the Geology Rocks Bus Trip! Join a Lorain County Metro Parks naturalist and a guest geologist for a fascinating journey to parks across the county, where you'll discover how ancient shallow seas, powerful glaciers, and historic quarries shaped the landscape we enjoy today. At each stop, you'll explore unique geological features and uncover the stories hidden within the rocks. Space is limited, and registration is required.

CONSERVATION

k l o s !

F l l a F s ' t a h T team shifts its focus on ti va er ns Co e th How comes to a close as the warm season

Article by Nora Gallagher, Conservation Supervisor

PHOTO: Conservation supervisors, Nora Gallagher and Michaela Finnerty, planting live stakes at Avon Wetlands

Seasonal Shifts

Fall brings cooler temperatures, a welcome change after the intense summer heat. This seasonal shift signals people and plants alike to prepare for winter.

During the growing season, plants direct most of their nutrients upward to produce flowers and fruit, a key process that helps them thrive in our parks. Now that plants have successfully reproduced it is time to hunker down for the winter by moving nutrients to their roots. We easily see this transition in trees and shrubs as leaves begin to change color.

These seasonal cues also prompt our conservation team to shift our focus to invasive woody-plant management. Many invasive woody species throughout northeast Ohio are degrading forest habitats, and Lorain County Metro Parks have been affected as well. Our primary targets are autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and glossy buckthorn.

ABOVE: Honeysuckle can create a dense canopy, displacing all other plants. By removing this monoculture, sunlight will be able to reach the soil, allowing germination of the native seed bank.

ABOVE: Glossy buckthorn is taking over the understory of many parks. Here we can easily see why our teams like to target this plant in the fall; its green contrast makes identification a breeze.

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Reclaiming the Understory

It Takes a Village

Our team uses several removal methods to This fall, we expect active work across many of our improve ecosystem health. At Charlemont, Indian parks as we apply best land management practices Hollow, Caley, and other parks, conservation to help each site reach its full potential. This season supervisors follow systematic mowing plans to is ideal for removing woody invasives because it limit the establishment of shrubs and trees in minimizes impacts on nesting bird habitat and allows meadow areas. We also use prescribed burns to cut material to be used as brush piles for winter promote herbaceous wildlife shelter. Fall also BONUS VIDEO CONTENT growth in meadow makes invasive shrubs Scan here to watch how we perform habitats. and trees easier to prescribed burns! identify, since they often In our forested stay green longer than parks, understory native woody plants. management is This contrast helps our becoming increasingly teams spot invasives tinyurl.com/lcmp-burn-vid important as we identify from a distance and areas of concern.

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY work more efficiently.

Although species such BATTLING BACKYARD INVADERS as honeysuckle and In addition to removing Sat., Sept. 5 | 12:00-1:00 pm invasive species, buckthorn provide Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) our team uses the shelter, their fruit Free | No registration required offers little nutritional Join us for this program to learn more about the dormant season to value for local wildlife. efforts of our conservation team and get tips and harvest seeds and live cuttings from native Because these invasive tricks for removing invasives on your own property. plants. We collect these plants aggressively BECOME A VOLUNTEER materials sustainably compete with vital from thriving areas to native understory Scan here to learn more about becoming support supplemental species, unmanaged a volunteer! More plantings in parks areas can leave wildlife information on Friends volunteer orientations recovering after without the nutrienton page 23! invasive plants rich foods they need to loraincountymetroparks.com/volunteer have been removed. build energy reserves Because collection and installation require many for fall migration and overwintering. helping hands, we encourage anyone interested in Not only do invasive shrubs and trees produce supporting our efforts to become a volunteer. low-quality resources, but they can also change the soil composition through a process called You can also help by removing invasive species allelopathy. This is when the plant releases from your own property. The most effective compounds that prevent competing vegetation method depends on the plant species and from growing. We most commonly see this with size. Not all invasives are handled the same, autumn olive plants. These shrubs can leach as some can aggressively respond to cutting, nitrogen into the soil, potentially impacting creating a much larger issue. Some invasives are removed by hand, while others must be groundwater and streams. treated through chemical application.

Our conservation team’s objective is to improve habitat quality. Therefore, it is of great interest With your help and the continued efforts of to remove these species from our stream the conservation team, we can help restore banks. Careful consideration is being given to healthy ecosystems, improve wildlife habitat, the removal process to mitigate the spread of and ensure our parks remain resilient for future generations. these invasives downstream and soil erosion.



- 17 -

KIDS & FAMILY PROGRAMS CRAFTING PROGRAMS

VERMILION RIVER FEST !

SUET BIRDFEEDER MAKING !∆

Sat., Sept. 12 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Free | No registration required Bring the whole family to enjoy a day along the Vermilion River with food trucks, live music, kid’s games, face painting, nature activities, fly fishing demonstrations, inflatable sports challenges, wagon rides, campfires, and more!

Sun., Sept. 20 & Nov. 15 | 11:00 am-2:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

STRING ART CLASSES !∆$ Sat., Oct., 17 | 10:00 am-12:30 pm Sat., Nov. 21 | 2:00-4:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow $15/person | Registration required

SPOOKY SENSORY BINS !∆ Thur., Oct., 29 | 10:00-10:45 am & 3:00-3:45 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | Registration (child only) required

DIY BIRD FEEDER MAKING SESSIONS !!!∆ Free | Registration (child only) required Tue., Nov. 3 | 2:30-3:30 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake Public Library Sat., Nov. 7 | 2:30-3:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Tue., Nov. 10 | 2:30-3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Thur., Nov. 12 | 2:30-3:30 pm Columbia Reservation (Briarwood Lodge)

'TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY' TREASURE HUNT ! $∆

Sat., Sept., 19 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm & 1:00-3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation (Mill Hollow) $2/person | Registration (child only) required Sail into the Carriage Barn and grab a treasure map and solve the pirate password to receive a prize!

Geared towards ages 3–10, however any buccaneer under 18 can participate with an accompanying adult!

Dress in your pirate best and receive an extra prize!

ACORN PAINTING DROP-IN CRAFT !

Sun., Nov. 15 & Mon., Nov. 16 | 10:00 am-3:00 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Free | No registration required

LIVE ANIMAL PROGRAMS

WILD THINGS !

Tue., Sept. 1 & 15 | 1:30-2:15 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | No registration required

NATURE'S GIVING HIKE & CRAFT !∆

CRITTER CARE !∆

Sun., Sept. 13 & 20 | 1:30-2:30 pm Sun., Oct. 25 | 1:30-2:30 pm Sun., Nov. 8 & 22 | 1:30-2:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Free | Registration required

- 18 -

Wed., Nov., 25 | 2:00-3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | Registration required

TURKEY SCAVENGER HUNT & CRAFT !∆ Wed., Nov., 25 | 10:00-11:00am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham) Free | Registration (child only) required

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Halloween Fair is

Pre-Sale Tickets Onl y!

Tickets on sale Sept.

22

ADMISSION

OCTOBER

7

9-24 *FRI. & SAT. ONLY

PER PERSON

4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Family Friendly: 4:30-6:30 pm | Spooky: 7:00-9:30 pm Entrance gates close at 9:00 pm | Admissions Booth closes at 9:15 pm

haunted walking trail - train rides food vendors - entertainment - games

*all-abilities Night: Thursday, October 8 | 4:30-8:00 pm

Enjoy Halloween Fair with lights and sounds limited to reduce stimulus. Trams will be available on the haunted trail on a first-come, first-served basis for mobility needs. All-Abilities Night packs in all of the same event fun, including the family-friendly haunted trail, Little Green Choo rides, food trucks, and games.

Scan to read about the history of Halloween Fair

Scan to purchase tickets!

MORE INFO ON THE EVENT ON PAGE 22!

tinyurl.com/ah-fall25

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/HALLOWEEN FOR MORE INFO AND TICKETS - 19 -

KIDS & FAMILY PROGRAMS PLAYSCHOOL !∆ L O R A I N

C O U N T Y

M E T R O

Sept. 2, 9, 16, & 30 | 10:30-11:15 am Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28 | 10:30-11:15 am Nov. 4, 11, & 18 | 10:30-11:15 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Free | Registration (child only) required Interactive story time incorporating music and movement, where children get to take on the act of storytelling in their own way. Each session has a new theme. Geared towards ages 2-5 with adult companion.

P A R K S

CRITTER CREW PUPPET SHOWS

French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) $5/person | Registration required Join turtles Harry and Bonnie along with their snake friends, Scarlet and Blake, on adventures! Fun and entertaining for the whole family!

PERIL OF THE PUMPKIN PIRATE !∆$

LITTLE EXPLORERS !∆

Sun., Sept. 20 | 10:30-11:00 am & 11:30 am-12:00 pm

Sept. 4, Oct. 9, & Nov. 6 | 10:00-11:00 am Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | Registration (child only) required Each month we will learn about a different nature topic geared towards little minds explore the outside world.

Receive a passport and get stamps for each program.

MONSTER BASH !∆$

Mon., Oct. 12 | 10:30-11:00 am & 11:30 am-12:00 pm

THROUGH THE WOODS !∆$

Sun., Nov. 15 | 10:30-11:00 am & 11:30 am-12:00 pm

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

GARDEN SPROUTS ! ∆

*All programs geared towards preschool-aged children with an adult companion.

Sept. 10, Oct. 15, & Nov. 19 | 10:30-11:15 am Miller Nature Preserve (Avon) Free | Registration (child only) required Nature-based program series with a nature- or seasonal-inspired theme to incorporate some of these educational and playful ways for kids to learn and grow!

CURIOUS CRITTERS !!!∆

Free | Registration (child only) required Join a naturalist to learn about nature through engaging hands-on activities! Each month features a new topic.

Sat., Sept. 5 | 10:30-11:30 am Sat., Oct. 3 | 10:30-11:30 am Sat., Nov. 7 | 9:00-10:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Tue., Sept. 8 | 10:30-11:30 am Tue., Oct. 13 | 9:00-10:00 am Tue., Nov. 10 | 10:30-11:30 am Cascade Park (Elyria) Thur., Sept. 10 | 10:30-11:30 am Thur., Oct. 15 | 9:00-10:00 am Thur., Nov. 12 | 10:30-11:30 am Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge Tue., Sept. 22 | 10:30-11:30 am Tue., Oct. 6 | 10:30-11:30 am Tue., Nov. 3 | 9:00-10:00 am Kopf Family Reservation, Avon Lake Public Library

SILLY SCIENCE !∆ Sept. 10, 13, 22, & 28 | 9:30-10:30 am Nov. 8 | 9:30-11:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Free | Registration (child only) required Learn about different aspects of nature and science through fun hands-on messy experiments.

Each month features a new theme/experiment.

PRESCHOOL PARK PALS !∆ Sept. 21 & Nov. 2 | 10:00-11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration (child only) required Listen to a story, create a craft, then hike the trails!

Each session has a different theme.

- 20 -

KIDS & FAMILY PROGRAMS NATURE EDUCATION

NATURE SNAPSHOTS DROP-IN !

Sept. 3, 10, Nov. 19, & 25 | 1:30-2:15 pm Sept. 11, 14, Nov. 9, 13, & 20 | 10:30-11:30 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | No registration required

NATIONAL WILDLIFE DAY STORYTIME !

Fri., Sept. 4 | 10:00-11:00 am Wellington Reservation Free | No registration required

Nov. 27 - Dec. 23

OWL PELLET DISSECTION !∆ Fri., Nov. 20 | 1:30-2:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

Wednesdays - Sundays

5:30 - 9:00 pm

FAMILY FOOD FUN

Drive-through Carlisle Equestrian Center 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange

EATING UP HISTORY !$∆

Sat., Sept. 5 | 10:00-11:00 am Sat., Oct. 10 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm Sat., Nov. 21 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow $3/person | Registration (child only) required Each session, explore a new historical period or event by studying the food. Then, experience the past by cooking the main ingredients of the time!

Walking Trail Carlisle Visitor Center 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange This free festive celebration features a drive-through light display, a decorated walking trail, rides on the Little Green Choo, and more holiday activities!

Entrance is free, however we ask for a canned food donation for Second Harvest Food Bank.

FAMILY COOKING CLASS ! $∆

Wed., Sept, 23, Oct. 14, & Nov. 11 | 6:00-7:30 pm Sat., Sept. 26, Oct. 17, & Nov. 14 | 12:00-1:30pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon) $15/child | Registration (child only) required

TEEN COOKING CLASS ! $∆

Wed., Sept. 16, Oct. 7, & Nov. 4 | 5:30-7:30 pm Sat., Sept. 19, Oct. 10, & Nov. 7 | 1:00-3:00 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon) $25/person | Registration required

For more info, visit: LorainCOuntyMetroParks.com/holiday

Halloween Fair VARIOUS SIZES AND

Shirts For Sale

STYLES AVAILABLE! SCAN BELOW TO VISIT THE ONLINE STORE!

ICON KEY

LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/STORE

! = Vermilion/Amherst ! = Grafton/LaGrange/Oberlin ∆ = Registration required

! = Lorain/Elyria/Sheffield ! = Columbia Station $ = Fee required - 21 -

! = Avon/Avon Lake/North Ridgeville ! = Wellington = Easy

= Moderate

= Strenuous

SEASONAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS HALLOWEEN FAIR !∆$

Thur., Oct. 8 | 4:30-8:00 pm (All-Abilities Night) Fri.-Sat., Oct. 9-10 | 4:30-9:30 pm Fri.-Sat., Oct. 16-17 | 4:30-9:30 pm Fri.-Sat., Oct. 23-24 | 4:30-9:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) $7/person | Registration required* *Tickets are pre-sale ONLY | On sale Sept. 22

Everyone’s fall favorite, Halloween Fair, is back! This family-friendly spooktacular event includes the haunted walking trail, with the pumpkin lagoon, train rides, food booths, games, and more! Tickets are limited and available by pre-sale only and are available through our website, by calling (440) 458-5121, or can be purchased in person at the Carlisle Visitor Center, (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily). The non-spooky family-friendly version of the trail will be open from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can enjoy Halloween stations before the spookier attractions and costumed actors begin. The trail will turn spooky at 7:00 p.m., with plenty of spooks and startles to entertain everyone in the family. The trail will be closed from 6:30-7:00 p.m. The Carlisle Visitor Center, Short Loop trail, and Children’s Nature Discovery trail close at 12:00 p.m. on event days. For more information and to purchase tickets, scan the QR code on pg. 19 or visit us online at: loraincountymetroparks.com/halloween

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

OPEN DAILY, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE ADMISSION: $4 Discover iconic pop culture witches through interpretive plant displays, trivia, and more! Don’t miss the ‘Boos & Brews’ event on Sept. 24 (details below) !

HALLOWEEN

BOOS & BREWS !∆$ Thur., Sept. 24 | 6:00-7:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon) Wine/Beer Flight Ticket: $45/person Designated Driver/Non-Alcohol Ticket: $20/person Event features food and drinks, trivia, spooky vibes, and activities centered around our Fall Conservatory theme - "Bewitched" - highlighting favorite witches from pop culture. Admission includes flight of craft beers or hand selected wines (DD tickets also availble).

HALLOWEEN CRAFTS & CANDY !∆ Sat., Oct. 31 | 2:00-3:00 pm Wellington Reservation Free | Registration (child only) required

THANKSGIVING

THANKSGIVING STORIES & SNACKS !∆ Fri., Nov. 13 | 2:00-3:00 pm Wellington Reservation Free | Registration (child only) required

SELF-GUIDED 5K TURKEY TROT !

Sat., Nov. 28 | 10:00 am-2:30 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | Registration encouraged, not required - 22 -

ADULT-FOCUSED PROGRAMS ASTRONOMY

BUS TOURS

NIGHT SKY STAR PARTY !!

WINGS OVER LORAIN !$∆

Fri., Sept. 18 | 9:00-11:00 pm Fri., Nov. 6 | 7:00-9:00 pm Fri., Nov. 13 | 7:00-9:00 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center (LaGrange) Free | No registration required

Sat., Sept. 12 | 5:45 am-6:00 pm Trip begins and ends at Miller Nature Preserve (Avon) $60/person | Registration required Join Lorain County Metro Parks Naturalists on a guided bus tour exploring some of the region's premier birding hotspots during peak fall migration.

Fri., Oct. 2 | 8:00-10:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville) Free | No registration required

GEOLOGY ROCKS BUS TRIP !$∆ Sat., Nov., 14 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm Trip begins and ends at Lakeview Park (Lorain) $50/person | Registration required Join an LCMP naturalist and guest geologist as we travel through the parks learning about the unique geological features that tell the stories of the past.

SOLAR VIEWING !

Sun., Sept. 27 & Oct. 25 | 1:00-3:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville) Free | No registration required

OUTDOOR SURVIVAL

EVENING FUN

A dynamic series of programs designed for ages 8 and up that helps participants of all backgrounds and experience levels build confidence and practical skills for enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly.

BOOK CLUB !

Thur., Sept. 3, Oct. 8, & Nov. 5 | 7:00-8:00 pm Wellington Reservation Free | No registration required

BASICS OF FIRE STARTING !∆ Sun., Nov. 1 | 3:00-5:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

FRENCH CREEK THEATRE AND NORTH POINTE BALLET PRESENT: 'BALLET IN THE PARK' !

Fri., Sept. 11 | 7:00-9:00 pm Lakeview Park (Lorain) Free | No registration required

BASICS OF KNOT-TYING !∆

Thur., Sept. 17 | 6:00-8:00 pm Thur., Oct. 29 | 6:00-8:00 pm Thur., Nov. 19 | 6:00-8:00 pm Wellington Reservation Free | No registration required

WATER-FILTERING AND WILD HOT COCOA !∆

Sun., Nov. 8 | 3:00-5:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

CRAFT & CHAT !

Sun., Nov. 15 | 3:00-5:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

THE 10 ESSENTIALS OF HIKING !∆

HISTORY

Sun., Nov. 22 | 2:00-4:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

SCHOEPFLE OPEN HOUSES !

Sept. 3 & 26, Oct. 24, & Nov. 28 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham) Free | No registration required

SHELTER BUILDING !∆

Sept. 5, Oct. 10, & Nov. 14 | 2:00-3:00 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham) Free | No registration required

VOLUNTEERING

Sun., Nov. 29 | 2:00-4:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Free | Registration required

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE AND GARDEN TOURS !

FRIENDS VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION !

BACON HOUSE OPEN HOUSES !

Tues., Sept. 8 | 10:00-11:00 am & 7:00-8:00 pm Tues., Nov. 10 | 10:00-11:00 am & 7:00-8:00 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

ICON KEY

Sept. 19, Oct. 17, & Nov. 7 | 1:00-3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Free | No registration required

! = Vermilion/Amherst ! = Grafton/LaGrange/Oberlin ∆ = Registration required

! = Lorain/Elyria/Sheffield ! = Columbia Station $ = Fee required - 23 -

! = Avon/Avon Lake/North Ridgeville ! = Wellington = Easy

= Moderate

= Strenuous

ADULT-FOCUSED PROGRAMS WATER RECREATION

BLACK RIVER KAYAK CLEAN-UP !∆

BEGINNER CANOE ! $∆

Sun., Sept. 6 | 3:00-5:00 pm Sun., Oct. 18 | 3:00-5:00 pm French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield) Free | Registration required

Wed., Sept. 2 & 30 | 4:00-6:00 pm Wellington Reservation $20/person | Registration required

SUNSET RIVER PADDLE !$∆

BEGINNER KAYAK ! $∆

Sun., Sept. 6 | 7:00-9:00 pm Fri., Sept. 25 | 5:30-7:30 pm Sun., Oct. 4 | 6:00-8:00 pm Wed., Oct 21 | 5:30-7:30 pm Sun., Oct 25 | 5:00-7:00 pm French Creek Kayak Launch $15/person | Registration required

Wed., Sept. 23 | 5:00-6:30 pm Wellington Reservation $15/person | Registration required

SUNSET GLOW PADDLE !$∆

Wed., Sept. 23 | 7:00-9:00 pm Wellington Reservation $15/person | Registration required

BASICS OF STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING !$∆ Wed., Sept. 9 | 5:00-7:00 pm Wellington Reservation $15/person | Registration required SUNSET GLOW STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING ! $∆ Wed., Sept. 9 | 7:30-9:00 pm Wellington Reservation $15/person | Registration required

SUNSET GLOW CANOE PADDLE !$∆ Wed., Sept. 2 & 30 | 6:30-8:30 pm Wellington Reservation $20/person | Registration required

BIRDING BY KAYAK !$∆ Sat., Sept. 5 & Sat., Oct. 3 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm Sun., Sept. 27 | 5:30-7:30 pm Sun., Oct. 11 | 5:00-7:00 pm French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield) $15/person | Registration required

LORAIN GHOST SHIP KAYAK TRIP !$∆ Sun., Sept. 27 | 12:00-4:00 pm Sat., Oct. 31 | 2:30-6:30 pm French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield) $20/person | Registration required

Black River Reservation (Lorain):

Every Wednesday in September | 10:00 am-12:00 pm Departs from the Shelter at the Day's Dam Picnic Area

Cascade Park (Elyria):

Every Tuesday in September | 10:00 am-12:00 pm Departs from shelter #1 near the playground

Kopf Family Reservation:

Every Thursday in September | 5:00-7:00 pm Departs from the Avon Lake Public Library trailhead

Sandy Ridge Reservation

Tram Rides

Every Saturday and Sunday in September | 1:00-4:00 pm Departs from picnic shelter near visitor center

Schoepfle Garden (Wakeman):

Every Sunday in September | 1:00-4:00 pm Every Thursday in September | 10:00 am-1:00 pm Departs from the Visitor Center

Wellington Reservation:

Scan Here For Full Schedule

Every Sunday in September | 2:00-4:00 pm Departs from the Visitor Center tinyurl.com/lcmp-trams

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE | APPROX. 15-30 MINUTE RIDES - 24 -

ADULT-FOCUSED PROGRAMS NATURE EDUCATION

CANOE RIVER PADDLE !$∆

INTRO TO INATURALIST: BUGS !∆

Wed., Oct. 7 | 3:00-5:00 pm French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield) $15/person | Registration required

Fri., Sept. 4 | 10:00-11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

FALL FOLIAGE KAYAKING TOUR !$∆ Sun., Oct 11 & 18 | 12:00-2:00 pm Wed., Oct. 14 | 5:00-7:00 pm Wed., Oct. 28 | 4:30-6:30 pm French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield) $15/person | Registration required

NOTES ON NATURE: EARLY AUTUMN LEAVES !∆ Wed., Sept. 9 | 10:00-11:30 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

LIFE AFTER LEAVES !∆

KAYAK SKILLS: CAPSIZE RECOVERY !$∆

Fri., Nov. 6 | 10:00-11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

Sun., Nov. 22 | 9:00-11:00 am Amherst HealthPlex $10/person | Registration required

FOR THE BIRDS: PROJECT FEEDER WATCH !∆

CULTURAL ARTS

FRENCH CREEK THEATRE PRESENTS: THE YELLOW WALLPAPER!$∆ Sept. 4-5 & Sept. 11-12 | 7:30 pm Sept. 6 & Sept. 13 | 2:00 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) $15/person | Ticket required In this gripping one-act adaptation, an ensemble of trapped spirits opens a doorway between generations, transforming Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s classic 1892 psychological horror story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' into a Hitchcockian thriller.

Sun., Nov. 8 | 9:30-10:30 am Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

TAKING A LIKING TO LICHEN !∆ Sat., Nov. 14 | 1:00-2:00 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange) Free | Registration required

"THERE ARE THINGS IN THAT WALLPAPER THAT Scan to Purchase Tickets! NOBODY KNOWS BUT ME, OR EVER WILL."

4

13

SEP SEP

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM SUNDAYS AT 2:00 PM tinyurl.com/fct-yellow - 25 -

GUIDED HIKES WALK AND TALK SERIES !!!

Come socialize on a Naturalist led hike within the Lorain County Metro Parks.

Sept. 29 | 9:00-10:00 am Oct. 14 | 9:00-10:00 am Nov. 5 | 9:00-10:00 am Black River Reservation, Days Dam (Lorain) Sept. 9, 14, 16, 20, 21, & 27 | 9:00-10:00 am Oct. 5, 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26 | 9:00-10:00 am Nov. 1, 2, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, & 30 | 9:00-10:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

NEW IN NATURE SERIES !! !

Nature is always changing! Join a Naturalist to notice what is new in Lorain County Metro Parks.

Sept. 15 & Oct. 20 | 10:30-11:30 am Nov. 17 | 2:30 -3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria) Sept, 17, Oct. 22, & Nov. 19 | 10:30-11:30 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station) Sept., 17 | 2:30 -3:30 pm Nov. 19 | 2:30 -3:30 pm Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station) Sept. 5 | 1:00-2:00 pm Nov. 7 | 10:30 -11:30 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield) Sept., 22 | 2:30 -3:30 pm Oct., 27 | 9:00-10:00 am Nov., 3 | 10:30-11:30 am Kopf Family Reservation (Avon Lake)

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING!

SPECIES COUNT HIKE: BACON WOODS !

Sat., Sept. 5 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

LEAVE NO TRACE & DAYS DAM LITTER CLEAN UP HIKE !

Sun., Sept. 6 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Black River Reservation, Days Dam (Lorain)

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Tue., Sept. 8 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

MONARCH HIKE !

Tue., Sept. 8 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

Wed., Sept. 9 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

MEET A MONARCH HIKE !

Wed., Sept. 9 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Thur., Sept. 10 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge

MUSHROOM HIKE !

Thur., Sept. 10 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge

SEPTEMBER PACK WALK !

Thur., Sept. 10 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wellington Reservation

BIRDING HIKE !

Wed., Sept. 2 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Sun., Sept. 13 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center (LaGrange)

MEET A MONARCH HIKE !

WATERFALL TREK - BUR OAK TO DAYS DAM !

Thur., Sept. 3 | 10:00 am - 11:00am Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

Sun., Sept. 13 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

BIRD TALK WALK: ON THE WING !

Fri., Sept. 4 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

Tue., Sept. 15 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

BIRDING HIKE !

Sat., Sept. 5 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center (LaGrange)

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Sat., Sept. 5 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield)

WATERFALL HIKE !

Tue., Sept. 15 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

MONARCH HIKE !

Tue., Sept. 15 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

MEADOW MARVELS HIKE !

Sat., Sept. 5 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

COFFEE WALK: TREES !

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

- 26 -

Wed., Sept. 16 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

GUIDED HIKES SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR !

MORNING BIRDING HIKE !

Wed., Sept. 16 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

Thur., Sept. 24 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

CURIOUS TYKES NATURE HIKE !

WATERFALL HIKE !

Wed., Sept. 16 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

Thur., Sept. 24 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Black River Reservation, Days Dam (Lorain)

WATERFALL TREK !

WILDLIFE WALK !

Wed., Sept. 16 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

Thur., Sept. 24 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield)

BRIDGEWAY TRAIL WALK !

MUSHROOMS OF CASSELL !

Thur., Sept. 17 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Sat., Sept. 26 | 10:00 am - 11:15 am Cassell Reservation, Sunnyside Trailhead (Vermilion)

COFFEE WALK: TREES !

MUSHROOMS OF BACON WOODS !

Thur., Sept. 17 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

Sat., Sept. 26 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

NATIONAL PAWPAW DAY HIKE !

HERO HIKE !

Thur., Sept. 17 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)

Sat., Sept. 26 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP !

Sat., Sept. 26 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

END OF SUMMER HIKE !

FULL MOON HIKE AT WELLINGTON !

Mon., Sept. 21 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Sat., Sept. 26 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

BIRDING HIKE !

Tue., Sept. 22 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Avon Lake)

Sun., Sept. 27 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center (LaGrange)

FIRST DAY OF FALL HIKE !

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

Tue., Sept. 22 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

WATER CROSSING SAFETY !∆

Wed., Sept. 30 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

COFFEE WALK: FALL FOLIAGE !

Tue., Sept. 22 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

Sat., Oct. 3 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield)

MONARCH HIKE !

FALL WILDFLOWER WALK !

Tue., Sept. 22 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Sat., Oct. 3 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield)

COFFEE WALK: FALL FOLIAGE !

SO LONG SUMMER HIKE !

Tue., Sept. 22 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

Tue., Oct. 6 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Avon Lake)

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

FALL WILDFLOWER WALK !

Wed., Sept. 23 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville) ICON KEY

FULL MOON HIKE AT SANDY RIDGE !

Sat., Sept. 19 | 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

! = Vermilion/Amherst ! = Grafton/LaGrange/Oberlin ∆ = Registration required

! = Lorain/Elyria/Sheffield ! = Columbia Station $ = Fee required

Tue., Oct. 6 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Avon Lake)

! = Avon/Avon Lake/North Ridgeville ! = Wellington = Easy

= Moderate

= Strenuous

GUIDED HIKES WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

FALL RIVER EXPLORATION HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 7 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Sat., Oct. 17 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Vermilion RIver Reservation, Mill Hollow

LEAVE NO TRACE & DAYS DAM LITTER CLEAN UP HIKE !

FALL FOLIAGE HIKE !

Sat., Oct. 10 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Black River Reservation, Days Dam (Lorain)

Sun., Oct. 18 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

COLORS OF FALL PHOTO HIKE !

COFFEE WALK: FALL FOLIAGE !

Mon., Oct. 12 | 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

Tue., Oct. 20 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

MUSHROOM HIKE !

TREE EXPLORATION HIKE !

Tue., Oct. 13 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

Tue., Oct. 20 | 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

WATERFALL TREK - BUR OAK TO DAYS DAM !

WATERFALL HIKE !

Tue., Oct. 13 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Tue., Oct. 20 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

FALL WILDFLOWER WALK !

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

Tue., Oct. 13 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

Wed., Oct. 21 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

SOUNDS OF FALL HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 14 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Wed., Oct. 21 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR !

COFFEE WALK: FALL FOLIAGE !

Wed., Oct. 14 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

Thur., Oct. 22 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

LEAF SCAVENGER HUNT HIKE !

FALL FOLIAGE HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 14 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

Thur., Oct. 22 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

BACON WOODS STROLL !

TRICK-OR-TREE TRAIL HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 14 | 10:00 am - 10:45 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

Thur., Oct. 22 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

COLORS OF FALL PHOTO HIKE !

FALL COLORS HIKE !

Thur., Oct. 15 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Thur., Oct. 22 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Vermilion RIver Reservation, Bacon Woods

MUSHROOM HIKE !

FALL WILDFLOWER WALK !

Thur., Oct. 15 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

Thur., Oct. 22 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Dorlon Reservation (Columbia Station)

FALL WILDFLOWER WALK !

OWL PROWL !

Thur., Oct. 15 | 2:30 pm- 3:30 pm Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

Thur., Oct. 22 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

LAST CHANCE GUIDED HIKE !

KIDS NATURE HIKE: WHITE-TAILED DEER !

ICON KEY

Fri., Oct. 16 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Charlemont Reservation (New London)

! = Vermilion/Amherst ! = Grafton/LaGrange/Oberlin ∆ = Registration required

! = Lorain/Elyria/Sheffield ! = Columbia Station $ = Fee required

Fri., Oct. 23 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

! = Avon/Avon Lake/North Ridgeville ! = Wellington = Easy

= Moderate

= Strenuous

GUIDED HIKES WATER CROSSING SAFETY !

WILDLIFE TRACKS AND SIGNS !

Sat., Oct. 24 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

Tue., Nov. 4 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

LEAF SCAVENGER HUNT HIKE !

WATERFOWL HIKE !

Sat., Oct. 24 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

Tue., Nov. 4 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

CASSELL RESERVATION FALL HIKE !

HERO HIKE !

Sat., Oct. 24 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

Sat., Nov. 7 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am Cassell Reservation, Highbridge Trailhead (Vermilion)

FULL MOON HIKE AT SANDY RIDGE !

WATERFALL TREK - BUR OAK TO DAYS DAM !

Sat., Nov. 7 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

Mon., Oct. 26 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

FULL MOON HIKE AT WELLINGTON !

NATURE BINGO HIKE: FALL EDITION !

Mon., Oct. 26 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

Sat., Nov. 7 | 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

MUSHROOM HIKE !

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Tue., Oct. 27 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Avon Lake)

Tue., Nov. 10 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

ALL TRAILS HIKE !

TREASURE HUNT: COMPASS NAVIGATION !

Tue., Oct. 27 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Kopf Family Reservation, Library Trailhead (Avon Lake)

Tue., Nov. 10 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

WATERFOWL HIKE !

WATERFALL TREK !

Tue., Oct. 27 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

Wed., Nov. 11 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING !

NATURE IN NOVEMBER HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 28 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

Wed., Nov. 11 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield)

FALL COLORS HIKE !

COFFEE WALK: MORNING BIRDING !

Wed., Oct. 28 | 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation (Amherst)

Thur., Nov. 12 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

HOOTS & HOWLS HALLOWEEN HIKE !

ALL TRAILS HIKE !

Wed., Oct. 28 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

Thur., Nov. 12 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

GEOLOGY OF CASCADE PARK !

TODDLER TREK: LEAVES !∆

Thur., Oct. 29 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

Thur., Nov. 12 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

HOWL-O-WEEN PET PARADE !

ANIMAL TRACKS AND SIGNS HIKE !

Fri., Oct. 30 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

Sat., Nov. 14 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP !

TREE ID HIKE !

Tue., Nov. 3 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

Sat., Nov. 14 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow

THE FLANNEL & FOLIAGE STROLL !

HERO HIKE !

Tue., Nov. 4 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

- 29 -

Sat., Nov. 14 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

GUIDED HIKES EARLY PEOPLES OF OHIO !

EARLY PEOPLE OF OHIO !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

Tue., Nov. 24 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY HIKE !

NATURE IN NOVEMBER !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

Tue., Nov. 24 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY HIKE !

FULL MOON HIKE AT SANDY RIDGE !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation (Amherst)

Tue., Nov. 24 | 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WATERFALL HIKE !

FULL MOON HIKE AT WELLINGTON !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am Cascade Park (Elyria)

Tue., Nov. 24 | 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

SEASON OF CHANGE HIKE !

WATERFOWL HIKE !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)

Wed., Nov. 25 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

WATERFALL TREK !

PRE-TURKEY PACK WALK !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Cascade Park (Elyria)

Wed., Nov. 25 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Wellington Reservation (Wellington)

BIRD TALK WALK: TALK'N TURKEYS !

WATER CROSSING SAFETY !

Tue., Nov. 17 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

Sat., Nov. 28 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Kipton Reservation (Oberlin)

WATERFOWL HIKE !

Wed., Nov. 18 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

SOUNDS OF FALL HIKE !

Wed., Nov. 18 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center (Sheffield)

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR !

Wed., Nov. 18 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)

EARLY PEOPLE OF OHIO !

Thur., Nov. 19 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)

BRIDGEWAY TRAIL WALK !

Thur., Nov. 19 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak (Elyria)

EARLY MORNING HIKE !

Sat., Nov. 21 | 8:30 am - 9:30 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

TRAIL COFFEE HIKE !

ICON KEY

Sat., Nov. 21 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Sheldon Woods (Grafton)

! = Vermilion/Amherst ! = Grafton/LaGrange/Oberlin ∆ = Registration required

! = Lorain/Elyria/Sheffield ! = Columbia Station $ = Fee required - 30 -

! = Avon/Avon Lake/North Ridgeville ! = Wellington = Easy

= Moderate

= Strenuous

ed for series, gear m a r g o r p ls to This home, trave t a g in n r r a children le engage you to s n o ti a c rk lo , the different pa nce, history ie c s , e r tu a n children in creation! arts, and re , children ic and location p to ’s m ra g ro es, the p cts, nature hik fa io Depending on b l a n o ti a c ugh edu al! To be will learn thro ting a live anim e e m r o s, ft ra ible, es, c dents as poss u st activities, gam y n a m s a modate program able to accom e listed in the g n ra e g a e th within rmitted to only students 7-12) will be pe s e g a lly a su d. description (u ers are require iv a w n o ti a ip rtic attend and pa Sept-May

2026-2027

Scan here for registration and full program details!

Cost:

$3/child

FULL SEASON SCHEDULE Sept. 16 at Vermilion River Reservation - Butterflies & Moths Sept. 29 at French Creek Kayak Launch - Kayaking Oct. 14 at Cascade Park - Terrific Trees Nov. 19 at Vermilion River Reservation - New World Foods Dec. 16 at Miller Nature Preserve - Camouflage & Mimicry Jan. 14 at French Creek Nature Center - Wildlife Tracks & Signs Feb. 16 at Carlisle Reservation - Owl Pellet Dissection Mar. 16 at Lakeview Park - ‘Universe of Wonder’ Astronomy Apr. 14 at Carlisle Reservation - Amazing Animal Adaptations May 12 at Sandy Ridge Reservation - Birding Hike May 14 at French Creek Nature Center - Aquatic Adventurers May 24 at Carlisle Reservation - Archery - 31 -

HOLD ON TO YOUR ARROWHEAD!

STAY CONNECTED!

ON THE COVER: Male monarch butterfly

This issue of the Arrowhead covers select programs throughout the park district from September 1, 2026 through November 30, 2026.

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Scan to check out our website!

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Phone: (440) 458-5121 Email: pr@loraincountymetroparks.com Website: LorainCountyMetroParks.com Facebook: LorainCountyMetroParks X: @LCMetroParks Instagram: @LorainCoMetParks

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Lorain County Metro Parks 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 458-5121

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 94 AMHERST OH