Join us for this inaugural spring event—an outdoor shopping and educational experience in a beautiful garden setting. Details inside! | Pg. 4
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Enjoy FREE live music at our nearly 20 outdoor concerts taking place Thursday and Sunday evenings during June-August. Full lineup inside! | Pg. 5
HIKING STICK PROGRAM
Take part in ten different hikes at six different parks to get your very own hiking stick! Program ends on June 30. Remaining hike list inside! | Pgs. 10-11
OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
Did you know the Metro Parks has two cafés, a butterfly house, a children's carousel, and even an 18-hole mini-golf course? All of these are opening for the season soon! Full details on the back! | Pg. 12
James E. Ziemnik Director,
2025 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS:
Joseph E. Hribar • Chairman
Kenneth M. Lieux • Vice Chairman
Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Commissioner
James Walther • Probate Court Judge
• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation 913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001
EXCITING CHANGES COMING TO THE ARROWHEAD NEWSLETTER!
We’re refreshing The Arrowhead newsletter! As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re exploring new and more efficient ways to deliver it to Lorain County residents who love staying informed about our parks, programs, and events.
As part of our commitment to reducing waste, The Arrowhead will change from a bi-monthly to a quarterly seasonal publication beginning this fall. The fall issue will include information on programs and events happening in September, October, and November. Visitors will see our fall issue released in mid-August.
A digital copy of The Arrowhead will continue to be available on our website and visitors can have it delivered right to their email inbox by signing up for the General News and Information e-newsletter. Visitors will be able to pick up a copy of the Arrowhead at nearly 40 locations throughout Lorain County including park visitor centers and facilities, as well as public libraries, and other partnering organizations. However, as another effort to stay connected, we are offering a free mail subscription of the Arrowhead to Lorain County residents who are 65 and older, or those with mobility or transportation limitations. Those interested in subscribing can call (440) 458-5121. To find the digital issue and a list of distribution sites, visit:
Candace & Gary Matwijiw (Gift to Kimberly Matwijiw)
Jennifer Wasserman
Gift given in Honor/Memory of:
In Memory of Mona & Bob Dechant by:
The Brennan Family
In Memory of Linda Elaine Johnson by:
Scott & Karen Patterson
Edith Eucker
Adam & Jen Squires
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.
In Memory of Gail Jones by:
Anonymous
Brenda Bahnsen
Ruby Barck
Bayer Becker
Patricia & Richard Eckel
Deborah Franley M.D.
Susan Gildenblatt
Ruth Horvath
Char Kline
Wieka & Joahn Koenraad
Dan & Mary McCoy
Jen Rang
Deborah & Gary Shoop
John & Donna Snyder
Tim & Diane Tuttle
Karl & Kristi Wasburn
Dennis & Michele Weilnau
In Memory of Timothy Pihlblad by:
Terry and Monica Tomaszewski
In Memory of Terri L. Roule by:
Ann Dey
Elyse Mason
In Memory of Gene Traxler by:
James & Dianne Johnson
In Memory of Eileen & George Vasu by:
The Brennan Family
In Memory of Don Werner by:
Ken Werner & Lynn Swanson
In Memory of Alice Yeo by:
Patrick & Mary Ann Deville
In Memory of Richard A. Ziegler by: Kathy & Rick Hodrosky
FRIENDS OF THE METRO PARKS HIKING STICK PROGRAM FORM | APRIL
1 - JUNE 30, 2025
Name:
Address:
City: State:
Phone: E-Mail:
Please check here if you have received a hiking stick in the past and only need a year pin.
Participants must participate in 10 hikes in 6 different reservations. Participants may choose from naturalist-‐led hikes, self-‐guided, or a combination of both, therefore staff signatures are no longer required. Please return your completed form no later than July 7, 2025 to:
Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
(You can pick up your hiking stick/pin at Carlisle Visitor Center from Aug. 1-31. Pins will NO longer be mailed. Due to the overwhelming response to this program, we will not accept late entries.)
Nature
PROGRAMS CENTERED AROUND OBSERVING AND LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF NATURE
WONDERHOUSE FILMS PRESENTS:
'RIPPLES OF PLASTIC' DOCUMENTARY AND PANEL DISCUSSION
Sat., May 31 | 1-3 pm
French Creek Theare, Ewing Theatre
Free | Registration required
Embark on an eye-opening journey through the unseen impacts of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes region. Guided by Dr. Sherri Mason and other regional voices, witness the vast extent of contamination pathways, effects of microplastics, and the unexpected toll on human health. Beyond individual action, the film inspires a collective movement for transformative progress toward a plastic-free future.
Don't miss your opportunity to view this gripping documentary film at French Creek Nature Center, presented by Wonderhouse Films and directed by Chris Langer. 'Ripples of Plastic' has been shown at various national and international film festivals hoping to inspire a movement for systemic change and a plastic-free future. Following the showing, join us for a panel discussion with key researcher, Dr. Sherri Mason, Education Coordinator for Ohio Sea Grant and The Ohio State University, Jill Bartolotta and director and producer, Chris Langer. All of whom are featured in the movie.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
Join Lorain County Metro Parks staff for two Black River Cleanup paddling trips on May 31 & June 1! Full details on page 6!
SPRING GREEN MARKET
Sat., May 17 | 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve
Free | No registration required
Join us for the inaugural Spring Green Market at Miller Nature Preserve—an outdoor shopping and educational experience in a beautiful garden setting.
Grow & Give Back – Select from a variety of second-season native plants, sold in large trade-gallon pots, to enhance your yard while benefiting pollinators and biodiversity. Proceeds support the Citizens Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks.
Shop Local & Eco-Friendly – Browse a curated selection of nature-inspired, mindfully handmade products from local vendors.
Engage & Explore – Connect with local experts through interactive demonstrations on sustainable practices, and enjoy hands-on activities designed for kids.
Savor Sustainable Bites – The Orchid Café will be open for lunch, offering delicious food, wine samples from local vineyards, and insights on composting kitchen scraps and eco-friendly food service products.
To promote sustainability, we encourage carpooling due to limited parking. Guests are also encouraged to bring reusable shopping bags. Celebrate nature, support local businesses, and take home a little piece of spring!
Dr. Sherri A. Mason
Chris Langer
Jill Bartolotta
Swamp Milkweed
Cultural Arts
DISCOVER ARTS, THEATRE & HISTORY
-LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS-
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
LAKEVIEW PARK
Every other Thursday Evening* | 6:00 pm
*No concert on July 3.
Lakeview Park (Lorain)
June 19 | Motor City Beat (Jazz, Blues, R&B)
July 17 | 3 Birds and the Wire (60's)
July 31 | Full Curcle (Classic Oldies)
Aug. 9** | The RayBans (Island Rock)
**Special Saturday Beach Fest Concert
VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION
Sunday Evenings | 6:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater
June 22 | New Barleycorn (Irish)
June 29 | The RayBans (Island Rock)
July 6 | Legends of Rock (Elvis, Beatles, & 60's)
July 13 | Cloud9CLE (Classic & Contemporary Rock)
July 20 | RAS Trio (Rock)
July 27 | Summer of '65 (Tribute to the 1960's)
Aug. 3 | Country Honk (Modern Country)
Aug. 10 | Tim Blake & Michelle (Pop Favorites)
Aug. 14 | Ronnie Clinton (Rock/Country)
MILLER NATURE PRESERVE
Every other Thursday Evening | 6:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve patio (Avon)
June 12 | Rockport (Original music & favorite cover songs)
June 26 | Burning River Swing (Hot jazz, French jazz, & Swing)
July 24 | Strukely and Cole (Pop/Rock of the ‘60s, ‘70s, today’s top hits)
Aug. 7 | Big Sky CLE (Fresh-spun covers from ‘70s to today)
Aug. 21 | The LBs (Lonesome Bones) (Classic Old Country, Americana, Roots Rock)
LIVE PERFORMANCES IN COLLABORATION WITH FRENCH CREEK THEATRE
North Pointe Ballet presents SWAN LAKE: A BALLET
Fri., May 16 | 7:00 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Free to attend French Creek Theatre again partners with North Pointe Ballet to present a Ballet in the Park. Dive into a timeless tale of love and transformation with Janet Dziak’s new interpretation of Swan Lake, a captivating ballet for all ages. The classic ballet comes alive with stunning choreography, breathtaking sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. Join us for a magical evening filled with exquisite dance and unforgettable characters accompanied by live narration and NPB’s signature accessibility features — the perfect introduction to the beauty of this classic ballet.
FRENCH CREEK
CABARET: MISMATCHED MUSICAL
June 13 (7 pm) & June 14 (6 pm) Bacon Woods Amphitheater, Vermilion River Reservation Free to attend
Join us in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater at Vermilion River Reservation for French Creek Theatre's Cabaret: “Mismatched Musical”! Join the FCT cast for a series of duets in concert form from your favorite musicals of today and yesterday! Enjoy a night of entertainment and music under the canopy of the Bacon Woods.
-LAKEVIEW P ARK-
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
PADDLING PROGRAMS
Registration for all paddling programs include a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and whistle. Suggested items to bring include water, snack, a dry bag for your phone/keys, sandals/water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for the weather
BASICS OF STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
Wed., June 18 | 5:30-7 pm
Wellington Reservation
Registration required | $15/person
BEGINNER KAYAK/CANOE
Wednesdays, May 28, June 4, & 25 | 5:30–7 pm
Wellington Reservation
Registration required | $15-$20/person
BIRDING BY KAYAK
Sat., May 10 & June 28 | 8-10 am
French Creek Kayak Launch
(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)
Registration required | $15/person
BLACK RIVER CLEANUP PADDLE
Sat., May 31 & Sun., June 1 | 4-6 pm
French Creek Kayak Launch
(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)
Registration required | Free!
CENTURY BEACH PADDLE TRY-ITS
Sat., June 21 | 3-6 pm
Century Park (1955 E. Erie Ave., Lorain)
No registration required | Free!
LORAIN GHOST SHIP KAYAK TRIP
Sat., June 29 | 10 am-2 pm
French Creek Kayak Launch
(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)
Registration required | $20/person
RIVER KAYAK
Sat., May 10 & June 28 | 12-2 pm
French Creek Kayak Launch
(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)
Registration required | $15/person
SUNSET GLOW PADDLES
Wednesdays, May 28, June 4, 18 & 25 | 8:30-10 pm
Wellington Reservation
Registration required | $15-$20/person
Outdoor Recreation with the
Lorain County Metro Parks
KIDS FISHING DERBIES
Registration required | $5/child (adults free)
Catch and release fishing tournament. Bring your own pole and tackle. If you do not have one poles will be provided on first come first serve basis. This program is for children aged 4- 15 and must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes for different age categories. If the adult fishes they must possess a valid Ohio fishing license.
SESSION 1
Thur., Jun. 5 | 9:00-11:30 am
Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area
SESSION 2
Thur., Jun. 12 | 9:00-11:30 am
Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area
SESSION 3
Thur., Jun. 19 | 9:00-11:30 am
Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks
GUIDED BICYCLING
BIKE RIDE AND TRAILSIDE COFFEE
Fri., June 27 | 9:00 am–12:00 pm
French Creek Kayak Launch
(located on Old Colorado Ave., Sheffield near the Rt. 611 and Lake Breeze Rd. junction)
Online registration is available and recommended as time blocks fill up quickly. Walk-up registration is also available, however it is not recommended due to limited availability and the opportunity for day-of online registration. Register online at: loraincountymetroparks.com/boat-livery
Kids & Family
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ FAMILY-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING
Mother's DayPROGRAMMING
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH COOKING CLASS
Tue., May 6 | 2:00–4:00 pm
Miller Nature Preserve
$47/participant
Join Chef Sandy as she makes a Mother's Day Brunch, including Cannoli French Toast with Baked Vegetable Frittata and a Tropical Sunrise Drink! Each participant will receive a serving of each recipe. Bring a non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy during the class!
MOTHER'S DAY CRAFT
Fri., May 9 | 10:00-11:00 am
Wellington Reservation
Free | Registeration required
Join us as we make crafts to give to mom or someone special for Mother's Day! Please register the child only.
MOTHER'S DAY PICKLEBALL TOURNEY
Sat., May 10 | 9:00-11:00 am
Splash Zone
$10/team
Hey Pickleball enthusiasts, join us for our first ever Mother's Day Pickleball tournament! The tournament will be single elimination. We will have some light snacks and refreshments. Ages 12 and up.
POLLINATOR WEEK
Miller Nature Preserve
In celebration of 'Pollinator Week' (June 16-22) and our BEEloved bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and all pollinating critters, a variety of pollinator-themed programs will be offered during this week!
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
Mon., June 30 | 6:00-7:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
Free | Registration (child only) required
Join one of our friendly park rangers for this onehour program to help kids learn about park rules, park rangers, park safety, and about the park itself! The program will end with a hike on our paved Lakeside Loop trail (strollers/wagons welcome).
HOGWARTS FOR A DAY
Sun., May 18 | 1:00-3:30 pm
French Creek Nature Center
$3/person | Registration required
Join us as we transport French Creek into a world of magic! Get sorted into your house, take potions and herbology classes with our Naturalists, make your very own wand to learn spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts, meet and greet with Larry the Owl doing a Hedwig impersonation, enjoy a glass of butterbeer, and compete for the House Cup. Fun for families and folks of all ages!
Silly Science
Various dates | All programs run 9:30-10:30 am
Various park locations (full schedule below)
Free | Registration (child only) required Let’s get crazy, let’s have fun! Join a naturalist for a Silly Science Discovery Day to learn about different aspects of nature and science through fun hands-on messy experiments. Each month will bring a new theme, new experiment, and new fun! This program is geared towards ages 2-5 with an adult companion. Register (child only) at least one day prior to program.
Thur., June 5 | Columbia Reservation
Mon., June 9 | Cascade Park
Sun., June 22 | French Creek Nature Center
Mon., June 23 | Kopf Family Reservation
SUMMER KICK-OFF AT CASCADE
Fri., June 13 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Cascade Park
Free | Registration required
Kick off your summer by enjoying park games, crafts, and music! Bring your water clothes to jump in the Splash Pad & take a break at the Elyria Public Library's book mobile. Gather resources from our Community Partners for a safe and healthy summer! School-age students receive a free lunch and lite refreshments will be provided for adults.
GARDENING FOR POLLINATORS TOUR
Tue., June 17 | 3:00-3:45 pm
Free | Registration required
Learn how to easily create your own pollinatorfriendly garden as you tour our gardens!
BUTTERFLY HOUSE STORY TIME
Wed., June 18 | 10:00-11:00 am
Free | Registration required
KIDS POLLINATOR STROLL
Thur., June 19 | 10:00-10:30 am & 4:00-4:30 pm
Free | Registration required
BRICKFEST
June 21 | 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation
Free!
Explore, create, and construct with us during a fun-filled Saturday dedicated to interlocking plastic bricks! This is a FREE, open house style event where you can enjoy brick display presented by NEOLUG. Display will be open Saturday, June 21 ONLY inside the Vermilion River Reservation's Carriage Barn.
Additional Brickfest and brick-building programs are also available:
BRICK BUILDING CHALLENGES
Tue., June 17 | 10 am-Noon Thur., June 19 | 1-3 pm Free!
BRICK BUILDING LETTERBOXING HIKE Sat., June 21 | 11 am-Noon & 2-3 pm Free! | Registration required
PRESCHOOL PARK PALS
Carlisle Visitor Center
Free! | Registration required
Children ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited as we listen to a story, create a craft, then hike the trails! Each session has a different theme.
THEME:
JUNIOR GARDENERS
Tue., May 13 | 10:00-11:00 am
Starting a garden can be as simple as planting even a single seed! In this program, read a story and take a short hike before attempting to plant our own seeds to grow at home.
THEME: ALL ABOUT
INSECTS!
Thur., June 5 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Insects are all around us and are an important part of the ecosystem. Get to know some of our resident insects during a story and hike to search for these critters.
WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY
June 4, 11, 18, & 25 | 11:00-11:30 am
Carlisle Visitor Center
Free! | No registration required
Learn about Ohio’s fascinating wildlife by meeting some of our program ambassadors up close. This program involves a live animal. This program is held in our outdoor amphitheater, please call ahead in the event of inclement weather.
GARDEN SPROUTS
Thur., May 22 | 10:30-11:15 am
Miller Nature Preserve
Free | Registration (child only) required Join us for a nature-based program series created specifically for preschoolers and their adult companion. Each program will have a nature- or seasonal-inspired theme and incorporate some of these educational & playful ways for your lil sprouts to learn & grow! This session's theme is "All About Owls." Learn about the amazing adaptations owls have thru a fun hands-on lesson and an "owldorable" craft!
SCHOEPFLE CHILDREN'S GARDEN PARTY
Sat., June 14 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Schoepfle Garden
Free! | No registration required
Join your favorite ogre, donkey, and all of their friends in a garden not that "Far Far Away" for a fairytale garden party. Crafts, games, and a treat will be offered and, as always, carousel rides all afternoon.
PRINCESS PARTY
Sat., May 10 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Wellington Reservation
$10/person | Registration (child only) required
House Tours
SCHOEPFLE OPEN HOUSES
Schoepfle Garden
May 1, 24, June 12, & 28 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Free | No registration required
Tour Otto Schoepfle's historic home of antiques at your own pace during these open houses.
SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
Schoepfle Garden
Saturdays, May 10 & June 7 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Free | No registration required
Get a tour of Otto Schoepfle's historic home of antiques and walk his 20 acres of garden to learn more about him and the plants he cared for (walking tour is optional).
BENJAMIN BACON HOUSE TOURS
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow May 17 & June 15 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Free | No registration required
Tour the Benjamin Bacon Museum, a 1845 Greek Revival home built by the owner of the saw and grist mills once located in today's Mill Hollow park. Furnished with 19th century housewares, learn about life for the Bacon and other early settling families as you walk through the home. First floor is handicap accessible.
BURRELL HOMESTEAD TOURS
Burrell Homestead (2792 E. River Rd., Sheffield Village) Sat., May 17 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm Sat., June 7 | 10:00-11:00 am
Free | No registration required
Take a tour of the Burrell homestead, a stop along the Underground Railroad, and learn the history of this amazing property from Native Americans through the 20th century.
Children of all ages are welcome to join us for our 4th Annual Princess Party at the Wellington Reservation on Saturday, May 10th from 1-2:30pm at 535 Jones Road in Wellington. This fun afternoon will include light refreshments, crafts, dancing, and an opportunity to meet and take pictures with a princess! Kids are encouraged to dress up like a prince or princess for this fun event.
Take a Hike!
HIKING LEVELS:
= REGISTRATION REQUIRED = FEE REQUIRED
= EASY = MODERATE = STRENUOUS
For official definition of hiking levels, visit: LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS’ GUIDED HIKES ELIGIBLE FOR THE HIKING STICK PROGRAM
WILDFLOWER HIKE
Thur., May 1 | 8:30-9:30 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
FRENCH CREEK EXTENDED LOOP
Thur., May 1 | 11:00 am-3:00 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
BIRDING THE BACON WOODS HIKE
Sat., May 3 | 8:00-10:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
TREE ID HIKE
Sat., May 3 | 1:00-2:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow
WALK AND TALK
Sun., May 4 | 9:00-10:00 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WILDFLOWER HIKE
Tue., May 6 | 9:00-10:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
SPRING BIRDING HIKE
Tue., May 6 | 9:00-10:30 am
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
ANIMAL SIGNS STROLL
Wed., May 7 | 11:00-11:45 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
OWL PROWL HIKE
Wed., May 7 | 7:00-8:30 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center (LaGrange)
BIRDING THE BACON WOODS HIKE
Sat., May 10 | 8:00-10:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
BIRDING HIKE
Sat., May 10 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
WILDFLOWER HIKE
Sat., May 10 | 9:00-10:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
BIRDING HIKE
Sun., May 11 | 8:30-10:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (N. Ridgeville)
MOMS AND MUFFINS TOUR
Sun., May 11 | 9:00-10:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
WALK AND TALK
Mon., May 12 | 9:00-10:00 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
FULL MOON HIKE
Mon., May 12 | 9:00-10:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
FULL MOON HIKE
Tue., May 13 | 8:30-10:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
BIRDING HIKE
Wed., May 14 | 9:00-11:00 am
Wellington Reservation
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN TOUR
Wed., May 14 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
BACON WOODS WILDFLOWER HIKE
Wed., May 14 | 10:00-11:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WATERFALL TREK
Thur., May 15 | 10:00-11:00 am
Cascade Park (Elyria)
BIRDING THE BACON WOODS HIKE
Sat., May 17 | 8:00-10:00 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
MAY PACK WALK
Sat., May 17 | 10:00-11:00 am
Wellington Reservation
LET'S TALK BIRDS HIKE (WARBLERS)
Sat., May 17 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
WALK AND TALK
Sun., May 18 | 9:00-10:00 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
MAY STROLLER WALK
Tue., May 20 | 3:00-3:45 pm
Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation
ALL FLOWERS HIGHLIGHT HIKE
Wed., May 21 | 3:30-4:30 pm
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
RHODODENDRON GARDEN TOUR
Sat., May 24 | 10:00-11:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
SOUTH LOOP/CEMETERY HIKE
Sat., May 24 | 2:00-4:00 pm
Charlemont Reservation (New London)
WALK AND TALK
Sun., May 25 | 9:00-10:00 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
COMPASS NAVIGATION HIKE
Thur., May 29 | 9:00-11:00 am
Charlemont Reservation (New London)
BIRDING CASSELL RESERVATION
Sat., May 31 | 8:00-10:00 am
Cassell Reservation, Sunnyside Trailhead
LOG ROLLING HIKE
Sat., May 31 | 1:30-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
FAMILY NATURE HIKE
Sat., May 31 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
CREEK STOMPING HIKE
Mon., June 2 | 1:30-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
NATURE WALK
Tue., June 3 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
DRAGONFLY ID HIKE
Tue., June 3 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
BACON WOODS STROLL
Wed., June 4 | 10:00-10:45 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods
NATURE WALK
Thur., June 5 | 10:00-11:30 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
BIRD TALK WALK: WOODPECKERS
Thur., June 5 | 10:30-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
WALK AND TALK
Thur., June 5 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
NATURE ADVENTURE HIKE
Thur., June 5 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Columbia Reservation (Columbia Station)
CREEK STOMPING HIKE
Fri., June 6 | 1:30-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
EXPLORE WELLINGTON HIKE
Sat., June 7 | 8:00-10:00 am
Wellington Reservation
CELEBRATE TRAILS HIKE
Sat., June 7 | 10:00-11:30 am
Cassell Reservation, Highbridge Trailhead
NATURE WALK
Sat., June 7 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WALK AND TALK
Sun., June 8 | 9:00-10:00 am
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
WILDLIFE APPRECIATION HIKE
Sun., June 8 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area
WALK AND TALK
Mon., June 9 | 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Cascade Park (Elyria)
NATURE ADVENTURE HIKE
Mon., June 9 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Cascade Park (Elyria)
DRAGONFLY ID HIKE
Tue., June 10 | 1:00-3:00 pm
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)
WOODS HIKE
Wed., June 11 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
FULL MOON HIKE
Wed., June 11 | 8:30-10:30 pm
French Creek Reservation, Nature Center
FULL MOON HIKE
Wed., June 11 | 10:00-11:00 pm
Wellington Reservation
Hiking Stick Program
PLEASE NOTE: The Hiking Stick Program ends June 30. Use the form on pg. 3 to track your progress! Please return your completed form no later than July 7, 2025 to:
Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Rd., Avon (440) 937-0764
Open daily, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Opening for the season!
Opens on Monday, May 26!
Sundaes in the Park 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Stn. (440) 371-1430
Open daily*, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm *Hours may vary on holidays
$5/round of golf Food prices vary
Inspired by Mr. Otto Schoepfle’s love of gardening, music and youth, the Children's Garden was added to Schoepfle Garden in 2007 and features various musically-themed toys and structures as well as the ever-popular restored carousel.
FREE! (No registration required)
15 - 30 MINUTES
More than 12,500 visitors stop by the Butterfly House at Miller Nature Preserve each year. We invite you to come see these temporary residents flitting around, sunning themselves, feeding on a flower, or chasing another around playfully!
BLACK RIVER RESERVATION
Every Wednesday | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Departs from Day's Dam (Lorain) shelter
CASCADE PARK
Every Tuesday | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Departs from shelter #1.
KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION
Every other Mon., beginning June 2* | 5:30 - 7:00 pm (Dates: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, Aug. 11, 25, Sept.. 8, & 22)
Departs from Avon Lake Public Library
SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION
Every Saturday & Sunday | 1:00-4:00 pm
Departs from out front of nature center
Sundaes in the Park is a dino-themed mini-golf course and ice cream shop located in Columbia Reservation that opened just last summer! Behind the ice-cream shop is the 18-hole mini golf course. Stop in, eat, play, and enjoy an ice cream treat while taking a stroll through the park.
