Arrowhead - January/February 2021

Lorain County Metro Parks

January-February 2021 | Volume 61, Number 1

Cascade Park Bridge 550-ton cranes, a trip from Minnesota, and approval from the FAA. The story behind this magnificent, brand new puzzle piece that provides a key connection for the North Coast Inland Trail | Pg. 2

Winter wanderings All of our hiking trails are open year-round, but these four trails are plowed to keep your feet dry in the winter! | Pg. 5

LorainCountyMetroParks.com

Inside Park Updates 2 French Creek Theatre 3 Kids & Family 4 Find Your Next Trail 5 Winter Events 6&7 Healthy Lorain County 8 Nature 9 Outdoor Adventures 10 Pioneer Craftsman Experience 11 Maple Sugaring 12 James E. Ziemnik Director, Lorain County Metro Parks 2021 Board of Park Commissioners: Sherrill M. “Cookie” McLoda • Chairman Joseph E. Hribar • Vice Chairman Kenneth M. Lieux • Commissioner James Walther • Probate Court Judge LorainCountyMetroParks.com

(440) 458-5121

Park Updates Cascade Park Bridge Construction

Since 2015, the Lorain County Metro Parks, with the assistance of the Elyria Rotary Club, NOACA, and ODOT, has invested nearly $9.9 million within Cascade Park. The latest improvement, the bridge connecting Cascade and Elywood Parks, was officially opened in early November and was one of our biggest challenges. Before construction, divers studied the impact on the aquatic wildlife and their habitats in the Black River. A sandstone platform was built in the river to support one of two massive cranes needed for the project. It took three days to assemble the 550-ton and 500-ton cranes and the 18 semi-tractor trailers of counterweights. The cranes were so large that approval was necessary from the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure no plane traffic would be impacted. While the cranes were being put into place along the river, five oversize loads containing 16’ wide bridge spans left Minnesota on their journey around Chicago and onto Elyria. Upon delivery, two pieces were assembled in Cascade Park, and three pieces were bolted together in Elywood Park. The following day, the two pieces were raised and joined together 40’ above the Black River (see

photo on cover). Less than a week later, three more sections arrived from Minnesota. They were lifted into place to make a single 440-foot long span completing the Black River Bikeway and the North Coast Inland Trail after almost 30 years of planning and construction.

In addition to connecting neighborhoods and improving access to community resources, the Cascade Bridge installation will allow the removal of the ford, which will improve aquatic habitat and water quality throughout the Black River watershed. The bridge is open to nonmotorized traffic year-round. Come enjoy the new view and see what you have been missing!

L o r a i n C o u n t y M e t r o Pa r k s L o c at i o n s & F a c i l i t i e s : • Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

913 North Lake St., Amherst, Ohio 44001

• Amherst HealthPlex

Equestrian Center/ Nielsen Observatory:

French Creek Nature Center:

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200

• North Coast Inland Trail Butternut Ridge Trailhead:

13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 44342 Butternut Ridge Rd., 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst, OH 44001 • Cascade Park Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 984-3470 Pine Tree Picnic Area: 387 Furnace St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 Gateway Trailhead: 4951 French Creek Rd., • Black River Reservation (440) 458-5121 6275 Gateway Blvd., Elyria, OH 44035 Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 324-5481 • Charlemont Reservation • The North Star Preserve/Henry’s Barn: • Indian Hollow Reservation Bur Oak: 48600 New London Eastern Rd., 46223 U.S. Rt. 20, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 38744 Parsons Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 • Sandy Ridge Reservation 6150 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 New London, Ohio 44851 Royal Oaks: Days Dam: • Columbia Reservation 6195 Otten Rd., N. Ridgeville, Ohio 44039 2720 E. 31st St., Lorain, Ohio 44055 25145 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station, 1057 Parson Rd., Grafton, Ohio 44044 (440) 327-3626 Ohio 44028 High Meadows: • Kopf Family Reservation • Schoepfle Garden (440) 236-3254 1750 Ford Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035 32649 Electric Blvd., 11106 Market St., Birmingham, Ohio 44889 Briarwood Lodge: Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 (440) 965-7237 • Caley Reservation 25250 Briarwood Dr., Columbia Station, (440) 387-8107 18207 West Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 • Splash Zone Ohio 44028 • Kipton Reservation 95 W. Hamilton, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 • Carlisle Reservation • F orest Hills Golf Course St. Route 511, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 (440) 774-5059 (440) 458-5121 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., • L akeview Park • V ermilion River Reservation Carlisle Visitor Center: Elyria, Ohio 44035 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Ohio 44089 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 323-2632 (440) 967-7310 • Miller Nature Preserve Duck Pond Picnic Area: • F rench Creek Reservation 2739 Center Rd., Avon OH 44011 • Wellington Reservation 12550 Diagonal Rd., Burrell Homestead: (440) 937-0764 535 Jones Rd., Wellington, Ohio 44090 LaGrange, Ohio 44050 (440) 647-2509 2792 E. River, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054

2

As theatres around the globe remain dark due to the pandemic, plenty have spent time planning, canceling, and planning again. Others have had virtual productions, created alternative content, or focused on online classes and programming. Though the stages are empty, and the audiences are at home, the northeast Ohio theatre scene remains creative and has found unique ways to go “on with the show.” At French Creek Theatre, we are lucky and unique in that we have a home with the Lorain County Metro Parks and the ability to hold outdoor productions. So, FCT is planning an extended outdoor season for the summer of 2021. In an effort to create a safe environment and to reach different parts of the county, we will be hosting shows at the following parks:

Lakeview Park (June 4th, 5th, & 6th) Miller Nature Preserve (July 30th, 31st, & August 1st) Carlisle Reservation (August 20th, 21st, & 22nd) Mill Hollow Amphitheatre (September 17th, 18th, & 19th) Social distancing and masks will be required, and capacities will be limited. We are dedicated to protecting our cast and crew during the rehearsal and performance process. We will be taking the necessary precautions, including virtual rehearsals and cast sizes under 10. Tickets will be $10 for general admission. Stay tuned for more information and the announcement of our 2021 season.

While preparations for our season proceed, keep an eye out for some of our socially distant and safe programs.

BIG STORIES little actors

French Creek Play Club

VIP Movie Screening - Valentines Day Edition

Wed., Jan. 13, 10 am & Sat., Jan. 16, 1 pm $2/person Little ones Preschool – 1st grade use their imagination to become unique characters and act them out together in a virtual class setting.

Sat., Jan. 16 | 2 pm $2/person Read aloud and discuss (via virtual class setting) a work of drama. All ages welcome. Scripts provided.

Sun., Feb. 14 | Register for your time slot. $30/rental Enjoy your own private use of the movie theater.

View “The Princess Bride” on THE BIG SCREEN with your friends or family (up to 10 people max) $30/ rental, refreshments included with ticket purchase.

Register online at www.loraincountymetroparks.com or call 440-949-5200.

For inquires about the 2021 season or our programs, call 440-949-5200 or check out the French Creek Theatre Facebook page.

Honor Roll

Anonymous Patsie and Jenee Campana Joe and Cheryl Hribar Charlene & John Metelsky Bill Oley Sharon Schnall and R. Drew Sellers Debbie & Jim Shedron Carole A. Smith Darry and Bev Tomazic Dennis & Myrna Tomazic Andree Underwood Cambrad Development III LLC Cleveland All Breed Training Club Community Foundation of Lorain County The Desich Sales Institute Firelands Garden Club Lorain County Hook Crafters Lorain County Community College

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.

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Co-op Nelson Vein and Surgical Services Lorain County Ohio Horseman's Council Tree Trotter Race Participants The Runiversity LLC

Adopt-A-Raptor

Kim and Gilbert Ach Elliott Brooks Elizabeth Rose Brown Brian Bush Cathy Case (Gift to Dick Egy) Carole Disbrow (Gift to Sean Rini) Bob and Marilyn Fabritius Robert and Jeanette Girman James and Michele Ilcisko Joseph and Laurel Irwin

Linda Kacsandy Sandy and Eric Long (Gift to Giovanni Sanchez) Marjean Mitchell (Gifts to A. Williams and M. Williams) Michael and Dorothy Natole Karen Smith Rob and Gina Swindell Mikaela Weigel (Gifts to Hunter Uehlein and Marissa Uehlein) Linda Wilin

Gift was given in Honor of: Larry "LJ" Johnson by Missy Timko

Gift was given in Memory of:

George and Helen Hollstein by Tom and Lynn Hollstein Lorelei Kilbane by Friends of Sean Kilbane Jason R. Tyler by Robert & Virginia Cestaro

Kids & Family Winter programs and activities geared toward young children and their families

Yours to Explore Box: Wildlife in Winter

2021 Summer Camps

Summer Camps are back at Lorain County Metro Parks! Each one of our camps aim to get children outside to experience nature, be active, and explore. Camps this year include Young Birders Camp, Nature Camp, Theatre Camp, Sports Camp, Wings of Wonder Preschool Camp, Outdoor Adventure Camp, Park Trekkers, and Paddling Camp. More detailed information about each camp can be found on our website under our Summer Camps Page.

Registration opens Mon., Jan. 11 $10/box Receive a box full of fun activities and educational materials related to Ohio’s wildlife during the winter season! Box pick-up will be at either Carlisle Visitor Center or French Creek Nature Center from Jan. 20-26. Please contact Rachel at rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com for more information.

Registration for Lorain County residents runs from March 1st – 7th, by call-in only, at the numbers below.

Registration will open for everyone on March 8th, by phone or online.

Carlisle Visitor Center

(440) 458 – 5121 Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm

French Creek Nature Center (440) 949 – 5200 Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4:30 pm

W int er se as on Snow act

ivities

Vermilion River Reservation (440) 967 – 7310 Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4:30 pm

Try out some of these snow-related activities for some free and easy fun right at your own home!

Give a Tree a Snow Face

Make a Stranger in the Woods

Snow Painting

Put some water in a spray bottle and add food coloring. Make designs in the snow with the colors. Try a variety of colors or use a turkey baster instead of a spray bottle.

4

Winter season Craft Idea

Pinecone Snowy Owl You will need: • Pinecone (the kind that has the scales opened up) • Cotton balls • Wiggly eyes or construction paper • Glue

You can make a simple face and then add hair, eyebrows or whatever you want! You may have to pack the snow onto the tree to get it to stay.

Read the book Stranger in the Woods by Carl Sams II and Jean Stoick, then make your own Stranger. Use bird seed, carrot, apple, unsalted nuts, or cranberries and see who stops by for a snack! Make sure to build him where you are able to watch from a window.

box

Indoor Snowballs

Using cotton balls, instead of snow, have an indoor snowball fight and stay warm and dry. For a variation, try tossing the cotton balls into a container and see who can get the most in.

Directions: Unroll or shred the cotton balls and stuff them into the openings between the scales of the pinecone.

Glue on wiggly eyes or construction paper eyes and add a triangular piece of construction paper for the beak.

www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

Find your next trail 8 Winter trails to check out For your next adventure!

Although the Snow is Falling, The Trails are Clear.

Plowed Winter Trails If you are looking for a place to walk that is clear of snow, these are the places to go!

The staff at these parks work diligently to ensure that when the snow comes down, these trails get cleared. We have 4 different parks within our Park District that consistently plow the trails to keep them accessible for you and your family even when it's snowy outside. Snow and ice are no match for our maintenance staff!

Schoepfle Garden - 11106 Market St., Birmingham Schoepfle Garden offers a half-mile garden path is kept clear during the winter.

Amherst Beaver Creek - 913 N. Lake St., Amherst This reservation keeps all of their beautiful paved trails plowed. If you walk both the Beaver Creek Loop and the Conifer Connector you will have hiked over a mile!

Carlisle Reservation - 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange The 0.35-mile-long Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Reservation, in LaGrange, keeps their trail that’s perfect for kids clear of snow.

Wellington Reservation - 535 Jones Rd., Wellington The paved 1.37-mile-long Lakeside Loop trail stays plowed.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Looking for the right place to use snowshoes or cross-country skis? As long as there’s enough snow on the ground, ALL Lorain County Metro Parks are open to these winter activities! While the following trails aren’t groomed or prepared exclusively for snowshoeing or cross-country ski use, you’ll find there is plenty of space for all trail users as long as there is enough snow cover. A snow pack depth of 3” is recommended when using snowshoes or cross-country skis within the parks to ensure minimal damage to your equipment as well as trail surfaces.

PLEASE NOTE – Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is only permitted at Forest Hills Golf Course and within the formal gardens of Schoepfle Garden only if snow pack is at least 3”.

Indian Hollow Reservation Royal Oaks A former golf course, this open area offers two miles of marked trails through three water hazards and is the perfect spot for winter recreation on the snow.

Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center

French Creek Reservation

North Coast Inland Trail

A blend of open floodplains, mature forests, and wetland areas offers visiting skiers and snowshoers immediate access to over 10 miles of looped trails from the parking lot. Want more? Trek beyond the Carlisle Visitor Center for an additional look at the remainder of the 1500-acre reservation!

Winding through 450 acres of streamside woodlands are more than 4.5 miles of trails atop a varying terrain with scenic views!

Access level trails from the south and be ready for some slope if parking at the north entrance.

Following the route of the abandoned Toledo, Norwalk, and Cleveland Railroad, this trail now offers an extended opportunity over several miles for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across Lorain County from the newly unveiled 0.0 milemarker in the City of Lorain to Kipton - and beyond!

SNOWSHOEING

vs.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Feel the benefits of both winter activities!

• Low-impact • Affordable (Check out our programming schedule for upcoming • Aerobic hikes and rental opportunities!)

• Great for ALL ages!

5

Winter Events Outdoor events throughout the park district during this winter season

Martin Luther King Jr. Day M o n d a y, J a n u a r y 1 8

“Remember the dream” Virtual Event Fri., Jan. 15 - Fri., Jan 22 | Deadline to turn in completed activities: Tue., Jan. 26 FREE event! | No Pre-Registration required Complete 3 out of the 4 activities on the checklist below and redeem a prize!

• Search for Lorain County Metro Parks on Facebook and watch the MLK book reading.

Make sure to answer the questions that follow.

• Complete the MLK craft activity on our resource page and take a picture with or of the completed craft to be submitted

• Visit French Creek Nature Center and walk the trail to learn about Civil Rights Activists. Pick 1 of the activists and briefly explain why they are important or what they did • Take a picture of yourself helping out at home or in your local community servicing others

When you complete ALL of your selected activities, please e-mail all content and photos to emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com. If you do not have e-mail access, you can submit your activities via text at 440-219-7873.

With permission, some photos will be selected and displayed on the Facebook page with the hashtag #BETHECHANGE.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., we are hosting a 7-day program event, “Remember the Dream.” This event will begin on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, January 15, and continue beyond MLK Day, ending Friday, January 22. This event will have a virtual component, online activities, and outdoor experiences for everyone to enjoy. You will be given a simple checklist to complete within that week to earn a FREE prize! You must submit all required components by January 26 to emoran@loraincountymetroparks.com or via text at (440) 219-7873. You can find more details on our MLK-Remember the Dream Facebook event starting January 15. Preregistration is not required for this FREE event.

“Make a day of it” Box Register between Feb. 1-7 Various Lorain County Metro Parks locations $10/box Looking for new ideas for a day date or date night? Our “Make a Day of It” box is great for couples looking to explore Lorain County Metro Parks in a variety of ways! It will include different date night activities as well as other ideas to do outside of the box. Each box will be $10. Registration will run from February 1st–7th. Make a day of it with Lorain County Metro Parks!

6

www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

T he

Winter Pursuit

J anuary 3 - M arch 2 7

Hike the parks, answer trivia questions per location, and earn a stylish LCMP buff! Follow the trail below to track your progress. Hikes may be self-guided. Complete 10 out of the 12 parks along with the correctly answering the trivia to earn the prize. Check out www.loraincountymetroparks.com to find park info and maps. Forms must be submitted no later than April 9th.

Start

Week One: Jan. 3 - Jan. 9 Carlisle Reservation

Trivia Question

Week two: Jan. 10 - Jan. 16 Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation

Trivia Question

Week Three: Jan. 17 - Jan. 23 Sandy Ridge Reservation

Trivia Question

True or False – Carlisle Reservation is the largest LCMP reservation?

How long is the paved loop-trail?

Where is this park located?

Week eight: Feb. 21 - Feb. 27

Week seven: Feb. 14 - Feb. 20

Week six: Feb. 7 - Feb. 13

Columbia Reservation

Trivia Question

Wellington Reservation

Trivia Question

Schoepfle Garden

Trivia Question

Week Four: Jan. 24 - Jan. 30 Cascade Park

Trivia Question

What year did LCMP assume operations of this park?

Week Five: Jan. 31 - Feb. 6 French Creek Reservation

Trivia Question

What month and year was this LCMP opened?

How many acres is this park?

What is the name of the river that borders this park?

What are two different activity options this park offers?

Week nine: Feb. 28 - Mar. 6 Vermilion River Reservatio n

Week ten: Mar. 7 - Mar. 13

Week eleven: Mar. 14 - Mar. 20

Week twelve: Mar. 21 - Mar. 27 Indian Hollow Reservation

Trivia Question

True or False – This park opened in 1950.

Caley Reservation

Trivia Question

What are the two popular activities at this park?

Submission Form

Black River Reservation

Trivia Question

How many picnic areas are available, and what are the names?

Trivia Question

What parts of this park are open to the public?

Finish

Name (First and Last): Phone Number: E-Mail Address: Forms must be submitted by April 9th. Mail or drop off forms at the Carlisle Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd. LaGrange, OH 44050), or scan and e-mail to jmatyac@loraincountymetroparks.com.

7

A Healthy Lorain County Tips from the Rec Center

Working out from home

8

www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

O

From hiking our more than 70 miles of trail to paddling the rivers that flow through our reservations, these are just some of the ways to enjoy the great outdoors and to get your daily dose of Vitamin N (Nature) at the Lorain County Metro Parks.

Over one-thousand (and counting) research studies prove that spending time in nature can improve your health and mood. Additional benefits include an increase in energy, productivity, and creativity, plus so much more!

Richard Louv, author of Vitamin N (The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life), states, “Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function.”

In today’s plugged-in and logged-on society, it is more important than ever to put “spend time in nature” on your to-do list. Yes, it is easier said than done when you have mounting work and family obligations. However, getting your daily dose of Vitamin N is a self-care step that will benefit you and positively impact your actions and interactions with others. Visit the beautiful spaces of the Lorain County Metro Parks for your dose of Vitamin N today!

We were sad that we could not bring you an in-person version of the Tree Trotter series in 2020. However, this summer, we were able to test out several new courses during the P.R. Crusher Virtual Race Series. This series challenged participants to race new courses UN throughout the park district. While runners, TY M S5 ETRO PARK joggers, hikers, and walkers raced their way to personal bests, they had to keep an eye peeled for Bigfoot (the King of Social Distancing), who made appearances along these different routes. As an extension, we offered The Fall Challenge from Oct 17 through Dec 31 to see who could log the most miles on our Lorain County Metro Parks trails.

These events allowed us to gather great feedback to apply to our future programming.

Look for more details on upcoming Tree Trotter Virtual Events in the Arrowhead and on our Facebook page.

NC

The Health Benefits of Vitamin N (Nature)

Tree Trotter Series Update

L O R AI

There are plenty of ways to get some exercise during the winter months at home… and you don’t even need to purchase any equipment. Not only can you check out tons of different YouTube channels for different types of workouts, but you can make up your own workouts using stuff you probably already have at home.

• For bicep curls, forward raises and overhead presses - use soup cans, filled water bottles or bottles of laundry detergent.

• For sliders to do mountain climbers and knee tucks – use hand towels or paper plates.

• For dips and squats – use a folding chair.

• For weighted squats, lunges or push-ups – use a bookbag filled with books (or just about anything).

The possibilities are endless! Come up with different ideas and don’t forget to get the kids involved (they won’t even know they are exercising).

Get Physical with the Lorain County Metro Parks

ES

= Fee Required

E RI

= Pre-registration Required |

KS

Icon Key:

It's In Our Nature Information centered around observing and learning about all aspects of nature

THE GREAT HORNED OWL: ‘HOOT’ OWL The great horned owl is one of the most common owls in Ohio, and in fact, is one of the most recognized worldwide. This time of year, you can hear the great horned owls’ hoots as they begin their nesting period. The common hoot noise, generally associated with all types of owls, is used by the great horned in mating and pairbonding. The owls advertise their territory with deep soft hoots, and the male and female owls perform a duet of alternating calls. Although the female is at least ⅓ larger, her voice is higher in pitch.

Part of their courtship includes establishing their nesting area from October through December. Great horned owls are the earliest nesting birds in northern Ohio, making their homes in various habitats, including residential areas. While owls are adept hunters, they do not build their own

nests but instead use the nests of other creatures such as squirrel, eagle, heron, or hawk. Mating pairs are very territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting area.

Once a nest is established, the female typically lays eggs as early as mid-January.

They will lay from 1-6 eggs, but most often 2-3. The young begin to leave the nest at five weeks old and start to fly around ten weeks old. But the young are fed and tended to by parents until late summer.

For an up-close encounter of the feathered kind, the Raptor Center at Carlisle Reservation is open daily 8 am-4:30 pm.

For more information on the Raptor Center and how to become a supporter through our Adopt-A-Raptor program, visit us at: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/raptor-center

Park with the Most Observations: Sandy Ridge Reservation (1,272 observations)

2020: By the numbers Thank you to all of those who have contributed to our Lorain Country Metro Parks iNaturalist projects during 2020. We hope that finding and sharing your observations with us has been an enriching experience as you explore our park system. While the numbers grow each day, here’s where the numbers stood as of mid-November 2020: If you want to participate in iNaturalist, simply download the free app, sign up and start making observations. To share your observations, snap a picture of a plant or animal you have found, share it with the iNaturalist community, and then have others help you identify what you have found. You can also identify species for others if you want to practice your ID-ing skills. To join our Lorain County Metro Parks projects, find our profile, click “Projects” and join!

Park with the Most Identifiable Species Found: Vermilion River Reservation (376 Species) Total Observations Made within LCMP in 2020: 3,933 Total Identifiable Species Found within LCMP in 2020: 997 Total Observers for 2020: 232 Top 3 Observers for 2020: 1. benmeredyk (774 observations, 344 species) 2. monicap273 (600 observations, 179 species) 3. lisa63 (248 observations, 83 species)

9

Outdoor Adventures

Icon Key:

= Pre-registration Required = Minimal Fee Required

Activities FOR ALL AGES GEARED TOWARD ENJOYING NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

Sledding Hills Snowshoeing with the Metro Parks This winter Lorain County Metro Parks will be providing snowshoeing opportunities as pop-up programs. If we have adequate snow cover (at least 4 inches), it is likely we will have rental and program options available. Please stay tuned by checking our LCMP Facebook page and at www.loraincountymetroparks.com. Snowshoeing questions? Contact Jannah at jwilson@loraincountymetroparks.com.

If snow conditions allow, make sure to check out two fantastic sledding options in Lorain County Metro Parks! Both hills are open from 8am-Sunset.

Cascade Park 387 Furnace St., Elyria

Vermilion River Reservation Bacon Woods 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion

Check out page 5 for some trails you can enjoy on your own!

Fly

Fishing

The Wooly Bugger is a simple trout fly that has a place in every trout angler’s fly box. This simple fly uses only a few materials, but has endless variations. We’ll use black for this specific fly – however, once you learn the technique you can customize it to your liking.

H ow t o t i e a w o o ly b u g g e r Materials

Tying the Wooly Bugger

• Hook: Long-shank streamer hook, sizes 4–10

tap it sharply on the table to even the 1. Secure the hook in your vise. Make 10–15 ends. Remove the hair from the stacker, tight turns of lead wire on the hook.

2. Tie the saddle feather in by its tip at the taking care to keep the ends even. hook bend. Clip off the extra.

7. Pinching the hair between your thumb 3. Add dubbing onto the thread by rolling and forefinger, hold it on top of the fly and align the tips of the hair so that they small clumps around the thread with match up with the bend of the hook. your fingers a bit at a time. Use as little as possible, covering only 1-2” of thread.

Holding the hair in this position with your 4. Wind the dubbed thread up the hook to free hand, use your other hand to secure the eye, forming a slim, tapered body. it in place with several tight thread wraps, taking care to keep the hair on 5. Use hackle pliers to wrap the feather forward using 4 or 5 evenly spaced top of the hook. turns. Secure the feather at the hook 8. Pull the thread tight to flare the elk hair. eye and clip away the excess.

9. Trim the butt ends of the hair, tie off 6. Cut a small clump of elk hair. Place the using the whip finish tool, and add hair, tips down, into your hair stacker and cement.

• Weight: Lead wire, 0.15 diameter • Thread: Black UNI-Thread, size 6/0 • Tail: Black marabou • Body: Medium black chenille • Hackle: Black Chinese saddle hackle

10

Join us on our Facebook page on Thursday, February 4 at 1 p.m. for a video tutorial on tying the Wooly Bugger!

• Rib: Medium copper wire

Pioneer Craftsman Experience Step back in time to the pioneer era during this year's virtual event series

Virtual

Pioneer craftsmen experiencE registration opens february 1st, 2021

The Pioneer Craftsmen Experience has been a mainstay September field trip event at the Vermilion River Reservation for a number of years. During the field trip, students learn about life in the 1800s. They practice primitive skills, meet historical figures, learn about historical events, listen to era music, and so much more!

Due to the pandemic, we’ve had to reimagine this program and are now offering a virtual option! This virtual program will include a series of engaging videos, including spinning and weaving, gold panning, butter making, and maple sugaring. The program also includes a tour of the Benjamin Bacon House Museum.

The video content will be paired with a digital activity guide full of trivia games, printable worksheets and coloring pages, and at-home activity ideas. Upon registration, participants will receive an e-mail with the digital activity guide along with video access instructions. Individuals will have the opportunity to pre-register for the Virtual Pioneer Craftsmen Experience beginning on February 1st. The cost is $5 per individual.

Plus, our Virtual Pioneer Craftsmen Experience is available in a classroom package! For just $25, this package includes a digital activity guide and a classroom demonstration kit. Classroom registration opens on January 11th and is available for Lorain County schools only. Contact Senior Naturalist Matt Kocsis for more information and to register for the classroom package – mkocsis@loraincountymetroparks.com.

www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

11

Maple Sugaring Learn how to turn sap into syrup by using this process that is unique to our part of the world!

History of Maple Sugaring

Maple Sugaring Program Feb. 27, 28, Mar. 6, 7, 13, & 14 11 am-3:30 pm Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange Join us for a 30-minute outdoor program that will engage you in identifying maple trees! Explore the tools needed to tap trees, collect sap and end with a visit to the sugar shack. Discover the process of turning sap into syrup through this demonstration then enjoy a taste of pure maple syrup.

Registration is required for this free outdoor program and group sizes are limited.

Native Americans discovered the secret of maple sap sweetness during the late winter season. There are many legends and stories about how they first discovered the sweet sap but most revolve around the story of a tribal chief who threw a tomahawk at a tree (sugar maple). His wife saw the sap running out of the hole, and she used it to cook their venison dinner, which tasted delicious and sweet! They began collecting sap and cooking it down to solid maple sugar or chewy taffy. These maple products were highly valued and became a form of currency to be used for trading.

The early European settlers learned about maple sugaring from the Native Americans and added their own advancements by introducing wood buckets and kettles. By the 1800s, farmers were using horse-drawn sleds to collect the sap. The first metal spile was developed in 1860, and sugar houses were being built in the sugar bush. The first evaporator pans were developed and used in the late 1800s. As you drive the roads of Lorain County, look for farmers using traditional aluminum buckets and evaporator pans, as well as more modern methods such as plastic tubing and pumps. Be sure to create your own maple sugaring family traditions with a visit to Carlisle Reservation’s maple sugaring program!

Maple Recipe: Eva's Maple Walnut Fudge Ingredients: • 1 Cup - Pure maple

syrup • 2 Cups - Granulated

sugar • ½ Cup - Light cream

•

(or 6 Tbsp. whipping cream + 2 Tbsp. water)

• 2 Tbsp - Butter • ½ Cup - Chopped

walnuts

Directions

1. Grease 8” square pan with butter 2. Combine all ingredients except walnuts in medium saucepan. Cook stirring frequently over medium high heat until boiling. Cook until mixture reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes. Watch pan carefully while cooking, this can boil up VERY quickly!

3. Remove from heat and cool without stirring until lukewarm (110 degrees) about 1 hour.

4. Beat with spoon until the color lightens, the mixture loses its gloss and the fudge begins to set. Quickly stir in walnuts and press into prepared pan. When fudge is firm cut into squares.

How to identify maple trees

12

Have you ever wondered if you have maple trees in your yard? You can use five characteristics to help identify a maple tree: leaf shape, seeds (samaras), branching pattern, bud shape, and bark. We can only use three of the five at this time of year since the leaves and seeds are no longer on the tree. Maples have an opposite branching pattern, as do ash, dogwood, and buckeye trees. The acronym, “MAD-Buck,” helps you remember these trees with opposite branches. Six species of maple trees grow in Ohio; sugar, red, black, silver, box elder, and Norway (non-native species). We will identify the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) as this tree produces the sweetest sap for producing maple syrup. After determining that it has opposite branching, check the buds on the tips of the branches.

Sugar maple buds look like pointy sugar ice cream cones. The bark is described as light grey, flaky (like “frosted flakes”) and may have black patches near the base of the tree. By looking at all these characteristics you are well on your way to finding and identifying the fantastic and beautiful sugar maple tree. Please use the graphic to the left. www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121