Issuu

Lorain County Metro Parks

July-August 2021 Volume 61, Number 4

Green Your Grey Matter The new "Transformation Trail" is new initiative, based in brain science, aimed at encouraging positive mental health while in nature. | Pg. 2

Summer Wildflower Guide Sound like a Naturalist while correctly identifying these native summer wildflowers! | Pgs. 10 & 11 Pictured: Members of Amherst Steele High School's Interact Club paint positive messages onto the pavement at Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation's new Transformation Trail.

LorainCountyMetroParks.com

Inside Park Updates 2 Volunteer/Honor Roll 3 Raptor Center 4 Cultural Arts 5 Summer Events 6&7 Summer on Wheels 8 Nature 9 Summer Wildflowers 10 & 11 What's Happening 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 Transformation Trail

The Transformation Trail, an initiative to encourage mental health, has been constructed at Amherst Beaver Creek. The project is a collaboration between Amherst Rotary Club, Amherst Steele High School Interact Club, and the Mental Health Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. The project was funded through the Rotary We Are One District Grant Program with a financial match from the Amherst Rotary Club. Grants were awarded to local clubs for service projects that address one of the organization’s areas of focus. This initiative addresses Disease Prevention and Treatment. The Transformation Trail is made up of trail activities and content intended to be inspirational for anyone, from toddlers to grandparents, but also “disruptive” to people who are in distress or have ruminating thoughts. Though the trail appears like a fun sequence of activities, it is based on brain science. The project focuses on “futuring,” a term meaning envisioning oneself in the future, which for those suffering from depression is not always an easy task. A path to the future is hope, and seeing good things happening for oneself in the future can be powerful.

Produce Pick-Ups at Sandy Ridge Reservation

Registration is now open for produce pick-up dates in August and September! This program has been made available through Heart and Sole. Use the link below to find dates and register. www.loraincountymetroparks.com/produce-pickup

Juneteenth Bluesfest at Lakeview

Don’t miss this popular annual event at Lakeview Park in Lorain on June 19 at 3 pm!. Come and enjoy bluesy performances by Audacity For Sale, Hubb’s Groove and experience the wonder of New Orleans-style Second line with Da Land Brass Band. Our special guest, Abraham Lincoln will open the program with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.

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

Friends of the

Metro Parks Lorain County

Volunteer

The park district is looking for volunteers! Anyone interested in volunteering with the parks is required to become a member of the Friends of the Lorain County Metro Parks. Volunteering is open to those 16 and older, individuals under 18 require a partnering adult. To begin the process, it is necessary to complete an orientation (information below). Also, the Lorain County Metro Parks requires all volunteers to complete a background check/ fingerprinting and in some instances additional training with park staff. Please bring a driver’s license to your orientation to complete a fingerprinting/background check with an LCMP Ranger. All fees associated with the background check are covered by the park district.

Update Honor Roll Jeremy S. Elliott Trust Brenda Funk, Vermilion Jacob & Robyn Groshek & Family, Avon Karen Lanigan, Avon Lake Veronica Ward, Elyria Community Foundation of Lorain County United Way of Greater Lorain County

Adopt-A-Raptor

Emily Baskin, Westlake Jere Boyer, Lorain (In memory of Eleanor Vinczi) Steven A. Bridge, The Villages, FL (In memory of Margaret A. Bridge) Greg & Edie Dore, North Ridgeville (Gift to Cameron Velican) Maureen Farrell, Cleveland (Gift to Dean Norman) Andy Ries, Elyria (In memory of Deb Baird) William Wallis, Elyria Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville

Gift was given in Honor of:

Jerry & Mayla Czipa by Patti Czipa, Lorain Joyce Davis by Joseph & Marge Sayers Rafter, Grafton Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by Bob & Lori Campana, Bay Village

Gift was given in Memory of:

Fred Alspach by Bob & Lori Campana, Bay Village Thomas Ault by Karen & Dave Ennes, Elyria Robert Bair by Roberta Bair, Lorain Patsie & Jeneé Campana by Bob & Lori Campana, Bay Village Patricia Cochran by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Jack Daly by Joe & Sue Daly, Galena Britton Pearse Flash by Richard & Beth Allen, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Jill & Phil Battershell, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by George & Lora Blaha, Rocky River Britton Pearse Flash by Jennifer Bracken, Avon Lake Britton Pearse Flash by Natalie Borgard Burrer, Arvada, CO Britton Pearse Flash by Scott & Meg Butler & Family, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Bruce Cady, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Anne Chambers, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Kendall Christian

Next Volunteer Orientation Tue., July 13 | 10 am & 7 pm Carlisle Visitor Center Pre-registration is required and can be completed online through the program registration page.

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.

Britton Pearse Flash by Mr. & Mrs. William Oatey Fund, Westlake Britton Pearse Flash by Dan & Anne Davis, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Paul & Susan Del Vecchio, Westlake Britton Pearse Flash by Matthew Essi & Carlee Demore, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Karen Farmer, North Ridgeville Britton Pearse Flash by The Firestones, Houston, TX Britton Pearse Flash by James & Laura Geuther, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Kermode & Lynne Gill, Port Clinton Britton Pearse Flash by Randolph & Laurie Graham, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Heidelberg Distributing, Lorain Britton Pearse Flash by Beth & Patrick Hill, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Jenny & T.S. Hitchcock, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Beth Ann & Christopher Holick, Westlake Britton Pearse Flash by John & Jodee Hunger, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Tracie Lynn Huskey, North Ridgeville Britton Pearse Flash by The Jacobs Family, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Jim & Peggy Joyce, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Chas & Cali Kennedy, Westlake Britton Pearse Flash by Charles Kennedy, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Marian Kilbane-Flash, Fairview Park Britton Pearse Flash by Char Kline, North Ridgeville Britton Pearse Flash by Alex & Patricia Krutowskis, Elyria Britton Pearse Flash by Kurtz Bros., Avon Britton Pearse Flash by Steve & Diana Lee, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Lisa McDanels, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Kristen McKenna, Grafton Britton Pearse Flash by Scot & Leslie McNutt, Avon Lake Britton Pearse Flash by Matthew & Jason Mravec, Cleveland Britton Pearse Flash by Mary Ann Nolan, Elyria Britton Pearse Flash by Stacey & Phil Nye, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Mary Ogrinc & Dr. Timothy J. Pritchard, Euclid Britton Pearse Flash by John & Theresa Pabin, Avon Britton Pearse Flash by Linda Paull, Elyria Britton Pearse Flash by Julia & Alan Paulus, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Camilo Perdomo Britton Pearse Flash by JoAnn Post, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Bill Pozega, Avon Britton Pearse Flash by Kathleen Roesch, Westlake

Britton Pearse Flash by Albert & Mary Ann Sammon, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Fawn Segaloff, Chestnut Hill, MA Britton Pearse Flash by Deanne Sikora, Avon Britton Pearse Flash by David & Rosemary Sima, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Mark Skellenger & Deborah Banks-Skellen, Avon Lake Britton Pearse Flash by Carol & Jerry Smith, Medina Britton Pearse Flash by John D. Stanton & Associates, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Jenny & Peter Strang, Rocky River Britton Pearse Flash by Robert & Susan Thornton, Hopkinton, MA Britton Pearse Flash by Raymond & Sandra Tusick, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Unilock Ohio, Inc., Rittman Britton Pearse Flash by Susan White, Bay Village Britton Pearse Flash by Pauline Wickman, Avon Britton Pearse Flash by Cole Jacobs & Chelsea Woodworth, Cleveland Angie Hammond by Rodney Bowling, Amherst Patti Hennes & Grace Knight by Barb Sanborn, Lorain Carl H. Leslie Jr. by The Michael Samek Family, Elyria Lila Sprague McGinnis by Kevin & Judy Bolden, Elyria Lila Sprague McGinnis by Leslie McGinnis, Elyria Lila Sprague McGinnis by James & Anne Michael, Elyria Lila Sprague McGinnis by Laurie A. Miller & Paul E. Jaster, Elyria Lila Sprague McGinnis by Linda Nichols, Kingsville Lila Sprague McGinnis by Ron & Bernece Pickens, Elyria Lila & Richard McGinnis by Joe & Sue Daly, Galena Lila & Richard McGinnis by Gary & Sandra Vinicky, Elyria Thomas Morris by Karen & Dave Ennes, Elyria Bernie Ogan by Joe & Cheryl Hribar, Vermilion Stan & Wanda Pijor by Bob & Lori Campana, Bay Village Joe Walter Pruchinsky by Candace Cortez, Deltona, FL Venett S. Smith by Randall A. Smith, Elyria in memory of Christopher Walsh by James & Nancy Bekeny, Westlake Christopher Walsh by The Gruso Girls Christopher Walsh by Patrick & Laura Kelly, North Olmsted Christopher Walsh by Judith & Daniel Ross, The Villages, FL Christopher Walsh by Sibley, Inc., Elyria

Raptor Center Located at the Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

Continuing Care Campaign The Raptor Center at Lorain County Metro Parks’ Carlisle Visitor Center is a facility dedicated to the professional care and management of non-releasable raptors while maintaining the highest level of welfare possible. Our programs empower visitors to be stewards of neighboring wildlife and wild places. Since the start of the Adopt-A-Raptor program in 2006, the center has been able to fund day-to-day operations with the help of generous donors. In an average year, expenses typically total approximately $8,000. This can change from year to year based on medical needs and other factors.

Interested in contributing? Visit the Raptor Center webpage for information on Adopt-A-Raptor and the Amazon Wish List and visit our online donation platform for the Continuing Care Campaign!

Unfortunately, this year additional funds are needed to feed our resident birds. In years past, a Michigan-based vendor donated food at a value of more than $5,000. However, this vendor has tragically been forced to close. This closure is devastating, and the loss of the donated food has created a void we must fill. To offset this loss, we started the Continuing Care Campaign as a fundraising effort. The response to this initiative was overwhelming! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the Continuing Care Campaign thus far – you have exceeded all our hopes. To date, we have raised over $6,000 through this initiative. Thank you to all donors who support the Raptor Center through Adopt-A-Raptor, our Amazon wish list, the Continuing Care Campaign, and the Community Foundation Raptor Center Endowment Fund. We know that the future of the birds is secure thanks to generous champions like yourself. Thank you!

Artemis

Turkey Vulture

Luke

Red-tailed Hawk

Luna

Barn Owl

Olivia

Barred Owl

Smokey

Eastern Screech-owl

Stewart Barred Owl

Raptor Center Webpage

loraincountymetroparks.com/raptor-center

Donation platform

loraincountymetroparks.com/donate

Cultural Arts Summer arts and entertainment

Outdoor Summer Season The French Creek Theatre team is excited to share with you our Outdoor Summer Season! Ticket sales open on April 1 at loraincountymetroparks.com.

A Year with

and

Frog toad June 4 & 5 | 7 pm June 6 | 3 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain

Ordinary Days is an original musical for anyone who’s ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With equal doses of humor and poignancy, it celebrates how 8.3 million individual stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York City such a unique and extraordinary home.

July 30 & 31 | 7 pm Aug. 1 | 3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon General Admission- $10

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

The Complete Works of

SHakespeaRe (abridged) [revised]

Aug. 20 & 21 | 7 pm Aug. 22 | 3 pm Carlisle Reservation, LaGrange General Admission- $10 Featured are all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three actors. Fast-paced, witty, and physical, it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.

Nightfall with

Edgar Allan Poe

Sept. 17, 18, & 19 | 7 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods Amphitheater General Admission- $10 Edgar Allan Poe stands alone in the flickering darkness of his mind, trying desperately to convince himself - and us - that he’s not mad. The spell he weaves brings us a highly theatrical adaptation of four tales Poe himself considered his best, “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

2021 Summer Concert Series

Sunset Concert Series

Thursday evenings | 6-8 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Dance the night away during some live music on the shores of Lake Erie as the sun sets.

Music under the stars Sunday evenings | 6-8 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Join us for an evening of live outdoor music. Bring a blanket or chair to relax while you enjoy the show. July 11 | The Liverpool Lads (Beatles Tribute) Sept. 12 | Latin City Soul (Latin Jazz)

Vermilion River Reservation Summer Concert series

Sunday evenings | 6:30-8 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Join us for outdoor music at the beautiful Bacon Woods Amphitheatre on the outskirts of the Vermilion River Reservation woods. Jun. 13 | Celebration (Rock & Roll, Oldies, Elvis Impersonator) Jun. 20 | Buckshot Band (Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) Jun. 27 | Northwest Territory Bluegrass Band (Bluegrass) *No Concert on Sunday, July 4th Jul. 11 | OPUS 216 (String Quartet, Eclectic mix) Jul. 18 | The Thor Platter Trio (Americana Roots-Rock) Jul. 25 | The Polka Pirates (Polka) Aug. 1 | Raquel and the Wildflowers (Country Rock) Aug. 8 | Gregory Moore, Evelyn Wright, & Mike Lorenz (Jazz, Rhythm, & Blues) Aug. 15 | The Jam Machine (Classic Rock, Pop, R&B, and more!) Aug. 22 | Lil' Eddy and the Boilermakers (Jazz, Blues, Swing)

North Pointe Ballet's

"Dance-a-Story"

Jul. 7, 14, & 21 | 10 am-1 pm French Creek Nature Center “Dance-A-Story” series will feature themed dance lessons, choreography, and storytelling adapted from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. The staff of NPB will lead each class. Students from 6-19 of all abilities can register for one class or take all three. Registration for these FREE classes is open now on loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. The location of classes is subject to change.

e i v o m

in the park

Trolls World Tour Fri., July 16 | 9-10:30 p.m. Cascade Park

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone Fri., Aug. 27 | 9-10:30 p.m. Black River Reservation, Day's Dam Take an evening stroll or ride your bike to the park for a FREE outdoor movie night! Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Parking will be limited. Pre-registration is not required. Call (440) 219-7873 with questions.

Summer Fun MAJOR events Major EVENTS happening HAPPENING this THIS summer SUMMER throughout THROUGHOUT the THE park PARK district DISTRICT

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E e S s O o l L C p P U

Sat., Aug. 14 | 5-8:30 pm Lakeview Park, Lorain Spend your Saturday night at the beach! Try out kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing for free. Pre-register online loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. Children 5-12 years of age are welcome to try canoes with an adult. Children 13-17 may try canoes along with other types of paddle craft with an on-shore or participating adult. Explore educational displays and learn more about our local waterways. Enjoy food, refreshments, and live music plus a beer tasting. Plus, make sure to stay for an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset and campfire on the beach!

Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted prior to paddling activities. Questions? Please contact Jannah at (440) 219-7873. Event updates will also be available at loraincountymetroparks.com and on our Lorain County Metro Parks Facebook page.

Picn Pl

Wed., July 7 | 1 Lakeview Park, S

Wed., July 14 | Cascade Park, S Sundays, June 6-Sept. 5 | 2-3 pm Carlisle Visitor Center Join the Naturalist staff at the new Raptor Center Amphitheater this summer to learn about Ohio’s fascinating wildlife. Wildlife Up Close will be happening every Sunday 2-3 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends at the Raptor Center. This program will feature our resident wildlife program ambassadors, both the raptors and reptiles that call Carlisle home. Participants must wear masks and preregister at least one day prior to the program. Pre-register online by visiting loraincountymetroparks.com/programs.

Wed., July 21 | Black River (High M

Wed., July 28 | French Creek Rese

Wed., Aug. 4 | Wellington Reserv

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PACKET Packet PICKUP Pickup AVAILABLE: Available: All July Miller Nature Preserve & Carlisle Visitor Center Wondering what there is to do at your nearby parks? Grab a Lorain County Metro Parks Road Trip packet this summer for ideas to keep the whole family happy. The Road Trip packet will include categories featuring our favorite LCMP spots and different ‘must see’ stops. For just $10, this self-guided tour packet has all the details you need including: categorized trip ideas, facility information, program registration information, pens, stickers, selfie and family photos ideas, park maps, and more! Register and pay online at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs. Packets will be available for pickup at Carlisle Visitor Center and Miller Nature Preserve during the month of July.

LORAIN County Lorain COUNTY Metro METRO Parks PARKS

GOLF Camp Golf CAMP

Aug. 3 & 4 | 9 am-Noon Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge Join the Lorain County Metro Parks for Golf Camp! Enjoy two days learning the fundamentals of golf including dexterity training, learning distances, choosing the right club, approach shot, bunker shot, and putting. The camp will also include various skill-based games and activities which are designed to improve golf skills, as well as keep the learning environment fun and engaging. Camp will also incorporate lessons on good sportsmanship, and how to play golf honestly and with integrity. Open to ages 10-13, $50 per child, must provide your own set of clubs.

Summer on Wheels Lorain County Metro Parks’ Schedule Tram Rides, forGuided free tram Bicycle rides Rides, throughout and the Little the park Green district Choo

Tram Tours Cascade Park Every Tuesday June - September 10 am-Noon Meet at Shelter #1 Sit back, relax, and take a FREE tram tour of Cascade Park! Learn more about the park history, natural and geological features, and enjoy the scenic beauty of mother nature. Travel from Shelter #1 to the West Falls and 19 acres with views of the Black River and bridge along the way. Call (440) 219-7873 with questions.

Schoepfle Garden

Wellington Reservation

Every Tue. & Sat. May - October 10 am-1 pm Meet at Visitor Center The tram traverses the half mile paved garden path that encompasses most of the 20acre formal gardens providing a view of many of the blooms and plants that make a visit to Schoepfle Garden so special.

Every Wed. in July 10 am-Noon Every Sat. in Aug. 6-8 pm Every Tue. in Sep. 9-11 am Explore Wellington Reservation with a tram ride! Up to 7 people of the same family or social group. Rides take roughly half an hour.

Monthly highlights: • June: Roses, Annuals, Mountain Laurel, Daylilies, Kousa Dogwoods • July: Daylilies, Astilbe, Mixed Border • Aug: Canna, Lycoris, Mixed Border • Sep: Sedum, Fall Color, Autumn Crocus • Oct: Fall Color, Evergreens

Little Green Choo

Select Thursdays & Saturdays (dates below) July 3, 8, 22, 31 | Aug. 12, 14, 19, 28 | Sep. 4, 9, 18, 23 1-3 pm (runs every 15 minutes) Carlisle Visitor Center, Visitor Center All aboard the Little Green Choo! The train will travel along the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail where riders will watch the butterfly’s flit over the open the field, listen to the green frogs as they pass by the pond, and check on the woodpeckers looking for bugs on the trees. All riders must pre-register for a time slot. Join us for a train adventure where you can discover nature’s wonder on the Little Green Choo!

Black River Celebration Guided Bike Rides Sat., July 3 | 9-11 am Cascade Park, Elyria

Sat., Aug. 7 | 9-11 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak, Shelter 1

Sat., Sep. 4 | 9-11 am French Creek Reservation, Pine Tree, Shelter 1

Join in on the Black River Celebration by attending a guided cycling trip scheduled at various park locations. Bikes and helmets will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring their own bikes. Helmets are required for all riders. Equipment is available in different sizes and adjustable. Pre-registration is required for all cycling trips. Register online at loraincountymetroparks.com/programs or by calling (440) 458-5121.

LITTLE GREEN CHOO www c .MetroParks.c

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

It's in our Nature Information centered around observing and learning about all aspects of nature

Schoepfle Garden: A Garden getaway

There is lots to do at Schoepfle garden throughout the summer months. We offer rides on the historic carousel, garden tours by tram, shaded trails for hiking along the Vermilion River, and a number of programs for all ages. Visitors can find a number of blooms throughout the garden including daylilies, canna, roses, and hostas. Come find a number of annuals and perennials as well as butterflies and hummingbirds.

Upcoming programs also include: BEACH TEA PARTY PICNIC Sat., July 17 | 11 am Join us for a beach themed tea party picnic. Moana and Ariel will visit and share songs and fun! Each child will receive a takeaway pack that includes crafts, coloring, and snacks. Pre-register and pay $3 per child, $2 per adult. Registration closes July 14.

CHIDLREN’S GARDEN BIRTHDAY BASH Sat., Aug. 28 | 1-3 pm Join us as we celebrate the 14th birthday of the Children’s Garden. Our birthday bash activities will be in the Children’s Garden, and the event is FREE!

Visit loraincountymetroparks.com/programs to register for programs and for the latest list of what’s happening.

Enjoy a guided tour of the garden or visit Otto Schoepfle’s home to learn about his life and view his house full of antiques. Check our website for scheduled programs. Carousel Rides are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays 1-4 pm, through September. In the summer (July-August) rides are also offered on Fridays 10 am–1 pm. Garden Tram Tours are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm, first-come first-served.

Dragons & Damsels Known and admired for their beauty, acrobatic behavior, and whimsical nature, dragonflies and damselflies are commonly associated with the symbolic meaning of change and transformation. Worldwide, there are more than 5,000 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), with 450 species found in North America and 164 currently recorded in Ohio. Dragonflies are the strongest flyers of the insect world, flying in all directions and hovering in midair like a helicopter! This is due to the impressive

construction of their two sets of wings, enabling each wing to move independently of the other. In contrast, damselflies are not as aerial adept due to having weak wing muscles and beating their wings at different times. The immature stages of each of these species are aquatic and found near lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps, and canals. Their presence is an important indicator of water quality. Damselflies are slender, have widely separated compound eyes, and rest their four wings together over their abdomen when sitting. In contrast, dragonflies are larger, have eyes that touch near the top of their head, and usually hold their wings straight out while sitting. Depending on the species, Odonates’ coloration can vary in blues, greens, browns, yellows, and even reds. With their prehistoric appearance, it is not surprising to hear that they have been around for

Pictured: Common green darner about 300 million years. Although many Odonates are common, a number are listed as threatened or endangered. While hiking along or resting on one of the benches near our ponds and rivers, keep an eye out for these and other common Ohio species: common green darner, Eastern pondhawk, widow skimmer, blue dasher, common whitetail, Eastern forktail, ebony jewelwing, and the familiar bluet.

Local Wildflower Guide Your Guide to Native Summer Wildlfowers

Summer Wildflowers Jewelweed

Spotted Jewelweed; Impatiens capensis Pale Jewelweed; Impatiens pallida Blooming Period: May – October Habitat: Moist woods and along creek beds Description: The two common species of Jewelweed you will see in Lorain County Metro Parks are the Pale Jewelweed (yellow) and Common or Spotted Touch-Me-Not (yellow, orange, and red) seen together in this photo. This plant’s leaves and the juice from the stem can be used to treat poison ivy, poison oak, and other plantinduced rashes. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies pollinate the flowers. Its method of seed dispersal is unique. Often referred to as “touch-me-nots,” when you touch the plant’s swollen fruit, they pop like fireworks. Multiple seeds proceed to “explode” into the air, sometimes up to 4 feet away from the plant!

Cardinal Flower; Lobelia cardinalis Blooming Period: July – September Habitat: Along stream sides, marsh areas, and woodland clearings Description: This dazzling, bright red, native perennial is a beautiful sight to see! The common name alludes to the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Cardinal flower grows anywhere from 1–6 feet tall, and its flowers are tubular, making it difficult for insects to navigate. However, it is a magnet for hummingbirds who feed on the nectar, which helps pollinate the plant. Lobelias produce a secondary compound known as “lobeline,” which deters herbivores from eating them.

Purple Coneflower; Echinacea purpurea Blooming Period: July – September Habitat: Tall grass prairies and open wooded areas Description: Purple coneflower is a good example of a native prairie plant found in Ohio during the summer. It is easy to grow and has a long taproot that breaks up clay soil and stores water. It can only be found wild in North America. The genius Echinacea comes from the Greek ‘echinos,” meaning hedgehog, referencing the spiky, round seed head, which resembles a hedgehog. This plant is perfect for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. Insect presence on the flower will also draw hummingbirds that feed on them. In the fall, the seed-heads provide food for songbirds like goldfinches.

Common Milkweed; Asclepias syriaca Blooming Period: June – August Habitat: Meadows, fencerows, roadsides, railways, fields, and other open habitats Description: A robust perennial, common milkweed can be found in every county in Ohio. If cut or crushed, the stems and leaves exude a white milky sap, a common characteristic of species in the Milkweed family, hence the name. It can be distinguished from other milkweed species by its pinkish-purple, ball-shaped flower clusters, and large teardrop-shaped seed pods covered in warty bumps. In the fall, after the seed pod matures, they split open, releasing numerous tufted seeds. Milkweed is vital to the Monarch butterfly because the plant hosts its eggs and caterpillars. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant, and as a result, the toxic milky substance is absorbed, making them and the adult Monarchs distasteful to predators.

LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

Black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia hirta Blooming Period: June – October Habitat: Fields, prairies, open woods, roadsides, disturbed soils Description: This plant is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, and the name stems from the dark, brownpurple centers of its daisy-like flower heads. The flowers are a brilliant golden yellow that is an added splash of color to any habitat it grows in, including your home garden. Butterflies, bees, and a variety of insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar. Like Purple Coneflower, the seeds are enjoyed by songbirds in the fall, so seed heads should be left standing over the winter months.

American White Water-lily; Nymphaea odorata Blooming Period: June – September Habitat: Wetland areas with slow-moving or still water such as ponds or marshes Description: A very showy member of the water lily family, the white water-lily is a lovely plant to admire as you walk a boardwalk over a wetland or paddle a boat around a lake. This plant floats on top of the water and can form dense colonies, sometimes completely covering the water’s surface with flat, round leaves. The flowers are large, fragrant, and can either be white or pink. “Nymphaea” is derived from the attractive flower’s similarities to the mythological Greek nymphs, which are beautiful supernatural female beings thought to inhabit glades and springs.

Obedient Plant; Physostegia virginiana Blooming Period: August – Early November Habitat: Prairies, thickets, opening in woodland areas, and moist meadows Description: This spectacular late-blooming plant earns its name because of its ability for a person to gently nudge the blossoms in either direction as if it is obeying you. Its showy blooms, ranging from white to rosy pink or lavender, appear between the onset of summer and fall wildflowers, feeding pollinators steadily for as long as eight weeks. The tubular flowers are attractive to bumblebees, who are its primary pollinator, seemingly designed to fit neatly into the entire flower. Hummingbirds and butterflies are also attracted to the plant.

Night Sky This August, we will be treated to an awe-inspiring celestial event! The Perseid Meteor Showers will be lighting up the night sky when they peak on August 12. This year’s celestial show will be easier to see with the presence of a darker sky. The moon will only be 13% full (waxing crescent), which means very little light coming from the moon. Some tips to help you observe the Perseid Meteor Showers would be to find a viewing location with an open sky and as little light pollution. Look in the northeast sky; the meteor showers will be radiating from

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the constellation Perseus, northeast of the Big Dipper. But remember, all good things come to those who wait. Meteors are part of nature and there’s no way to predict exactly how many you’ll see on any given night. Find a good spot, watch and wait. These celestial light shows will be worth the wait! The Black River Astronomical Society will be hosting a public observation session during the Perseid Meteor Showers, so be sure to check their website for details at www.BlackRiverAstro.org.

Nature at Night 

Fri., Sept. 10 | 7:30-10:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center If you enjoy discovering amazing nature after the sun sets, then join us for a brand-new event at Carlisle Reservation’s Equestrian Center! This program will include night hikes, a campfire, and telescope viewing with Black River Astronomical Society members. Discover nocturnal animals like owls, bats, moths and listen for nocturnal sounds from insects and amphibians. Watch for more information on our website and in the next Arrowhead! LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

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Employment Opportunities The Lorain County Metro Parks is hiring! Are you interest in a position which includes fresh air and the joy of working in nature? A number of positions are still available on our team. Positions are open to candidates 15 years and older. A variety of opportunities are available at sites across the county including lifeguards, park aides, golf aides, front desk staff, and more. Visit our website for a current listing of open positions and apply online today!

loraincountymetroparks.com/employment New employees must satisfactorily complete a background check. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users. Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Lorain County Metro Parks makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and operational need.