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Lorain County Metro Parks

March-April 2021 Volume 61, Number 2

Meet the Crew!

L O R A I N

C O U N T Y

M E T R O

Summer Camps 7 different Summer Camp options for kids! Nature Camp, Boating Camp, Theatre Camp, Sports Camp and more! | Pgs. 10 & 11

P A R K S

From Left to Right: Scarlet (rat snake), Bonnie (box turtle), Harry (box turtle), and Blake (corn snake)

Virtual Puppet show Our brand new puppet team, "The Critter Crew", is putting on a nature-inspired puppet show just for you! | Pg. 4

LorainCountyMetroParks.com

Inside Park Info/Trail Tips 2 Spring Severe Weather 3 Cultural Arts 4 Hiking Stick Program 5 Wildflower Guide 6&7 Nature 8&9 Summer Camps 10 & 11 Wildlife Injured Orphans 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 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

Spring Severe Weather

When the thunder rolls, make sure that you and your family are ready! You can prepare for spring’s severe weather season by taking the following steps: Prep your home by keeping tree limbs near your house trimmed. During imminent severe weather situations, secure any loose objects and close any open doors or windows. Create and practice an emergency communication plan with your family., Identify a safe room in your home in the event of a tornado or severe storm which forces you to shelter in place. Your safe room should be a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of your home with no windows, like a closet or bathroom. Your plan should also include a meeting place in the event a weather emergency forces you to flee your home. Be weather aware by checking the forecast for your location to determine the level of risk for your area and plan ahead. Use a weather radio or other official communication forms used by local authorities such as text alerts or social media posts. Some weather apps for smartphones also notify users of severe weather. Do not rely on tornado sirens.

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Watch vs. Warning

Watch – be prepared for possible severe storms in the watch area and check the forecast often Warning – severe weather has indicated on radar or reported to the National Weather Service by trained storm spotters

Honor Roll 19th Century Club Jonell Baker Buckeye Community Bank Patsie and Jenee Campana Foundation Common Ground Dr. and Mrs. John A. Costin Community Foundation of Lorain County Friends of Metro Parks in Lorain County Lorain County Urban League Lorain Public Library System Sherrill M. 'Cookie' McLoda Nordson Corporation Northwest Bank Parsons Insurance Agency Second Harvest Food Bank of NCO Kenneth and Cindy Spikowski Grant Thompson Matt & Barb Weisman

Adopt-A-Raptor

Tom and Mary Berges, Avon (Gift to Stella Berges) Jane Berkeley, Rocky River (Gift to Laura Berkeley) Lolo and Lola Finkbone, North Ridgeville (Gifts to Pangging and Langga) Barbara Gorenshek, Lorain Hailey and Molly Grills, Wellington Michael and Michele Halper, Avon Lake Carey Henderson, Berea (In memory of Jean Kelsey) Thomas H. Higgason, North Ridgeville (Gifts to Franco, Dominic & Vincenzo Gallo, Max & Kate Redd) Marlene Jacobs, Elyria (Gift to Brooklyn Wise) Kimberly Jayjohn, Vermilion (Gift to Kyle Oravec) Mary Ann and Steve Johnson, Oberlin Debbie Kabicek-Carroll, North Ridgeville (Gift to Shakita Kabicek)

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.

Greg and Deborah Lafferty, Old Brooklyn (Gifts to Everett and Colton Killiany) Tudy and Bill Masica, North Ridgeville Melinda Pazos, Elyria (Gift to Arto Stevens) Heather Ramsey, Lakewood (Gift to Erin Acker) Gayle R. Ritsko, Grafton (Gift to Ava Casper Welty) Stuart and Kathy Schiffman, Valley City Karen Sprague, Elyria (Gift to Kenzie Sprague) Sheri Stoneking, North Ridgeville (In memory of Ed Sheridan) Kristine Thonnings, Broadview Heights Clara Timms, Sheffield Village (In memory of Aphrodite and Calli, Red-Tailed Hawks) Don and Yvonne Urig, North Ridgeville Joan Vacco, Avon (Gift to Cheryl Gildenmeister) Joe Vana, North Ridgeville Bill and Linda Wallis, Elyria Linda Walters, Bay Village (Gifts to Mikey and Clare Lovett) Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville

Gift was given in Honor of:

Joyce Leupp Davis by Lorain County Public Health Board and Staff Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by Mike Lotko, Elyria Colin P. Smith by Ardeth J. Roby, Amherst

Gift was given in Memory of: Cheryl Byerley by Bob and Gloria Thomas, North Ridgeville Leo Gorenshek by Patricia Frey, Wakeman Joseph J. Hribar by Jim and Jane Balogh, Lorain Joseph J. Hribar by Jim and Kelly Cataldo, Lorain Joseph J. Hribar by Betsy Davis, Atlanta ,GA Joseph J. Hribar by Patricia Frey, Wakeman

Joseph J. Hribar by Lorain County UAW/CAP Council, Sheffield Village Joseph J. Hribar by Sherrill M. 'Cookie' McLoda, Amherst Joseph J. Hribar by Aaron and Kimberly Sullivan, Elyria Jason Scott Kurz by Brittany Miller, Lorain Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Ralph Custer and Marilyn Salvucci, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Todd and Alisha Ely, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Scott Hamker, Elyria Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Bruce and Kathi Kole, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Deana Lloyd, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Lobster Dental Management Inc., Goodyear, AZ Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Judy Pataky, Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Ali Powless and Suzanne Shirey, Goodyear, AZ Carl H. Leslie Jr. by David and Cindy Schroeder, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Dr. Pegg Vanek Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Ross and Jodie Ward, Amherst Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Patricia Welton, Grovetown ,GA Carl H. Leslie Jr. by Gregory and Nancy Worcester, Elyria Frederick Mele by Lighting Dynamics, Inc., Akron Frederick Mele by Jon and Kay Rickard, Lodi Mohamed Sofar by Mary C. Neely, Lorain Mark Spitzer by Jim and Diane Hobbs Mark Spitzer by Diane Spitzer and Family, Avon Lake Mark Spitzer by Annie Spitzer Dr. Thomas A. Timko by Robert and Hazel Gross, Lorain Dr. Thomas A. Timko by Dorothy and Mildred Pakos, Lorain Dr. Thomas A. Timko by Pat and Andy Bazar, Amherst Binni Toth by Franziska Ganim, Coral Springs ,FL

Cultural Arts Discover Arts, Theatre & History

R e hea rs ing a m i d st a

global pandemic

Now, we wait patiently through the winter and look ahead to the spring with the announcement of the 2021 theatre season. We are delighted to bring you a season entirely outdoors in four uniquely wonderful parks. Requiring masks to be worn and the ability to supply patrons plenty of space to social distance, we look ahead with confidence. We will practice compliance with the guidelines provided by the Ohio Department of Health and Actor's Equity because the safety of our audience, cast, and crew is our top priority. These new procedures will make our process a bit different but not infeasible. Unlike our normal process, we've prioritized shows with small casts, will conduct rehearsals virtually and outdoors, and are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Without question, those who love to make art will do anything it takes to do so. And that is just what we are going to do. Whatever it takes. It gives us purpose, it is what connects us, and we believe we could all use something to bring us together this year. We look forward to seeing you in June.

Introducing:

French Creek Theatre's 2021 Season

ordinary days music & lyrics by adam gwon

A Year with

Frog toad and

One year ago, French Creek Theatre postponed the production of "And Then There Were None" due to the global pandemic. Today our stage has collected dust much like other theatres across the globe (some now being used as classrooms or storage spaces). The sight could make a theatre lover's heart break. But the outlook improved as French Creek found a new stage outdoors at the Mill Hollow Amphitheater, a space that would keep our audience, cast, and crew safe. So it was on with the show, and the positive response we received was overwhelming.

The Complete Works of

SHakespeaRe

June 4, 5, & 6 Lakeview Park, Lorain July 30, 31, & August 1 Miller Nature Preserve, Avon August 20, 21, & 22 Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

(abridged) [revised]

Nightfall with

Edgar Allan Poe

September 17, 18, & 19 Mill Hollow Amphitheatre, Vermilion

Meet French Creek's newest residents!

The French Creek Nature Center is proud to introduce "The Critter Crew." These original puppet characters are inspired by wildlife ambassador animals that call the nature center home. The crew includes turtles Harry and Bonnie, as well as snakes, Blake and Scarlet.

L O R A I N

C O U N T Y

M E T R O

P A R K S

Catch their performance debut on March 19th. Their first show, "The Critter Crew" will be released virtually for registered participants. The cost is $5 per family and registration will open online beginning March 5th. For more information, call (440) 949-5200 or visit loraincountymetroparks.com under the "What's Happening" Page. See you at the theatre (virtually)!

Take a Hike! Lorain County Metro Parks’ guided hikes eligible for the Hiking Stick Program From April-June

Hiking Stick Program 2021

Scan the QR code with your phone or tablet to view an up-to-date list of current guided hikes!

The Hiking Stick Program is back! The 2021 program will be a hybrid version of years past. Participants will complete 10 hikes at 6 different parks on naturalist-led hikes, selfguided, or a combination of both. Naturalist-led hikes will be held with preregistration, masks required, and in small groups of 9 or less. The program runs from April 1-June 30. Please use the form below to track your hikes. The form is also available on our website. Submit your completed form by July 14 to earn a stick and/or badge. Sticks and badges will be available for pick-up August 1-31 at the Carlisle Visitor Center during regular business hours. Program hike schedules will be available monthly under the "What's Happening" section of our website. Hike updates will also be shared on our LCMP Facebook page. Plus, participants can join our exclusive Facebook Group to share pictures and fun.

Watch for digital monthly hike calendars on the 'Whats Happening' page of our website! Join the Hiking Stick Program Facebook Group for daily updates! Search "Friends of LCMP Hiking Stick Program" in the Facebook search bar to find the group and join today!

Friends of the Metro Parks Hiking Stick Program Form | April 1 - June 30, 2021

Name:

Hike:

Location:

Date:

Naturalist:

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. For guided hikes, please have the naturalist in charge of the hikes you attend sign this form. Please return your completed form no later than July 14 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.)

Local Wildflower Guide Your Guide to Native Spring Wildlfowers

The Importance of

Spring Wildflowers After the grayness of winter, the colors of spring wildflowers are fun to look for. With a short growing time, they have an important role in their habitat. Wildflowers that grow in the woods have to make use of the abundance of sunshine before the leaves come out and block the sun from the forest floor. The flowers are an early food source SKUNK CABBAGE; Symplocarpus foetidus

Blooming period: Late February- mid March Habitat: rich wet soils especially floodplains Description: Skunk and cabbage, together! It is a truly fitting name as the leaves of this plant looks like cabbage and guess what it smells like? Skunk cabbage is a pretty cool plant; it is one of the very first signs of Spring. In fact, it will start to poke its parts out of the snow and ice up to 2 months before other spring wildflowers! This plant has a built-in furnace, meaning it is able to produce heat during cell respiration as it grows. Thermal proof of temperatures of 70 degrees have been reported!! The flower is surrounded by a teardrop shaped spathe and attracts flies and other small insect pollinators. Once the flowers dissipate, huge leaves begin to grow, sometimes over 2’ tall. The skunk cabbage is not related to cabbage, but to the jackin-the-pulpit. This plant prefers wet soils, often in rich soils of valleys or floodplains. Some flourish and cover large areas, making an impressive scene!

HARBINGER-OF-SPRING, “Pepper and Salt”; Erigenia bulbosa

Bloom Period: Late Feb. – early April Habitat: Hardwood forests Description: This early blooming plant, is low growing and not abundant, is often overlooked. The white petals and dark anthers give it the name of Pepper and Salt. Flowers form in an umbel at the top of a purplish stem.

BLOODROOT; Sanguinaria canadensis

Blooming period: variable, one of the early bloomers right after winter chill; early April - mid May Habitat: rich well drained soils, particularly along streams in forests Description: this beautiful, dainty flower has very uniquely variable shaped leaves that stand upright, encapsulating the bright white flower. The crisp white petals can vary in number from 8-16; and if you don’t see them before a wind or rainstorm, you will miss them as the petals easily fall. The flowers themselves have a brief bloom time and only open on sunny days. The leaves emerge from the root out of a different location than the flowers. Bloodroot flowers do not produce nectar; therefore, many bees are not attracted to it for servicing pollination. However, mining bees are specialized and come to collect the pollen, and do a great job with pollen transfer. Another insect- ants, also help with this plants seed dispersal! The name ‘blood’ root comes from the fact this juice of this plant is red; and when you break the root it looks like a skinned knee! The juice of this plant has been used for dye, paint, and medicinal purposes. This plant was important in the times of early settlers.

for pollinators that are searching for food before the larger blooms of summer. Because of the importance for the pollinators and for producing seeds that ensure the survival of the plants, it is important to not pick or otherwise disturb them. We can enjoy the beauty and diversity of these plants with our eyes! SPRING BEAUTY; Claytonia virginica

Bloom Period: March – May Habitat: Deciduous Forests, but may also be found in city parks, roadsides, and ravines. Description: Flowers are five pale pink or white petals. Look closely and you may find pink stripes on the white petals. Blooms last only for three days. Blooms cluster at the top and have grass-like leaves.

CUT-LEAVED TOOTHWORT, “Pepperroot”; Cardamine concatenata

Blooming period: Spring Habitat: rich woods Description: Among the many mustards known for having 4 petals in a cross formation, this common and widespread spring bloomer has no basal leaves when flowers are present, but has three distinct and deeply lobed leaves whorled around the flower stalk – a feature which sets it apart from other members of the Mustard Family. Its common name is derived from toothlike projections found on the underground rhizomes. Since the roots have a bitter, peppery taste, this plant has few pests.

WILD GERANIUM, Cranesbill; Geranium maculatum Blooming period: late April – early June Habitat: open woodlands and edges in rich damp soil Description: this beautiful understory plant has flowers of 5 petals that range in color from almost white to a soft pastel lavender. The leaves are palmate and grow up to 2’ tall. They are often seen in clumps sometimes similar to groundcover. This plant is deer resistant, and years ago it was used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments. The petals open up very wide, exposing the anthers and stigma, allowing for many pollinators such as various bees and flies, access to the pollen. It is also an important wildflower to hummingbirds because they utilize this plant as a major food source during migration. This plant is sometimes nicknamed ‘cranesbill’ because its seed pod extends outwardly long and looks like a bird’s beak.

WILD GINGER; Asarum canadense

Bloom Period: April – June Habitat: Woodland soil that is shaded and moist Description: Large heart- shaped leaves often hide the dark red flower which grows in the crotch between two leaves. There is only one flower on each plant and plants only grow 5-8 inches high. This plant can spread by root, and create a thick ground cover.

LorainCountyMetroPark

Sessile Trillium; Trillium sessile PURPLE CRESS, “Limestone Bittercress”; Cardamine douglassii

Blooming period: March-May Habitat: moist woods Description: Another Mustard Family member with bitter-tasting foliage, this spring-blooming perennial has round, long-stalked leaves at the base of an upright hairy stem with alternating slightlytoothed leaves. Though the light-pink to rose-purple blooms may closely resemble those of their nearby cousin Cut-leaved Toothwort, the distinctly different leaves will help set them apart.

BLUETS, “Quaker Ladies”; Houstonia caerulea

Bloom Period: April – July Habitat: Moist soils with part shade. These plants also do well in yards. Description: A single tiny pale blue flower with a yellow center is found at the end of the stem. Leaves are in a basal rosette. The plants can grow in large patches creating a haze of blue to the ground cover. Also called Quaker Ladies either because the blue resembles the color of dress worn by Quakers or the flower petals resemble the hats worn by the ladies.

VIRGINIA BLUEBELLS, “Virginia Cowslip”; Mertensia virginica

Blooming period: March-June Habitat: moist woods, floodplains Description: Part of the Borage or Forget-me-not Family, this spring favorite breaks through the ground with egg-shaped leaves of deep purple, quickly growing upright to two feet. Blooming plants have fleshy gray-green foliage, with showy clusters of nodding light pink to sky blue trumpet bell-shaped flowers. Sought after by nectar-loving bees and butterflies, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds, they have few pests otherwise. Once the blooms disappear, the stalks and leaves soon follow, only to reappear the following spring.

Downy Yellow Violet; Viola pubescens

Blooming Period: late Spring Habitat: shady, deciduous forests, prefers wetter areas Description: Flower is yellow and has five petals with several dark purple veins on lower ones; hairy, heart shaped leaves with round or scalloped edges, toothed.

Common Blue Violet; Viola sororia

Blooming period: Spring Habitat: moist or wet woodlands, disturbed soil Description: deep purple to lavender to white flowers, 5 distinct petals, center of flower tends to be white with the three lower petals visibly veined. Leaves are characteristically heart shaped with a scalloped toothed edge. Reproduces by underground runners as well as seedpods.

Wild Hyacinth; Camassia scilloides

Blooming Period: early spring Habitat: sunny to light shade areas, prefers moist, loamy soils Description: Plant consists of low lying thin green leaf blades and a tall stalk (up to 2 feet high) with a raceme of flowers several inches in length. Each flower, light blue to near white in color, consists of six petals and six stamen with yellow anthers. Blooms start at the bottom of the raceme and work up the stalk, each flower lasting a few days.

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Blooming Period: several weeks earlier than the largeflowered trillium Habitat: can be found growing in a wide variety of woodland settings, and it said that it can withstand more disturbance and habitat degradation than other trillium species Description: Also called toad trillium and toad-shade, this small trillium displays a single stalkless, reddish flower nestled in the middle of its commonly mottled leaves. Their flowers emit a pungent odor attracting pollinating flies and beetles.

Large-flowered Trillium, “White Trillium”; Trillium grandiflorum

Blooming Period: early spring Habitat: can be found growing in a variety of rich, mixed deciduous woodlands, and under the right conditions, can grow into large, sprawling colonies containing hundreds of plants Description: The largest of our trilliums, this species is found in all 88 Ohio counties, and in 1986, the Ohio General Assembly made it Ohio’s official State Wildflower. This well-known spring wildflower is loved by both humans and deer. The showiest of all trilliums, its beautiful bloom is 1-3 inches in diameter changing from white to pink as it ages.

Nodding Trillium; Trillium flexipes

Blooming Period: mid- to late-spring Habitat: It grows in a variety of deciduous woodland habitats preferring rich mesic slopes, alluvial soils of floodplains, and river & stream terraces Description: Drooping trillium gets its common name from the flower’s common practice of drooping or hanging below its three leaves on a long peduncle. Much like red trillium, drooping trillium’s smaller flowers can occur in its typical white-colored form and a dark red/maroon-colored form.

Rue anemone; Thalictrum thalictroides

Blooming Period: Mid-March to early May Habitat: Woodlands ranging from rich floodplains to dry uplands Description: Small delicate woodland flower with compound leaves with usually 3 leaflets with 3 rounded lobes. Flower is white with more than 5 petal-like sepals. The flower produces pollen but not nectar.

Mayapple; Podophyllum peltatum

Blooming Period: Late April to mid-May Habitat: Rich woods and pastures Description: Large green umbrella shaped leaves with large white flower that blooms from the fork between the two leaves. Fruit is apple-like and is a favorite food of Eastern box turtles who help to spread the seeds. Mayapples have horizontal root systems (rhizomes) and form colonies of plants.

Squirrel Corn; Dicentra canadensis

Blooming Period: Mid April to early May Habitat: Deciduous moist woods Description: Delicate flower is a dainty broad heart that is pinkish white. Leaves are lacy and fern like and very similar to Dutchman’sbreeches but not as commonly found. The underground stem (corm) is yellow and shaped like a kernel of corn and serves as a food storage structure. Queen bumblebees aid in pollination and ants disperse the seeds.

Dutchman’s-breeches; Dicentra cucullaria

Blooming Period: Late March to early May Habitat: Woodland with moist to fairly well drained soils Description: Delicate woodland flower with dangling white flowers that look like pairs of pantaloons hung up to dry. Leaves are lacy and fern like and similar to Squirrel Corn but Dutchman’sbreeches are much more common. Bumblebees are its primary pollinator and ants help to disperse the seeds.

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

g n i r p S n i Birds While most birds migrate to their breeding grounds in May, some are already making their way North in March. Such is the case with two species that we’ll highlight here.

Pictured: Wilson's Snipe, courtesy of Becky Matsubara/Flickr (left); American Woodcock, courtesy of Ryan Mandelbaum/Flickr (above)

Wilson’s Snipe

Many people that have been duped into going on a “snipe hunt” at summer camp likely don’t believe it’s a real thing. However, the bird Wilson’s Snipe do exist, and you don’t need a burlap sack to find one—though binoculars would help. While technically, this species falls into the shorebird group (as does the Woodcock), you won’t really find them at the shore. They prefer open mudflats and marshes where they can hunt for insects and other invertebrates. They use their flexible beak to probe the mud for tasty treats like horsefly and deer fly larva. And like the Timberdoodle, the Snipe use their cryptic coloration to blend in with their surroundings. The Wilson’s Snipe is a sturdy looking bird with their extra-large pectoral muscles making up ¼ of their body weight. Those muscles help the bird fly at speeds of 60 mph. When flushed, they fly away swiftly in a zig-zag pattern, squawking a harsh call as they take off. Watch for the amazing spring-time aerial display of the male Wilson’s Snipe. He flies high in the air in circles, occasionally making a power dive. When that dive happens, air rushing across the outer tail feathers produces a “winnowing” sound, similar to a Screech Owl. He will do this during the day, but the peak time for the display is after sunset. Having a dozen or so Snipe “winnowing” overhead in the dark is not to be missed!

American Woodcock

The American Woodcock is a bird with many names, including Timberdoodle, Labrador Twister, Bogsucker, and Mudsnipe. The Woodcock prefers wet meadows and edges of woods, where it is bests camouflaged while hunting for worms and other invertebrates. Round like a softball with a pencil-like beak, it's a very recognizable bird—but finding one is a challenge. The combination of the bird's brown, white, and black colors can make the bird nearly invisible when it's sitting still amongst the leaves on the ground. However, when hunting, they are much easier to find as it rocks its body forward and back. It is believed this motion and vibrations cause earthworms to move under the bird's feet, helping the Woodcock locate its dinner. It pushes its beak into the mud, and the tip of its beak is flexible to open underground and snag those delicious worms. In the spring, a "must-see" is the aerial courtship display the males put on for the females. After choosing a suitable spot in an open field, the male repeats a nasal, buzzing "Peent" sound. After peenting for a minute or so, the male takes off and flies upward until he is a few hundred feet in the air. He pauses and hovers in a circle for less than a minute, then comes zigzagging back down, singing "pee chuck tee chuck chip chip chip chip." After landing on the ground, he immediately resumes his "Peent." All this is done at dawn and dusk when the lighting makes it difficult to see the birds take off.

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

l a u t Vir

Nature

the critter f o t s e r e h t et us and rn about nature! e m o t y a d o t Sign up re and lea o l p x e e w e il crew wh

Discovery Days Join Lorain County Metro Parks Naturalists and our Critter Crew as we investigate nature! Activities in this program will introduce general nature concepts such as basic needs of living things, plant and animal interactions, nature identification skills, and more! This program includes video content and a digital activity guide for you to use from the comfort of home. We also have a Virtual Nature Discovery Days classroom package to offer! This package includes the digital activity guide, video link access, a teacher supply kit, and an optional 10-minute virtual “Meet & Greet with a Puppet and Naturalist.” Classroom packages are available to Lorain County schools only. Classroom packages will be delivered to schools the week of April 19th. Individual registration will open online starting April 1st. Classroom Package registration will be available from March 8th-29th. Contact Rachel at rkalizewski@loraincountymetroparks.com for Classroom Package registration instructions and questions.

Maple Sugaring Season Maple Sugaring

Feb. 27-28, Mar. 6-7, & 13-14 | 11 am-3 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center Join us for a hike to the sugarbush to learn about maple tree identification, sap production, and sap collection techniques. Then we’ll end our tour in the sugar shack to observe a live demonstration of syrup making! Programs will be offered every 30-minutes. This is an outdoor event; please dress appropriately. This event is free to attend, but due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, all participants must preregister. Program groups will be limited to 9 individuals, and all participants must wear a face mask. Pre-register now at loraincountymetroparks.com.

Summer Camps Youth Summer Camps for kids ages 4-15 years old Call-in registration for Lorain County residents begins at 8 a.m. on March 1 and runs through March 7. Call-in and online registrations will open for all participants on March 8. Carlisle Visitor Center: (440) 458-5121 French Creek Nature Center: (440) 949-5200 Mill Hollow Carriage Barn: (440) 967-7310

'Spirit of America' Boating Education Camp July 12-15 OR July 19-22 | 9 am-3 pm *Please Note: This camp requires the completion of Vermilion River Reservation, an application and essay. Download the application Splash Zone, & Lorain Harbor Boat Club online or visit Carlisle Visitor Center to get a physical 12-15 years old copy. Registration is currently open for this camp only. Free Do you want to learn more about boating while spending time on the water this summer? Take part in this camp and learn safe boating skills directly from certified boating instructors and ODNR Division of Water craft and U.S. Coast Guard officers, earn a required state boating certificate, and become a "Captain of Your Own Vessel!" Space is limited! April 1 deadline! Commitment to participate in all of the following disciplines is mandatory: • Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) • Pool instruction (drowning prevention & equipment preparedness) • 4 days of training on the water in canoes, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, stand-up paddleboards and personal watercraft (jet skis) • Graduation ceremony and family boating opportunity AGE

Young Birders Camp AGE

June 7-8 | 9 am-3 pm June 11 (Field Trip Day) | 9 am-3 pm Carlisle Visitor Center & Sandy Ridge Reservation 6-8 years old $100/child

AGE

June 9-10 | 9 am-3 pm June 11 (Field Trip Day) | 9 am-3 pm Carlisle Visitor Center & Sandy Ridge Reservation 9-12 years old $100/child

Young birders and nature explorers are invited to join us for a fun, discovery-based camp where students will experience live birds from the Raptor Center, exploring trails in the forest, field and wetland as well as learning how to use binoculars and will receive their very own field guides. Camp will culminate with a field day at Sandy Ridge Reservation (campers will meet at Sandy Ridge on field day).

Theatre Camp June 14-25 | 9 am-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation Amphitheatre & Bacon Woods 10-13 years old $150/child Campers will get a chance to work on their acting, dancing, singing, and set design outside at the Mill Hollow Bacon Woods Amphitheater. While remaining socially distant, campers can channel their creativity and work as a team. At the end of the week campers will put on a small performance showcasing their newly learned skills. AGE

*PLEASE NOTE* This year camp is entirely outside at the Vermilion River Reservation Amphitheatre to aide in social distancing and COVID procedures.

LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

Nature Camp Explore. Connect. Engage! Nature Camp will foster a love and respect for nature through outdoor activities, wildlife encounters, habitat explorations and much more. Each day of Nature Camp will provide a schedule filled with creative crafts, experiments, outdoor journaling activities, active team games, and plenty of fun nature hikes! Camps are also held in a safe environment with qualified and enthusiastic Naturalist staff. Nature Camp encompasses two separate weeks for two different age groups. See groups below for more information on dates and age groups.

EXPLORERS

ADVENTURERS

June 14-15 | 9 am-Noon Vermilion River Reservation 5-7 years old/Entering Kindergarten-1st grade $50/child For children entering K-1st grade—Learn, discover, and play in the great outdoors during this FUNin-nature-filled camp! Designed for first-time campers, we will explore and enjoy nature through hands-on activities, games, educational programs, and much more! Continue learning and nature exploration after camp with take-home materials!

June 17-18 | 9 am-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation 7-9 years old/Entering 2nd-3rd grade $75/child For children entering the 2nd-3rd grade—With the beautiful Vermilion River Reservation as a backdrop, each day will be full of adventure with hands-on activities, ecosystem exploration, natural history programs, and much more! Continue your learning and outdoor adventures after camp with take-home materials!

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Outdoor Adventure Camp July 26-27 OR July 29-30 | 9 am-3 pm Wellington Reservation 9-11 years old $75/child (per 2-day session) Join us for our 2-day Outdoor Adventure Camp at Wellington Reservation. We will explore the different outdoor adventure activities throughout the day that include hiking, arts and crafts, creek activities, scavenger hunts, survival skills, canoeing and so much more! For ages 9-11 years old. Preregister for either July 26th & 27th OR July 29th & 30th. AGE

Sports Camp AGE

June 21-22 | 9 am-3 pm Cascade Park 6-8 years old $75/child (per 2-day camp)

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June 24-25 | 9 am-3 pm Cascade Park 9-12 years old $75/child (per 2-day camp)

Hey boys and girls, do you enjoy recreation and the outdoors? If so, join us this June, for our outdoor 2-day Summer Sports Camp. Campers will be taught skills and given the opportunity to compete in a variety of sports such as soccer, volleyball, flag football and more, while also enjoying some favorite recreational games like relays, backpacking, and kickball!

'Wings of Wonder' Preschool Camp AGE

July 12-13 OR July 15-16 | 9 am-Noon Carlisle Visitor Center 4-6 year olds $50/child

Discover the world of bugs, butterflies and birds in this fun camp just for preschoolers ages 4-6. We will explore all things with wings through hikes, crafts and play including a special visit from a Raptor Center ambassador.

How to Help Injured Wildlife Sharing our forests, rivers, and even backyards with wildlife neighbors can be a meaningful way to appreciate nature. Sometimes we may notice a wild neighbor in distress and want to help. Here are some helpful tips on what to do and what NOT to do to give that animal the best chance to survive. First and foremost, if you see something unusual, don’t hesitate to contact the Naturalist staff of Lorain County Metro Parks with your wildlife questions! However, if you see an animal that is hurt or in distress, you will need to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Rehabilitators hold state and federal permits and possess specialized skills to help wild animals with the intent to re-release them. While it might be very tempting, it is illegal for anyone in Ohio to possess a native wild animal without wildlife rehabilitation permits. The law is designed to help people and wildlife stay safe. The Lorain County Metro Parks does not hold these permits. We hold Education and Salvage permits that allow us to care for our non-releasable wildlife program ambassadors. Therefore, LCMP cannot rescue or accept any injured or distressed animals. If you find an animal acting strangely or is visibly hurt, observe the animal from a safe distance and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Divison can provide a list of rehabilitators close to you. They can be reached at (800) WILDLIFE or (800) 945-3543. If the animal needs human assistance AND can be safely and easily captured, confine it in a small container not much bigger than the animal. Keep the contained animal in a small, dark, quiet place until you can take it to the wildlife rehabilitator. The sooner you can get the animal into the proper care, the better. Do NOT offer the animal food or water. Do not handle it or stay close to it unless absolutely necessary. Wild animals do not take comfort in human touch—it is quite the opposite. Human interaction typically paralyzes them with fear, which is a stressor that can be too much for animals dealing with injury or illness. If you find that the animal is not injured, return it to the same area or closest safe area where you found it. Wild animals are quite attached to the area where they live. Unless it was found on park property, no animal can be released within LCMP grounds even if, to the human eye, it’s a “better habitat.” Finding a baby wild animal alone is not the panic-inducing event that we think it is. As humans, we tend to keep babies close to us at all times. However, wild animal mothers often leave their young unattended for hours at a time to keep them safe and undetected. Wildlife babies are rarely abandoned. If the baby is sitting nice and quiet, not making a sound, then it’s not in distress. However, a wild animal walking around in circles continually crying is cause for closer observation and a few phone calls to determine if action is needed. Remember, the baby will never receive the same quality care from humans as from its natural parents. Babies need to be raised in the company of their own kind for proper behavioral development, and human intervention should always be a last resort. The topic of injured wildlife can be overwhelming at times, but with these quick tips and the resources below, you are well on your way to being a good wildlife steward on behalf of Ohio’s wildlife. Please use the links below to gain more information, and as always, you can contact the Naturalist staff of Lorain County Metro Parks for help. Here are some links to get more information:

LCMP Wildlife Inquiry Page: www.loraincountymetroparks.com/wildlife-inquiries Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: www.owra.org National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association: www.nwrawildlife.org/content/what-wildlife-rehabilitation Ohio Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov