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Lorain County Metro Parks

May-June 2021 Volume 61, Number 3

Wonderful Warblers The magic of songbird spring migration is in full swing! Learn what makes the magnificent Warbler so special! | Pg. 10

Hiking Stick Program Looking to collect your hiking stick this year? Complete your 10 hikes in 6 different parks by July 14 to get yours! | Pgs. 11 & 12

Black River Celebration Embrace our one-of-a-kind natural resource with tram rides, hikes, paddling trips, and cycling trips along the river this summer! | Pgs. 6 & 7 Pictured: Yellow Warbler, Credit: Gary A. Korzan

LorainCountyMetroParks.com

Inside Park Info/Trail Tips 2 Golf Course Info 3 Grand Openings 4 Summer Swimming 5 Black River Celebration 6 & 7 Water Recreation 8 Summer Entertainment 9 Nature 10 Hiking Stick Program 11 & 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

KOPF FAMILY GOLF COURSE AT C H E R RY R I D G E

Forest H i l l s G o l f C o urs e 41971 Oberlin-Elyria Rd., Elyria | (440) 323-2632 Open daily at 7:00 am Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, Forest Hills has something to offer. The Black River runs through the course and comes into play in six holes, and there are plenty of other ponds, bunkers and hills to keep things interesting.

Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge 1211 West River Rd., Elyria | (440) 324-3713 Open daily at 7:00 am This gorgeous 9-hole course, surrounded by the stunning Black River, is perfect for a quick round. Lorain County Metro Parks just assumed control of this wonderful course in 2021.

Rates

Weekdays (Mon.-Fri.)

Week d ays (Mon.-Fri.)

9 H o l e s W a lk ing 9 H o l e s R i ding 1 8 H o l e s W a lking 1 8 H o l e s R i d ing

$12.50 $17.50 $19.50 $28.00

$10.00 $17.00

Week ends/Holidays 9 Hol e s Wal ki n g $ 1 2 . 0 0 18 Hol e s Wal ki ng $20.00

Weekends/Holidays 9 H o l e s W a lk ing 9 H o l e s R i ding 1 8 H o l e s W a lking 1 8 H o l e s R i d ing

9 Hol e s Wal ki n g 18 Hol e s Wal ki ng

$14.00 $24.00 $22.00 $40.00

C art R entals Gas Cart ( pe r pe r s on) Pul l Cart ( pe r pe r s on)

$6.00 $5.00

For information on season opening dates, tee times, leagues and outings, please call the clubhouse. Junior (15 years and younger) and Senior (62 years and older)rates are available.

Honor Roll Anonymous Wes Carney, Cleveland Frank Omilian, Westland, MI Ann Streza, Amherst Bloomfield Family Charitable Fund, Hudson Body and Mind, Elyria United Way of Greater Lorain County

Adopt-A-Raptor

Penny Brandau, Amherst (Gift to Sarah Oliver) Mark Hale, South Charleston (Gift to Kelly Hale) John and Sharol Kniepper, Avon Lake (Gift to Ken Liebfried) Greg and Deborah Lafferty, Old Brooklyn (Gift to Peanut Killiany) Andree Underwood, Oberlin Bill and Linda Wallis, Elyria

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.

Summerlee Walter, Cary, NC (Gift to Jo Layton) Linda Wilin, North Ridgeville Ruth Wulfhoop, Elyria (Gifts to Ellen R. Otis and Becky A George)

Gift was given in Honor of: Sherrill "Cookie" McLoda by Richard and Jacqueline Miller, Dover , AR

Gift was given in Memory of: Jack B. Barthels by Jane H. Barthels, Avon Lake Fred Beil by Dr. M. Andrikanich, LCCC Fred Beil by Dr. K. Durham, LCCC Fred Beil by Ms. K. French, LCCC Fred Beil by Dr. H. Kestler, LCCC Fred Beil by Mrs. A. Maziarz, LCCC Fred Beil by Dr. R. Silvestri, LCCC

Fred Beil by Dr. J. Thompson, LCCC Beth Mitro Gonosey by Anne Bruno, Medina Beth Mitro Gonosey by Lorrie Chmura, Oberlin Beth Mitro Gonosey by Denise Lazzaro, North Ridgeville Beth Mitro Gonosey by Sue Pagrabs, Avon Lake Joyce Halliday by Dorothy MacIntyre, Columbia Station Lester Henderson by Lisa and James Tilk, Avon Margaret Jenkins-Eberle by Terry and Monica Tomaszewski, Amherst Charles Maynard by Carol Barish, Dewitt, MI Charles Maynard by Christine R. Hitchcock, Mason, MI Charles Maynard by Cheryl Ordway, Holt, MI Frederick Mele by Marc and Betsy Hart, Florence, AZ Frederick Mele by Dr. Elizabeth A. Peterson-Vita, Monroe, NC Veronica Striker by Terry B. Andress, Gahanna

Grand Openings Information on the openings of two of our brand new state-of-the-art facilities

All New Butterfly House!

Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Rd., Avon

Visitors and butterflies will soon find an all-new Butterfly House at Miller Nature Preserve. This newly built facility will look very different from the outside and slightly different inside. As in the past, the facility will include butterflies from the southern United States and native Ohio species. Featured plants and flowers are varieties you can plant at home to attract butterflies. Some plants serve as a nectar food source, while the butterflies use other plants for laying eggs and providing food for young caterpillars. The butterfly house started at French Creek Nature Center in the mid-’90s with the visitation of about 1,000 people per year. The initiative was relocated and built at Miller Nature Preserve in 2012 and has since grown in popularity averaging 10,000 visitors each summer. Come and enjoy watching the butterflies flying among their favorite flowers, or attend a program. Construction is expected to finish in mid-June but is weather-dependent. The Butterfly House will reopen with regular business hours, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., daily. If you would like to volunteer in the Butterfly House, contact Leslie at (440) 937-0764. Volunteers must enjoy butterflies, follow basic training to share information with visitors, and be a member of the Friends of Lorain County Metro Parks. We look forward to seeing you in the NEW Butterfly House!

BUTTERFLY BUDDIES DONATION PROGRAM FOR BUTTERFLY HOUSE Miller Nature Preserve is fluttering with excitement! Not only are we getting a new butterfly house, but there is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved. Becoming a “Butterfly Buddy” gets you some cool stuff AND recognizes you as a donor helper for the butterflies in the year 2021. For a $10 donation, donors will receive a wooden ornament to decorate, a “Butterfly Buddy” button, stickers, butterfly gardening information, a ticket to redeem for feeding the butterflies, crafts, activities, plus more! Your ornament will join those of other donors to hang in the entryway of the all-new Butterfly House. This ornament can be collected at the season’s end for you to keep.

Raptor Center Amphitheatre

Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange

We are excited to announce the construction of an all-new amphitheater at the Carlisle Reservation Raptor Center. This programming space will allow for unique program opportunities involving our resident wildlife program ambassadors—raptors and reptiles alike. Summer programming will occur every Sunday afternoon from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This outdoor space will also be used for on-site school programming and other opportunities throughout the year. Construction is anticipated to last until the end of April. For safety reasons, the Raptor Center will be closed until construction is completed. Thank you for your understanding and patience. If you’re going through Raptor Center withdrawal, continue to visit with us virtually through our Animal Pen Pals program, Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. on our Facebook Page.

We look forward to sharing this new facility with you this summer!

Swim and Splash Explore swimming options in the parks this summer

Splash Pads

h c a Be

ay d r u o y Planning t the a

Summer is near, and this means the Lakeview beach season is right around the corner. While the beach is a great place to beat the summer heat, there are risks and hazards visitors should be aware of when planning a successful beach day. Here are some tips to ensure the safety and comfort of yourself and your loved ones. • Stay Hydrated: With temperatures reaching annual highs during the summertime, having an ample amount of drinking water with you is key in making sure you have a comfortable day in the heat. • Apply Sunscreen Regularly: No matter what degree of sunscreen you decide to use, it’s always a good idea to reapply every 2 hours. • Wear Appropriate Footwear: While there’s nothing like the feeling of sand between your toes, the sand can reach temperatures that can potentially injure the bottom of your feet. It’s wise to pack a pair of sandals to be safe. • Take a Buddy: We encourage parents and guardians to keep a close eye on children while at our facilities. Assigning buddies is another excellent way to add a simple and effective safety net. • Swim Near a Lifeguard: Simply being near a Lifeguard is the best way to ensure that you have a fun and safe day in the water. All LCMP Lifeguards are trained to recognize and respond to situations that are, or may become, dangerous.

Lakeview Park’s beach season will begin Friday, June 4, and conclude Sunday, August 8. During that time, Lifeguards will be on duty from 12:00-6:00 p.m. daily. Visitors can find a list of rules and information regarding our beach and water quality warning flags at each lifeguard station. Water quality readings are determined at the beginning of each day. However, the absence of flags does not indicate safe waters.

Green flag indicates low hazard, the beach is OPEN for swimming.

Yellow flag indicates Red flag indicates high Double red flags medium hazard and the hazard, rough conditions, signal that conditions beach is under a water quality and water quality are very dangerous ADVISORY, swimming is ADVISORY, swimming and that the beach allowed, but caution should is discouraged, those is CLOSED to the be taken as an increased risk entering the water should public, swimming is of illness may be present. do so with great care. prohibited.

Amherst HealthPlex 47160 Hollstein Dr., Amherst

Cascade Park

387 Furnace St., Elyria

For families looking for a place to cool off on hot summer days, the park district offers two splash pads for safe family fun! Both Splash Pads are open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting. The Mercy Health Amherst HealthPlex offers a splash pad with six exciting water features, including dump buckets and spray guns. This splash pad is a part of the facility’s unique Inclusive Playground, which also includes a fishing pond, sandbox, willow hut, and playground equipment for children of all abilities to enjoy. Admission to the splash pad and playground is $2.00 for anyone two and older, but does not include access to the HealthPlex indoor facility or pool. Across the county in Elyria, visitors can enjoy water and playground fun for free at Cascade Park’s splash pad. This inclusive playground was built in partnership with the Elyria Rotary Club and the City of Elyria. It is rock- and water-themed and can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.

Little Library on the Lake The Little Library on the Lake at Lakeview Park opens for the season June 5. The facility will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Aug. 15.

Splash Zone will be reopening the outdoor pool this summer with necessary COVID-19 restrictions. The pool will open Friday, June 4 under the following guidelines: • The outdoor pool will be available by a reservation for a designated 90-minute time block. • Reservations will be available 1 week in advance and may be completed online or by calling (440) 774-5059. • All patrons will be cleared from the outdoor pool area at the end of each time block. Visitors will not be permitted to reenter without an additional reservation. • We strongly encourage patrons to come dressed, ready to swim as locker rooms will have limited availability. • The concession stand will be open.

Please contact Splash Zone at (440) 774-5059 or visit loraincountymetroparks.com/splash-zone for updates as we get closer to opening day!

Black River Celebration Summer Program Schedule This summer celebrate the river by taking part in a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Participate in tram rides, hikes, paddling trips, and cycling trips on the river and at park locations within the river corridor. Bikes will be provided for cycling programs, and paddling equipment provided for kayaking programs. Hikes, cycling trips, and tram rides are FREE. Paddling trips are $10 per person. Preregistration is required for all programs, and masks are required for all staff and participants. Pre-register online at www.loraincountymetroparks.com/programs or by calling (440) 458-5121. Registration for all Black River Celebration programs opens on April 16. Also plan to check out self-guided educational opportunities including an environmental art piece at Lakeview Park and a Black River map display at French Creek Nature Center! June: Indian Hollow Reservation & Carlisle Reservation Explore the west branch of the Black River along with its tributaries! • Sat., June 5 | 11 am-Noon or 1-2 pm | Indian Hollow Nature Hike • Tue., June 8 | 9-11 am | Indian Hollow Cycling Trip • Wed., June 23 | 1:30-2:30 pm | Carlisle Southern Loop Trail Hike • Sat., June 26 | 11 am-Noon or 1-2 pm | Indian Hollow Tram Ride

July: Cascade Park

Check out the confluence of the east and west branches of the Black River, traverse the new bridge connecting the park areas, and view the West Falls. • Sat., July 3 | 9-11 am | Cascade Cycling Trip • Sat., July 10 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | Cascade Nature Hike • Sat., July 17 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | Cascade Tram Ride

August: Black River Reservation

Experience the natural beauty of the river throughout the extensive trail system that runs through the Black River Reservation. • Sat., August 7 | 9-11 am | Black River Cycling Trip • Sat., August 14 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | Black River Nature Hike • Sat., August 21 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | Black River Tram Ride

September: French Creek Reservation

Explore this expansive park and it’s three Black River tributaries – French Creek, Sugar Creek, and Fish Creek. • Sat., September 4 | 9-11 am | French Creek Cycling Trip • Sat., September 11 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | French Creek Nature Hike • Sat., September 18 | 11 am-Noon and 1-2 pm | French Creek Tram Ride

Black River Celebration Paddling Trips:

Explore three different sections of the Black River via kayak! Participants must be at least 16 years of age, 16-17 with a participating adult. Cost is $10 per person, includes all paddling equipment. • Wed., July 28 | 5-7 pm | French Creek and Black River south • Wed., August 25 | 5-7 pm | French Creek and Black River north • Wed., September 29 | 4-6 pm | Lighthouse Paddle

Sunset Beach Fest:

Try out various types of paddle craft on the beach. Also enjoy music, food, and beverages! Stay to experience a Lake Erie sunset and campfire. Paddle craft try-its will require preregistration (registration will open on June 18th). • Sat., August 14 | 5-8:30 pm | Lakeview Park

The Black River connects communities, provides drinking water, contributes to the local economy, offers valuable habitat to native wildlife populations, and delivers a vast array of recreational opportunities. Through the efforts of many, this significant waterway continues to enhance life within the Black River watershed. This summer join us as we celebrate the Black River through outdoor educational and recreational experiences along the waterway and its tributaries.

The Black River has made a tremendous comeback through 20 remediation and restoration projects completed by several partnering organizations within the Black River Area of Concern (AOC). To date more than $35 million has been invested in the river through these initiatives.

$35M

L e ngt h & R e ac h

The Main Branch of the Black River runs 15 miles connecting Lorain and Elyria, with 10+ miles of LCMP hiking/biking trails within view of the river along the North Coast Inland Trail. The Black River Watershed spans 466 miles through Ashland, Cuyahoga, Huron, Lorain and Medina Counties.

10+ Miles >>

The Black River Watershed spans

466 Miles

15 Miles >>>

A h a b i tat f o r W i l d l i f e

The Black River is a thriving habitat to more than 40 species of fish, over 200 bird species, a comeback of beaver, mink and other aquatic mammals. Over

200

species

more than

R e sto r i ng the River

a c l e a ne r r i ve r

Through the Black River Clean Up, an annual volunteer effort, over 110 tons of marine debris has been recycled, re-purposed, or relocated from the river to date.

220,000+ lbs

species

E c o nom i c I mpac t

According to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, $1 invested in the river = $3.35 investment into the regional economy.

$ = $$$ *Source: ODNR

Water Recreation Get out and get active in the water

Summer Guided Paddling Join us every Wednesday from June through September on our weekly guided kayak trips! These are guided paddling trips with all equipment provided, including life-jacket, paddle, and boat. Participants are not required to take a level-one class before the trip. However, we do suggest participants have previous paddling experience. This program is open to ages 18 and up (16-17 years old with a participating adult). A brief skills refresher will be provided before each trip. Participants must maintain social distancing and wear face masks when on land. June programs and those for the Black River Celebration will open for registration on April 16. July and August programs will open on June 18, and September programs will open on August 20. Registration is available online or by calling (440) 458-5121.

June

July

July 7: Wellington Reservation 8-10 p.m., Glow Paddle July 14: Wellington Reservation 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Birding by Kayak July 21: Wellington Reservation 7-9 p.m., Sunset Paddle July 28: French Creek Kayak Launch 5-7 p.m., Black River Celebration Paddle

August

August 4: Lorain Harbor Boat Club 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Lighthouse Paddle August 11: Vermilion/South Street 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Birding by Kayak August 18: Wellington Reservation 8-10 p.m., Glow Paddle August 25: French Creek Kayak Launch 5-7 p.m., Black River Celebration Paddle

September

September 1: Lakeview Park 7-9 p.m., Sunset Paddle September 8: Century Park 6-8 a.m., Sunrise Paddle September 15: French Creek Kayak Launch 12-2 p.m., Heronry Adventure September 22: Wellington Reservation 12-2 p.m., Fall Colors Paddle September 29: Lorain Harbor Boat Club 12-2 p.m., Lighthouse Paddle

Family Canoe Adventures May 15 & 16 | 10-11:30 am & 12:30-2 pm Wellington Reservation Includes 15 minutes of instruction before a 45-minute canoe excursion. Staff will cover basic terminology, safety precautions, and beginner paddling strokes. Canoes hold only two individuals, and an adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Pre-registration is required and opens on April 16; the cost to participate is just $2 per canoe. Registration closes May 13.

Let's go

Top 10 Safe Boating Tips: 1. KNOW before you GO! Lorain County Metro Parks offers an assortment of boating courses, from Ohio Boater Education Course (OBEC) to instructional paddling. Check our website for scheduled classes, off and on the water! 2. Use a PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST to ensure your vessel is safe, operational, and stocked with the required equipment and useful tools for a successful float. 3. WEAR IT! Your life jacket must be appropriately sized, of the right type for your boating activity, and in working condition. While not always required in every boating situation, life jackets only save lives when worn! 4. Check your local WEATHER FORECAST and watch for changing conditions, most often developing from the west. 5. Be aware of NO-GO zones, property boundaries, and other natural hazards. Also, plan for alternate take-out or docking locations. 6. Use “Leave No Trace” ethics to maintain a healthy aquatic environment. Do your part to minimize the spread of invasive species. 7. Share a FLOAT PLAN with a family member or friend with details of your adventure, including intended location, trip duration, and emergency contact information. 8. RESPECT navigation rules and etiquette on the water and at the ramp. 9. BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY—avoid using alcohol, controlled substances, and certain prescribed medications before and during an outing on the water. 10. BE PREPARED for sudden emergencies, and always be on the lookout for dangerous situations or symptoms related to medical conditions common to outdoor activities on the water. For more information, check out the National Safe Boating Council website at https://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

Fishing Fishing Derbies for Kids

LCMP is introducing a new program to highlight fishing opportunities at the parks. The program will offer prizes for different age categories. This program is for children age 4-15, but an adult must accompany them. Supervising adults are welcome to fish with a valid Ohio fishing license but will not qualify for prizes. This tournament is primarily catch-and-release, and participants are encouraged to bring their own pole and tackle. If you do not have one, poles will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Bait will be provided. The cost is just $5.00 per child and registration is required (adults must also register but are free). Space is limited. All current COVID-19 precautions will apply.

Sat., May 22 | 12-2:30 p.m. Vermilion River Reservation Thur., June 10 | 9–11:30 a.m. Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area Wed., June 16 | 9–11:30 a.m. Indian Hollow Reservation, Royal Oaks Thur., June 24 | 9–11:30 a.m. Carlisle Reservation, Duck Pond Picnic Area

Wellington Livery Opening

Opens for the season May 27 Thurs.-Mon., weekly (closed Tue. & Wed.) 10-11 am, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, & 1-2 pm Wellington Reservation

Paddleboats: $5 per person per hour Single Kayak: $15 per hour Tandem Kayak: $25 per hour Enjoy the gorgeous views of the reservoir on a paddleboat or kayak! Pre-registration is required and online registration is strongly recommended.

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

Summer Fun Summer Outdoor arts and entertainment

Summer Music in the Parks

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.

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 of music) Jul. 18 | The Thor Platter Trio (Americana Roots-Rock) Jul. 25 | The Polka Pirates (Polka) Aug. 1 | Raquel and the Wildflowers (Country Rock) Moore, Evelyn Wright, & Mike Lorenz Aug. 8 | Gregory (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)

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)

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 tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. 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 TellTale Heart.” Enter the world of Poe and check your heartbeat at the door.

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.

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

MIGRATORY BIRDS SPOTLIGHT: Warblers The magic of songbird spring migration is in full swing. Each spring, many songbirds, especially the warblers, are journeying from their winter homes in the southern US, Mexico, and South America to summer nesting grounds. Like the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) and Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), some warblers find nesting habitat here in Lorain County, while others stop only to refuel before crossing Lake Erie to the boreal forests of Canada.

will refuel for their three-day non-stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean to Peru and Brazil, an astonishing almost 2000 miles!

The Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata), with its black cap and white cheek, covers over 12,000 miles during their migrations in the spring and fall each year. Their northern migration route will take them from the Amazon River basin to the boreal forests of Canada. On their southern migration route in the fall, these amazing birds will fly from Canada to the Carolina coast, where they

The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea) is unmistakable with its brilliant sky-blue feathers. If you listen closely for its buzzy trill of a song, you might hear this beautiful warbler before you can see him.

The Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) will undoubtedly catch your eye with its unique flaming orange throat patch. Sightings of this bird are rare as it prefers to glean insects from the leaves at the top of the forest canopy. Their spring migration journey takes them from the forests around the Andes Mountains in South America up to Canada’s boreal forests. Pictured: Cerulean Warbler, courtesy of Todd Fellenbaum/Flickr (above); Cicada Killer wasp holding a paralyzed cicada (below)

We invite you to join a hike as we listen and watch for these amazing, beautiful migrating songbirds – the warblers!

Brand New Play Spaces! Exciting new spaces are being developed on the Children’s

The Cicada Killer

Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Reservation in LaGrange. Outdoor and nature play benefit young children’s ability to jump, balance, lift, problem-solve, and play cooperatively. This type of play also helps ignite your child’s creativity and imagination!

The Sphecius speciosus is a large digger wasp species commonly referred to as cicada killer, cicada hawk, sand hornet, or cicada wasp. They belong to the order of bees, wasps, and hornets called Hymenoptera. These large solitary wasps, ranging in size from 0.62 inches, are often mistaken as hornets due to their striped pattern.

In the new Music Garden, a pebble harp will delight the listener with the “clink, clink, clink” sounds as the children sprinkle the pebbles through the openings of the harp. Chimes on the musical fence encourage the children to create resonating sounds while experimenting with vibrations.

The females, which are larger than males, earn the species its nickname as it hunts for cicadas to provide a food source for its offspring. The female searches for a sunny, open-area of sandy, loose soil and digs a tunnel. She uses her jaws and spiny legs to remove the soil. The main tunnel can be 20” deep and over ½” wide, with up to 10 side chambers or ‘nest cells.’ Tunnels can be shared among multiple females.

In the Gathering Garden, children can wear butterfly wings and pretend to flitter like a monarch butterfly. The seating area and stage will host programs like Storybook Explorers, Critter Crew puppet shows, and impromptu creative productions from the children.

After the den is built, she searches for cicadas and paralyzes them with her stinger. She carries the cicada, which is often double her own weight, back to the den. Once placed in the nest cell, the female lays an egg on the cicada and shuts the cell with dirt. The ‘grub’ hatches out after only 1-2 days and feeds upon the paralyzed cicada until completing their development in about two weeks. As larva, they spend the winter within a soil-coated cocoon. In spring, they pupate in the cell and emerge in late June, just as the cicada nymphs also begin their winged hatching. Adults do not overwinter, and there is only one generation each year. These wasps have short-lived adult lives and typically die off by October.

Young builders and engineers will discover many natural building materials in the Animal Builder’s Garden. Children can use their wings and fly from tree to tree, searching for the perfect place to build a nest or gather sticks to create a beaver lodge.

While other wasps aggressively sting to defend their nest, the cicada killer only stings Watch for special “Discovery Days” on the Children’s Nature when bothered or pursued by possible predators. These beneficial insects help control Discovery Trail when a naturalist will provide additional cicada populations and are considered harmless to humans. materials for even more exciting explorations! LorainCountyMetroParks.com | (440) 458-5121

Hiking Stick Program Remaining guided hikes eligible for the Hiking Stick Program in May and June

Hiking Levels:

= Easy

= Moderate

May hikes R e cu rring hi kes Wednesday Morning Birding May 5, 12, 19, & 26 | 7:30-10 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

BEGINNER BIRDING HIKE Sat., May 1 | 10:30-11:30 am Carlisle Visitor Center, LaGrange

SUNRISE BIRDING HIKE Sun., May 2 | 6:15-8:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

BIRD DAY HIKE Tue., May 4 | 9-10:30 am Wellington Reservation

*NOTE: Bring your binoculars!*

BIRD TALK WALK: HOME TWEET HOME Tue., May 4 | 11-11:45 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU HIKE Tue., May 4 | 2-3 pm French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

HISTORY OF CALEY RESERVATION HIKE Wed., May 5 | 10-11 am Caley Reservation, Wellington

SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE Wed., May 5 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

HIKE FOR 5'S Wed., May 5 | 4:05-4:55 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Get lost in

= Strenuous

*Please Note*

All hikes require pre-registration in advance and are limited to 9 or less participants. Facemasks are required.

For the official definition of our hiking levels, please visit us online at LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails

LOG OFF, HIKE ON!

WOODLAND WILDFLOWERS WALK

Sat., May 8 | 11-11:45 am Vermilion River Reservation

Fri., May 14 | 2-2:45 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR

BIRDING THE BLACK RIVER

Sat., May 8 | 11 am-12 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

Sun., May 16 | 9-11 am Black River Reservation, Bur Oak

NAT'L DOG MOM'S DAY PACK WALK

EVENING BIRDING WALK

Sat., May 8 | 3-4 pm Wellington Reservation

Tue., May 18 | 6:30-8 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

*NOTE: Dogs must be on 6-ft. leash*

SPRING BIRDING WALK

MORNING GARDEN WALK

Sun., May 9 | 8:30-10:30 am Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

Wed., May 19 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

ANIMAL BABIES HIKE

MIDWEEK HIKE

*NOTE: For child

*NOTE: Bring your binoculars!*

and adult* Sun., May 9 | 10 am-11 am French Creek Reservation, Nature Center

Wed., May 19 | 10:30-11:30 am Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

MOTHER'S DAY HIKE

RHODODENDRONS

Sun., May 9 | 1-2 pm Wellington Reservation

Sat., May 22 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

SPRING FLOWER HIKE

WONDERS OF WETLANDS HIKE

Sun., May 9 | 2-3 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

Sat., May 22 | 1-2:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Visitor Center

FROGGIES Tue., May 11 | 7:30-8:30 pm Miller Nature Preserve, Avon

*NOTE: Pre-register & pay $2. Dress for the weather*

TRI-TRAILATHON HIKE Sun., May 23 | 10:30-11:45 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

KIPTON WILDFLOWER HIKE

SUPER FULL MOON HIKE

Fri., May 14 | 10-11 am Kipton Reservation, Oberlin

Wed., May 26 | 8:30-10 pm Wellington Reservation

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Nature

Hiking Stick Program

*Please Note*

All hikes require pre-registration in advance and are limited to 9 or less participants. Facemasks are required.

Remaining guided hikes eligible for the Hiking Stick Program in May and June

Hiking Levels:

= Easy

June hikes

= Moderate

For the official definition of our hiking levels, please visit us online at LorainCountyMetroParks.com/trails

= Strenuous

SCHOEPFLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR

WINDFALL QUARRY HIKE

Sat., June 12 | 11 am-12 pm Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

Tue., June 22 | 10-11:30 am Indian Hollow Reservation, Grafton

BIRD TALK WALK: BLUEBIRDS

OWL PROWL

SOUTHERN LOOP TRAIL HIKE

Thur., June 3 | 10:30-11:30 am Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

Sat., June 12 | 8:30-9:30 pm Wellington Reservation

Wed., June 23 | 1:30-2:30 pm Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

BLACK RIVER CELEBRATION: NATURE HIKE

MORNING GARDEN WALK

FULL MOON HIKE

Sat., June 5 | 11 am-12 pm & 1-2 pm Indian Hollow Reservation, Grafton

Wed., June 16 | 10-11 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

Thur., June 23 | 9-10:30 pm Wellington Reservation

KIPTON WOODS HIKE

WONDERS OF WETLANDS HIKE

MORNING GARDEN WALK

Sat., June 5 | 11 am-12 pm Kipton Reservation, Oberlin

Wed., June 16 | 10-11:30 am Carlisle Reservation, Equestrian Center

Sun., June 27 | 9:30-10:30 am Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham

EVENING MARSH HIKE

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER PACK WALK

"OH-IO!" HIKE

Tue., June 8 | 7-8:15 pm Sandy Ridge Reservation, North Ridgeville

Thur., June 17 | 7-8 pm Wellington Reservation

Sun., June 27 | 2-3 pm Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods

NORTH LOOP WILDFLOWER HIKE

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER HIKE

Thur., June 10 | 9-11 am Charlemont Reservation, New London

Sun., June 20 | 9-11 am Wellington Reservation

*NOTE: May be wet/muddy*

*NOTE: Dogs must be on 6-ft. leash*

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

Name:

Hike:

Location:

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.)

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

Date:

Naturalist: