Winter Program Guide 2023 - Meet the Animals Photography Club Checkin' Out Chickadees Spa-tacular! - Medina County Park District
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Winter Program
Guide 2023
Handmade Holiday Gifts Where’d They Go? Meet the Animals
Gnomes for the Holidays Moon Hike Photography Club
Holidays at the Cabin Snow Bug Stroll Checkin’ Out Chickadees
Holiday Swag Winter Bird Walks Spa-tacular!
Park Program Addresses
Allardale Park Hubbard Valley Park/Buffalo Creek Retreat
Park: 401 Remsen Rd. 8600 Hubbard Valley Rd.
The Lodge at Allardale: 141 Remsen Rd. Seville, OH 44273 (Guilford Township)
Medina, OH 44256 (Granger Township)
Killbuck Lakes Nature Preserve
Black River Nature Preserve/Bluebell Valley 7996 White Rd.
8500 Richman Rd. Burbank, OH 44214 (Westfield Township)
Lodi, OH 44254 (Harrisville Township)
Letha House Park
Brunswick Lake Park/Susan Hambley Nature Center East: 5745 Richman Rd.
1473 Parschen Blvd. West: 5800 Richman Rd.
Brunswick, OH 44212 Spencer, OH 44275 (Chatham Township)
Park Office: Buckeye Woods Park Plum Creek Park North
6364 Deerview Lane 6335 Wedgewood Rd. 2390 Plum Creek Pkwy.
Medina, OH 44256 (Lafayette Township) Brunswick Hills, OH 44212
Medina, OH 44256
(330) 722-9364 Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park River Styx Park
(844) 722-9364 4985 Windfall Road 8200 River Styx Rd.
Medina, OH 44256 (Granger Township) Wadsworth, OH 44281 (Guilford Township)
Website: Green Leaf Park
1674 S. Medina Line Rd.
Schleman Nature Preserve
6701 Wedgewood Rd.
www.medinacountyparks.com Sharon Township (use Wadsworth, OH 44281 for GPS) Medina, OH 44256 (Lafayette Township)
Email: Holmesbrook Park
660 College St.
Oenslager Nature Center/
Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary
parks@medinacountyparks.com Wadsworth, OH 44281 6100 Ridge Rd.
Sharon Township
Program (use Wadsworth, OH 44281 for GPS)
Registration WINTER GUIDELINES
Programs will be cancelled if a level two or three road emergency warning is
• Register online for programs
issued by the Medina County Sheriff's Department. These warnings could be
at www.medinacountyparks. issued within the "two-hour prior to program" cancellation window.
com.
• Not all programs are Program Cancellation Information
pet-friendly. Unless other- To find out if a program has been cancelled due to weather, or any other reason, call the park
wise noted, pets are not district’s program cancellation hotline at (330) 239-3305 to hear a recorded message. Notification
permitted at park programs. of program cancellations will be made no less than two hours before a scheduled program when
possible. If you need to cancel a reservation you made in a park district program, please call the
park office at (330)722-9364.
Follow us on social
media. Show off your
MCPD Pride
Facebook
@MedinaCountyParkDistrict Purchase t-shirts, hoodies,
mugs, water bottles, a variety
Twitter of hats, and more on the
@medinacoparks MCPD online store and at
Oenslager Nature Center for
Instagram a limited time. These items
@medinacountyparks also make great gifts for
friends and family.
Page 2
then hike through various habitats along the Pine Forest Loop
Trail to find all ten of our nature nut gnomes. After you’re done,
come inside to make-n-take a gnome for home! All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Wednesday, December 7 - Natural Discoveries - Oenslager
Nature Center - 10 to 11 a.m. Join us for an easy walk to observe
the unfolding of nature all year long in the parks. Natural Discov-
eries is an award-based series of free nature programs designed
for ages seven to adult. Themed hikes are held on Sundays, and
hikes that explore seasonal happenings are offered on Wednes-
days. No registration is required.
Thursday, December 8 - Creative Writing for Homeschoolers
Oenslager Nature Center - 2 to
3:15 p.m. Nature will serve as the
inspiration for homeschoolers
who want to improve their writing
skills. We’ll imitate the styles of
skilled authors and use patterns
to write poetry. The classes are
offered individually but build upon
one another to develop skills.
Students will need a pencil, jour-
Thursday, December 1 - Handmade Holiday Gifts - Oenslager Nature nal, and thesaurus. Part of the class may be outdoors so dress
Center - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Handmade gifts are the best gifts to give appropriately. A writing assignment will be given after each
and receive! Come to the nature center any time between 10 a.m. class, and students will be expected to share what they wrote at
to 1 p.m. to create a handmade gift for someone special. A variety of the following month’s class. Class will be cancelled if any school
make-n-take projects will be available to choose from, first-come, first- district in Medina County is closed due to inclement weather.
served. All supplies are provided. The program is free, but donations of Ages 8 to 12. Register by December 6. Free.
nonperishable food, paper products, or toiletry items for the St. Paul
Lutheran Church Food Pantry are appreciated. Ages 3 to 6. Free. Saturday, December 10 - Holiday
Swag - Oenslager Nature Center - 11
Saturday, December 3 - A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Create a lovely
Oenslager Nature Center - 9 to 11 a.m. Hiking outdoors in Medina holiday swag using fresh pines and
County Park District has plenty of perks! There are beautiful views, bows. This swag can be hung vertical-
fresh air, the sounds and smells of nature, AND it’s good for you, ly, horizontally, or even on top of the
too. Mentally, being in the outdoors reduces symptoms of stress and mantel. All supplies are provided. Ages
anxiety. Physically, hiking is great for your heart, blood pressure, and 12 to adult. Register by December 8.
muscles. Once per month, join a natural- There is a $40 fee per swag.
ist and volunteers to hike at a vigorous
pace. This healthy hike will take place on
a different trail each month and will be
between three-to-five miles in length.
Please dress for the weather, wear appro-
priate footwear, and bring along a bottle of
water. Ages 10 to adult. No registration is
required. Free.
Sunday, December 4 - Crafternoon: Oh, Gnome You Didn’t! - Oen-
slager Nature Center - 2 to 4 p.m. Oh, yes, we did! This program
was made for all of the gnome lovers out there. Spend an afternoon
crafting several adorable gnome projects that will be great to give as
gifts or add whimsical touches to your home. You can make as many
of the gnome projects as time or your interest allows. All supplies are
provided. Ages 16 to adult. Register by December 2. Free.
Tuesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 31 - Gnomes for
the Holidays - Oenslager Nature Center - Hours are Tuesdays through
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m., closed
on Mondays - Gnomes are on the roam this holiday season at Alder-
fer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary! But these aren’t just your average
gnomes, they are gnomes with appetites for studying nature! Your
challenge? Pick up the list of gnome names inside the nature center, Page 3
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
December
Key:
CLMP - Carolyn Ludgwig Mugrage Park Handmade Holiday A Healthy Dose of Nature Hike
ONC - Oenslager Nature Center Gifts - ONC ONC - 9 to 11 a.m.
2022 SHNC - Susan Hambley Nature Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
** REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
**Crafternoon: Oh, Gnome Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Holidays
You Didn’t - ONC - 2 to 4 p.m. Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC ONC - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
**Holiday Swag - ONC
Natural Discoveries **Creative Writing 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
ONC - 10 to 11 a.m. for Homeschoolers
ONC - 2 to 3:15 p.m. Holidays at the Cabin - SHNC
12 to 5 p.m.
Wildlife Walk - CLMP
2 to 3 p.m.
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Gnomes for the Holidays Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Holidays
ONC - 12 to 5 p.m. Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC ONC - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holidays at the Cabin - SHNC Holidays at the Cabin - SHNC
12 to 5 p.m. 12 to 5 p.m.
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Last day to pick up Trekking Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the ONC and SHNC closed for the
Through Autumn awards Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holiday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gnomes for the Holidays
ONC - 12 to 5 p.m. Park office closed
for the holiday
Holidays at the Cabin - SHNC
12 to 5 p.m.
Natural Discoveries Hiking
Series: White-tailed Deer
SHNC – 3 to 4 p.m.
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
ONC and SHNC closed for the Park office Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Gnomes for the Holidays
Holiday closed for Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC Holidays - ONC ONC - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
the holiday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holidays at the Cabin - SHNC
12 to 5 p.m.
Give the Gift of Gnomes for the Holidays
Membership
Do you need an idea for that hard-to-buy-for
Tuesday, December 6 through Saturday, December 31
Oenslager Nature Center
Tuesdays through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
person on your gift list? Consider a giving a gift Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays
membership to Friends of Medina County Parks
this holiday season. The recipient will enjoy all the benefits of Friends Gnomes are on the roam this holiday season at Alderfer-Chat-
membership -- including invitations to members-only events, discounts on field Wildlife Sanctuary! But these aren’t just your average
shelter rentals, and a subscription to The Acorn newsletter. It’s a way to gnomes, they are gnomes with appetites for
share your passion for the parks with your friends and studying nature! Pick up the list of gnome
family, all while supporting the work of the Friends. Join names inside the nature center, then hike
online at www.medinacountyparks.com. Click on the Get through various habitats along the Pine For-
Involved tab, then on Friends of the Parks. You can also est Loop Trail to find all ten of our nature nut
pick up a brochure at the park office, Oenslager Nature gnomes. After you’re done, come inside to
Center, or Susan Hambley Nature Center. make-n-take a gnome for home! All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Page 4
Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 - Holidays at the
Cabin - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. The lights have been
strung, the halls have been decked, and the stockings have been hung
by the fire with care. The magic of the holidays has made its way to the
cabin. Drop by Susan Hambley Nature Center anytime between open
and close to enjoy festive decorations, activities, and more! All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Saturday, December 10 - Wildlife Walk - Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park
2 to 3 p.m. Many mammals and birds stay active throughout the winter.
Walk with a naturalist to search for wildlife and tracks. All ages are wel-
come. No registration is required. Free.
Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 - Holidays at the
Cabin - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. The lights have been
strung, the halls have been decked, and the stockings have been hung
by the fire with care. The magic of the holidays has made its way to the
cabin. Drop by Susan Hambley Nature Center anytime between open
and close to enjoy festive decorations, activities, and more! All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Sunday, December 18 - Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: White-tailed
Deer - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 3 to 4 p.m. White-tailed deer
are a familiar sight to many. Join us to learn about their history in Ohio
and their life cycles. Natural Discoveries is an award-based series of free
nature programs designed for ages seven to adult. Themed hikes are held
on Sundays, and hikes that explore seasonal happenings are offered on
Wednesdays. No registration is required.
Saturday, December 31 - Holidays at the Cabin - Susan Hambley
Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. The lights have been strung, the halls have
been decked, and the stockings have been hung by the fire with care.
The magic of the holidays has made its way to the cabin. Drop by Susan
Hambley Nature Center anytime between open and close to enjoy festive
decorations, activities, and more! All ages are welcome. No registration is
required. Free.
Saturday, January 7 - A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series - Killbuck
Lakes - 9 to 11 a.m. Hiking outdoors in Medina County Park District has
plenty of perks! There are beautiful views, fresh air, the sounds and
smells of nature, AND it’s good for you, too. Mentally, being in the out-
doors reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety. Physically, hiking is great
for your heart, blood pressure, and muscles. Once per month, join a natu-
ralist and volunteers to hike at a vigorous pace. This healthy hike will take
place on a different trail each month and will be between three-to-five
miles in length. Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear,
and bring along a bottle of water. Ages ten to adult. No registration is
required. Free.
Sunday, January 8 - Checkin’ Out Chickadees - Letha House Park East - 2
to 3 p.m. While many of the birds have left for the winter, chickadees are
hardy little creatures that survive the cold and snow despite their tiny
size. Learn about the adaptations that allow them to do this and look for
chickadees as we hike the trail. All ages are welcome. No registration is
required. Free.
Wednesday, January 11 - Natural Discoveries - River Styx Park - 10 to 11 Winter Solstice
a.m. Join us for an easy walk to observe the unfolding of nature all year In 2022, the winter solstice
long in the parks. Natural Discoveries is an award-based series of free will occur on Wednesday, De-
nature programs designed for ages seven to adult. Themed hikes are held cember 21. The winter solstice
on Sundays, and hikes that explore seasonal happenings are offered on occurs in December, and, in the northern hemisphere, the date
Wednesdays. No registration is required. marks the 24-hour period with the fewest daylight hours of the
year.
Page 5
Thursday, January 12 - Creative Writing for Homeschoolers
Oenslager Nature Center - 2 to 3:15 p.m. Nature will serve as the
inspiration for homeschoolers who want to improve their writing skills.
We’ll imitate the styles of skilled authors and use patterns to write
poetry. The classes are offered individually but build upon one another
to develop skills. Students will need a pencil, journal, and thesaurus.
Part of the class may be outdoors so dress appropriately. A writing
assignment will be given after each class, and students will be expect-
ed to share what they wrote at the following month’s class. Class will
be cancelled if any school district in Medina County is closed due to
inclement weather. Ages 8 to 12. Register by January 10. Free.
Friday, January 13 - Meet the Animals - Oenslager Nature Center
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The nature center is home to many animals including
snakes, turtles, a toad, and a salamander. Come in to learn all about
their habits, care, and life histories with a live animal presentation. All
ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Saturday, January 14 - Winter Bird Walk - Plum Creek Park North
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bundle up, bring a pair of binoculars, and join a
naturalist for this walk to search for and observe various bird species,
because a winter walk is always enhanced by the sights and sounds of Wednesday, January 18 - Below the Snow - Oenslager Nature
local winter birds! Ages ten to adult. No registration is required. Free. Center - 10 to 11:30 a.m. Take a look or listen outside, and it might
be easy to figure out
Saturday, January 14 - Spa-tacular! Oenslager Nature Center - 11 what is happening on
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Treat yourself by learning to make your own spa top of the snow. Have
products including hand lotion, salves, and lip balm. All supplies are you ever wondered
provided. Ages 12 to adult. Register by January 12. There is a $10 what happens below
program fee. the snow? Join us for
this program, including
Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15 - Where’d They Go? a hike, to find out. All
Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. Take a journey back in ages are welcome. No
time to learn about wildlife that once roamed around Medina County. registration is required.
Wildlife that used to live here but does not anymore is called “extirpat- Free.
ed” wildlife. Did we have wolves, mountain lions, and bison in Medina
County? You will learn the answers to these and other questions about Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22 - Where’d They Go?
extirpated wildlife at this program. There will be crafts, games, and Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. Take a journey back
displays. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free. in time to learn about wildlife that once roamed around Medina
County. Wildlife that used to live here but does not anymore is
called “extirpated” wildlife. Did we have wolves, mountain lions,
and bison in Medina County? You will learn the answers to these
and other questions about extirpated wildlife at this program.
There will be crafts, games, and displays. All ages are welcome. No
registration is required. Free.
Sunday, January 22 - Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Beneath
the Ice - Oenslager Nature Center - 3 to 4 p.m. From frogsicles
to chill fish, cozy burrows to snowy tunnels, all sorts of wonders
are waiting to be explored beneath the ice! Natural Discoveries is
an award-based series of free nature programs designed for ages
seven to adult. No registration is required. Free.
"What good is the warmth of sum-
mer without the cold of winter to
give it sweetness."
- John Steinbeck
Page 6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
ONC and SHNC closed for the
holiday Park office A Healthy Dose of Nature:
January
closed for Hiking Series - KL - 9 to 11 a.m.
the holiday
2023
** REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Checkin’ Out Chickadees Natural Discoveries **Creative Writing Meet the Animals Winter Bird Walk - PCPN
LHPE - 2 to 3 p.m. RSP - 10 to 11 a.m. for Homeschoolers ONC - 3:30 to 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
ONC - 2 to 3:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
**Spa-tacular! - ONC
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where’d They Go?
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Where’d They Go? Park office Below the Snow Where’d They Go?
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m. closed for ONC - 10 to SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m.
the holiday 11:30 a.m.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Where’d They Go? Winter Bird Walk - ONC
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Natural Discoveries Hiking
Series: Beneath the Ice
ONC - 3 to 4 p.m.
Photographers of the Parks
Club Meeting - ONC
3 to 5 p.m.
29 30 31
Key: PCPN - Plum Creek Park North
Wildlife Walk - BBV BBV - Bluebell Valley ONC - Oenslager Nature Center
2 to 3 p.m. KL - Killbuck Lakes RSP - River Styx Park
LHPE - Letha House Park East SHNC - Susan Hambley Nature Center
Page 7
Wednesday, February 1 - Natural Discoveries - Schleman Nature
Preserve - 10 to 11 a.m. Join us for an easy walk to observe the
unfolding of nature all year long in the parks. Natural Discoveries is an
award-based series of free nature programs designed for ages seven
to adult. No registration is required.
Friday, February 3 - Moon Hike - Hubbard Valley Park - 6:30 to 7:30
p.m. Walk with a naturalist to learn a little bit about the moon, night
vision, and nocturnal wildlife. You may bring a flashlight, but be pre-
pared to not use it! All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Free.
Saturday, February 4 - A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series
This is a great opportunity for nature photo enthusiasts of all Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park - 9 to 11 a.m. Hiking outdoors in
skill levels to share knowledge with like-minded folks, gain Medina County Park District has plenty of perks! There are beautiful
special access to programs and events related to photogra- views, fresh air, the sounds and smells of nature, AND it’s good for
phy, and support the park district. Meetings are from 3 to 5 you, too. Mentally, being in the outdoors reduces symptoms of stress
p.m. at Oenslager Nature Center. and anxiety. Physically, hiking is great for your heart, blood pressure,
and muscles. Once per month, join a naturalist and volunteers to hike
January 22 at a vigorous pace. This healthy hike will take place on a different trail
March 26 each month and will be between three-to-five miles in length. Please
April 23 dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring along a
May 28 bottle of water. Ages ten to adult. No registration is required. Free.
June 25
July 23 Sunday, February 5 - Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Winter Birds
September 24 Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park - 3 to 4 p.m. Bird watching is a great
October 22 way to brighten up a winter day, and it’s a constant source of enter-
November 19 tainment. We’ll learn about our resident winter birds and birds that
visit our area just for the winter. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Participation is open to all individuals over the age of 16. An- Natural Discoveries is an award-based series of free nature programs
nual dues for the POTP club are $5, and current membership designed for ages seven to adult. No registration is required.
in Friends of Medina County Parks, Inc. is required. Benefits
of club membership include access to the club’s photo sharing Thursday, February 9 - Creative Writing for Homeschoolers
website, attendance at members-only events and classes and Oenslager Nature Center - 2 to 3:15 p.m. Nature will serve as the
participation in club-sponsored contests. Guests are welcome inspiration for homeschoolers who want to improve their writing
at meetings and some club-sponsored activities. You may skills. We’ll imitate the styles of skilled authors and use patterns to
attend two consecutive regular meetings before deciding to write poetry. The classes are offered individually but build upon one
become a member. another to develop skills. Students will need a pencil, journal, and
thesaurus. Part of the class may be outdoors so dress appropriate-
ly. A writing assignment will be given after each class, and students
Sunday, January 22 - Photographers of the Parks Club Meeting will be expected to share what they wrote at the following month’s
Oenslager Nature Center - 3 to 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity for class. Class will be cancelled if any school district in Medina County is
nature photo enthusiasts of all skill levels to share knowledge with closed due to inclement weather. Ages 8 to 12. Register by February
like-minded folks, gain special access to programs and events related 7. Free.
to photography, and support the park district. The club will empha-
size, but not be limited to, nature photography. Please contact club
leadership at medinapotp@gmail.com with questions, or for more
information. Ages 16 to adult. No registration is required.
Saturday, January 28 - Winter Bird Walk - Oenslager Nature Center
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bundle up, bring a pair of binoculars, and join
a naturalist for this walk to search for and observe various bird
species, because a winter walk is always enhanced by the sights
and sounds of local winter birds! Ages ten and up. No registration is
required. Free.
Sunday, January 29 - Wildlife Walk - Black River Nature Pre-
serve-Bluebell Valley - 2 to 3 p.m. Many mammals and birds stay
active throughout the winter. Walk with a naturalist to search for
wildlife and tracks. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Free.
Page 8
Friday, February 10 Through Tuesday, February 28 - Snow Bug Stroll
Green Leaf Park - 6 a.m. to one hour past sunset - Most insects
seem to disappear in winter, but some can be active even when
there’s snow. Signs along the trail will help you learn which insects
stay active and how they do it on this self-led adventure. All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free.
Saturday, February 11 - Winter Orienteering - The Lodge at Allar-
dale 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Challenge your map and compass naviga-
tion skills in the winter woods of Allardale Park. The Northeast Ohio
Orienteering Club will prepare several navigation courses of varying
skill levels on which you can test your abilities. A beginner course
will be included, and some basic instruction will
be available for any who needs it. Bring your own
compass and a whistle (for safety). Dress warmly
and wear shoes with good traction. Cleats are not
permitted in The Lodge) This event will be held
unless dangerous winter conditions are expected.
Online preregistration is preferred at http://neooc.com/upcomin-
gevents/. For those who don’t preregister, in-person registration
begins the day of the program at 10:30 a.m. For more information,
visit NEOOC.com. Ages 12 to adult. There is a registration fee to par-
Saturday, February 18 - Winter Bird Walk - River Styx Park - 10
ticipate: $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the program.
a.m. to 12 p.m. Bundle up, bring a pair of binoculars, and join a
naturalist for this walk to search for and observe various bird spe-
Saturday, February 11 and Sunday February 12 - Weekend Wood-
cies, because a winter walk is always enhanced by the sights and
peckers - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. What’s black
sounds of local winter birds. All ages are welcome. No registration
and white and red all over (the back of its head)? It’s a woodpeck-
is required. Free.
er! These birds stay active in winter pecking wood and looking for
insects. Stop by the nature center to enjoy educational activities
Saturday, February 18 and
and the bird-viewing area. All ages are welcome. No registration is
Sunday, February 19 - Weekend
required. Free.
Woodpeckers - Susan Hambley
Saturday, February 11 - Wildlife Walk - Letha House Park West - 2 to Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m.
3 p.m. Many mammals and birds stay active throughout the winter. What’s black and white and red
Walk with a naturalist to search for wildlife and tracks. All ages are all over (the back of its head)? It’s
welcome. No registration is required. Free. a woodpecker! These birds stay
active in winter pecking wood and
Tuesday, February 14 - For the Love of Scat - Oenslager Nature Cen- looking for insects. Stop by the
ter - 2 to 3 p.m. Well . . . maybe there’s nothing to love about scat, nature center to enjoy education-
but there’s a lot that can be learned from it. This Valentine’s Day, al activities and the bird-viewing area. All ages are welcome. No
take a hike to look for and identify common animal droppings and, registration is required. Free.
perhaps, find out what’s been scatting in your backyard. All ages are
welcome. No registration is required. Free. Sunday, February 19 - Natural
Discoveries Hiking Series: Skunks
Holmesbrook Park - 3 to 4 p.m.
What’s that smell? This hike will
focus on the lesser-known facts
about the famously smelly striped
mammal, the skunk. Natural Dis-
coveries is an award-based series
of free nature programs designed
for ages seven to adult. Themed hikes are held on Sundays, and
hikes that explore seasonal happenings are offered on Wednes-
days. No registration is required.
Thursday, February 23 - Meet the Animals - Oenslager Nature
Center 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The nature center is home to many
animals including snakes, turtles, a toad, and a salamander. Come
in to learn all about their habits, care, and life histories with a
live animal presentation. All ages are welcome. No registration is
required. Free.
Page 9
Saturday, February 25 - Winter Bird Walk - Buckeye Woods Park
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bundle up, bring a pair of binoculars, and join a
naturalist for this walk to search for and observe various bird species,
because a winter walk is always enhanced by the sights and sounds
of local winter birds! Meet near the ball fields. Ages ten and up. No
registration required. Free.
Tuesday, February 28 - Hibernation Station
Oenslager Nature Center - 10 to 11:30
a.m. All Aboard! for story time as we read
a whimsical story about animals preparing
for winter. After the story, we will stretch
our legs on a hike in search of animals that
have been hibernating through winter.
All ages are welcome. No registration is
required. Free.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are an integral part Independent Park Cleanup
of Medina County Park District. Park cleanups offer great flexibility in scheduling your group.
They contribute time, energy, Your group leaders will be in charge of facilitating your group
knowledge, and skills to en- with instructions provided by park district staff. You may per-
hance many of the programs and form your cleanup at any of the parks during posted hours. Your
events offered and help keep the help is needed to ensure that this protected land is free of litter
parks clean and safe for every- and debris that could threaten plants and wildlife. Cleanups
one to enjoy. There are many involve picking up litter along the trails, ponds, and pavilions;
volunteer opportunities to fit moving small sticks or branches off trails; and alerting park staff
your passion for the parks. to any maintenance issues.
Invasive Species
Volunteering within the park district requires three steps: Help remove invasive plant spe-
cies in the parks during regularly
1. Fill out a Medina County Park District volunteer application. Appli- scheduled pulls in the early spring
cants must be at least 18 years old. months. If left untreated, invasive
2. Interview with the volunteer coordinator. plant species can take over areas
3. Complete and pass a background and fingerprint check. in less than ten years, changing
the dynamic of ecosystems, and
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, complete a volunteer creating an unbalanced food chain
application and mail to the address listed. Upon receipt of your appli- with detrimental affects to native
cation, you will be contacted to schedule an interview. If you prefer to plant and wildlife species.
have an application mailed to you, please contact the volunteer coordi-
nator. Tree/Seed Plantings
Natural resources staff enlists the help of volunteer groups with
Group and One-time Volunteer Opportunities plantings in various parks. Numerous acres within the park dis-
Are you interested in donating your time and talents to Medina County trict have benefited from volunteer tree/seed plantings, and the
Park District but don’t want to make a long-term commitment? The park district hopes to continue planting native species with the
park district offers group and one-time volunteer opportunities for help of group volunteers.
those seeking to give back to the commu-
nity. Projects vary by season and need Other
from park staff. Below is a list of projects In addition to the above projects, groups have assisted park staff
that groups or individuals have helped with trail maintenance and construction, building of bridges, and
with in the past. If you are interested, adoption of a garden and/or wildlife habitat station.
please contact the volunteer coordina-
tor to ask about available opportunities For questions about volunteer opportunities or the volunteer
within the parks. program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator Judy So-
roczak at (330) 239-4814 or jsoroczak@medinaco.org.
Page 10Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
February Natural Discoveries
SNP - 10 to 11 a.m.
Moon Hike - HVP
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A Healthy Dose of Nature:
Hiking Series: CLMP
2023 9 to 11 a.m.
** REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Natural Discoveries Hiking **Creative Writing Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll - GLP - 6 a.m.
Series: Winter Birds - CLMP for Homeschoolers GLP - 6 a.m. to to one hour past sunset
3 to 4 p.m. ONC - 2 to 3:15 p.m. one hour past
sunset **Winter Orienteering - ADL
10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekend Woodpeckers
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m.
Wildlife Walk - LHPW
2 to 3 p.m.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Snow Bug Stroll - GLP - 6 a.m. Snow Bug Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll
to one hour past sunset Stroll GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to GLP - 6 a.m. to one hour past
GLP - 6 a.m. hour past sunset hour past sunset hour past sunset one hour past sunset
Weekend Woodpeckers to one hour sunset
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m. past sunset For the Love of Scat Winter Bird Walk - RSP
ONC - 2 to 3 p.m. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Weekend Woodpeckers
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Snow Bug Stroll - GLP - 6 a.m. Snow Bug Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll Snow Bug Stroll
to one hour past sunset Stroll GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to one GLP - 6 a.m. to GLP - 6 a.m. to one hour past
GLP - 6 a.m. hour past sunset hour past sunset hour past sunset one hour past sunset
Weekend Woodpeckers to one hour sunset
SHNC - 12 to 5 p.m. past sunset Meet the Animals Winter Bird Walk - BWP
ONC - 3:30 to 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Natural Discoveries Hiking 4:30 p.m.
Series: Skunks – HBP
3 to 4 p.m.
26 27 28
Key: HVP - Hubbard Valley Park
Snow Bug Stroll - GLP - 6 a.m. Snow Bug Snow Bug Stroll ADL - The Lodge at Allardale LHPW - Letha House Park West
to one hour past sunset Stroll GLP - 6 a.m. to one BWP - Buckeye Woods Park ONC - Oenslager Nature Center
GLP - 6 a.m. hour past sunset CLMP - Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park RSP - River Styx Park
to one hour GLP - Green Leaf Park SHNC - Susan Hambley Nature Center
HBP - Holmesbrook Park SNP - Schleman Nature Preserve
past sunset Hibernation Station
ONC - 10 to
11:30 a.m.
Save the date!
Page 11Spruce Ave. Þ
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STATE Rittman
PRESERVE
City
Revised 5/24/2022 - djh
PARKS NATURE PRESERVES MULTIPURPOSE TRAILS
1 Allardale 12 Black River 19 Chippewa Inlet Trail
2 Buckeye Woods Hidden Hollow Camp 20 Chippewa Rail Trail
Park District Headquarters Bluebell Valley 21 Lester Rail Trail
3 Brunswick Lake 13 Chippewa Lake 22 Montville Trail
Susan Hambley Nature Center Krabill Lodge/Boat Ramp
4 Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage 14 Killbuck Lakes
5 Green Leaf 15 Medina Marsh
6 Hubbard Valley/Buffalo Creek 16 Princess Ledges
7 Lake Medina 17 Schleman WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
8 Letha House 18 Sharon 23 Alderfer-Chatfield
9 Plum Creek Oenslager Nature Center
10 River Styx 24 Granger Wetlands
11 Holmesbrook Park
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