Medina County Park District Programs,
Hikes and Activities Schedule

REGISTRATION POLICY - NEW!
We are currently accepting program registrations for summer programs. We will open registration for fall programs (September, October, and November) on August 1.
All program registrations must be made via the telephone. We cannot accommodate requests through e-mail. To register for programs, call the park office at (330)722-9364, (330)225-7100 ext. 9364, or (330) 336-6657 ext 9364.
Click on a date of the calendar for that days activity, or scroll through the box below for a complete text listing of all programs.
SEPTEMBER, 2010
9/2/10 Stroller Hike - Schleman Nature Preserve - 10:30 a.m. Attention parents, caregivers and grandparents! Bring your little one out for a hike at the park and take a closer look at things along the way using multiple senses. Children can be in strollers, backpacks or can toddle along on their own. Be prepared for some unpaved trails; mid to full-size or jogger-type strollers recommended. Free. All ages welcome.
9/4/10 Hiking for the Health of It - Hampton Hills/ Metroparks Serving Summit County - 9 to 11 a.m. This is a hiking series for those adults who want to move at a brisk pace. Walking will be strenuous with a limited amount being off-trail. No registration required. Ages 10 to adult. Free.
9/2/10 Let’s Get Hoppin’ - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 2 p.m. Where do grasshoppers lay their eggs? How many eyes do they have? Join us for a hoppin’ good time as we learn about these abundant creatures and take a hike in search of them. A grasshopper craft will be available for kids of all ages. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
9/4/10 Family Night Concert: Woodland Melodies with Bud Preston - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for an outdoor concert with the romantic blend of instrumental guitar and the sounds of nature. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a friend to enjoy a musical presentation by Bud Preston, “Ohio’s finest finger style guitarist.” Learn how the sounds of our woodlands can be melded with beautiful instrumental guitar melodies to create one harmonious experience. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
9/6/10 Park office closed.
9/8/10 Kayak Float and Night Hike - Hubbard Valley Park - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a peaceful evening discovering the beauty of Hubbard Valley Park by boat and by land. After a gentle kayak float, hike with a naturalist around the lake learning what makes this area so special. Kayaking equipment included. To register, call the Institute of the Great Outdoors at (216) 341-1704, Monday to Friday. Program fee is $20 per person. Ages 16 and over (with participating adult).
9/11/10 Monarch Madness - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 12 to 4 p.m. Learn more about the life of the amazing monarch butterfly during a fun-filled day of butterfly activities for the whole family. Activities include games, crafts, butterfly hikes, monarch catching and tagging, and more! We will have a butterfly release at 4 p.m. to send the monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico. All activities are free. Don’t forget to bring your camera. All ages welcome. No registration required.
9/14/10 FULL! Creative Concoctions for Preschoolers - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - Session 1 at 10 a.m. or Session 2 at 1 p.m. Our younger park friends are invited to create mysterious mixtures and make marvelous messes in this fun, hands-on discovery program. Come experiment with combinations of ordinary ingredients to create something fun. All supplies provided, come dressed for mess. Register between August 23 and September 10. Ages 3 to 6. Free.
9/14/10 1 p.m. FULL! Homeschoolers Outdoor Education: Fungus and Fern - Plum Creek Park North - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. The summer flowers have finished blooming. The fall leaves have not yet turned. Now is the perfect time to look for color in the fungus on the forest floor. Join us for a hike to explore the world of fungi and ferns. Dress for the weather. Ages 7 to 12. Register by September 10th. Free.
9/16/10 Board of Park Commissioners’ Meeting - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 3 p.m. Public is welcome.
9/17/10 Family Night: Native American Campfire Tales - Hidden Hollow Camp - 7 p.m. Join us around the campfire for authentic Native American folklore and legends told by local historian John Burke. Dressed in full Indian regalia of the old days, John will provide listeners with a treasury of rich stories of nature, giant woodland monsters, Turtle Island, and other entertaining tales. Young and old will delight in the imaginative and humorous characteristics of Indian story telling. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
9/18/10 K9 Kapers - Hubbard Valley Park - 10 a.m. K9 Kapers will provide dog owners with an opportunity to socialize their pets with other dogs. These alternative hikes will interest both the dog and its owner while offering exercise and fun. All dogs must have an accompanying adult and 8-foot leash (non-retractable). Participants must have control of their dogs at all times. Bring a towel for muddy feet and a water bowl. All ages.
9/18/10 Nature For Families: Fungus and Fern - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 p.m. The summer flowers have finished blooming. The fall leaves have not yet turned. Now is the perfect time to look for color in the fungus on the forest floor. Bring the whole family for a hike to explore the world of fungi and ferns. Dress for the weather. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
9/18/10 All Aboard - Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers (NEOLS) - Lester Rail Trail. Located on Lester Road in York Township (3/4 of a mile north of State Route 18 - 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends out to Lester Rail Trail for train rides around a miniature railroad and station house. Members of NEOLS, a miniature railroad group, will offer this free park program. Adults and children of all ages will delight in this unique experience! No registration required.
9/18/10 Letha House Observatory Open House - Letha House Park West - 9 to 11 p.m. Come see deep-sky objects, planets, and the moon up close using the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association’s telescopes. The observatory will be open for public viewing, and members will be available each night to answer your questions. Cancellations will only be made in the case of severe thunderstorms. No registration required. All ages welcome. Free.
9/19/10 Family Fishing - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 2 p.m. Family and friends join us for a fishing program on the basics of fishing at Wolf Creek. This program provides an opportunity for families to experience the great outdoors, spend time together, and learn about and enjoy the sport of fishing. After a short presentation, everyone will have the opportunity to fish the pond. A limited amount of rods and reels and bait will be available for use. Ages 6 and up. Free. Register by September 17.
9/19/10 Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: PawPaw - Our Official State Fruit - Letha House Park East (open shelter east of Richman Rd.) 3 p.m. The pawpaw became Ohio’s official native fruit in January 2009. Most of the relatives of the pawpaw grow in the tropics, and walking the nature trail at Letha House Park gives you that tropical forest feeling. Learn about the history of this fruit and the wildlife associated with it. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
9/22/10 Nature Through the Seasons - Meet at the Letha House Park West (enter on the west side of Richman Rd.) 10 a.m. These easy walks explore our different parks while observing the unfolding of nature. No registration required. Ages 7 to adult. Free.
9/23/10 Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Can a woolly bear caterpillar really predict the weather? Come discover all about woolly bears through a story, craft and hands-on examination. Register between August 30 and September 22. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
9/24/10 Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Can a woolly bear caterpillar really predict the weather? Come discover all about woolly bears through a story, craft and hands-on examination. Register between August 30 and September 22. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
9/24/10 Coyotes on the Move - Hidden Hollow Camp - 7:30 p.m. Coyotes have expanded their range more than any other wild animal in North America. Learn how this amazing mammal has adapted to a diversity of habitats, including Ohio’s suburbs. We’ll begin the program by discussing the life history of the coyote. Then we’ll take a short hike where we’ll attempt to call in one of these typically shy animals. Ages 8 to adult. No registration required. Free.
9/26/10 Photographers of the Park Club - Susan L. Hambley Nature Center - 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for nature photo enthusiasts to share knowledge with like-minded folks, gain special access to programs and events related to photography, and support the park district. Both beginner and advanced photographers are invited to participate. No registration required.
OCTOBER, 2010
10/2/10 Hiking for the Health of It - Plum Creek Park South - 9 to 11 a.m. This is a hiking series for those adults who want to move at a brisk pace. Walking will be strenuous with a limited amount being off-trail. No registration required. Ages 10 to adult. Free.
10/2/10 Spiders of Wolf Creek - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 2 p.m. Join us as we learn about spiders like orb weavers, wolf spiders, and nursery web spiders. After a short presentation, we’ll take a hike around Wolf Creek to look for some of these arachnids. Learn about how they live, where they live, and the important role that these animals play in our environment. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
10/2/10 Mysterious World of Owls - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 7 p.m. Laura Jordan of the Medina Raptor Center will be handling live owls while sharing characteristics of these fascinating raptors. Then we will take a short hike where one of our naturalists will attempt to call some owls in from the wild. Ages 8 to adult. No registration required. Free.
10/9/10
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10/10/10		 Pioneers in the Park - Buckeye Woods Park - 12 to 6 p.m. Take a trip back in time at Buckeye Woods Park! Come and see demonstrations of pioneer crafts, skills and encampments; enjoy the sounds of bluegrass and dulcimer music; watch an old-fashioned baseball game; and try your hand at pioneer games and activities. Don’t miss out on this unique and fun-filled event. Pioneers in the Park is Stop One on the Medina County Fall Foliage Tour.
10/12/10 1 p.m. FULL! Homeschoolers Outdoor Education: Goin’ on a Leaf Hunt - Allardale - 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Leaves come in all shapes and sizes and, at this time of year, colors, too. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about leaves while going on a leaf hunt. Be prepared to hike. Dress for the weather. Ages 7 to 12. Register by October 8. Free.
10/15/10
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10/16/10		 All Aboard! Halloween Program - Lester Rail Trail - Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends out to Lester Rail Trail for this “spooktacular” event! Members of the NEOLS miniature railroad group will offer free train rides during this special park program. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, but for safety, avoid long, flowing garments. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
10/17/10 Introduction to the Digital Darkroom - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 to 4 p.m. Learn the basics of processing your digital photos. We will cover getting them transferred to your computer, basic file management strategies, editing workflow for tonal and color correction, dust spotting, etc., and also getting the images out of your computer either in printed form or formatted for posting on the web or in email. We will be using Photoshop Elements for practical, hands-on demonstrations, but the techniques should work in any editing software. Students are encouraged to bring laptop computers with photo editing software installed so they can work through the examples during the session. There is a $30 fee per person. Ages 16 and up. Register by October 14.
10/17/10 Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Language of the Rocks - Princess Ledges Nature Preserve - 3 p.m. The rocks speak to us by revealing Ohio’s geologic past from ancient seas to massive glaciers. Discover how Princess Ledges were formed together with evidence that a tropical sea once covered Ohio. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
10/20/10 Nature Through the Seasons - Allardale - 10 a.m. These easy walks explore our different parks while observing the unfolding of nature. No registration required. Ages 7 to adult. Free.
10/21/10 Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. What do you see when you look up in the sky at night? Let’s explore space and find out more about those twinkling dots and the big glowing rock through a story and fun activities. Register between September 27 and October 20. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
10/21/10 Board of Park Commissioners’ Meeting - Buffalo Creek Retreat - 3 p.m. Public is welcome.
10/22/10 Friday, October 22 - Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. What do you see when you look up in the sky at night? Let’s explore space and find out more about those twinkling dots and the big glowing rock through a story and fun activities. Register between September 27 and October 20. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
10/22/10 Moon Walk - Lake Medina/Rt. 18 entrance - 8 p.m. The sun has set, and nocturnal creatures are stirring. Relax with a naturalist as we take a leisurely stroll admiring the autumn moon, stars, and nature’s night music. Hike will go on if cloudy. No registration required. All ages welcome. Free.
10/23/10 Halloween Bonfire - Plum Creek Park South - 5 to 8 p.m. The bonfire is an annual tradition sponsored by the Brunswick Hills Fire Department and the Medina County Park District. Come and enjoy hayrides, story telling, face painting and more. Bring your own pre-carved pumpkin for the pumpkin carving contest. Be sure to dress in the spirit of Halloween. This event will take place rain or shine. Refreshments available. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
10/23/10 Mysterious World of Owls - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 7 p.m. Laura Jordan of the Medina Raptor Center will be handling live owls while sharing characteristics of these fascinating raptors. Then we will take a short hike where one of our naturalists will attempt to call some owls in from the wild. Ages 8 to adult. No registration required. Free.
10/24/10 Photographers of the Park Club - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for nature photo enthusiasts to share knowledge with like-minded folks, gain special access to programs and events related to photography, and support the park district. Both beginner and advanced photographers are invited to participate. No registration required.
10/30/10 Halloween Hullabaloo - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 1 to 4 p.m. “Come as you aren’t!” Dress up in costume as we creep about Susan Hambley Nature Center. Crawl on by anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. to participate. You will enjoy a short hike, crafts, games, spider cider, and more. We’ll have a spook-takular good time! Ages 4 to 8. No registration required. Free.
10/31/10 Digital Photography for Beginners - Krabill Shelter - 1 to 4 p.m. So you’ve bought the camera, now what? Come learn helpful techniques for digital camera use and how to get the most out of the camera you have. Dr. Christopher DellaCorte, nature photography enthusiast, will teach you tips for taking better pictures, how to edit images with and without a computer and proper storing and printing of your digital images. Please bring your own digital camera with user manual to class. Program fee is $25 per person. Ages 16 and up.Register by October 29.
10/31/10 Bloodsucking Creatures - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 2 p.m. Whether or not we like to think about it, there are many creatures that practice hematophagy, or blood eating, and just as many myths and stories about them. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and learn the truth about bloodsucking creatures from vampire bats and ticks to mosquitoes and leeches. No registration required. All ages welcome. Free.
NOVEMBER, 2010
11/6/10 Hiking for the Health of It - Allardale - 9 to 11 a.m. This is a hiking series for those adults who want to move at a brisk pace. Walking will be strenuous with a limited amount being off-trail. No registration required. Ages 10 to adult. Free.
11/6/10 Fallen Leaf Basket - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Celebrate the fall season by weaving this colorful, oval-shaped basket embellished with a metal leaf. Stop by Wolf Creek to see an example. No experience necessary. Materials provided. Call Betty Rettig at 330-336-5951 to register by November 1. Program fee is $12 per basket. Ages 10 to Adult.
11/7/10 Intermediate Digital Darkroom - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 to 4 p.m. The intermediate digital darkroom class will focus on techniques to enhance your images beyond a basic workflow. The class will cover selection techniques, layer masking, layer styles, targeted adjustments, black and white conversions, using filters and plug-ins, composites and panoramas and an introduction to HDR. Students should bring a laptop with digital editing software installed (Photoshop preferred) and should be comfortable with basic exposure and tonal adjustments. Program fee is $30 per person. Ages 16 and up. Register by November 4.
11/7/10 Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Ohio’s Vanished Wildlife - Plum Creek Park South - 3 p.m. This will be a journey through time beginning with wildlife that existed in Ohio in the 1700s and ending with the wildlife of present day. We will talk about the animals that have vanished and the ones that disappeared and returned. You may be surprised by some of our common mammal species that were not present in early Ohio. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
11/9/10 1 p.m. FULL! Homeschoolers Outdoor Education: Animal Exteriors - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Animals have a wide variety of skin, scales, fur, feathers, and even skeletons on the outside of their bodies. Come take a closer look at some interesting animal exteriors and learn what they do for their owners. Ages 7 to 12. Register by November 5. Free.
11/9/10 Creative Concoctions for Preschoolers - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - Session 1 at 10 a.m. or Session 2 at 1 p.m. Our younger park friends are invited to create mysterious mixtures and make marvelous messes in this fun, hands-on discovery program. Come experiment with combinations of ordinary ingredients to create something fun! All supplies provided, come dressed for mess! Register between October 18 and November 5. Ages 3 to 6. Free.
11/9/10 German Star Ornament - Krabill Shelter - 7 to 9 p.m. German Stars have been made for centuries by common folk at Christmastime to add decoration to their Christmas trees. Traditional German family crafts, made out of paper or ribbon and dipped in wax, can also be used as decorations on gifts, strung together as garland, or as holiday home decorations. Come join us in learning how to make these charming three-dimensional paper stars. Each participant will make at least four ornaments. All supplies provided. Ages 12 to Adult. Register by November 5. Free.
11/10/10 Nature Through the Seasons - Lester Rail Trail (meet behind Medina Career Center) - 10 a.m. These easy walks explore our different parks while observing the unfolding of nature. No registration required. Ages 7 to adult. Free.
11/13/10
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11/14/10		 Nature Art Fest - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. The 9th Annual Nature Art Fest, featuring unique items inspired by nature from professional artists, will be held at the Wolf Creek Environmental Center. From paintings to carved stone, you’ll find unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Bring the family and spend the day in one of the most beautiful parks of Medina County. All ages. No registration required. Free admission.
11/13/10 CAA Astronomy Presentation: Looking Up at Tonight’s Sky Letha House Park West - 8 p.m. In honor of the International Year of Solar Astronomy, Medina County Park District and the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association will present a talk on the Sun, the Moon and what’s up tonight. If conditions are right, we will be viewing through telescopes after the talk. Program held rain or shine. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is appreciated. Register by November 12. Ages 10 to adult. Free.
11/14/10 K9 Kapers - Buckeye Woods Park - 3 p.m. K9 Kapers will provide dog owners with an opportunity to socialize their pets with other dogs. These alternative hikes will interest both the dogs and their owners, while offering exercise and fun. All dogs must have an accompanying adult and 8-foot leash (non-retractable). Participants must have control of their dogs at all times. We recommend bringing a towel for muddy feet and a water bowl. Meet at the parking lot by the soccer fields. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
11/16/10 Christmas Card Bonanza - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 7 to 9 p.m. Do you want to wow your friends and family with handmade cards this year? Learn how to make cards that are simply beautiful. Each participant will take home 8 different cards using a variety of stamping techniques. Class fee is $6, and all materials will be provided. Come join us and jumpstart the holidays creatively. Program fee is $6 (for set of 8 cards). Ages 14 and up. Register by November 12.
11/18/10 Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Leaves are falling, and the squirrels and chipmunks are busy. Discover more about these furry little nibblers through a story, craft and fun activities. Register between October 25 and November 17. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
11/18/10 Board of Park Commissioners’ Meeting - Park District Headquarters - 3 p.m. Public is welcome.
11/18/10 1621: The First Thanksgiving - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 7 p.m. “In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” but it wasn’t until 1621 when the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving. Discover the history of this famous event and the life of a pilgrim. What truly was on the menu? All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
11/19/10 Tales for Tots - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Leaves are falling, and the squirrels and chipmunks are busy. Discover more about these furry little nibblers through a story, craft and fun activities. Register between October 25 and November 17. Ages 3 to 6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. Free.
11/20/10 Nature For Families: Animal Exteriors - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 p.m. Bring the whole family to learn about animals that have a wide variety of skin, scales, fur, feathers, and even skeletons on the outside of their bodies. Come take a closer look at some interesting animal exteriors and learn what they do for their owners. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
11/20/10 An Evening with Harry - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 4 to 8 p.m. Dress up as your favorite character and stop by during our Harry Potter extravaganza. Celebrate this well known literary character by searching for magical creatures and characters as you follow the lights through our Forbidden Forest. Enjoy all sorts of magical games, activities, crafts, and refreshments as the wizarding world takes over Wolf Creek. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
11/21/10 Intermediate Digital Photography: Beyond the Basics - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 to 4 p.m. In this class, students will learn about exposure and composition, the meaning and effects of shutter speed, aperture, sensor speed and much more. Learn how to take photographs that go beyond simple snapshots. Prerequisite for this class is Digital Photography for Beginners. Participants should have either taken this previously-offered course or have moderate prior experience with digital cameras. Please bring your own digital camera and user manual with you to class. Program fee is $35 per person. Ages 16 and up. Register by November 19.
11/25/10 Park office, Wolf Creek Environmental Center, and Susan Hambley Nature Center closed.
11/26/10 Park office, Wolf Creek Environmental Center, and Susan Hambley Nature Center closed.
11/27/10 Fossil Hunter - Susan Hambley Nature Center - 12 to 5 p.m. Did you ever want to be a fossil hunter? Stop in to the Susan Hambley Nature Center to discover the variety of plant and animal fossils that can be found in our area. See some real fossils, learn about how fossils are formed, and do some fossil activities. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
11/27/10 Flower Fairy Enchanted Adventure - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 1 to 4 p.m. Come dressed for outside and inside adventures. Parents are not required to stay with their children. Ages 7 to 12. Register by November 24. Free.
11/28/10 Photographers of the Park Club - Wolf Creek Environmental Center - 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for nature photo enthusiasts to share knowledge with like-minded folks, gain special access to programs and events related to photography, and support the park district. Both beginner and advanced photographers are invited to participate. No registration required.