Medina County Parks is offering a ton of free (or mostly free) activities again for October. Get your calendars out and enjoy one or more of these exciting events!
Saturday, October 1 ‑ Hiking for the Health of It ‑ Allardale West – 9 to 11 a.m. This is a hiking club for those adults who can hike four to five miles at a brisk pace. Walking trails can be mildly strenuous with a limited amount being off trail. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to have appropriate footwear. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 ‑ Billions of Beetles ‑ Susan Hambley Nature Center – 12 to 5 p.m. It is estimated that there are over 300,000 species of beetles in the world. Although we don’t have that many species here in Medina County, you may be surprised by what does live here. Stop in at Susan Hambley Nature Center this weekend to learn more about these plentiful creatures through games, crafts, and other beetle activities. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 1 ‑ Roving Naturalists: Spiders ‑ Hubbard Valley Park – 1 to 3 p.m. Join naturalists any time between 1 ‑ 3 p.m. to learn about spiders. The naturalists will be stationed along the trail. Once you park your car, follow signs that will direct you to their locations. Stop by for two minutes or stay for two hours. Test your spider catching skills. Nets and containers will be available for you to borrow. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Sunday, October 2 ‑ Adventures in the Garden! Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 2 to 4 p.m. Join OSU Extension and Master Gardeners for this fall workshop. Kids will make a pumpkin “Chia” pet, have fun participating in a nature‑themed scavenger hunt, and more! Please dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. No walk‑ins please. To register, contact Ashley Kulhanek at 330.725.4911 Ext. 106 or kulhanek.5@osu.edu. Ages 6 to 12. There is a $5 program fee.
Thursday, October 6 ‑ Environmental Speaker Series ‑ More Than Morel Mushrooms ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 7 to 8 p.m. Julie Powell Albright is passionate about promoting fungi as a remarkable organism on earth. Her mushroom information presentations take individuals on virtual walks through the forest. She identifies mushroom species, their unique values and healing powers, and the edible and non‑edible fungi that grow in each season of the year. Ages 12 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 8 ‑ Healthy Strides ‑ Killbuck Lakes – 9 to 10 a.m. Healthy Strides combines a brief, informative talk by a Cleveland Clinic physician and caregiver and a casual one‑to‑three mile walk. Topics change each week based on the leader’s specialty and suggestions from participants. All members of the community are welcome. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 8 ‑ Migratory Bird Banding ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bird banding is a scientific research method that studies bird behavior and movements and provides us with valuable information about avian populations and migratory patterns. The data collected through bird banding is critical to identify contributing factors affecting populations in both winter and summer habitats and the establishment of needed conservation efforts. Join licensed Bird Banders Gary and Jill Fowler at Wolf Creek to learn more about the significance of bird banding and see how it is done. Please note that bird banding is weather variable and may not be done if it is raining or snowing. Signs will be posted at Wolf Creek to let you know if bird banding is occurring and to direct you to the banding location. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9 ‑ 32nd Annual Pioneers in the Park Festival ‑ 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 #1 on the Medina County Fall Foliage Tour. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free admission.
Tuesday, October 11 ‑ Homeschoolers Outdoor Education: A Lichen Thing ‑ Hubbard Valley Park – 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Locate lichens as you look along the local trails at Hubbard Valley Park. Learn all about these lucky life forms as you listen to the lovely language of the leaves and trees. Be prepared to hike. Ages 7 to 12. Registration open until filled. Free for Medina County residents. There is a $3 fee for out‑of‑county participants. Ages 7 to 12. Register by October 11.
Wednesday, October 12 ‑ Nature Through the Seasons ‑ Hubbard Valley Park – 10 to 11 a.m. The Nature Through the Seasons series consists of easy walks that explore our different parks while observing the unfolding of nature throughout the seasons. These hikes also count toward the Natural Discoveries program, an award‑based hiking series. See our website for details about that program. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Friday, October 14 ‑ Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers: Halloween ALL ABOARD! – Lester Rail Trail ‑ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or until the parking lot is full. Bring your family and friends out to Lester Rail Trail for this “spooktacular” event! Members of the N.E.O.L.S. miniature railroad group will offer free train rides during this special park program. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, but, for safety, please avoid long, flowing garments. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 ‑ Fascinating Fall Colors ‑ Susan Hambley Nature Center ‑12 to 5 p.m. The reds, oranges, yellows, and browns of fall make Ohio’s forests uniquely beautiful. Observe experiments, do activities, and enjoy a craft to learn more about these fascinating fall colors. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 15 ‑ Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers: Halloween ALL ABOARD! ‑ Lester Rail Trail – 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 N.E.O.L.S. miniature railroad group will offer free train rides during this special park program. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, but, for safety, please avoid long, flowing garments. Gates will close promptly at 4 p.m. for the Saturday afternoon session and 8:30 p.m. for the Saturday evening session or when the parking lot is full, whichever comes first. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Sunday, October 16 ‑ Digital Photography for Beginners ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 1 to 4 p.m. Come learn helpful techniques for digital camera use and how to get the most out of the camera you have. This class will cover 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. Ages 16 to adult. Register by October 15. There is a $25 program fee.
Sunday, October 16 ‑ K‑9 Kapers ‑ Chippewa Inlet Trail North ‑ St. Rte. 42/Lafayette Road – 3 to 4 p.m. K‑9 Kapers provides 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 eight‑foot leash (non‑retractable). Participants must maintain control of their dogs at all times. We recommend bringing a towel for muddy feet and a water bowl. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Sunday, October 16 ‑ Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Lichen Hikin’ ‑ Princess Ledges Nature Preserve‑ 3 to 4 p.m. Natural Discoveries is a series of free nature‑themed programs designed for ages seven to adult. Participants in the program who complete certain hike requirements are eligible to receive awards. See the Natural Discoveries link on our website for award details. Lichens are something that are often seen but seldom noticed. Learn about the delicate balance of this dual organism as we hike the wooded trails of Princess Ledges Nature Preserve. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Tuesday, October 18 ‑ Yoga for Homeschoolers ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 2 to 3 p.m. Celebrate nature and the seasons through a variety of yoga activities. Benefits of yoga include: improving strength, flexibility and balance, developing the ability to focus, building self confidence and reducing stress, developing body awareness and coordination, and having fun! Students should bring a yoga mat or beach towel, wear comfortable clothing suitable for yoga and prepare to be barefoot. Ages 8 to 12. Register by October 17. Free for Medina County residents. There is a $3 fee per person for non-county residents.
Wednesday, October 19 ‑ Music at The Lodge: Ginger Ackley ‑ The Lodge at Allardale – 7 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the park with free, live musical entertainment. Our fall concert series brings a variety of music the whole family will enjoy. Please bring lawn chairs and bug spray ‑‑ if it turns out to be a beautiful evening, the concert will be outdoors. This month, Ginger Ackley will perform Celtic music with a twist. Drawing from the roots of Celtic and folk music she grew up with, Ms. Ackley brings the beautiful melodies and stories to life with her auto‑ harp and vocals. CDs will be available for purchase after the concert. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Friday, October 21 ‑ Mysterious World of Owls ‑ The Lodge at Allardale – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Come discover the amazing adaptations of these nocturnal birds of prey and see live owls up close! The Medina Raptor Center will offer a presentation of the unique features and abilities of these beautiful birds. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 22 ‑ Healthy Strides ‑ Brunswick Lake Trail – 9 to 10 a.m. Healthy Strides combines a brief, informative talk by a Cleveland Clinic physician and caregiver and a casual one‑to‑three mile walk. Topics change each week based on the leader’s specialty and suggestions from participants. All members of the community are welcome. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 22 ‑ Basket Weaving 101: Fall Colors Basket ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center ‑ 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mother Nature supplies us with breathtaking colors in the fall. Bring the beauty of fall indoors when you weave this charming basket with colors galore. Stop by Wolf Creek to see an example. No experience necessary. All materials provided. Please call Betty Rettig at 330‑336‑5951 to register. Ages 12 to adult. There is a $17 program fee.
Sunday, October 23 ‑ Photographers of the Parks Club Meeting ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center 3 to 5 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. The club will emphasize but not be limited to nature photography. No registration required. For more information, please contact Shelley at 330.239.4814 or stender@medinaco.org. Ages 16 to adult. No registration required.
Thursday, October 27 or Friday, October 28‑ Tales for Tots ‑ Wolf Creek Environmental Center – 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. It’s fall, and leaves are tumbling to the ground. Discover why leaves fall through a story and hands‑on investigation, then take a hike through the fresh‑fallen leaves (weather permitting). For ages 3‑6 with an adult companion. Some or all of the program will be held outdoors; please dress accordingly. Register between September 29 and October 26. Free.
Saturday, October 29 ‑ Treats on the Trail Susan Hambley Nature Center – 1 to 3 p.m. For trick‑or‑treaters of all ages, join us at Susan Hambley Nature Center to make a treat bag and trick or treat along the trail. Come dressed in your favorite costume! All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Saturday, October 29 ‑ Starry, Starry Nights at Letha House ‑ Letha House Park West – 8 to 10 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 to answer your questions. Activities and/or displays will be set up inside the barn for further interest on cloudy nights. Cancellations will only be made in the case of severe thunderstorms. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Please register for programs online at www.medinacountyparks.com.
