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eNews
July-Aug 2008 |
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WELCOME! |
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We appreciate your help
Thank you for signing up to
receive this free eNewsletter to
help reduce our paper, printing
and postage costs. Please tell
friends and family, so they can
stay informed about programs,
events and announcements too.
You can forward this email to
them, then they can use this
signup link.
Questions
For more information, contact
DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org
or (419) 625-7783 x221.
For eNews tech help, E-mail
pr@eriemetroparks.org.
Pre-registration
Please
pre-register online here
for all programs or events at
least three days in advance of
the program date. It really
helps us with making the event
the best it can be for you.
NEW FORMAT—PROGRAMS ARE LISTED
CHRONOLOGICALLY NOW!
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Summertime
A Note from Director-Secretary
Stephen Dice |
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I remember so
many things from summers as a
boy. It seems like every day
must have been filled with
memory making adventures and
experiences.
Summer
vacation as we called it (that
was when school was out for he
summer because very few people
in my memory actually left the
area for summer vacation) was
forecast by the opening of the
school windows. The schools
were not air conditioned so in
late spring when it was warm
enough the teachers would open
the windows for fresh air. The
culmination of spring was the
all day school picnic when the
whole school spent the whole day
on the playground playing
various games and having picnic
lunch. After that day, it was
officially summer.
I remember
the group of boys I played ball
with dragging our fathers lawn
mowers to the “field” where one
of the fathers allowed us to
play ball. We would work hard
keeping the grass mowed,
propping up the wooden backstop
time and again, looking for lost
foul balls in the tall grass….
funny I don’t remember ever
getting so much as a skinned
knee.
I remember
the explorations into the
“wilderness” – the surrounding
hills, meadows, fields, swamps,
creeks and ponds. We looked for
wildlife, built forts, and
played war and hide and seek.
How I escaped poison ivy I will
never know.
We rode our
bikes everywhere on the gravel
roads. Our family often
picnicked by a lake and dad
would put us boys in an old
rowboat and we would fish for
blue gills. Summer meant a week
at my grandparents’ farm. It’s
funny I don’t have so many
memories after reaching
adulthood.
Erie
MetroParks offers many
opportunities for you and yours
to enjoy summer at home and
create summertime memories.
Have you walked the Joseph
Steinen Wildlife area looking
for Eagles? What about spending
some quiet time on the deck on
the bay at Eagle Point? Hoffman
Forest and Edison Woods offer
spectacular mature forests to
hike in. The Castalia Quarry
Reserve with its southwest feel
and clear pond offers hiking and
mountain biking. The Quarry
Preserve invites you to walk to
the riverbank and fish or
canoe. Osborn Park beckons
young and old to play and hike.
Pelton Park awaits your desire
for solitude amongst chaos. The
Greenway trail, when reopened,
beckons you to stay in shape
amid river views and nature.
Anywhere in
any Erie MetroPark is a great
place for a picnic, to get in
shape, to experience nature, to
de-stress, to bring a friend or
to bring a family. All close to
home.
Erie
MetroParks offers facilities
that are one ingredient in
memory making summers. You are
the other ingredient.
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July |
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register here for any of these
programs
Please try to register at least
three days in advance |
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EXPLORE
THE OUTDOORS:
ADULT &
CHILD CANOE EXCURSION
Wed, July
2, 9 am-Noon, Coupling
Reserve Canoe Landing—Enjoy the
beautiful summer beauty with a
Naturalist, while paddling on
the Huron River. Must
pre-register. Look for the
"Explore the Outdoors" poster on
the Canoe Landing bulletin
board.
STARS &
STRIPES CELEBRATION
Fri, July
4, 10 am-5 pm, Downtown
Sandusky—Stop by and visit the
EMP booth at the annual
festival. See live critters
from 11 am-3 pm.
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PARK PALS
- “F” IS FOR FISH
Mon, July
7, 10-10:45 am, Osborn Park,
Frost Center, ages 3-6
yrs—Swishy fish swim in cool
creeks—catch a closer look.
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40TH
ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY
PICNIC AT OSBORN PARK
July 8,
5-8 pm—Join MetroParks staff
for the following fun family
activities—Sandusky Children’s
Museum, Glen Bernhardt’s marble
demonstration, Heritage Society
of Erie County display;
MetroParks nature table; 6:15 pm
Welcome Program; 7 pm Osborn
Park history hike; hayrides; hot
dogs, chips, drinks & pizza
available for a small donation.
Co-sponsored by Pizza Hut.
FRIENDS OF
ERIE METROPARKS PEP RIDE
Sun, Jul
13, 7-9 am registration,
McBride Arboretum, BGSU
Firelands—Join FEMP members on a
10, 14, 30+ or 50 mile bike
ride. $10 pre-registration
fee. Contact Erie MetroParks at
419-625-7783, ext. 221 or
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online at
www.eriemetroparks.org for a
Pedal Erie Parks brochure.
register here for any of these
programs
Please try to register at least
three days in advance
Young Naturalist Mini-Camp
Registration: Open to 1st–6th
graders
Enrollment: 5 minimum, 20
maximum.
Fee:
Erie County Resident $20,
Non-resident $30.
Wednesdays are field trip days
with a different drop-off
location.
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Osborn Park Adventure!—Jul 14-17,
9:30 am-Noon, Shelter 2—Campers
explore the history, woods,
meadows and fields of Osborn
Park; experience a ride on a hay
wagon, discover what animals
live where in the park, search
for bugs and snakes; and make
potato-print t-shirts and write
nature journals. Wednesday field
trip: McBride Arboretum, BGSU
Firelands Campus, One University
Drive, Huron; meet at the
Visitor’s Center and explore
Sawmill Creek woods and creek.
Plant Palooza Nature Mini-Camp
with
Sandusky Rec Dept & Erie
MetroParks
Registration: Open to 2nd-5th
graders. Contact
Sandusky Recreation Dept at
419-627-5879.
Jul 21-23,
9:30 am-Noon, Sandusky
Greenhouse, 620 Elm St,
Sandusky—What makes a plant…a
plant? Why do flowers come in
different sizes, shapes and
colors? Are bees and bugs
really important? Campers
discover “plant-tastic” facts in
a unique setting—the Sandusky
Greenhouse. Campers will play in
dirt, create a miniature garden,
explore the floral magic of
Washington Park and more!
Co-sponsored by Sandusky Rec
Dept and Erie MetroParks.
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PARK PALS
-“G” IS FOR GOATS
Mon, July
14, 10-10:45 am, Osborn
Park, Frost Center, ages 3-6
yrs—Find out about these master
mountain climbers, farm
favorites, and fairy tale
friends.
LOOK WHO’S
WALKING
Mon, July
14, 6:30-7:30 pm, McBride
Arboretum Visitors Center,
(behind BGSU Firelands)—Join
Guest Leader and Huron Township
Trustee Ed Enderle for a stroll
around the Arboretum Grounds. |
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LOTS OF
LOTUS HIKE
Tue, July
15, 6-7:30 pm, Community
Foundation Preserve at Eagle
Point Parking Lot—Bring your
binoculars and/or camera and
search for Lotus blossoms,
dragonflies, and Bald Eagles.
FULL MOON
CANOE FLOAT
Fri, July
18, 9-11:30 pm, Coupling
Reserve Canoe Landing—Cool down
by leisurely paddling the Huron
River. Must pre-register.
register here for any of these
programs
Please try to register at least
three days in advance |
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Masters Challenge 2008—“Use It
Or Lose It!”
***Events
listed are for participants age
60+. Pre-register for each
event with
Serving
Our Seniors at 419-624-8173 or
1-800-564-1856.
Fri,
July 18
Canoeing—10:30 am-12:30 pm, The
Coupling Reserve Canoe Landing
Mon,
July 21
Boomerang
Fly—9-10:30 am, Osborn Park,
Shelter #3, Instruction provided
Tue,
July 22
Horseshoes—9-10:30 am, Osborn
Park, Shelter #3
Sat,
July 26
5k
Walk/Run—8-9 am, Osborn Park,
meet at perimeter path, near
playground by Frost Center
Tai Chi—9
am, Osborn Park, Interpretive
Panels
PARK PALS
-“H” IS FOR HOT
Mon, July
21, 10-10:45 am, Osborn
Park, Frost Center, ages 3-6
yrs—Learn how the summer sun
brings on the heat! |
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HUNTING
FOR HABITAT
Tue, July
22, 6:30-8pm, Steinen
Wildlife Area, 4501Cleveland
Road West (Rt 6)—Young hunters
are invited to accompany Erie
MetroParks Staff and “Hunt for
Habitat”. Participate in a 90
minute hiking tour and discuss
ideal habitat for upland game
such as cottontail rabbit,
pheasant, squirrel, grouse,
woodcock, turkey and white tail
deer. Search for and identify
examples of the three habitat
needs…food, cover and water.
Find out what you can do to
improve habitat for the above
species. Rain or shine.
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RAIN
BARREL WORKSHOP
Wed, July
23, 6-8 pm, Osborn Park,
Shelter 1—Rain barrels are a
type of water harvesting system
(such as a cistern) that allow
us to collect rain and save it
for watering our plants between
storm events. Please join
Alicia Fager, Ohio State
University Extension, and Breann
Hohman, Erie Soil and Water
Conservation District for a
hands-on instruction of rain
barrel construction and
environmental benefits
associated with water
harvesting. Workshop fee
includes the materials and
instruction for constructing one
rain barrel. Registration
begins July 1. Contact Erie Soil
and Water Conservation District
at 419-626-5211. Registration
Fee: $35. Limit: 20
Participants.
A Light in
the Harbor Walk
Thu, July
24, 6:30-8:30 pm, meet at
the Merry-Go-Round Museum, 301
Jackson St, Sandusky—Learn how
this unique community art
project was achieved, then walk
around town enjoying the
lighthouse art. This project
was made possible by the
Merry-Go-Round Museum, United
Way, and the American Red Cross.
The walk is co-sponsored by the
Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky
Recreation Dept., and Erie
MetroParks.
register here for any of these
programs
Please try to register at least
three days in advance
Young Naturalist Mini-Camp
Registration: Open to 1st–6th
graders
Enrollment: 5 minimum, 20
maximum.
Fee:
Erie County Resident $20,
Non-resident $30.
Wednesdays are field trip days
with a different drop-off
location. |
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Edison Woods Wonders!—Jul 28-31,
9:30-Noon—Edison Woods
Preserve is so big that there
are different camp drop-off
sites everyday!
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Monday—SR 61(Ceylon) parking
lot—Campers discover the geology
of Edison Woods, hike over the
Adventure Walkway up to the
sandstone ridge and through
plants that have been on the
planet longer than the
dinosaurs! |
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Tuesday—8613 Mason Rd—Explore
the plants and animals that live
in the restored prairies of
Edison Woods, travel on a
bug-safari, and create a prairie
field guide.
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Wednesday Field Trip—Hoffman
Forest Reserve parking lot, 5313
Huff Road, Berlin Heights
Campers, please wear clothes and
shoes that can get wet—we’re
discovering the critters that
live in Old Woman Creek. |
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Thursday—Edison Woods
Preserve Office, 8111 Smokey
Rd—Enjoy a hay wagon ride
through restored prairies,
investigate Rose Mallow
pond, and search for
butterflies.
BUTTERFLY
HIKE AT CASTALIA QUARRY
Sun, July
27, 1-3 pm, Castalia Quarry
Parking Lot—The Quarry looks dry
and barren, but when summer
blooms—a dazzling array of
butterflies of all sizes
follow. Learn to identify the
many species that frequent
Castalia Quarry.
PARK PALS
-“I” IS FOR INSECTS
Mon, July
28, 10-10:45 am, Osborn
Park, Frost Center, ages 3-6
yrs—Discover incredible critters
who wear their skeleton on the
outside!
LOOK WHO’S
WALKING
Mon, July
28, 6:30-7:30 pm, Berlin
Heights, First Congregational
Church—Join Guest Leader and
Berlin Heights Mayor Kelly Moon
for a walk around Berlin
Heights.
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AUGUST |
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register here for any of these
programs
Please try to register at least
three days in advance
HARVEST
HAPPENINGS CONTESTS
* Start
snapping your entries now for
the Photo Contest.
Amateur photographers only.
Many categories to choose from.
Call for a brochure.
* Gather your
ideas and materials now for the
Scarecrow Contest.
Categories are: Traditional
(straw) and Creative (use your
imagination). Open to all
groups, families, and
individuals.
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STAY-CATION
CANOE FLOAT
Sun, Aug
3, 1:30-4 pm, Coupling
Reserve Canoe Landing—Tired of
high gas prices? Try traveling
on your own energy—with a
paddle, canoeing the Huron
River. Pre-registration
required.
PARK PALS
-“J” IS FOR JUMP
Mon, Aug
4, 10-10:45 pm, Osborn Park,
Frost Center, ages 3-6 yrs—Which
animals JUMP for travel and
protection? |
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LOOK WHO’S
WALKING – STRESSBUSTER SAMPLE
CLASS
Mon, Aug
4, 6:30-7:30 pm, Osborn
Park, Frost Center—Learn about
strength training with aerobics
from Monica Studans. Bring
light hand-weights if you have
them.
ERIE
COUNTY FAIR
Aug. 5-10,
Erie County Fairgrounds—Visit
the MetroParks booth and help us
celebrate 40 years of
conservation and fun!
PRAIRIES
OF PLUM BROOK STATION
Thu, Aug 7
OR Thu, Aug 21, 6-8 pm, NASA
Plum Brook entrance, Columbus
Ave—Lost ecosystems are being
restored on the 6,400 acres of
Plum Brook Station. Join
prairie expert John Blakeman and
discover the beauty of rare
native wildflowers. Drive
through a primal forest in
pristine condition. Must
preregister by the Monday before
the program. 18 yrs and older
must bring a photo ID.
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PARK PALS
–“K” IS FOR KITTENS
Mon, Aug
11, 10-10:45 am, Osborn
Park, Frost Center, ages 3-6
yrs—Learn all about this furry
pet favorite.
LOOK WHO’S
WALKING
Mon, Aug
11, 6:30-7:30 pm, Schoepfle
Gardens, Birmingham—Join Guest
Leader and Florence Township
Trustee Chairman Ray (Skip)
Halliwell for a stroll around
the gardens.
SUNSET
PRAIRIE TOUR
Thu, Aug
14, 7-8:30 pm, Edison Woods
SR 61 Parking Lot—End your day
with a carpool trip around the
prairies of Edison Woods. Bring
your camera!
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PARK PALS
FIELD TRIP-BUTTERFLY STROLL AT
MCBRIDE ARBORETUM
Mon, Aug
18, 10-11 am, McBride
Arboretum Visitor’s Center, BGSU
Firelands,
ages 3-6
yrs—Discover the connection
between flowers and flutter-bys.
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EXPLORE
THE OUTDOORS:
ADULT &
CHILD CANOE EXCURSION
Wed, Aug
20, 9 am-Noon, Coupling
Reserve Canoe Landing—Enjoy the
beautiful summer beauty with a
Naturalist, while paddling on
the Huron River. Must
pre-register. Look for the
"Explore the Outdoors" poster on
the Canoe Landing bulletin
board.
EXPLORE
THE OUTDOORS:
CLOSER
LOOK AT EDISON WOODS
Wed, Aug
20, 6-8 pm, Edison Woods SR
61 Parking Lot, ages 6 and
up—Discover the rich diversity
of Edison Woods. |
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Look for the
“Explore the Outdoors” poster on
the SR 61 bulletin board.
WINGED
WONDERS AND SUMMER BLOOMS
Sun, Aug
24, 1:30-2:30, Castalia
Quarry Reserve parking
lot—Discover late summer
wildflowers and the
nectar-loving insects they
attract on the Levee Loop trail. |
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VOLUNTEER TODAY
BE ONE OF ERIE METROPARKS’
STARS! |
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VOLUNTEER NEWS!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
«
Volunteers have really jumped in
to help here at the MetroParks!
We have several NEW volunteers
working in the MetroParks this
month. Welcome Anna & Ikki
Tanaka, Lauren Berlekamp, Josh
Pribanic, Amy Hayes, David Deer,
Erie Shores Girl Scout Troops
#230 & #868 (shown at right),
Wendy Provateare, Chelsea Santa
Lucia, Jim Floro, Mike Mapus,
Sarah Kniffin, Brian Alger,
Jason Johnston and Steve
Myers—thanks a lot for all your
efforts! Also a big thanks to
all |
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our regular
volunteers—we could not do it
without you!
«
There
is still a need for MORE
volunteers—please consider
helping out. Come have fun in
the MetroParks with us! Don’t
forget we’ll need lots of
volunteers for Harvest
Happenings Oct 11-12.
For more information, contact
EMP Volunteer Coordinator Sharon
Dahm at
volunteer@eriemetroparks.org or
419-625-7783 ext 229. |
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BE A FRIEND
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF ERIE METROPARKS |
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It’s just plain fun to be a
Friend!
Join today!
Find
out more at
www.eriemetroparks.org,
or
get the brochure here!
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FRIENDS OF
ERIE METROPARKS PEP RIDE
Sun, Jul
13, 7-9 am registration,
McBride Arboretum, BGSU
Firelands—Join FEMP members on a
10, 14, 30+ or 50 mile bike
ride. $10 pre-registration
fee. Contact Erie MetroParks at
419-625-7783, ext. 221 or online
at
www.eriemetroparks.org for a
Pedal Erie Parks brochure.
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CHECK OUT THE METROPARKS
GOOD PARKS ~ GOOD TIMES |
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MAKE A RESERVATION FOR EMP
FACILITY OR PROGRAM
IT’S EASY, QUICK AND ALWAYS
AVAILABLE |
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Did you know
you can go online at
www.eriemetroparks.org to
make reservations for EMP
programs and facilities?
Whether it’s a free or fee-based
program or facility, you can
find out all the details and
sign up instantly. The site now
takes credit cards for your
convenience too.
Find
out more at
www.eriemetroparks.org. |
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To find out more about Erie
MetroParks, please contact us at
DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org
or (419) 625-7783. |
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