Earth Day
April 22, 5 – 7:00 am
Join our friends at Monroe’s Orchard, (at one of the highest elevations in Portage County), for a pre-dawn viewing of the Lyrid Meteor Shower. The Lyrid shower averages 10-20 rather bright meteors per hour, although bursts of up to 100 have been recorded previously. The shower is best visible in the hours between midnight and sunrise on the morning of the 22nd.
Locating the Lyra constellation can be done through a number of means. There are a number of free star map apps you can download (yay for technology!)
Our volunteer Sky Ranger, Guy Gillespie, will be on hand with telescopes to view planets, stars, and other astronomical objects as well. Thanks to the Monroes for providing hot coffee and cider. What a way to start the day!! Check out Monroe’s Orchard and find directions.
Learn more about the Lyrids.
Concert for the Parks
April 13, 7 – 9:00 pm
The Kent Stage ~ Local bands Rio Neon and Up Til Four will give a concert to rally support for Portage Parks.
Guided Hikes in Park District Preserves
The Park District has been fortunate to acquire several hundred acres of parkland around the county, thanks to many partners, grants and donations over the years. These properties are referred to as “preserves” because the Park District doesn’t yet have the funding to develop, open, and manage them.
These guided hikes will count towards the 2014 Wild Hikes Challenge. Since there are no trails, the hiking could be rough. Contact the Park District to register and for more information 330-297-7728 or email info@portageparkdistrict.org. All hikes begin at 2 pm.
April 6
Breakneck Creek Preserve
66 acres of old field, wetlands, and beaver ponds in Ravenna Township
April 13
Chagrin Headwaters Preserve
95 acres of woods, wetlands, fields and the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River; Mantua Township
April 27
Morgan Preserve
504 acres of high quality woods, fields, stream and wetlands; Shalersville Township
May 4
Franklin Bog Preserve
58 acres of woods, a kettlehole lake and sphagnum bog; Franklin Township
24th Annual RiverDay
Saturday, May 17
Experience and learn about the gorgeous Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River. Portage Park District and partners are hosting RiverDay activities and opening the newest public access to the river.
RiverDay Activities at Buchert Park Mantua
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fish surveys by the Division of Wildlife; Guided State Nature Preserve hike; stream biology sampling by the Ohio EPA and a variety of educational displays and activities by allied conservation organizations. Food available for purchase from Jake’s food cart.
Cuyahoga River Paddle to Red Fox
Noon to 3:00 pm
(limited canoes and kayaks available with reservation)
Join us for a free, guided 6-mile paddle trip from Buchert Park to Red Fox take out in Shalersville, followed by the dedication of the new Red Fox Boat Access at 3:30.
(weather and water level permitting)
Reservations:
Elaine Marsh, Friends of the Crooked River – 330-666-4026 or ohgreenway@gmail.com
(330) 297-7728
Portage Park District
705 Oakwood St Suite 4
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
*adapted from the Portage Park District Newsletter which you can sign up for HERE.