Join Portage Park District staff and volunteers on upcoming guided nature hikes and programs to learn more about our local natural environment and your Portage Parks. The hikes also can count towards the Wild Hikes Challenge! Just hike 8 of this year’s designated trails before December 31 to earn a hiking stick and brass tag, this year commemorating the “Year of the Salamander.” You can hike on your own or with a group at one of the guided hikes. Forms are available at the Park District website, or by calling 330-297-7728. Hit the Trail!
Guided Nature Hikes and Educational Programs
August 3, 2014 – Afternoon Stroll 2:00-3:30 pm
In conjunction with the Lions Club Sweet Corn Festival at Beckwith Orchards, join the Portage Park staff on a leisurely stroll down the Hike and Bike Trail beginning at Lake Rockwell Rd. and sauntering to Breakneck Creek. See what wildflowers might be in bloom; listen to what birds might be singing in the area, discuss the importance of Breakneck watershed and talk about how the area looked 100 years ago. Distance 2 miles.
August 10, 2014 – Night Hike Dix Park 8:00-10:00 pm
Come join the Portage park staff on a journey through Dix Park using only your ears! Is that a grey tree frog? What is the difference between a katydid and a cricket sound? We will see if there are any owls in the neighborhood. We will also discuss bats and their importance in the ecosystem. If we are lucky, we might see a opossum or raccoon! Distance 2.5-3 miles.
August 19, 2014 – What’s in and around Seneca Ponds 1:00-3:00 pm
Come join the Portage Park staff in walking around Seneca ponds. Learn the difference between dragonflies and damselflies and why they are important. What is the difference between a snapping, painted, and box turtle? What frogs might live in the pond? What snakes might be in the area? Who knows – maybe we will be able to see, hold, and get an up close look at some of the inhabitants of the pond. Distance 1 mile.
Wild Hikes Challenge Schedule
- August 10 – Dix Park Night Hike -8:00 pm
- August 17 – Seneca Ponds – 2:00 pm
- August 24 – Berlin Lake Trail – 2:00 pm
- September 14 – Morgan Preserve – 2:00 pm
- Sept. 24 – Chagrin Headwaters Preserve – 2:00 pm
- Oct. 5 – Headwaters Trail State Rt 700 – 2:00 pm
- Oct 26 – Headwaters Trail Buchert Park, Mantua – 2:00 pm
- Nov 9 – Franklin Bog Preserve – 2:00 pm
Visit the website to learn more and sign up for our e-newsletter.