The mission of Lake Metroparks is to conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County while providing a variety of safe, affordable and enjoyable educational and recreational programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in Lake County now
and for the generations to follow.
Portions of two state designated wild and scenic rivers - and many tributaries - flow through and are protected by Lake Metroparks. Lake Metroparks annually provides nearly two-and-a-half million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities, over 43 miles of trails, five parks on Lake Erie's shoreline and a cross-country ski center.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Sheep Shearing
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
May 10 - 31 • Specific times listed
The sheep get their annual ‘haircut’ at Lake Metroparks Farmpark as sheep shearing is back. Each year, sheep grow a fleece or coat of lustrous fiber called wool that is used to make many wonderful products from clothing to blankets. Sheep have been selected over thousands of years to grow finer and longer fiber and to keep it from shedding (falling out on its own).
Celebrating Birds!
Chagrin River Park
Saturday, May 14 • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
This event is open to everyone who birds or is curious about why birding is so appealing. Birders of all ages and skills will appreciate the diversity of birds that use Chagrin River Park as a migration stop-over, a year-round dwelling place, and a summer breeding ground. Media Release
The Art of Dressage and the Wild West
headline HorseFest Lake Metroparks Farmpark
May 21 & 22; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Discover the magical beauty of horses during HorseFest at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Learn about the different breeds, riding disciplines and uses for these versatile animals. More than 20 breeds participate in a variety of hands-on activities, presentations, training techniques, and demonstrations for all ages to enjoy. Media Release
“Lake Metroparks through Paint & Canvas" • Works by James Polewchak
at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
March 19 – May 15, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Artist Jim Polewchak is a life-long Lake County resident who grew up playing in many of the green areas that have since become part of Lake Metroparks. See your park system come to life through the medium of oil painting in this special one-man show. Media Release
Sheep Shearing
at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
May 10 - 31
KIRTLAND – The sheep get their annual ‘haircut’ at Lake Metroparks Farmpark as sheep shearing is back. Each year, sheep grow a fleece or coat of lustrous fiber called wool that is used to make many wonderful products from clothing to blankets. Sheep have been selected over thousands of years to grow finer and longer fiber and to keep it from shedding (falling out on its own). Fascinating and informative shearing presentations are held at 11:00 am and noon Monday through Friday beginning May 10 and at 2:00 pm on weekends.
To obtain the fiber and to keep the sheep from overheating during the hot summer weather, farmers shear (give the sheep a haircut) the wool each year in the spring. Professional shearers can cut the fleece off in less than a minute with electric shears. Over the summer and fall the sheep will grow enough fleece to keep warm in the winter and provide us with a nice fleece in the spring.
Other activities taking place throughout the day include cow milking, horse-drawn wagon rides, and meeting over 50 breeds of farm animals up close. Visitors may also explore wind and solar power, and an investigate The Great Tomato Works exhibit and hydroponics lab at the Plant Science Center. Weekend activities include ice cream and bread making. Be sure to visit Farmpark’s Gift Shop for a great selection of unique gift ideas. Also, enjoy a lunch or snack at the
J & J Café at Farmpark.
Admission to Lake Metroparks Farmpark is $6; ages 60 and over are $5, youth 2 to 11 are $4; Farmpark members and children under 2 are free. For more information about the Sheep Shearing demonstrations, call (440) 256-2122 or (800) 366-FARM (3276), or visit us on the web at lakemetroparks.com.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland. Directions: Take I-90 to the Rt. 306 exit; head south on Route 306 five miles to Chardon Road (Route 6); turn left on Route 6, and head east one mile. Entrance to Farmpark is on the right.
Media contact:
Ann Petersen
Livestock Manager, 440-256-2122
or 800-366-3276
Celebrating Birds!
Chagrin River Park
Saturday, May 14 • 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Celebrating Birds! is open to everyone who birds or is curious about why birding is so appealing. Find out why at Lake Metroparks’ annual birding event, held in conjunction with the 17th annual International Migratory Bird Day. Join the celebration for an afternoon of free birding activities from 1:00 to 4:00 pm Saturday, May 14 at Chagrin River Park in Willoughby. Celebrating Birds is put on with the help of the Blackbrook Audubon Society and the Ohio Bluebird Society
Birders of all ages and skills will appreciate the diversity of birds that use Chagrin River Park as a migration stop-over, a year-round dwelling place, and a summer breeding ground. This year we highlight the Eastern Bluebird and how people have helped its population recover by putting up and monitoring bluebird nesting boxes. Come hear a presentation by Jay Brindo, president of the Ohio Bluebird Society.
Participate in family-fun birding activities including guided bluebird nest box hikes, keep your eyes peeled for Fly-by Trivia or try your hand at building a “human-sized” bird nest.
Educational displays and exhibits include:
Blue bird monitoring
Birding Hikes
Bird-related games and crafts
Displays from the Blackbrook Audubon Society Feeding birds
For more information about Celebrating Birds!, call 440-256-1404.
This event is held at the Reeves Road entrance to Chagrin River Park located at 3100 Reeves Road in Willoughby.
Directions: Take Rt. 2 to Lost Nation Road and go north. Turn left onto Reeves Road. Chagrin River Park is located on the left.
The Art of Dressage and the Wild West
headline HorseFest Lake Metroparks Farmpark
May 21 & 22; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Media contact:
Bill Emrick, Interpretive Manager, 440-256-2122 or 800-366-3276
KIRTLAND – Discover the magical beauty of horses during HorseFest at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Learn about the different breeds, riding disciplines and uses for these versatile animals. At HorseFest – presented by Schneider’s – you will see Clydesdales, Belgians, Friesians, Miniatures, and many more. HorseFest is an equine showcase of the splendor, versatility, and history of the horse, featuring more than 20 breeds participating in a variety of hands-on activities, presentations, training techniques, and demonstrations for all ages to enjoy. HorseFest rides into Farmpark 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. May 21 and 22.
FEATURED PRESENTERS
Charlotte Bayley has been involved with the art of Dressage for 30 years. Her extensive training helped her develop a logical approach to training both horse and rider. She is dedicated to the practical application of correct aids and exercises that develop both the rider and horse to their fullest potential. Charlotte works with 65 students on a regular basis at Maple Star Farm in Geauga County and conducts clinics in seven states. She prides herself on the ability to work with students and horses at all stages of Dressage.
The Black Lightning Wild West Show features a lively presentation with roping and whip cracking featuring the humor, skill and daring of an actual Wild West Show. The duo’s bull whip routines and target cutting that are sure to thrill everyone. The show's trick and fancy roping is always fun, especially with the help of the audience.
EQUINE PRESENTATIONS, DEMONSTRATIONS, AND EXHIBITS
Janet Tenney presents a Baroque managé with her beautiful Spanish Lusitanos. Baroque horses are often the most romantic looking animals, flowing of mane & tail and noble of confirmation. The term generally describes the descendants of athletic war horses in the Middle Ages, with muscular hindquarters an arched neck and a powerful presence. Singer, entertainer Abbey Gregory’s music is a mix of Inspirational Country and Blues that has captivated audiences. With her powerful voice and messages of hope, she is sure to empower, enlighten and spiritually inspire the young —and the young at heart.
The Governor General’s Horse Guards Cavalry Squadron GGHG Cavalry Squadron Skill-at-Arms will demonstrate weapons proficiency, a basic requirement for all members. It can mean the difference between life and death, victory and defeat. Skill-at-arms competitions were a way of encouraging excellence within the unit while skill-at-arms demonstrations were a way of engaging the public support.
Throughout the event, get up close and personal with different breeds of horses all day long at Showman's Circle. Vendors of various equine-related products and services will be on hand throughout the weekend. Other highlights include
Driving demonstrations
Various breed highlights
Stagecoach rides
Fox Hunting
Historical encampment
Team sorting
Cowboy obstacle challenge
Natural horsemanship and bridleless riding demonstration
Jumping demonstrations by Scenic Run Equestrian Center
Horse and hound competition
Mounted Unit Competition
Get a hands-on appreciation for the horse at HorseFest. Young horse lovers can meet, groom, and drive miniature horses and learn the art of roping with Cowboy Ben. Pony rides are available for $3. All ages can experience the power of a draft horse as you take the reins and lead it around the field, with staff supervision (10:00 am both days).
Admission to HorseFest is $6; $5 for ages 60 and over; $4 for ages 2 to 11; and children younger than two are free. Members of Lake Metroparks Farmpark receive free admission. 4-H groups receive discounted admission. For more information please call (440) 256-2122 or (800) 366-FARM (3276), or visit lakemetroparks.com.
HorseFest 2011 is presented by Schneiders. Supporting sponsors include Tractor Supply Agriculture, Farming, and Ranching, Discount Drug Mart, and Cleveland.com. Accommodations for the Governor General's Horse Guard provided by Quail Hollow.
During your visit to Farmpark, milk a cow, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, make ice cream, meet farm animals in our Well Bred Shed in the Arena and the Barnyard, and explore The Great Tomato Works, renewable energy, and hydroponics displays in the Plant Science Center. Visit Farmpark’s Gift Shop for a great selection of unique gift ideas. Enjoy lunch or snack at the
J & J Cafe.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.
Directions: Take I 90 to the Rt. 306 exit; head south on Route 306 five miles to Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6); turn left on Route 6, and head east one mile. Entrance to Farmpark is on the right.
Artist Jim Polewchak is a life-long Lake County resident who grew up playing in many of the green areas that have since become part of Lake Metroparks. See your park system come to life through the medium of oil painting in this special one-man show. “You really see the park for what it is and notice things that others just pass by," says Polewchak, reflecting on his hours spent painting in the parks. "Many of the parks are near and dear to my heart because I grew up here and as a child I would roam and play in the woods. I still do!" Jim’s artwork is available for purchase; proceeds benefit the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center.
HOURS AND ADMISSION
“Lake Metroparks through Paint & Canvas" Art Show opens Saturday, March 19 at the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center and is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily through May 15. Admission is free for all ages! For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com or contact Wendy at 440-256-1404.
MEET THE ARTIST OPENING RECEPTION
Meet local artist Jim Polewchak and during an opening reception in the Nature Center from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. The reception is free. Light refreshments will be served.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Discover the sights and sounds of wildlife at the interactive Nature Calls exhibit. Watch and listen to birds and other wildlife through the award-winning "Window on Wildlife.” Visit indoor and outdoor native Ohio wildlife ambassadors at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Take a hike on more than eight miles of trails (open year-round). Visit the Nature Store in the Visitors Center for gifts of natural distinction.
DIRECTIONS
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland. Directions: Take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right (east) onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right (south) side of the road.
Get in touch with nature at Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps
Offerings for children in Preschool – 8th grade
Registration begins at 8:00 am March 1 for Lake County Residents
Open registration begins at 8:00 am March 8
Media contact: Lake Metroparks Registration Department - 440-358-7275
Get in touch with nature at Lake Metroparks this summer. Ages three to 16 can experience nature hands-on this summer while participating in one or more of the 50 different Summer Day Camps. Lake Metroparks summer day camps offer fun and educational activities including nature, farming, fishing, wildlife, boating, field trips, and much more. Camps are led by qualified staff at various parks. A complete listing of Lake Metroparks summer day camps is available online at lakemetroparks.com and in the Parks Plus! Spring Activity Guide.
Pre-registration is required to participate in Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps and/or the extended hours offerings. Registration for Lake County residents begins at 8:00 am Tuesday, March 1. Open registration begins 8:00 am March 8. Register online at lakemetroparks.com for camps and extended care or call
440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. In person registration is available at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office.
Here are some summer day camp offerings from Lake Metroparks for 2011:
Mini Summer Day Camps (ages 4-6, 7-11 &12-14)- Mini-camps that are only one or two days in length, yet offer a full array of activities, such as backcountry skills, rock climbing, fishing, science, art, archery, and discovering plants and farm animals.
Beach Adventure Camp (ages 5 - 10)- If your camper enjoys being in the water, set sail for the beach at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park this summer. Activities range from swimming and kayaking to kite flying, hiking, games, nature, crafts and more. This camp is available by the day, or by the week. Extended care available.
Camp Luckystone(ages 7 - 11) - A combination of nature and recreation and include two to three field trips each week. Series includes Rocks Rock!, Treasure Hunters, Skate and Score, and new this year Wacky World of Water.
New! XTreme Wild Encounters (ages 12 - 16) Have you ever been interested in a career with wild animals? Join us for an extreme hands on experience in learning what it takes to work in the animal field! Experience animal handling, animal releases, case studies, anatomy and much more!
Get “Hooked On Fishing – Not on Drugs” Fishing Camp (Ages 7 - 11) - In addition to daily fishing trips, participants will learn about fish ecology, tying knots and casting, respect for one’s self and others, aquatic habitats and more. No equipment or experience needed
New! Jr. Wild Encounters Camp (Ages 6 & 7) - Attention Young Animal Lovers! Come to one, two or three sessions of Jr. Wild Encounters. Included in each day are up-close animal encounters, wildlife and nature activities, hiking, and more!
Wild Encounters Camp (Ages 8 - 9) - Join us for a week at the Wildlife Center for live animal encounters, & peeks behind the scenes. Become an animal trainer and try wild activities!End the week with a visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Rainforest.
New! Wild Adventures Camp (ages 12 & 13) Come to one, two or three sessions of Wild adventures. Included in each day are up-close animal encounters at the Wildlife Center, hands-on wildlife and nature activities, hiking and much more! Each session will have a different theme. Extended care is available.
The First Discoveries: Water Works (ages 4-6) - This camp provides an excellent opportunity for a young child’s first camp experience through hands-on exploration of the natural world around us. Activities will engage campers to help them learn about the wonders of water and its importance to all living things through three days of water activities and experiments.
Fish Expedition Adventure Camp (ages 7-11) – At this camp campers will land some new knowledge about fish, fish at a variety of locations, use spin and fly rods and tie flies. This camp also includes an end of the week trip on a Lake Erie Charter (weather permitting.)
Farmcamp (ages 6 - 8) -Milk a cow, make brownies, groom a horse and create a country fair for your family. Explore animals, plants and farm products; experience farm chores and farm life. Visit a real working farm. Please dress for the weather.
Farmer's Helper (ages 4 & 5) - Help our farmers feed animals, tend gardens, and make bread. Children play games, make crafts, and ride a pony. On Friday we will prepare a salad and Stone Soup lunch for families.
Once Upon a Farm (ages 4 & 5) - Youngsters discover horses, cows, pigs, sheep, tractors, and farm life. Stories, crafts, snacks, and a Family Ice Cream Social on Friday are part of the fun.
New! Ohio Country Farmers (ages 8 - 12) - Experience life on the farm before electricity. Play period games and make classic crafts. Roll up your sleeves and try some farm chores. Finish the week with a trip to Century Village.
Leaves and Livestock (ages 8 - 12) - Tend to farm animals, see how farmers grow and discover hydroponics. Visit Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and investigate native plants and wild animals.
Renewable Energy Camp (ages 8 - 12) - Build a solar powered toy, make a wind turbine, go on a “green building” scavenger hunt, and discover the science of renewable resources. This is a four-day camp.
It’s a Wooly World (ages 8 – 12) - Shear sheep, spin yarn, weave a wooly creation and tend sheep, goats and rabbits that provide the fiber used to make clothes. Continue your adventure at an alpaca farm.
Horse’n Around Camp (ages 8 - 12). Experience the world of horses, ride like knights and fair ladies on a horse led by experience horsemen. Ride in a show wagon on parade day, visit horse farms, learn to care for horses, and explore animal careers.
Older children (ages 12 – 16) who are interested in being on the water will enjoy a series of boating camps offered by Lake Metroparks at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park.
Boat Camp - Learn the world of boating. An Ohio Boaters Education Certification Course is given first to educate the campers on the rules and regulation of boating. After dry land training, they will learn how to canoe, kayak, sail, and drive a powerboat. This is a 5-day camp with course work and hands-on in the water using canoes, kayaks, sail boats, power boats and PWCs (jet skis).
Sailing camp offers youth the chance to learn the ins and outs of handling small sailboats. They will handle a variety of small sailboats in the protected harbor. Campers should expect to be on and in the water.
Lake Metroparks introduces the OC at the ELC (Outdoor Connection at the Environmental Learning Center)
Lake Metroparks introduces the OC at the ELC (Outdoor Connection at the Environmental Learning Center), a new environmental nature club for families with children 10 years and older and groups of two or more. Through technology and outdoor activities we will observe the seasons at the Environmental Learning Center to feel more connected to our Lake County habitat. Weather and observational data will be collected to study the patterns of nature.
Program themes and dates, registration information, and directions to the ELC for this free nature club are included in the media release below.
Media contact:
Nancy Adams, Environmental Learning Center manager. 440-354-0894
Lake Metroparks introduces the OC at the ELC (Outdoor Connection at the Environmental Learning Center)
New Environmental Nature Club for families and groups
CONCORD TWP – Lake Metroparks introduces the OC at the ELC (Outdoor Connection at the Environmental Learning Center), a new environmental nature club for families with children 10 years and older and groups of two or more. Through technology and outdoor activities we will observe the seasons at the Environmental Learning Center to feel more connected to our Lake County habitat. Weather and observational data will be collected to study the patterns of nature.
The OC at the ELC will meet monthly in 2011. Participants are encouraged to attend all 12 free programs as part of the seasonal data collection, but it is not required. Groups may join at any time. The club will meet every fourth Sunday from 1 to 4 pm at the Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center. Each month will have a theme relative to the season. Lake Metroparks staff specializing in a variety of areas will lead the programs. Registration is required and is available online at lakemetroparks.com or by calling 440-358-PARK (7275).
2011 Dates & Themes
January 23 - Lake Effect
February 27 - Tracks Identification
March 27 - Maple Time
*April 10 - Geocaching
May 22 - Migration & Planting
June 26 - Watershed Day
July 24 - High Summer Creatures
August 28 - Camp Out
September 25 - Harvest Time
October 23 - Fall Colors
November 27 - Getting Ready for Winter
*December 11 - Natural Winter Celebrations
* Earlier date due to holiday
The Environmental Learning Center is located at 7250 Alexander Road in Concord Township. From I-90, take State Route 44 south to Auburn Road; turn left and proceed 0.3 mile; turn right onto Concord-Hambden Road. Continue one mile to stop sign at Ravenna Road. Continue straight on Concord-Hambden for 0.4 mile to Alexander Road and turn left; drive 0.3 mile to park entrance (on the left).
The annual trout stocking on Paine Creek provides weeks of recreational angling opportunities on Paine Creek. Lake Metroparks has been stocking rainbow trout in Paine Creek for nearly 20 years and Natural Resource Manager Tom Adair has coordinated the project since 1999.
The annual process begins by submitting a request to the Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife for permission to stock trout into the stream. Quotes are then secured from certified hatcheries to determine who will supply that year's fish. "To be certified, a hatchery must prove that their fish are disease free. Diseases like whirling disease and VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) are dangerous fish diseases that we cannot risk introducing into wild populations,” Adair said.
The stocking date is set in mid-April to coincide with favorable stream conditions and the steelhead fishing this region is known for.
Lake Metroparks’ stocking project begins with dividing the fish into water tanks (with oxygen aeration) mounted in all-terrain vehicles that travel a stretch of Paine Creek extending from the parking lot at Indian Point Park's lower entrance to beyond the I-90 bridge. Lake Metroparks staff from several different departments net and place fish into pockets of appropriate habitat in the stream. Staff identifies fast flowing riffles and deep, cold pockets along the stream distance into which the fish are placed.
"Since the fish are hatchery raised and all need time to acclimate to new surroundings, we generally see the newly stocked fish becoming more active and relatively hungry by the second day after stocking. Anglers waste no time in attempting to catch their limits and success catching these stocked fish can last for weeks after the stocking date, dependent upon conditions.” Over the years, occasional spring flood events have forced many of the stocked trout out to the Grand River prematurely.
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