Summit Metro Parks program calendar for February 2025
Saturday, February 1, 10 - 11 a.m.
Coffee With the Birds
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions – we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “birdy” day: Hand-feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 1, 1 - 2 p.m.
Birding Bucket List: Winter Residents
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Ohio has favorable winter conditions for many boreal birds! Let’s talk about who you might see on winter vacation this season so you can cross birds off your birding bucket list. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Nature Board Game Night: PARKS
Summit Lake Nature Center
411 Ira Ave., Akron
Too cold to hike across the United States? Join a naturalist for a tabletop tour of our national parks with the game "PARKS," or try a selection of other nature-themed board games. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Beginning Sunday, February 2
Self-Guided: Storybook Trail
Furnace Run Metro Park/Brushwood Area
4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield
Bundle up and bring the family out for some exercise and fun exploration as you follow a self-guided story trail based on the book "A Day So Gray." This experience will be available along the 1.3-mile Rock Creek Trail through February 23. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 2, 12 - 3 p.m.
Make & Take Nature Valentines
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Drop by to make nature-themed valentines to take home! After crafting, enjoy sipping hot cocoa in front of the crackling fireplace and learn how some of our animal neighbors show their affection for one another. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 2, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Nature Drawing for Kids
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join our interpretive artist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins on 1/23. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 2, 2 - 3 p.m.
Virtual Nature Drawing for Kids
Virtual
Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to 12. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registration. Registration is required and begins on 1/23. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nature Drawing for Adults
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins on 1/30. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 5, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kinderealm: Whoo’s that Calling?
Summit Lake Nature Center
411 Ira Ave., Akron
We invite children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions to join us as we learn “whoo” is making nighttime noise! We will explore owls through a story, craft and activities. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 1/29. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 5, 1 - 2 p.m.
Virtual Nature Drawing for Adults
Virtual
Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing. No experience is necessary; all you need are pencils, paper and a sense of humor. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registering. Registration is required and begins on 1/30. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nature Drawing for Adults
Summit Lake Nature Center
411 Ira Ave., Akron
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins on 1/30. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 6, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Feeding Time
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Lettuce, worms, tomatoes and roaches…yum! Learn about conserving local amphibian and reptile species while getting up-close with our animal ambassadors as they eat a healthy lunch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 6, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Feeding Time
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Lettuce, worms, tomatoes and roaches…yum! Learn about conserving local amphibian and reptile species while getting up-close with our animal ambassadors as they eat a healthy lunch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Friday, February 7, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Winter Bird Walk
WH/Downy Loop Trail
2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson
Join us on the 1.2-mile Downy Loop Trail to search for and learn about our hardy, winter resident birds. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 8, 10 - 11 a.m.
Coffee With The Birds
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions -we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “birdy” day: hand-feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 8, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Mammals for Kids
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist for some indoor fun as we learn about what makes mammals so special, then take a short walk with us to see if we can find any of these furry friends! For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 8, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Winter Tree ID Hike
Firestone Metro Park/Little Turtle Pond
2400 Harrington Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist for a guided hike along the 1.1-mile Redwing Trail to enjoy the serenity of a forest in winter and learn some tips and tricks for identifying trees without their leaves. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 8, 7 - 9 p.m.
Winter Night Hike
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist for an evening hike along the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail to listen for sounds, look for eye shine and tracks, and learn how animals survive harsh winter weather. After the hike, warm up with hot chocolate and a fire inside the nature center. Dress for the weather! For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 9, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Intro to Archery
Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge
40 Axline Ave., Akron
Participants learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at our temporary indoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Registration required. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required and begins 1/31. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 9, 12 - 2 p.m.
Superb Owl Sunday
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Stop by before the big game to learn about these amazing birds. Enjoy hands-on activities in the nature center, make a craft, take a self-guided owl hike and dissect a real owl pellet. The program will conclude with an attempt to call live owls in the woods with hopes they will reply! Whooo is interested? For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 9, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Archery Games
Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge
40 Axline Ave., Akron
Practiced participants will review international-style target archery principles and test their marksmanship through a variety of fun and challenging shooting games. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Previous archery experience preferred. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required and begins 1/31. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 9, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Reading the Forested Landscape
Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area
1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Ever wonder if the landscape around you always looked the way it does now? Chances are it hasn’t! Join a naturalist to learn some skills that can be used to read the forested landscape. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Tuesday, February 11, 1 - 3 p.m.
Nature Drawing for Adults
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join our interpretive artist for an entertaining lesson in nature drawing. Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required and begins on 1/30. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 12, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kinderealm: Whoo’s that Calling?
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Children 3 to 6 and their adult companions can learn “whoo” is making nighttime noise! We will explore owls through a story, craft and activities. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration begins on 1/29. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nature Collage
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Let's make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. All materials will be provided. Registration is required and begins on 2/6. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 13, 1 - 2 p.m.
Virtual Nature Collage
Virtual
Let's make a beautiful nature-inspired collage using recycled paper! Join our interpretive artist for this easy, fun lesson. A list of materials and a Zoom invite will be emailed after registering. Registration is required and begins on 2/6. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Homegrown Habitats: Navigating Planning & Zoning
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Calling all people with yards or green spaces, big and small: Join us for this monthly series to learn how to rewild your home landscape. This month we'll dive into understanding and navigating city planning codes and ordinances, resulting in a win-win for all! Please come with an understanding of your city's code and specific questions. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Friday, February 14, 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Winter Nature Tales
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive, winter-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park after the program. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Friday, February 14, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Valentine Hike and Humor
BHT/SR 91 Lot
130 N. Main St., Munroe Falls
During our hike we'll look for valentine shapes in nature and warm up by sharing valentine-themed jokes with one another! For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 15, 10 - 11 a.m.
Coffee With the Birds
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions -we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “birdy” day: hand-feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 15, 12 - 2 p.m.
Bird Nerds: Diving Duck ID
Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge
40 Axline Ave., Akron
Newbies and experts alike are welcome to join our ongoing series to unpack a unique bird identification challenge each month. After an indoor presentation, we'll head out to the field to put our skills to the test. This month, we'll sort through the many diving ducks. Please note that this presentation will be held at Coventry Oaks Lodge, and the outdoor portion will be held at Nimisila Reservoir. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 15, 1 - 3 p.m.
Winter Weather Walk
Munroe Falls Metro Park/Lake Area
521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls
Winter is well underway! Let’s take a walk and enjoy the weather along the 2.2-mile Indian Spring Trail. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 15, 2 - 3 p.m.
Fold Your Own Owl
Summit Lake Nature Center
411 Ira Ave., Akron
Learn how to fold your own origami owl while exploring the unique abilities of our most mysterious predators. Recommended for ages 8 and up. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 16, 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Winter Bird Walk
BHT/SR 91 Lot
130 N. Main St., Munroe Falls
Walk along the banks of the Cuyahoga River in search of winter birds, residents and migrants alike! Please bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 16, 1 - 3 p.m.
Hiking Spree Shield Assistance
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Nature Realm
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Is attaching the hiking spree shield more challenging than actually hiking the eight trails? Summit Metro Parks volunteers will gladly attach it for you at no charge. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 16, 2 - 4 p.m.
Towpath Trek
Towpath Trail/Wilbeth Road Trailhead
392 W. Wilbeth Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist to hike off those winter blues on this 3.4-mile trek. As we hike to Manchester Road and back, we'll keep our eyes peeled for winter waterfowl and more. Some binoculars will be available for use. Remember to dress for the windy winter weather! For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 19, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Kinderealm: Whoo’s that Calling?
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
We invite children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions to join us as we learn “whoo” is making nighttime noise! We will explore owls through a story, craft and activities. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 1/29. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 20, 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Homeschoolers: Winter Survival Skills
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Do you have what it takes to survive outdoors in winter? Join a naturalist to learn and practice some useful skills. Much of this program will take place outside, so dress for the weather. Registration is required and begins on 2/13. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 20, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Homeschoolers: Winter Survival Skills
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12: Do you have what it takes to survive outdoors in winter? Join a naturalist to learn and practice some useful skills. Much of this program will take place outside, so dress for the weather. Registration is required and begins on 2/13. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 20, 4:30 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Intro to Archery
Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge
40 Axline Ave., Akron
Participants learn international-style target archery and test their marksmanship at our temporary indoor range. All equipment and hands-on instruction provided. Must be 9 years old and 50 inches or taller. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required and begins 2/12. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Friday, February 21, 12 - 1 p.m.
Nature Saunter
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
If you want to enjoy nature in a leisurely way, join us for nature conversation and a warm beverage by the fire. Weather permitting, we will take a short walk to explore the winter landscape. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Friday, February 21, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Winter Trivia Hike
Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area
1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Join a naturalist along the 1-mile Prather Trail for a fun, trivia-filled hike! We'll explore all sorts of winter facts, so bring your competitive spirit. But as long as we're outside, isn't everybody a winner? For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Beginner Winter Birding
SC/Lake House & Pheasant Run Area
5000 Hametown Rd., Norton
No birding experience? No problem! Dress for the weather and join us for a hike on the 1.2-mile Pheasant Run Trail to learn some birding basics. Binoculars will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Coffee With the Birds
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist to see which birds visit our viewing area. Bring a mug and your bird questions -we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “birdy” day: hand-feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Saturday, February 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Adult Paint ‘N Take with Hot Chocolate
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Adult visitors will enjoy hot chocolate while completing a lovely seasonal, nature-inspired acrylic painting following basic step-by-step instructions. All supplies are provided. Registration begins 2/12. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 23, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Life Along the River
Cascade Valley Metro Park/Oxbow Area
1135 Cuyahoga St., Akron
Join a naturalist on a steep but beautiful hike of the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail along the Cuyahoga River. As we hike, we will discuss which wildlife call this waterway home and explore the importance of rivers in human history and local biodiversity. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 23, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Skunk Cabbage Surprise
Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Pioneer Area
550 Frazier Ave., Akron
How's that plant already blooming? Hike the 1.4-mile Alder trail to discover the first flower of the year and the clever tricks it employs to beat the spring season to the punch. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 23, 1 - 2 p.m.
Fantastic Foxes
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist to learn all about foxes and the skills that make them keen hunters and hiders. Afterwards we will hike to search for signs of their activity. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Sunday, February 23, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Planning Your 2025 Wild Back Yard
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Planning on updating your landscape in the coming year? Join a naturalist to discuss how to create a beautiful and biodiverse Wild Back Yard. Learn about rain and container gardens and which plants, trees or shrubs will give you the best results to improve biodiversity in your outdoor space. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Wednesday, February 26, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Meet Me in The Garden: Creating Iris Envy
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Discover the best plan for success to growing fabulous irises in your garden, including best choices for Ohio’s climate, iris types, bloom time, dividing and minimizing pests and diseases. For more information, call 330-865-8065.
Thursday, February 27, 5 - 7 p.m.
Campfire Chili
Liberty Park/Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join us to celebrate National Chili Day! We'll demonstrate cooking techniques and share delicious variations of chili recipes that can be created over a campfire. Help us cook, then taste the results (while supplies last). For more information, call 330-865-8065.