Submitted article

There’s something for everyone in Summit Metro Parks, including the following programs and events this December.

For virtual programs, visit www.zoom.com and enter the Zoom ID to participate.

Wednesday, December 3, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about squirrels, the backyard critters we all know because of their playful antics, curiosity and bird feeder raids! A craft, game and story time are part of the program. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins on 10/29. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, December 3, 1 - 2 p.m.

Zoom

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 11/26. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Beginning Thursday, December 4

Firestone Metro Park/Tuscarawas Meadows Area

2620 Harrington Rd., Akron

Learn about resident and visiting winter birds at your own pace with this self-guided hike along the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. This experience is available through December 18. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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 11/26. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 4, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Some call it the lazy way to start your seeds — we call this method smart and fun! Join us in collaboration with Let's Grow Akron and OSU Extension to learn winter sowing. Grow your seedlings by planting seeds outdoors in vented containers to foster the naturally timed germination of climate-tolerant varieties. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 4, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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 and learn how to re-wild your home landscape. This month we'll learn the art of woody plant propagation, then get hands-on and prune to start trimmings. Please bring your own garden gloves and we'll supply the rest! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 5, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Young children and their adult companions can enjoy an interactive late autumn-themed story time. Make it a fun, family-friendly morning by exploring the park or visiting the Nature Play area after the program. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 5, 6 - 7 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Join a writer-turned-naturalist for a seminar on winter and flowery literature. It will make this frigid season more inviting! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 2 - 4 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Join a naturalist to make holiday wreaths! Learn which evergreens make the best decor and which of those are native to Ohio. You’ll also learn how to use other native plant materials such as winterberry, dried grasses and vines to add accents to your wreath. Each person will take home one wreath for the holiday season. Cost: $35/person. Registration is required and begins 11/19. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 6, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Still a household staple, butter has played a crucial role in preserving dairy throughout human history. Drop in to carry on the tradition and make your own tasty butter, while supplies last. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Beginning Sunday, December 7

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Enjoy some crisp winter air while following a self-guided story trail based on the book "Time to Sleep." Look for it along the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail through December 28. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 12 - 1:30 p.m.

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 11/28. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 12 - 2 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Cozy up in the nature center with a crackling fire and hot cocoa as you create a beautiful, seasonal centerpiece or door hanger using pine boughs and other natural elements. All materials including greenery, ribbon, containers and more are available while supplies last, but feel free to bring additional clippings, décor or a small vase if you wish. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 3 p.m.

Zoom

Join our interpretive artist online for this entertaining virtual lesson in nature drawing for kids ages 6 to12. All you need is a pencil and paper. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to participants after registration. Registration is required and begins 11/28. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Enjoy a wintry hike on the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail to learn how wildlife survives and thrives in colder temperatures, then enjoy a cup of hot cocoa afterward! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Not much of a butcher or a baker? You can still be a candlestick maker! Enjoy making your own candles with assistance from a naturalist. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 7, 7 - 8 p.m.

Cascade Valley Metro Park/Himelright Lodge

1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron

Celebrate the season and get cozy indoors with a holiday performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble! Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Monday, December 8, 6 - 7 p.m.

Zoom

Discover over a century of Firestone history through stories and images. From coal mining and dairy farming to the acquisition and design of the park, join us for this virtual stroll through time. Zoom meeting ID: 896 3603 4055. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Tuesday, December 9, 1 - 3 p.m.

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 11/26. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about squirrels, the backyard critters we all know because of their playful antics, curiosity and bird feeder raids! A craft, game and story time are part of the program. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 11/21. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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 12/5. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 1 - 2 p.m.

Zoom

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 12/5. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 4 - 5:30 p.m. & 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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. Registration is required and begins on 12/4.  Cost: $10/person. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 12, 12 - 2 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Appreciate the outdoors at a leisurely pace with a stroll to explore late autumn nature along portions of Coyote Run Trail. Enjoy a warm beverage and more nature conversation afterward. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 13, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park/Pioneer Area

550 Frazier Ave., Akron

Hike along the 1.4-mile Alder Trail to learn about squirrels and enjoy their antics. A pair of binoculars is recommended. Some pairs will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Drop in to learn about these special winter birds, make a craft and try your luck at hand-feeding the chickadees. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 13, 12 - 1:30 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., 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 will cover the basics of identifying one of the most infamous and daunting groups of birds out there: gulls. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 14, 9 - 11 a.m.

Liberty Park/Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve

1230 Old Mill Rd., Aurora

Stroll the picturesque 1.8-mile Seven Ponds Trail to learn about northern species that migrate to Ohio and consider us a tropical winter paradise! We’ll search the pines for red-breasted nuthatches, golden-crowned kinglets and maybe even an owl! Dress for the weather and bring binoculars (some pairs will be available to borrow). Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 14, 12 - 2 p.m. & 3 - 5 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Nature Realm

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Add zing to your holidays by creating a beautiful upcycled "bling" tree. We will use small mismatched/discarded pieces of silver and gold jewelry, buttons, screws, pins, sequins, etc. that you bring from home. A limited amount of additional bling pieces and all other supplies will be provided. Registration is required and begins 12/4. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, December 17, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about squirrels, the backyard critters we all know because of their playful antics, curiosity and bird feeder raids! A craft, game and story time are part of the program. Please make other arrangements for younger children unable to remain in infant seats or strollers. Registration is required and begins 11/21. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, December 17, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Beyond the Summit is a speaker series featuring environmental professionals discussing topics related to water in Northeast Ohio. From watershed health to best fishing practices, each talk offers community members the chance to learn from experts shaping the future of our water resources. This month's guest joins us from The Ohio State University Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory to talk about the Lake Erie watershed's critical issues and solutions. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Drop in to get your science, technology, engineering, arts and math on! Try your hand at various table-top activities including crafts, simple machines and building projects. Who knows what you’ll create! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 19, 9 - 11 a.m.

Sand Run Metro Park/Big Bend Area

1337 Merriman Rd., Arkon

Come enjoy nature on this 4-mile morning stroll discussing the winter season as we hike to Memorial Parkway and back along the Towpath Trail. Along the way, we will explore what wildlife is active this time of year and search for signs they've left behind. Remember to dress for the weather! Several pairs of extra binoculars will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 19, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

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 is required and begins on 12/11. Cost: $10/person. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, December 19, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

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. Registration is required and begins 12/11. Cost: $10/person. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 20, 9 - 11 a.m.

Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area

1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron

Join a naturalist to look for winter resident birds and discuss why they’re here and how you can support them this winter. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Join a naturalist as we learn how to identify several of the trees and shrubs that live in the woodlands of Northeast Ohio. By the end of the program, you will be able to easily identify several trees and shrubs by their bark and branches, no need for leaves! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Bring a date and join us for a night of great views and memorable fun. Brush up on your natural history, it's trivia night! No babysitter? No problem! Drop them off downstairs for a simultaneous kids nature trivia program for ages 5 to 13. Registration is required and begins 12/11. To register, call 330-865-8065. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 21, 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area

1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron

More sunlight is on the way! Join a naturalist for a reflective and uplifting hike along the banks of the Cuyahoga River to welcome the solstice. Please bring your own travel mug — hot beverages will be provided after the hike when we gather around the campfire. Meet at the river access. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Sand Run Metro Park/Chestnut Lodge

1501 Sand Run Pkwy. Akron

Join a naturalist to learn the basics of nature journaling. Using a journal in the field can enhance observation skills and help foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Materials to make journals will be provided. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 21, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Springfield Bog Metro Park/Prairie Trail

1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp.

Reflect on the passage of another year and take in the peace of the year's longest night with a silent hike on the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Join a naturalist as we take a winter solstice walk through luminaries along the 0.25-mile Maple Loop Trail, listening to the folk tale of Mother Deer. Discover how we know that Santa's reindeer are all female and that Rudolph isn't the only red-nosed reindeer! After the hike warm up with hot chocolate and a warm fire inside the nature center. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Monday, December 22, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Munroe Falls Metro Park/Tallmadge Meadows Area

1088 North Ave., Tallmadge

Kids, let's team up and discover whodunnit! Explore the meadow with a naturalist in search of clues winter wildlife have left behind. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, December 27, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Tuscarawas Meadows Area

2620 Harrington Rd., Akron

Storytime is better on the trail! Bring your little ones for a 1.1-mile hike on Redwing Trail with stops along the way for a story and games to celebrate the changing seasons. Consider a stroller or carrier for younger children unable to hike. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 28, 12 - 3 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Join us for "snow" much winter fun! Toast marshmallows over a fire for s’mores, try your hand at feeding the chickadees and hit the trail for a self-guided game of Eye Spy. Afterward, stop inside the nature center to warm up at our hot chocolate bar and create a simple winter craft. Weather permitting, snowshoes may be available for loan. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 28, 1 - 2 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Campfire Area

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Gather 'round the campfire with a naturalist to read a winter-themed story (or two) for little ones! Hot cocoa will be provided, but be sure to dress for the weather. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 28, 2 - 3 p.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Tuscarawas Meadows Area

Have a relaxing walk on the 1.6-mile Willow Trail. Take time to listen to the absence or abundance of sound that is found during this season. Make sure to dress warm and, above all, enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, December 28, 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Settle in for a cozy evening of nature-themed board games. Join a naturalist for a featured game or try a selection of other popular tabletop games. For more information, call 330-865-8065.