Submitted

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

 

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

 

 

Sunday, February 1, 12 - 3 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Children and their adult companions, join us a day early to celebrate all things woodchuck and make predications for spring! Discover fun facts about these amazing rodents, learn the lore behind their weather predicting abilities and make a craft to take home. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 1, 1 - 2 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Join a naturalist for a talk about the fantastic fox! We'll explore the adaptations that make them such unique canines and successful hunters. Afterward, we'll take a short hike to search for signs of their activity. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 1, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Fertilizer, gallons of water, hours of mowing all for a plant that can't even support a fraction of the life of our native plants can. Why do we think grass lawns are a must and what can we do about it? Follow the money, unravel the history and learn how you can fight back against the "lawnspiracy" with your own Wild Back Yard. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Join a naturalist as we take in the winter glow of the Snow Moon. We'll share moon facts, myths and lore. Weather permitting, we will take a short hike as we learn (telescopes may be available if the skies are clear). Afterward, warm up with a fire and hot chocolate in the nature center. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Nature Realm

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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 4, 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 on 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 5, 4:30 - 6 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 1/1. Cost: $10/person. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 7, 10 - 11 a.m.

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 7, 10 - 11 a.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Join a naturalist to see the birds on the lake from the comfort of Summit Lake Nature Center. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 7, 12 - 1 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Join a naturalist at our bird feeding window to examine the many types of food and feeders you can use to attract birds right to your back yard. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 7, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Learn all about comforting chamomile and wild bergamot, a native plant that supports human health as well as gardening benefits for pollinators. Enjoy samples of both teas. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 7, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Zoom

Join us online as we delve into the world of bird sounds. This presentation is an inclusive birding program designed specifically for individuals with visual impairments; however, everyone is welcome to join! This program is a unique way to focus on songs and calls of many songbirds in our area. In early May, participants will be invited to explore the area around Liberty Park through a guided walk to practice their skills. Zoom Meeting ID: 874 8956 8742. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 8, 12 - 3 p.m.

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 8, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Regular feeders are for the birds! Join your fellow parkgoers in whipping up delightful dishes for our feathered friends. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Tuesday, February 10, 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 11, 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 our everlasting friends: evergreens! We'll find out how they last all winter and which ones we have outside 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Zoom

New friends and regular adult readers are invited to share in a lively online discussion about the inspiring book "The Serviceberry," by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Zoom Meeting ID: 834 0819 7073. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 12, 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Start an embroidery project with park staff while learning about the wildlife in your creation, then finish the project at your own pace. Guidance and supplies are included in the registration fee. For crafty people 16 and older. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required and begins 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 12, 7 - 8 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Freshwater mussels are now our most threatened — and perhaps, forgotten — group of animals in the state. Join a naturalist to learn about them and the role they've played in creating the Ohio we know today. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, February 13, 10:30 - 11 a.m.

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 13, 6:30 - 8 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 fishing best 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 park district's very own conservation department to talk about the Gorge Dam removal and Akron watershed health. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Tuscarawas Meadows Area

2620 Harrington Rd., Akron

Come celebrate the season of love on a 1-mile guided walk searching for our featured creature: muskrats! We'll explore the curious and secret lives of these aquatic rodents. Please dress for the weather. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 14, 10 - 11 a.m.

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 14, 10 - 11 a.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Join a naturalist to see the birds on our lake from the comfort of Summit Lake Nature Center. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 14, 12 - 1 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Valentine's Day is here, and it's not just for humans! Join us for a seminar about birds who find love in winter and where to find them. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Beginning Sunday, February 15

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Nature Realm

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Discover the brilliant, burly and busy beaver as you hike along the 0.6-mile Cherry Lane Trail. Be ready to learn all about their amazing adaptations and behaviors and look for signs of them on your hike! This experience is available through February 25. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 15, 8 - 10:30 a.m.

Cascade Valley Metro Park/Valley View Area

1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron

Gather to spot resident and migratory bird species alike while learning about the importance of community science projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather — we'll be hiking Prather and Missing Link Trails! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 15, 1 - 3 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

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.

 

 

Monday, February 16, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Is that just a series of tracks in the snow or . . a mystery waiting to be solved? Rookie detectives and hard-boiled trackers alike are invited to brush up on their tracking skills to solve cases and present their findings to the force before we go on patrol to find tracks and clues right outside our door. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Monday, February 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Zoom

Join us online to learn the history of Deep Lock Quarry and the role it played on the Ohio and Erie Canal, in Akron and beyond. We’ll discover nearly two centuries of history through stories and images. Zoom meeting ID: 873 6782 3993. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 18, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

FR/Brushwood Area

4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about our everlasting friends: evergreens! We'll find out how they last all winter and which ones we have outside 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 19, 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 on 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Maple sap provides some of nature’s sweetest treats. Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12 are invited to join us on a fun adventure to learn about maple trees and the amazing science and history of the maple sugaring process that dates back to Indigenous Peoples. Registration is required and begins 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 19, 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Thursday, February 19, 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 and learn how to re-wild your home landscape. This month, we'll highlight some of the most common invasive and exotic landscaping plants. You'll discover how to remove them properly and what native plant to replace them with this spring. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, February 20, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Towpath Trail/Manchester Road Trailhead

2740 Manchester Rd., Akron

Do you know your dabblers from your divers? Your geese from gadwall? Join a naturalist to learn more as we walk approximately 2 miles along the canal in search of waterfowl. Several pairs of binoculars are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 21, 10 - 11 a.m.

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 21, 10 - 11 a.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Join a naturalist to see the birds on our lake from the comfort of Summit Lake Nature Center. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 21, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Liberty Park/Nature Center

9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg

Enjoy a hike in the wintry woods as we look for signs of our largest mammal, the black bear. Children are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear for the hike. Enjoy "beary" good cookies and milk afterward. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 21, 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Little Turtle Pond

2400 Harrington Rd., Akron

Hit the trail to learn some tips and tricks for identifying trees without their leaves while enjoying the serenity of a forest in winter. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Sunday, February 22, 12 - 1:30 p.m. & 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge

40 Axline Ave., Akron

Participants will 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 1/1. Cost: $10/person. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

GYH/Goodyear Heights Lodge

2077 Newton St., Akron

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions will learn about our everlasting friends: evergreens! We'll find out how they last all winter and which ones we have outside 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 1/1. To register, visit summitmetroparks.org. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Wednesday, February 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Join in to learn about dragons, damsels, butterflies and hummers! Judy Semroc from Nature Spark will help us discover their natural history, habitat preferences and valuable roles in the home garden habitat, plus strategies for inviting them to utilize your yards and gardens. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Friday, February 27, 9 - 11 a.m.

Munroe Falls Metro Park/Tallmadge Meadows Area

1088 North Ave., Tallmadge

Start your day by joining a naturalist to hike along the 2-mile Meadow Trail. We will search for winter wildlife and learn about some of the signs they may leave behind. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 28, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm/Visitors Center

1828 Smith Rd., Akron

Learn about one of the world's most popular herbs — its origins, history, popular varieties and how to best use it when cooking. Enjoy a food sample including basil. For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 28, 10 - 11 a.m.

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 28, 10 - 11 a.m.

Summit Lake Nature Center

411 Ira Ave., Akron

Join a naturalist to see the birds on our lake from the comfort of Summit Lake Nature Center. Bring a mug and your bird questions — we’ll provide warm beverages and birding insights! For more information, call 330-865-8065.

 

 

Saturday, February 28, 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Firestone Metro Park/Coventry Oaks Lodge

40 Axline Ave., Akron

Bird enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a deep dive into one of Ohio's most recognizable species each month. You see them. You love them. But how well do you really know them? After our indoor presentation, those interested can join for a guided birding walk. For more information, call 330-865-8065.