The following is a list of Medina County Park District programs and activities for the first weekend in May. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Register at www.medinacountyparks.com. For more information, call (330) 722-9364.
Friday
• Happy Trails Hiking Club, Hubbard Valley Park, 10 a.m. The Happy Trails Hiking Club meets every other Friday of each month at 10 a.m. for a leisurely one- or two-mile hike either in Medina County parks or other interesting natural areas. Hikers are advised to come dressed for the weather. Participants often stop for a snack at one of the local restaurants after the hike. For more information, call Dee Mihevic at (330) 722-4558. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required.
Saturday
• Youth Fishing Derby, River Styx Park, 8 a.m. Young fishermen 15 years of age or younger are invited to participate in our annual River Styx Youth Fishing Derby. Girls and boys alike can enjoy catching fish and winning prizes. Youngsters should bring their fishing poles. A limited number of poles will be available to borrow and a limited amount of bait will be supplied. Prizes will be awarded. No pre-registration required. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Derby from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Hiking for the Health of it, Whipp’s Ledges Picnic Area in Cleveland Metropark’s Hinckley Reservation, on State Road, 9 a.m. This is a hiking club for those adults who can hike four to five miles at a brisk pace. Walking trails can be mildly-strenuous. Hikers are advised to dress for the weather and to have appropriate footwear. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required.
• Migratory Bird Banding, Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 9 a.m. Bird banding is a scientific research method that studies bird behavior and movements and provides valuable information about avian populations and migratory patterns. The data collected through bird banding is critical to identify contributing factors affecting populations in both winter and summer habitats and the establishment of needed conservation efforts. Participants will join licensed bird banders Gary and Jill Fowler at Wolf Creek to learn more about the significance of bird banding and see how it is done. Banding dates are also scheduled for Saturday, May 10, and Saturday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. Bird banding is weather variable and may not be done if it is raining or snowing. Signs will be posted at Wolf Creek if bird banding is occurring and to direct participants to the banding location on the dates listed above. All ages welcome. No registration required.
• Cutting Edge Organic Gardening, Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 10 a.m. Organic gardening is a movement that is sweeping the country. Lorree Cummings, clinical nutritionist and owner of Stone Cottage Farm Garden, will share the latest information on getting started, diversified planting designs, non-chemical pest control, increasing productivity through design and pollinators, extending the organic harvest and more. This class will also include ideas for edible landscaping! For beginners and experienced gardeners alike. There is a $25 program fee. Payment must be made to the instructor on the day of the program — cash or check only. Visit Lorree’s website at http://stonecottagefarmandgarden.com or on Facebook at Stone Cottage Farm and Garden. Ages 16 to adult. Register by Friday.
Saturday and Sunday
• Hurray for May!, Susan Hambley Nature Center, noon to 5 p.m. Spring is the perfect time for a chance to get out of the house and explore. There will be new activities and crafts each weekend in the month. All ages welcome. No registration required.
Sunday
• Introductory Event Photography, Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 1-4 p.m. This class introduces the fundamentals of event photography. Tricks and tips to get better photos at functions like picnics, family reunions, and church receptions are covered. This class is geared to everyone, from point-and-shooter to elaborate SLR hobbyists. This class is for anyone who finds themselves the “designated photographer” at family gatherings, picnics, office ceremonies, or church functions. Participants are asked to bring a digital camera with user manual to class. Ages 16 to adult. Register by Saturday. There is a $25 program fee.
• Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Who’s Who Among Small Mammals, Buckeye Woods Park, 3 p.m. What is the difference between a mole, vole, mouse, and shrew? Discover how to identify these small mammals and the valuable role they play in nature. Also learn about the rarely-seen weasels found in Medina County, one of which is the smallest carnivore in the world. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required.
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