May News from Metro Parks

Greetings!

From the beginning of Spree For All (5/1) to the opening of swim season (5/26), this month is full of activities in your Metro Parks.

Warmer weather offers opportunities for picnicking, wildflower viewing, bird watching, running, cycling and more. There are also more than 40 FREE programs scheduled throughout the park district.

See you on the trails,

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County

Your Back Yard for 90 Years

May Outdoor Almanac

By now, fox and coyote pups have been born; they'll be mature enough to live on their own by fall. The songbird migration is at its peak and calls fill the air. Birders should look for avian travelers at Firestone Metro Park and along the Towpath Trail in Clinton -- two migratory hot spots.

Fox Kit

Mother's Day 5K

Run with or in celebration of mom during this inaugural event, a fundraiser to benefit the Metro Parks Foundation. The paved course travels twice around the scenic lake at Munroe Falls Metro Park, and jogging strollers are welcome.

Spree For All

Hikers on foot and those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and canes enjoy flat, easy trails during this award-winning hiking series, May 1 through June 30.

To receive hiking rewards, complete five hikes - on five different trails, the same trail or any combination of trails - and submit a completed hiking form. Hikes are FREE for all participants.

Programs & Events

More than 40 FREE programs are available in May. Make nature discoveries during a stroller walk, join a naturalist for a heart-healthy hike and learn to identify spring wildflowers. For details, download our monthly Programs & Events Guide.

iNaturalist: Citizen Science Inventory

We are excited to announce the new Summit County Citizen Science Inventory on iNaturalist.org. Record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers and learn about the natural world. Sign up today for a free account and begin contributing your observations to our local project!

Nature Realm Gift Shop: Visitor Appreciation Days

MAY 11-13: Shop for moms, dads and grads and receive 15% off all merchandise at the Nature Realm gift shop, specializing in USA-made, fair trade and eco-friendly items. The first 100 women visiting the shop Sunday, May 13 receive a free flower for Mother's Day.

Featured Trail: Willow Trail

The 1.6-mile Willow Trail passes birding hot spots including the Tuscarawas Race, Tuscarawas River and Little Turtle Pond. More than 175 bird species have been sighted in Firestone Metro Park, including various types of wrens, thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, herons and ducks.