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Area Parks

'Wild Hikes Challenge' kickoff

The Portage Park District announces its first annual hiking series, the "Wild Hikes Challenge," designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural areas of Portage County. To participate, county residents should fill out a registration form, then walk, hike, skip, jog or run on eight of the designated trails before Oct. 25. Hikers may hike alone, or on scheduled hikes led by park staff and volunteers. Come to Dix Park in Ravenna Township May 3 between 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Night Hike
at Towner's Woods

Meet in the parking lot of Towner's Woods May 10 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Hikers will listen for the night sounds of the Park.

Frog calling survey
at Hiram Field Station

Join Portage Park District employees for a frog calling program May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hiram Field Station.

Bird hike at Arsenal
May 24

Come to the Ravenna Arsenal for a bird hike May 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Attendees are asked to pre-register by May 11 by call 330-297-7728.

Breakneck Creek fish survey and hike

Department of Wildlife experts will answer the question, "How's the fishing?" by leading a fish survey at Breakneck Creek, an important tributary to the Cuyahoga River.

The survey, which begins at 8 a.m. May 31, is followed by a hike at 9 a.m.

Portage Park Commissioners meeting

The Portage Park District Board of Commissioners has scheduled its regular meetings for the remainder of the year. All meetings take place at the Park District offices, 128 N. Prospect St., Ravenna.

Board meetings have been set at the following times:
* May 7, 6:30 p.m.

* June 4, 6:30 p.m.

* July 1, 9 a.m.

* Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.

* Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m.

Cleveland Metro Parks

Spring time ushers in an abundance of plant life and budding flowers. Cleveland Metroparks visitors can enjoy these spring beauties throughout the park district through the following free programs offered this May:

Family Friday Nights:Spring Wildflowers

Date: May 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Place: North Chagrin Nature Center · North Chagrin Reservation

Spring wildflowers only bloom for a short time. Families can enjoy this time by taking a walk along North Chagrin Reservation trails to explore these spring beauties. North Chagrin Nature Center is off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village. For details, call 440-473-3370.

Woodlands of Bedford: Spring Wildflowers

Date: May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Place: Hemlock Creek Picnic Area · Bedford Reservation

Join volunteer naturalist Chuck Thomas for a visit to a bluebell viewing area. Visitors will encounter other spring wildflowers as well, including trilliums, wild geraniums, violets, and wild blue phlox. Visitors are invited to bring their cameras to capture these short-lived beauties of spring. Hemlock Creek Picnic Area is off Button Road in Bedford Reservation, just east of Dunham Road in Walton Hills. For details, call 216-341-3152.

Woodlands of Bedford

Date: May 10 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Place: Hemlock Creek Picnic Area · Bedford Reservation

The spring wildflowers should be at their peak. Visitors are invited to discover what's blooming in Bedford Reservation, and where some of their names came from. Hemlock Creek Picnic Area is off Button Road in Bedford Reservation, just east of Dunham Road in Walton Hills. For details, call 216-341-3152.

Wildflower Delights

Date: May 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Place: Cottonwood Picnic Area · Rocky River Reservation

Enjoy the beauty of spring wildflowers in Rocky River Valley with Naturalist David Dvorak, and look for spring migratory birds along the trails, too. Cottonwood Picnic Area is off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, south of Puritas/Mastick Road in Fairview Park. For more information, call 440-734-6660.