National volunteer week
During National Volunteer Week, park representatives will be at the following parks to answer questions and sign up volunteers for 2008:
* April 30, 6 to 7 p.m. at Franklin Connector Trail, at the corner of Hudson and Judson roads in Franklin Township
* May 1, 5-6 p.m. at Headwaters Trail in Mantua Village Park
* May 3, 10-11 a.m. at Dix Park, 7318 Route 44, in Ravenna Township.
BioBus
Park staff and volunteers will use The BioBus, a converted PARTA bus running on biodiesel fuel, to transport naturalist program materials around the county. The BioBus will visit fairs, festivals, parades and varied hikes and events from spring through fall, 2008 as part of the "Heritage Tours," a series of events that the Park District and its partners are presenting to highlight Portage County's natural and cultural heritage.
Because the park district has limited staff, the volunteer program is being expanded to recruit and train new volunteer educators, trail workers and park guides. Volunteers will receive an orientation, training in their particular program area and some unique thank yous, such as special hikes and picnics.
'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 between May 3 and 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.
Volunteers and attendees must bring a valid Ohio identification to the arsenal.
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.