Ohio Ag Connection - ODNR to Host Hikes Throughout May

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ODNR to Host Hikes Throughout May
Ohio Ag Connection - 05/04/2016

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering several hikes in May featuring colorful spring wildflowers and welcoming migrating birds back to Ohio. Enjoy spending time outdoors and getting fit naturally during 2016 while enjoying the warmer temperatures.

-- Off-Road Run and Walk at Wingfoot Lake State Park -- Get fit on this hilly, off-road course on May 7 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Register today at active.com/running/5k. Pre-registration ends Friday, May 6. Visit portagelearningcenters.com or call 330-297-7795 for updated information.

-- Migratory Bird Hike at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve -- Katrina Schultes, Wayne National Forest wildlife biologist, will guide hikers through a variety of habitat types, looking and listening for feathered migrants, as well as their local cousins. Meet May 7 at the Boch Hollow office. The 3-mile hike will last from 8-11 a.m., and hikers should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy footwear. Don't forget binoculars and a bird guide!

-- Large Yellow Lady's-Slipper Tour at Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve -- Celebrate Mother's Day by enjoying a guided hike with the preserve manager on May 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. Interested parties can meet at the preserve parking lot on Davis Memorial Road. Restrooms are not available at this preserve.

-- Spring Wildflower Hike at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve -- Experience one of the best spring wildflower displays in northeast Ohio on May 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. No registration is required. For more information, call 330-527-5118 or email adam.wohlever@dnr.state.oh.us.

-- Mothers in Nature Hike at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve -- Learn about some of the animal mothers in the springtime on May 8 from 2-3:30 p.m. Participants can meet at the nature center. For more information or to RSVP, call 440-257-0777, email rdonaldson@cmnh.org or respond via the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

-- Early Bird Walk at Lake Hope State Park -- Enjoy an opportunity to go birdwatching on May 14 from 7-8:30 a.m. Participants can meet at the Hope Schoolhouse. For more information, call 740-596-3030 or email john.hickenbottom@dnr.state.oh.us.

-- Migration Bird Walk at Lake Hope State Park -- Venture out and view the bright plumage of migrating birds on May 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants can meet at the Hope Furnace parking lot. For more information, call 740-596-3030 or email john.hickenbottom@dnr.state.oh.us.

-- Wildflower Ramble at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve -- Join the preserve manager for a hike, which will take participants both on and off-trail to look for spring wildflowers on May 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The hike will compare the flowers along the ridge and the flowers blooming lower in the hollows. The off-trail nature of this hike limits participation to 15 people on a RSVP basis. To register, call Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve at 740-380-8918 or email jim.osborn@dnr.state.oh.us.

-- Waterfalls and Wildflowers at Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve -- Trek through the pristine gorge of the preserve, viewing wildflowers and three amazing waterfalls on May 14 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. No registration is required. For more information, call 330-527-5118 or email adam.wohlever@dnr.state.oh.us. This is a moderately difficult hike, which may not be suitable for young children or visitors with mobility difficulties.

-- Birds, Birds, Birds! Hike at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve -- May is hopping with birds as breeding populations and migrating birds show off their finest plumage and sign beautiful songs. Come explore the areas around the marsh May 15 from 2-3:30 p.m. Participants can meet at the nature center. For more information or to RSVP, call 440-257-0777, email rdonaldson@cmnh.org or respond via the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

-- Irwin Prairie Wetland Walk at Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve -- Irwin Prairie is a mosaic of distinctive plant communities based on variations in water table levels, the core of which is the finest remaining sedge meadow in the state. Join preserve staff May 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to search for unusual plants and animals. For more information, call 419-445-1775.

-- Maumee Valley Tri-Adventure Race at Independence Dam State Park -- Get ready to race May 21 from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Participants should meet at the marina parking lot at Independence Dam State Park. Anyone who is interested in this event should register by calling 419-826-5182 or visiting either maumeetriadventurerace.net or naturalistscouts.org.

-- Ohio's Great Salt Spring and the Buffalo Hike at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve -- Southern Ohio was once home to salt springs and buffalo. Join staff on a hike to learn more about Ohio in the 1700s when buffalo roamed for miles, visiting salt springs such as 'The Great Lick' near Lake Katharine. The program will run May 21 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It will also feature the nearby Boone Rock, where Daniel Boon and others escaped the Shawnee Indians. For more information, call Jeff Johnson at 740-380-8918.

-- Wetland Guided Tour at Mantua Bog State Nature Preserve -- Enjoy a tour of this wetland dominant preserve on May 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at the Headwaters Trail. For more information, call preserver manager Adam Wohlever at 330-527-5118.

-- Guided Tour at Tummonds (Charles A.) State Nature Preserve -- Enjoy the Tummonds State Nature Preserve on the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River on May 21 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, call preserve manager Adam Wohlever at 330-527-5118 or email adam.wohlever@dnr.state.oh.us.

-- Celebrate American Wetlands Month at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve -- Learn about the importance of wetlands and why we protect and restore them. Meet at the nature center on May 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 440-257-0777, email rdonaldson@cmnh.org or respond via the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

-- Peek at Late Spring Wetlands Hike at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve -- Explore the vernal pools to see how life is progressing in these woodland wetlands. Actively scoop at the water's edge and look for insects, amphibians and wetland plants. Wear footwear and clothing that can get muddy. Meet at the nature center on Sunday, May 29, from 2-3:30 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 440-257-0777, email rdonaldson@cmnh.org or respond via the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

For more information on spring wildflowers in Ohio, check out the Ohio Wildflower Bloom Report at naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/wildflowers. ODNR and TourismOhio encourage people to take spring wildflower photos and upload them to social media using the hashtag #OhioWildflowers. Follow @ohiodnr and @DiscoverOhio on Twitter, @ohiodnr on Instagram and Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Discover Ohio on Facebook to see more spring wildflower photos.

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