Portage Park District Calendar

Taking a moment to center yourself is a great way to start any day. Sequoia Wellness will be in the parks to guide us through this “meditation in motion” practice.

Learn about the Scenic Upper Cuyahoga River from Akron Water Specialists before getting the chance to look for macroinvertebrates, small organisms that are a great indicator of river health!

These slower paced, group hikes offer a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike on a smooth, level surface whether you want to learn about nature or chat with friends.

Trail Lake park is is a flat asphalt paved path. 

Natural Areas Manager Bob Lange will show us the basics of tree identification, offering memorable tips and tricks for becoming more familiar with our local forest inhabitants.

Moths rarely get the credit they deserve because they come out after dark. We will literally be shining a light on these incredible night-time creatures to see all the forms that we miss out on during the day.

What do Lifesavers candy, J. Edgar Hoover, and steam engines all have in common? The Headwaters Trail, of course! Walk with us as we discuss the storied past of this beloved trail.

The Headwaters Trail has a crushed limestone surface. 

We’ve all learned about the Monarch butterfly’s tumultuous migration, but would you be willing to travel 10,201miles to view it firsthand? That is exactly what Sara Dykman did, and luckily for us, she chronicled her experience in this month’s book Bicycling with Butterflies.

You never know when you’ll be able to help a neighbor in need. Experts from UH Portage will discuss Project DAWN and how you can save a life with this simple training.

Morgan Park has crushed limestone and natural surface trails.

Snakes rarely make it to the top of people’s “favorite animals list,” but hopefully after this presentation, you’ll have a new appreciation for them and their place in the ecosystem.

This is an indoor program. 

If you’re a new hiker, maneuvering trails can be daunting. Our rangers offer monthly hikes to help people get acquainted with our beautiful parks! Already familiar? Come anyway for a hike with a friendly face.

Complete a Junior Ranger activity with friends! Kids ages 5-12 and their families are invited to join this group hike led by a PPD Staff member. We will complete one activity from our Junior Ranger program together.

Are the Big Dipper and the Moon the only things in the sky you can identify? Walk with us around the Meadow Trail as we learn some more easy sky attractions.

The Meadow Loop at Morgan Park has a flat, crushed limestone surface. 

Nature newbie? Do insects and creepy crawlies creep you out? This program is for you! Once you learn about all the benefits they provide, you will likely celebrate and not squish them! Visit us in a safe, no-pressure environment to learn about some of our local insects.

Explore a high-quality headwater stream with our staff and meet some of the aquatic creatures up close and personal! We will be using nets to gently sample the stream and learn how we determine water quality based on the macroinvertebrates we find.

Come be part of our citizen science team that is actively monitoring butterfly populations at Trail Lake Park. We’ll teach you how to identify these winged masterpieces on the fly.

Galls can affect over half of all plant species, but we rarely take note of the astounding variety of them. Let’s walk and learn about some of the more common galls you’re likely to come across. We'll be led by plant pathology expert Timothy Frey. 

These slower paced, group hikes offer a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike on a smooth, level surface whether you want to learn about nature or chat with friends.

The Headwaters Trail is a flat, crushed limestone path. 

What is Ohio’s state bird? How many other states share this state bird? Can you recognize the call of a Northern Cardinal? If you can answer these questions, you just might have what it takes to win Bird Trivia!

Shaw Woods has natural surface trails. 

The early bird gets the worm, but if worms aren’t your thing, then you just might get to see a beaver or river otter. Let’s walk to see who else is up this early.

Breakneck Creek Park has natural surface trails.

Join us on a sneak peek hike of Walter Preserve in Palmyra Township! This property is currently not open to the public. There are no developed trails on this property and our hike will go over uneven surfaces and include a small stream crossing, so caution and proper footwear are suggested. 

Pollinator Specialist and former Kent State Professor Bob Heath will guide us around Morgan Park to net, identify, and learn about all of the wonderful species that play a role in the health of the meadow.

You’ve worked hard all summer protecting the Parks and filling out your booklet, now it is your time to shine as the Rangers give you your very own Junior Ranger badge! Be proud!

Dix Park has natural surface trails. 

Grab your helmets and throw a baseball card in your spokes. It’s time for the family friendly bike ride with our rangers!

The PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail is a flat, asphalt paved trail.

This monthly program allows you to check off part of the Wild Hikes Challenge in the company of people that love hiking and nature as much as you do. Get one step closer to earning your medallion!

What makes an insect an insect? Meet some fun and friendly native insects and create one to take home! Acorn Adventures are designed for preschool and kindergarten children and their families to explore Portage County’s natural resources.

Dix Park has natural surface trails. 

Do your full moon photos always turn out as a blurry orb? Let’s learn how to focus on those details so that all the landmarks of the moon can be identified from your photos.

The Morgan Park meadow trail is a flat, crushed limestone path. 

Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature as an instructor leads you through a beginner friendly yoga routine.

Trail Lake Park has paved and crushed limestone paths. Feel free to bring a large beach towel to put under your yoga mat. 

This could be a scene from a fairytale, but it could also be the view from every body of water this time of year. Join us virtually to learn about our favorite members of the order Odonata.