Stark Parks announces April programs and outdoor activities

Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming programs and activities throughout April. Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration for all events and programs.

Ranger Walks – Join law enforcement park rangers on the Nickel Plate Trail, meeting at the Pinevale McKimm Trailhead on April 1 from 5-6 p.m. for a behind-the-scenes look into their careers and daily duties on a one-mile hike. Participants will learn about Stark Parks history and natural resources along the way. All ages are welcome. The program is free, but registration is required.

Hakuna Guttata Event – Fat Head’s Brewery will release its Hakuna Guttata Hazy IPA in support of the spotted turtle project at the Stark Parks Wildlife Conservation Center. The event will be held April 6 from 5-8 p.m. at the Canton Fat Head’s, 3885 Everhard Road NW. Stark Parks will have a spotted turtle on site to educate attendees about conservation efforts. Ten percent of food proceeds that evening and $1 from every Hakuna Guttata pour until the beer is gone will support the project.

Backyard Habitat: Watershed Wise Landscaping – A representative from the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District will explain how modern infrastructure affects waterways and how homeowners can turn their yards into mini watersheds to reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, minimize drainage issues and attract pollinators. The program will be held April 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. The program is free, but pre-registration is required.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival – Stark Parks will host a film festival to kick off Earth Day celebrations April 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts. The festival features short films focused on nature, conservation and the environment. Admission is free, but advance tickets are required.

Adventure Kids: Bug Out – Children will read “Some Bugs” by Angela DiTerlizzi, create a craft and search for insects outdoors. Programs will be held April 11 from 11 a.m.-noon for ages 3-5 and 1-2 p.m. for ages 6-9. Another session for ages 3-5 will be held April 15 from 11 a.m.-noon. All programs take place at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. Advance registration is requested.

Woodcarving 101 – Participants interested in learning woodcarving can attend a class April 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. Volunteers will help beginners get started. Participants may bring their own equipment, though materials will be available. The cost is $5 for in-county residents and $7 for out-of-county residents. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and adults must accompany minors.

Focus on Nature: Photography Scavenger Hunt – Participants will learn basic photography skills before heading outdoors to capture creative nature photos during a scavenger hunt. The program will be held April 18 at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park from 10-11:30 a.m. for ages 6-12 and noon-1:30 p.m. for ages 13-17. The program is free, but registration is required.

Orienteering – Learn to navigate with a compass and topographic map during an orienteering program April 18 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. The session will include a lecture, guided map hike and independent orienteering course. The fee is $10 per individual or small group. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and instruction begins at 1 p.m.

Neighbors in Nature – Visitors can explore interactive stations, meet live animal ambassadors and participate in naturalist-led activities during this open house April 18 from 1-3 p.m. at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. Participants are invited to bring a stuffed animal for the “animal hospital.”

Night Bike Rides on the Towpath – Ernie’s Bicycle Shop will lead a beginner-friendly night ride April 18 from 8-10 p.m. starting at the Lake Avenue Trailhead. Riders will travel 14-18 miles along the Sippo Valley or Towpath Trails. Helmets and bike lights are required. The event is free and open to families.

Spring Bird Walks – Volunteer naturalist Adam Zorn from the Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center will lead bird walks April 20 and 27 and May 4 and 11 from 8:30-10 a.m. Participants will meet at the Nickel Plate Trailhead, 2923 Pinevale Ave. NE, Louisville. The walks are suitable for beginners and experienced birders. Binoculars are recommended.

Master Rain Gardener Workshops – Stark Parks and Stark Soil & Water will offer a five-class course on designing and installing rain gardens. Workshops will be held April 21 and 28 and May 5, 12 and 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. Pre-registration and a program fee are required.

E-Cycle Drop-Off Day – Community members can recycle electronic waste and donate gently used items April 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Tam O’Shanter Park. Electronics will be recycled through Summit E-Waste, and donations will be accepted by Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio.

Wildflower Walkabout – A naturalist-led walk will explore spring wildflowers April 23 from 6-7 p.m., meeting at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. Participants may spot coltsfoot and white trillium during the program. Registration is required.

Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby – The youth fishing derby for children ages 4-15 will be held April 25 at St. Helena Heritage Park in Canal Fulton. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and fishing begins at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own fishing poles. Bait will be provided, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Wildflower Hike – Participants can explore spring wildflowers April 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Fry Family Park. The hike will highlight plants such as coltsfoot and rue anemone. Registration is required.

Yoga – Certified instructor Kim Kohler will lead yoga sessions at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park on April 4, 6, 11, 20, 25 and 27. The fee is $8 for in-county residents and $12 for out-of-county residents. A special “Namaste for a Drink” session for participants 21 and older will be held April 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Tam O’Shanter Park.

For more information, visit StarkParks.com.