Stark Parks releases full slate of February programs

Stark Parks will offer a variety of programs and activities in February. Information and registration for all events are available at StarkParks.com.

Groundhog Day 

Animal ambassadors will host a Groundhog Day celebration at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park on Feb. 2 from 5-7 p.m. The event will include live animal viewing, woodchuck history and facts, games and crafts. Visitors should dress warmly if planning to visit outdoor animal enclosures. Registration is not required, and the event is free.

Ranger Walks 

Law enforcement rangers will lead a one-mile guided walk at Quail Hollow Park on Feb. 4 from 5-6 p.m. Rangers will discuss wildlife protection, visitor safety and conservation. The program is free, but registration is required.

Yeti Trail 

The Yeti Trail Challenge will take place Feb. 7 at Fry Family Park. The 5-mile course features Yeti-themed challenges along the trail. Participants may run, walk or jog the course. Doors open at 9 a.m., with start times between 9:30 and 10 a.m. The event is open to all ages. Trails are not stroller-friendly and will not be groomed. Free hot chocolate will be available afterward in the visitor center. Pre-registration is required, and the fee is $5 per person.

Winter Tree ID 

A winter tree identification hike will be held at Quail Hollow Park on Feb. 10 from 4:30-6 p.m. Participants will learn how to identify trees by buds, bark and branches. The program is free, but registration is required.

Adventure Kids 

Adventure Kids programs will be held at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. Activities include a wildlife-themed story, discussion, crafts and an animal encounter. Programs are scheduled for Feb. 18 for ages 3-5 from 10-11 a.m.; Feb. 21 for ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.-noon; and Feb. 21 for ages 6-9 from 1-2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Frog Watch Training 

Frog Watch training will be offered Feb. 21 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. Participants will learn to identify local frog and toad species, recognize calls, monitor wetlands and record data. Individuals 18 and older may become certified, though all are welcome. Materials are provided. Pre-registration is required.

Evening Hike at Pike Ridge Park A naturalist-led evening hike will take place Feb. 28 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Pike Ridge Park. The 2-mile loop features varied terrain, with possible wildlife sightings including short-eared owls, white-tailed deer and wild turkey. The program is free, but registration is required.

Yoga Yoga sessions led by certified instructor Kim Kohler will be offered at the Sippo Lake Park Exploration Gateway on Feb. 2, 7, 14, 21, 23 and 28. Participants should bring a mat. Pre-registration is required. Fees are $8 for in-county residents and $12 for out-of-county residents. A “Namaste for a Drink” session will be held Feb. 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Tam O’Shanter Park for those 21 and older.

Stark Parks manages 15 parks, four lakes and more than 120 miles of trails across more than 6,800 acres in Stark County.