Stark Parks schedules November nature and fitness programs

Stark Parks has announced a full lineup of programs and activities for November, ranging from nature education and outdoor fitness to kid-friendly adventures. All programs require registration at StarkParks.com.

Seed Cleaning — Volunteers are invited to help clean native seeds collected by Stark Parks from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and 1-2 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. The cleaned seeds will be used to restore wildlife habitats. No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.

Walking Water — Explore the importance of watersheds with a Stark Parks naturalist and the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Exploration Gateway. The free, family-friendly event will include games and interactive presentations to help participants understand how watersheds impact both people and the environment.

Critter Cinema — Children ages 6 to 9 can watch clips from popular nature films and compare them to real animal behavior from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 22 at the Exploration Gateway. Parents are required to stay. The program is free but registration is required.

Richard Fry Trail Challenge — Participants can test their endurance on the trails of Fry Family Park during a 4-mile or 8-mile run or walk on Nov. 1. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the Fry Family Park Visitor Center, with starts between 9:15 and 9:45 a.m. The event is open to all ages, though trails are not suitable for strollers. The fee is $5.

Ranger Walks — Join Stark Parks law enforcement rangers for a one-mile guided walk from 5-6 p.m. Nov. 5 at Petros Lake Park. Rangers will discuss their work in protecting both wildlife and visitors. The walk is free with registration.

VeteRUN — Honor veterans during a free 5K run or walk at Sippo Lake Park on Nov. 8, hosted by the local parkrun organization. The event begins with a 7:45 a.m. briefing and the singing of the national anthem, followed by an 8 a.m. start. New participants must create an account in advance at parkrun.us/sippolake.

Adventure Kids: Turkey Time — Children can learn about wild turkeys through stories, crafts and games at the Exploration Gateway. Sessions for ages 3-5 are 10-11 a.m. Nov. 12 and 11 a.m.-noon Nov. 15, with a session for ages 6-9 from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 15. The program is free with registration.

Yoga — Certified instructor Kim Kohler will lead one-hour yoga sessions Nov. 15, 17 and 24. Classes are designed for all skill levels, with modifications offered. Participants should bring a mat. Fees are $8 for Stark County residents and $12 for out-of-county participants.

Stark Parks manages 15 parks, four lakes and more than 120 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails across 6,800 acres. For details on programs, registration and park information, visit StarkParks.com.