Medina County Park District announces May programs, events

The Medina County Park District will host the 93rd annual Series of Spring Bird Walks at River Styx Park on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 a.m. Watch as migrating spring birds return or travel through to their summer breeding grounds. Meet in the main parking lot. The walks are part of a citizen science project and will move slowly with stops to count birds. Trail conditions may be muddy and include hills, boardwalks and stairs. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

A Healthy Dose of Nature hiking series will take place Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lake Medina on Granger Road. Hiking outdoors has plenty of perks and is good for you mentally and physically. Join a naturalist and volunteers for a three- to five-mile vigorous hike along a different trail each month. This is a continuous hike. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Ages 10 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

A Woodland Health Day of Service will be held Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina. Volunteers will work with OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and park district staff to remove garlic mustard and other non-native plants. No experience is necessary, and information will be provided at the start. Bring work gloves and dress for off-trail walking. Ages 8 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

Wetland Wonders: By Nature’s Design Screening and Wetland Tour will take place Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oenslager Nature Center. Join PBS Western Reserve and Medina County Park District for a screening of the Season 1 finale of “By Nature’s Design,” followed by a guided walk. The series highlights native wildlife, with the first season focused on wetlands. Experts will discuss climate change and its impact on wetland ecosystems. Registration is required and recommended for ages 18 and older. Seating is limited.

A Woodland Health Day of Service will also be held Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Schleman Nature Preserve. See the May 2 listing for details. Ages 8 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

Discovery Drop-in: Food Chain will take place Sunday, May 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oenslager Nature Center. Drop by anytime to explore how energy moves through organisms in different habitats. This unstructured program allows participants to stay as long as their interest holds. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

Flowers in the Sky will be held Wednesday, May 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Plum Creek Park South. Participants will explore flowering trees during a spring hike. Ages 6 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

The Series of Spring Bird Walks returns Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m. at River Styx Park. See the May 2 listing for details. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

An Ohio Boater Education Course will be offered Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chippewa Yacht Club. Participants can meet Ohio’s boating education requirement by completing the course and passing a 60-question test. Materials are provided, and participants should bring lunch. Ages 16 to adult. Registration is required by May 7.

A Woodland Health Day of Service will take place Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rivendell Nature Preserve. See the May 2 listing for details. Ages 8 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

“Hornets, Wasps, and Bees, Oh My!” will be held Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Susan Hambley Nature Center. Learn about the important roles these pollinators play in local ecosystems. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

Starry, Starry Nights at Letha House will take place Saturday, May 9 from 9 to 11 p.m. at Letha House Lodge. View deep-sky objects, planets and the moon through telescopes with members of the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

Senior Strides will be held Tuesday, May 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hubbard Valley Park. This monthly social hike for seniors offers an opportunity to exercise and meet others. Walks are 1 to 2 miles. Ages 50 and up. No registration is required. Free.

Natural Discoveries will take place Wednesday, May 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holmesbrook Park. This easy walk explores seasonal changes in nature. Ages 7 to adult. No registration is required. Free.

Gentle Yoga will be offered Thursday, May 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Krabill Lodge. The class includes breathing, meditation, movement and sound therapy. Bring a mat. A $5 fee will be collected at class time. Ages 18 and up. Register by May 12.

A Wading Bird Walk will be held Thursday, May 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Litchfield Wetlands Nature Preserve. Participants will search for herons and egrets and learn about other species. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Free.

Additional programs continue throughout the month, including hiking series events, pollinator programs, family fishing, photography club meetings and prairie exploration activities.

The schedule concludes with a native plant sale May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Oenslager Nature Center, along with a Full Moon at Shotwell program May 31 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Shotwell Gardens.

For more information or to register, visit medinacountyparks.com.