CLEVELAND METROPARKS WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT

Happy Hour on the River: the Summer Concert Series presented by Serpentini Chevrolet is back at Merwin’s Wharf with food, drinks, and live hits from the 70s to today by Old Skool! Stop by from 4 to 8 p.m.

Don’t miss out: there are only a few weeks remaining to experience the award-winning Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer. Reserve your spot before the summer’s biggest event concludes on August 27.

It’s a girl! Dr. Elena Less has an exciting video update on the newborn gorilla and the rest of the troop!

ADVENTURE RACES!

August is here and that means that the annual Whiskey Island Paddlefest is upon us! Challenge yourself with a 2-mile, 6-mile, youth, or kids’ stand up paddleboard or kayak race on Lake Erie. Save the date: don’t miss the upcoming Bedford XC Mountain Bike Race on September 9 and the Ledges to Lake Adventure Race on September 16, 2023!

SUMMER'S BLOOMING!

Look out for these beautiful blooms on your next hike…in the wetlands, look for large-blossomed pink stunners like swamp rose mallow as well as the tall lavender spikes of pickerelweed and blazing star. Giant Joe-Pye weed looms large on the wetland shores alongside buttonbush with its orb-like blossoms attracting a wide variety of native pollinators. In the woodlands you will find wild leeks flowering across the forest floor. The sunny yellow of brown-eyed and black-eyed Susans, as well as the yellow of pale jewelweed and the orange spotted jewelweed are adding pops of color along the edges. Open areas are host to wild bergamot, obedient plant, purple coneflower, daisy fleabane, royal catchfly and whorled rosinweed.

REGISTER NOW FOR A SCENIC BUS TOUR

Cleveland Metroparks Bus Tours contain immersive adventures that explore everything from rare species and natural phenomenon to beautiful landscapes and hidden gems. There are only a few spots left for upcoming tours across the Park District.

UPCOMING NATURE PROGRAMS

Fri., Aug. 4: Come to CanalWay Center for the Back to School Campfire where we’ll roast marshmallows and learn about how animals prepare for the fall season. Free. 

Sat., Aug. 5: Drop-By: Damsels & Dragons at Brookside Reservation as we explore these fantastic insects. Free. 

Sun., Aug. 6: 

Join a naturalist as we explore Bonnie Park and the bridle trails near Albion Woods at Hike: Mill Stream Run. Free. 

Enjoy an evening stroll around Hinckley Lake at Sunset Hike. Free. 

Tues., Aug. 8: Engage infant minds and senses with a fun exploration of North Chagrin Reservation at Pop Up: Infant Explorers. Free, ages 1 year & under with adult. 

Wed., Aug. 9: Learn how children benefit from exploring nature at Educator Workshop: Exploring with Students in Rocky River Reservation. Free, registration required. 

Thurs., Aug. 10: Look for bugs and explore their survival traits at Bug Hunt in Rocky River Reservation. Free.