On the agenda

Lake Metroparks plans Presidents Day events

This Presidents Day, Feb. 20, Lake Metroparks will be holding different programs at three of its parks.

Families can discover the plants and animals of Ohio’s past at “Fun Day: Prehistoric Ohio” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road in Kirtland.

There will be interactive exhibits, demonstrations and more, according to Lake Metroparks Interpretive Naturalist Tony Gazso. Visitors will also meet some animal ambassadors that have a tie to prehistory, according to a news release.

“With this event visitors will discover Ohio’s prehistoric past and learn about some of the cools creature that used to live here,” Gazso said in the release.

For event information visit goto.lakemetroparks. com/prehistoric-ohio.

Other activities to enjoy at Penitentiary Glen Reservation includes hiking more than eight miles of scenic trails, birding, and interacting with nature in Nature Play, a children’s outdoor wild play space. Inside the Nature Center, attendees can discover the wildlife found in fields, wetlands and forests in the interactive Life Cycle Secrets exhibit.

Meanwhile, families can bring the kids to Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Presidents Day and let them be a farmer for a day.

They can come see the lambs and piglets and meet Grace, Farmpark’s Ayrshire calf. They also can participate in hands-on farmthemed activities including cow milking, cheesemaking and horse harnessing demonstrations as well as grooming and being a junior veterinarian, according to a news release.

Participants also can explore maple sugaring, plant a plant to take home, make a candle and explore the process of making maple syrup in the Woodland Center.

Kids also can play in the Fun Time on the Farm indoor play area, while pony rides will be available for $6. For a complete schedule of activities, visit goto. lakemetroparks.com/farmermonday.

Farmer Monday will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular Farmpark admission of $7 to $9 or membership applies. Farmpark members, children under 2 and active military and their families get in free.

Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Area residents also can bring the family and engage in a hands-on exploration of the importance of water at Jordan Creek Park on Feb. 20.

According to Lake Metroparks

Outdoor Education Manager Heather Freeman, visitors will participate in a water cycle game, a mass vs. volume investigation and demonstration, a watershed activity, erosion tables and investigating ecosystems at the vernal pool, according to a news release.

“Whether it is in our daily lives or using it for a goal, we are hoping that all our participants that come to Water Day can understand the importance of water both in the natural world around us and to humanity as well,” Freeman stated in the release.

Indoor and outdoor activities for Water Day at Jordan Creek Park will be offered that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free for all ages, and for more information, visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/water-day.

Other activities to enjoy at the park include hiking nearly three miles of scenic trails.

Follow the Learning Loop Trail and enjoy the Metroparks’ newest story walk, “Once Upon a Northern Night,” which explores the lovely winter forest, snow, animals and the pattern of frost on windows, according to the release.

Inside the Environmental Learning Center, explore natural sciences through interactive exhibits. Weather permitting, explore Adventure Play at Jordan Creek Park featuring interactive sites and obstacles that challenge balance and climbing ability.

Attendees also can zoom across a zipline, tackle the slackline forest, climb on lookout towers connected by a 30-foot rope bridge and traverse the 15-foot tall by 80- foot wide Noble Wall, the release stated.

Jordan Creek Park is located at 7250 Alexander Road in Concord Township.