Taking in the Cleveland Metroparks

The 21,000 acres of preserved green space in the Cleveland Metroparks’ Emerald Necklace is almost completely green now. It’s been a long time coming. It's been a subtle transformation, but the undergrowth is becoming springy and plants are sprouting through the soil looking for light before the canopy of trees softens the sun’s rays. Hiking trails cross over every reservation. The all-purpose trails are open to biking, running, and rollerblading. We can roll, walk, and run. We can also get in shape by stopping at the 18 stations of the physical fitness trails—they provide a complete workout along 1 to 1-1/2 mile paths located in Bedford, Big Creek, Brecksville, Euclid Creek, Mill Stream Run, North Chagrin, Rocky River and South Chagrin reservations.

By the time this piece has been published, the Metroparks system has already played host to some spectacular programming, including a salamander run with the rise of the vernal pools and a kids Fishing Derby. But with the arrival of the sun and leafy green, the schedule of great events for families and children continues. Don't miss a beat -- keep track of the Metroparks events by visiting http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp and follow along with everything happening throughout the park system. You're bound to find something in the Cleveland Metroparks that appeals to everyone in your clan.

Hinckley Lake’s Boathouse at the southern end of the Metropark’s necklace, is open now through November 1. The boathouse rents row boats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboat s and the Hinckley Queen pantoon boat. Hinckley Lake is a great place to just sit and watch the ducks glide across the surface of the water and the dragonflies flit a hovering distance away. Swimming at Hinckley can't be far behind.

Fishing for steelhead trout and largemouth bas are managed through seasonal fish stocking. Clinics, derbies, and group programs are available. Fishing space can be found in Beyer’s Bond in Big Creek Reservation, Bunns Lake in Bradley Woods, anywhere along the Chagrin or Cuyahoga Rivers, Hinckley Lake, Judge’s Lake and Ledge Lake at Hinckley, the Ohio & Erie Canal of the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Oxbow Lagoon in Rocky River or the Rocky River, Ranger Lake and Wallace Lake in Mill Stream reservation, and Shadow Lake in South Chagrin reservation. It’s a sure sign of better, brighter weather when fishermen are standing thigh-high in a flowing river to wait patiently for the fish to bite.

The park system's special programming includes art and nature exhibits, films, nature hikes, live animals, field guide presentations and children’s activities. Last weekend's Farm & Garden day at Garfield Park Nature Center offered wild animal displays, antique and modern farm equipment, and insight into growing our own vegetables with activities and tasting stations. Call it hands-on learning and recreation.

The Metroparks is a great place to relax, anytime. While special events and programs are great, sometimes we just need to kick off our shoes and shove our feet into the soft grass. Not that it’s spring, for full immersion in Mother Nature, pack up sandwiches and potato salad and some fresh fruit along with the bottled water, and pick a place to park near picnic tables. Two hours later, after a hike along a bridle path or after sitting by a pond, dine a la carte. Or pack a cooler with burgers and hot dogs, bring along some charcoal, and take over a grill. Half a day in an expanse of green does wonders for the soul. The Emerald Necklace—our expanse of green. Visit the Cleveland Metroparks online at http://www.clemetparks.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller ctallerwritesATwowway.com

Visit Claudia's blog at http://claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.
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