Programs - Metroparks of the Toledo Area

Select the month: July 2009 | August 2009 | September 2009

Click here for more advanced search options

Reservations by phone 419-407-9700

Interested in receiving a monthly Programs listings via e-mail? Visit our newsletter sign-up page and select the categories you are interested in!

All programs are one hour long unless noted.
Today Exhibit's Closing Weekend Special Events Secor Metropark, National Center for Nature Photography, 12 to 5 p.m. Come celebrate the 4th of July and our magnificent national parks on the final weekend of the exhibit "America's National Parks: A Monumental Vision" by Clyde Butcher. Bring your favorite and memorable national park photos to display and stay for light refreshments and fun. Fee: Free

Today Vintage Base Ball Wildwood Preserve, Playground Area, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure and sport as you watch the Sylvania Great Black Swamp Frogs play an 1860s "base ball match" against the Woodstock Actives. Fee: Free

Today Party Like Its 1876 Providence, Kimble's Landing, 12 to 4 p.m. Experience the Centennial celebration like never before as you and your family celebrate the nation's birthday. Big wheels will be turning at the Isaac Ludwig Mill so stop in and see water power grind the finest flour in the county. Mingle with various craftspeople practicing their trades and join in the festivities by banding together in a three-legged race or searching through the straw stack for pennies. Adventure with your family, abroad "The Volunteer," down the Miami and Erie Canal and listen to tales from life long ago. The canal boat, "The Volunteer," departs the dock every hour between noon and 4 p.m. and tickets are required to ride for a nominal fee. Fee: Free

Sunday, July 5 Sunday Sampler: Estate Tour Wildwood Preserve, Manor House, Manor House, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Stories of life on the Stranahan Estate come to life in this leisurely walking tour of the outbuildings of Wildwood Preserve. Discover how the continued preservation efforts lasting over 70 years within the community have succeeded in keeping the timeless beauty of the land intact to complement the Manor House. Uncover the secrets as historical photos and stories from former workers at the estate transport you back to Toledo's golden years. Fee: Free

Monday, July 6 Nature Camp: Session 3 Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nature Camp is a week of nature discovery and exploration with fun activities, games, living history and stewardship projects. Each day has a different focus. It's a great educational experience for children who enjoy nature, history and the outdoors. Home base is Wildwood Preserve, with two days of field trips to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, nature hiking and fossil hunting, Metroparks and program partners will provide exciting trips to Providence Metropark, Fossil Park, The Canal Experience and Olander Park. Camp will be held rain or shine with plenty of rainy day options. Equipment, supplies and field trip transportation provided. Due to limited space, campers may only attend one session. Participants must be 7 to 12 years old during the session. Reservations begin April 1. Fee: $ 95.00 Register Now!

Tuesday, July 7 Side Cut Explorer Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Board the 12-passenger, wheelchair accessible tram for a ride along the Maumee River and canal tow-path. Every Tuesday, May through October. Groups can schedule separate times for a nomial fee. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Fallen Timbers Preservation Commission Side Cut, Lamb Center, 7 to 8 p.m. For 200 years the Fallen Timbers Battlefield lay hidden in plain site. Now that we've found it, what do we do with it? Let your voice be heard as this volunteer group wirks with Metroparks to shape the battlefields fate for the next hundred years. For more information, email President Randy Brown at bgcurator@gmail.com or call 567-336-6012. Fee: Free

In the Park after Dark Swan Creek Preserve, Airport Highway Parking Lot, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Glimpse nature at night by the light of the full moon on this naturalist guided exploration. Owl calling, storytelling and night sky interpretation included. No dogs allowed. Fee: $ 5.00 Register Now!

Friends of Lathrop House Wildwood Preserve, Manor House, Manor House, 7 to 8 p.m. Join the Friends of Lathrop for their bi-monthly meeting and learn about the restoration process of the Lathrop House. Fee: Free

Wednesday, July 8 Metroparks Seniors: Animals in Danger Wildwood Preserve, Ward Pavilion, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Seniors will learn about North American and Ohio endangered species and what is being done to protect them. Optional walk to follow. Refreshments provided. Cosponsored by West Park Place. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Thursday, July 9 The Citizen Scientist Butterfly Training Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn to be native butterfly citizen science volunteers. We will introduce you to the protocol designed by the Ohio Lepidoptera Association through a powerpoint presentation and data sheets instruction. We will put into practice by walking the current butterfly transect. Fee: Free

Friday, July 10 Naturalists' Camera Club of Toledo Public Program Secor Metropark, National Center for Nature Photography, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monthly programs presented by the NCCT are open to everyone and include a guest speaker, nature photography instruction, gallery tours and light refreshments. Photo gallery opens at 6:30 p.m. program starts at 7:30 p.m. Free. Fee: Free

Saturday, July 11 New Exhibits Opening Secor Metropark, National Center for Nature Photography, 12 to 5 p.m. New exhibits featured at the National Center for Nature Photography in Secor Metropark: "Wild Wetlands" by photographer David Fitzsimmons, recently named one of five Sigma Pros in North America, is a close-up photographic journey into shallow waters. A walk through the exhibit will allow visitors to see wetlands in an exciting new way. Travel muddy marshes and vital vernal pools to view wetland wildlife up close. "Selected Nature Images from the Greater Cincinnati Photography Clubs" will feature a collection of prints curated by Cincinnati award winning nature photographer Jerry Fritsch. "The Wondrous Variety of Our Oak Opening," features photographs by NCNP Director Art Weber and Metropark naturalist - photographer Bob Jacksy of the plants and animals that call our globally rare Oak Openings home. The Oak Openings Region harbors a wide variety of habitats. Especially rare are the wet sand prairies, sand barrens, and oak savannas. There is no charge to visit the gallery which is open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Fee: Free

Bird Hike for Adults Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center Porch, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Bird lovers will enjoy these monthly outings to explore the world of birds. Program participants develop a keen eye for spotting the wide variety of birds that live or migrate through the region. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Fee: Free

Wee Workshop: Turtle Time! Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Three to five year olds and their adult companions learn about our native turtles through fun hands on activities. Explore their habitat and learn what it's like to be this slow moving reptile living in our park. After the walk make a fun turtle craft to take home. Fee: $ 5.00 Register Now!

Helping Hands Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center Porch, 9 to 11 a.m. Jump into July by helping naturalists and land management staff restore a globally rare Oak Savanna. Program canceled if weather is stormy. Long pants, work gloves, and sturdy shoes are recommended. Great for service hours. Groups welcome. Fee: Free Register Now!

Friends of Side Cut: Gardening Side Cut, Lamb Center, 9 to 10 a.m. If you have a green thumb, help the Friends maintain the lovely gardens of the park. Fee: Free

Calm to Conflict Providence, Kimble's Landing, 6 to 8 p.m. Remember fallen heroes and gain insight into the lifestyle of an average Civil War soldier. Enlist with the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and board their military transport, the canal boat, the Volunteer. Transporting troops and supplies from Toledo to Cincinnati, passengers will hear stories of the soldiers as they prepare to enter the war. Fee: $ 10.00 Registration Closed

Meet Photographer David Fitzsimmons and See His Presentation on Wild Wetlands Secor Metropark, National Center for Nature Photography, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet SigmaPro nature photographer Dave Fitzsimmons. Attend his presentation on "Wild Wetlands" at 1 p.m. then view his new gallery exhibit and visit with him from 2 to 3 p.m. Light refreshments served. Fee: Free

Monday, July 13 Teen Adventure Camp: Session 2 Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall Patio, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Challenge yourself through exciting outdoor activities, develop leadership skills and meet great new friends all while exploring the natural environment of northwest Ohio. Day themes will include wilderness survival, Maumee River exploration by canoe, habitat restoration and more. Reservation begins April 1. Fee: $ 125.00 Registration Closed

Tuesday, July 14 Friends of Side Cut: Sandpiper Cruise Off-Site, 7 to 9 p.m. Cruise from downtown Toledo on the Sandpiper to Rossford islands and then back passing under the new Glass City Veterans Memorial Bridge. The Blade Outdoor Editor, Steve Pollick, will provide his unique outlook on the river. Light refreshments provided. Meet at the foot of Jefferson Ave. Fee: $ 20.00

Side Cut Explorer Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Board the 12-passenger, wheelchair accessible tram for a ride along the Maumee River and canal tow-path. Every Tuesday, May through October. Groups can schedule separate times for a nomial fee. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Wednesday, July 15 Accent on Accessibility: Garden Tour Toledo Botanical Garden, Parking Lot, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. A monthly easy-access program that pairs individuals with disabilities and trained volunteers for a variety of experiences in the Metroparks. Move through the beautiful shade, pioneer, and rose gardens. See how gardens provide wildlife habitat. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Thursday, July 16 Oak Openings Photo Primer: Mid-Summer Prairie Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center Porch, 6:30 to 9 p.m. The tallgrass prairie is one of the most fascinating habitats of the Oak Openings region. Nature Photo Center Director Art Weber and naturalist-photographer Bob Jacksy will introduce you to the unique and beautiful plants and animals of the prairie from mid-summer through fall in a series of nature shoots. Along the way will be plenty of tips for photographing them. Cameras with close-up capability recommended. Fee: $ 15.00 Register Now!

Friday, July 17 Noon Tunes Wildwood Preserve, Gazebo, 12 to 1 p.m. Surround yourself with the beauty of nature and the joy of family and friends while you treat yourself to an outdoor concert. Bring your picnic lunch and your favorite lawn chair to the Gazebo in front of the Manor House. Fee: Free

Saturday, July 18 Friends of Side Cut: Garden Tour Side Cut, Silver Lake Parking Lot, 9 to 11 a.m. We will carpool to three unique Friends of Side Cut members gardens. Fee: Free Register Now!

Maumee River Canoe Float Off-Site, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Explore the wonders of the scenic Maumee River from a perspective you may not have experienced before - by canoe on this leisurely paddle. For adults and children 11 and older. All minors must be in the same canoe as their legal guardian. Two people per canoe. Fee: $ 10.00 Register Now!

Hammer Time Providence, Isaac Ludwig Mill, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit the Isaac Ludwig Mill and watch renowned blacksmith, Don Witzler forge silver into bracelets, pendants, and other decoratice adn useful items. This unique process involved annealing sterling silver which is then hammered into its final form. Fee: Free

Tinkering with Tin Providence, Isaac Ludwig Mill, 1 to 4 p.m. Expert tinsmith, Don Rasmusson, shows us the secrets of the forgotten trade, tinsmithing. Working with historic tin making tools, Rasmusson makes candleholders and lamps to inspire us all to craft our own treasures at home. Fee: Free

Volunteer Naturalist Training Farnsworth, Roche de Bout Parking Lot, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Nature interpretation, seasonal plant and animal cycles, and Northwest Ohio natural history is the focus of this monthly, outdoor field study at various Metroparks locations. Recommended for Metroparks walk leaders, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists, and Volunteer Trail Patrol. Free Register Now! Fee: Free Register Now!

Sunday, July 19 The Friends of Secor: Welcome Steve Pollick Secor Metropark, Secor Room, 1 to 3 p.m. Steve Pollick, Outdoor Editor for The Toledo Blade will give an exciting talk about the outdoors. The talk is from 1-2 p.m. The Friends of Secor monthly meeting follows the talk from 2-3 p.m. All are welcome and invited to attend. Fee: Free

Sunday Sampler: Insect Safari Wildwood Preserve, Courtyard - Metz Visitor Center, 5 to 6 p.m. Let's go buggy! There are at least one million different species of insects in the world! How many of them live in Wildwood's meadow and why are they so successful. Fee: Free

Monday, July 20 Nature Camp: Session 4 Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nature Camp is a week of nature discovery and exploration with fun activities, games, living history and stewardship projects. Each day has a different focus. It's a great educational experience for children who enjoy nature, history and the outdoors. Home base is Wildwood Preserve, with two days of field trips to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, nature hiking and fossil hunting, Metroparks and program partners will provide exciting trips to Providence Metropark, Fossil Park, The Canal Experience and Olander Park. Camp will be held rain or shine with plenty of rainy day options. Equipment, supplies and field trip transportation provided. Due to limited space, campers may only attend one session. Participants must be 7 to 12 years old during the session. Reservations begin April 1. Fee: $ 95.00 Register Now!

Tuesday, July 21 Park Pals: Yellow Perch Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Three to five year olds and their adult partners, explore the colors of the Oak Openings through books, songs, crafts and nature walks. Yellow perch, blue gills and greenside damers are just a few of the fish swimming around in the Oak Openings. After the program we can all go fishing at Mallard Lake. Fee: $ 5.00 Register Now!

Side Cut Explorer Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Board the 12-passenger, wheelchair accessible tram for a ride along the Maumee River and canal tow-path. Every Tuesday, May through October. Groups can schedule separate times for a nomial fee. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Wednesday, July 22 Park Pals: Yellow Perch Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge, 12 to 1:30 p.m. Three to five year olds and their adult partners, explore the colors of the Oak Openings through books, songs, crafts and nature walks. Yellow perch, blue gills and greenside damers are just a few of the fish swimming around in the Oak Openings. After the program we can all go fishing at Mallard Lake. Fee: $ 5.00 Register Now!

Thursday, July 23 Audubon Island Canoe Excursion Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Make the most of a rare opportunity to visit an island nature preserve. A leisurely evening on the river should provide some great wildlife viewing so bring your binoculars. For adults and children 12 and older. All minors must be in the same canoe as their legal guardian. Two people per canoe. (Program canceled if water is high). Fee: $ 10.00 Register Now!

Friday, July 24 Noon Tunes Wildwood Preserve, Gazebo, 12 to 1 p.m. Surround yourself with the beauty of nature and the joy of family and friends while you treat yourself to an outdoor concert. Bring your picnic lunch and your favorite lawn chair to the Gazebo in front of the Manor House. Fee: Free

Saturday, July 25 Macro Photography Workshop: Prairie Wildflowers and Incredible Insects Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With the right techniques and inspired creativity you can create vital, vibrant close-up images of nature just like the pros. Sigma pro photographer David FitzSimmons with assistance from Nature Photo Center Director Art Weber will share his time-proven macro field techniques on choosing subjects, selecting equipment, and creating great compositions. Includes indoor sessions, field demonstrations, and outdoor hands-on instruction. Kohne Camera and Sigma will have Sigma demo lenses and ring lights for use. Sigma equipment discounted for participants. Lunch not provided. Registration required. For info call 419-407-9757. Fee: $ 50.00 Register Now!

Friends of Side Cut: Adopt A Road Side Cut, Riverview Area, 9 to 10 a.m. Make a new friend while helping to keep the park beautiful. Meet on River Road just west of I-475 overpass. Fee: Free

Incredible Insects: An Introduction to the Most Successful Group of Animals on Earth Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Are you insane for insects? Buggy for bugs? Do your friends look at you strangely when you become entranced by the crawly critters and frequent flyers in your garden instead of the flowers? This is the program for you! There will be an indoor presentation on recognizing the eight most common orders of insects. Learn these and you will become the recognized "bugologist" in your group. We will also take time to test your new identification skills in the meadow. Fee: Free Register Now!

Eco-Hikers Wildwood Preserve, Corey Road Parking Lot, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Young nature lovers learn about the ecological and historical importance of stewardship through the Metroparks with games, activities and hands-on exploration. Fee: $ 5.00 Register Now!

Helping Hands Extreme Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Help naturalists and land management staff remove invasive woody species along the trails. Pack a lunch and picnic with us from noon to 12:30. Long pants, work gloves and sturdy shoes and drinking water are recommended Great for service hours. Groups welcome. Program is canceled if weather is stormy. Fee: Free Register Now!

Tinkering with Tin Providence, Isaac Ludwig Mill, 1 to 4 p.m. Expert tinsmith, Don Rasmusson, shows us the secrets of the forgotten trade, tinsmithing. Working with historic tin making tools, Rasmusson makes candleholders and lamps to inspire us all to craft our own treasures at home. Fee: Free

Monday, July 27 Nature Camp: Session 5 Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nature Camp is a week of nature discovery and exploration with fun activities, games, living history and stewardship projects. Each day has a different focus. It's a great educational experience for children who enjoy nature, history and the outdoors. Home base is Wildwood Preserve, with two days of field trips to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, nature hiking and fossil hunting, Metroparks and program partners will provide exciting trips to Providence Metropark, Fossil Park, The Canal Experience and Olander Park. Camp will be held rain or shine with plenty of rainy day options. Equipment, supplies and field trip transportation provided. Due to limited space, campers may only attend one session. Participants must be 7 to 12 years old during the session. Reservations begin April 1. Fee: $ 95.00 Register Now!

Tuesday, July 28 Side Cut Explorer Side Cut, Riverview Parking Lot, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Board the 12-passenger, wheelchair accessible tram for a ride along the Maumee River and canal tow-path. Every Tuesday, May through October. Groups can schedule separate times for a nomial fee. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!

Thursday, July 30 Nature Shoot: Hummingbirds Secor Metropark, National Center for Nature Photography, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hummingbirds, those colorful flying jewels, are one of the most fascinating birds to observe at close range. For this program blinds are erected near active feeders to provide opportunities for both close-up photos and personal observation of these amazing animals. A second session will be offered at 5 p.m. Call 419-407-9757 to register for that afternoon session. Minimum 200mm lens recommended. Fee: $ 25.00 Register Now!

Calling All Boy Scouts: Environmental Science Part I Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Scouts ranked First Class and above will work on hands on experiments and other requirements for this badge. Rain or shine. Dress for weather and wet walking. Long pants and bug spray recommended. A drop off program. Snacks provided. Sign up for both Sessions I & II now if you plan to attend both. Fee: $ 2.00 Register Now!