Now is the time to enjoy autumn in the Medina County Parks

MEDINA, Ohio — October isn’t just about Halloween.

It’s also a time to put on your jeans and a sweatshirt and venture out into nature to bask in the crisp, cool air and enjoy the blazing colors of autumn.

The Medina County Park District — with its 25 parks, nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, and with 50 trails — offers the perfect places to hike by yourself, with friends or with a naturalist-led group.

Here’s a partial schedule for October to get you started:

Senior Strides: 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 8, Sharon Nature Preserve, 6734 State Road in Sharon Township. Join park volunteer Connie on a social hike for seniors.

The walk is one to two miles in length. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Ages 50 and older. No registration required. Free.

Sense Hike: 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8, Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road in Seville. Nature is full of fun fall sights, sounds and smells.

Join a naturalist on this hike and use your senses as you walk through Hubbard Valley Park.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Natural Discoveries: 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 9, Buckeye Woods Park, 6335 Wedgewood Road in Medina. Meet by the ballfields.

Join the park staff for an easy walk to observe the unfolding of nature.

Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Halloween Haunt: Noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 12, 13 and 19, Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Blvd. in Brunswick.

The natural world is full of things that crawl or slither or howl at the moon year-round. Come haunt the nature center, where the staff has highlighted the spookiest just in time for Halloween, with activities and displays.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Fall Family Hike: 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 13, Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road in Medina. Meet at the shelter.

Join a naturalist on a fall hike and enjoy the trees while learning about their leaves.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Forest Therapy Walk: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Green Leaf Park, 1674 S. Medina Line Road in Sharon Township. Join Jason of Whisper Shifter for a relaxed, sensory walking experience.

Non-strenuous movement in a natural setting, coupled with experiencing sensing, embodiment and appreciation for the natural world, is the main focus.

Ages 5 to adult. Register by Oct. 14 at www.MedinaCountyParks.com. Free.

Halloween All Aboard — Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Lester Rail Trail, 3654 Lester Road in Medina.

Bring your family and friends to this “spooktacular” event.

Members of the N.E.O.L.S. miniature railroad group will offer free train rides.

Children are encouraged to wear their costumes, but for safety, avoid long, flowing garments.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

S’more Snakes: 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road in Sharon Township. The days may be getting shorter, but it’s not too late to see s’more snakes.

Join the staff at the Nature Center any time between 1 and 3 p.m. to search for snakes and enjoy s’mores over a fire, while supplies last.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Color Walk: 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 23, Plum Creek Park North, 2390 Plum Creek Parkway in Brunswick Hills Township.

The forest is full of color this time of year. Join a naturalist to see just how many colors you can find while hiking the woods.

All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Natural Discoveries — Spiders: 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27, Allardale Park, 401 Remsen Road in Medina. Spiders are very beneficial in nature and are creatures we should not fear.

Join the staff to learn about the different species of spiders that live in this area and some of their amazing adaptations — including their ability to spin silk.

Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.

For a complete list of park programs, log on to www.medinacountyparks.com.

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