Winter Hiking at its best

Cleveland Metroparks' North Chagrin Reservation is one of my favorite places. The big, old woods of the park beckon us to explore their secrets, even in the dead of winter. From a wide variety of trees to deep cold ravines, to rock outcroppings above frozen streams, this park is truly a winter wonderland.

I took this photo of a black-capped chickadee on my hand at the overlook shelter at the end of the Overlook Trail in A.B. Williams Memorial Woods, a National Natural Landmark located in North Chagrin Reservation. People have fed them there for years, so they are very tame. It is a great place to take kids for a surreal natural experience they will never forget.

Check out a few of the trails at North Chagrin:

• North Chagrin Bridle Trails
• Overlook Trail
• Sylvan Trail

Check out the Darke County Park District

The Darke County Park District has 12 parks with 500 acres of passive recreation opportunities. If you have never been to Darke County, it is northwest of Dayton, near the Indiana state line.

Check out a new page on the park district that we have just added thanks to Robb Clifford, Senior Naturalist with Darke County Parks: Darke County Park District, Western Ohio Parks.


This photo of the sugar shack at Shawnee Prairie is courtesy of the Darke County Park District.

Ohio Heritage Days

DATES: September 26-27 (Saturday and Sunday)
TIME: 10AM - 4PM
FEE: FREE!!!!
Barn Dance: Saturday, September 26 at 7PM-10PM

As part of Ohio’s Agricultural History, Malabar Farm will host the 34th Annual Ohio Heritage Days from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. This popular festival is one of Ohio’s largest free outdoor craft and living-history festivals and is open to the public.. Craftspeople will be demonstrating their talents and various old-fashioned trades in period clothing. Among the crafts being demonstrated will be spinning, weaving, woodworking, broom making, apple butter making, quilting, and more. Most craftspeople will have items for sale throughout the event.

The Malabar Antique Tractor Club will display vintage Willy’s jeeps, antique tractors, and many types of antique farm machinery. Local community non-profit groups will be offering a variety of foods from pumpkin items to funnel cakes. Vendors will also offer refreshments throughout the event including homemade sarsaparilla root beer and roasted nuts.

Louis Bromfield’s mansion, the Big House, will be open throughout the weekend for self guided tours.

The Malabar Farm Smoke House will be in full operation on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit Malabar Farm’s Naturalist at 1:00PM at the smokehouse for free smoked samples of Malabar raised bacon and ham. All of Malabar Farms ham and bacon, as well as other meat products including beef patties, sausage, bratwurst and more, are sold in the Gift Shop located in the Louis Bromfield Visitors Center.

Music Lineup

Music: Bud Preston
Date: Saturday and Sunday
Location: In front of the Visitors Center.

Clearfork Valley String Band
Date: Saturday
Location: Working Farm Area

John Henry and Friends
Date: Saturday & Sunday
Location: Main Farm Area (near Big House)

Stone Soup
Date: Sunday
Location: Working Farm Area

Back Porch Swing Band
Date: Saturday at 7PM to 10PM (Square Dance)
Location: In the Main Barn

Living History Demonstrations

Civil War Hospital (NEW)

Live demonstrations of a typical field hospital attached to Ohio regiments during the American Civil War. Live amputations!

Ohio Light Artillery Regiment

Live firing demonstrations and artillery displays.

Sons of Confederate Veterans (NEW)

Information pertaining to descendents of Confederate veterans who served during the American Civil War. Yes, there were soldiers from Ohio who served in the Confederacy.

Flint Knapping and Artifact Display (NEW)

Demonstrations and a four table display of local pre-historic artifacts brought to you by the Richland County chapter of the Ohio Archaeological Society.

Pioneer and Buck Skinners Encampment

Blacksmithing demonstrations, weaponry demonstrations and more!

Barn Dance

On Saturday evening, our traditional Square Dance will be held in the main barn next to the Big House. The dance will run from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature live music and square dance calling. The barn dance is sponsored by the Mohican Resort and Conference Center. This dance is open to all free of charge. Experienced dancers and beginners are welcome. Loudonville FFA Alumni will have refreshments and hot food available at the dance.

Hostelling International Open House

This is a very special year for hostelling! 2009 marks the 75th Anniversary of HI-USA and the 100th Anniversary of the worldwide hostelling movement. Stop by the Malabar Farm overnight hostel for a tour and to learn more about hostelling.

The Malabar Farm Restaurant will be open on Friday and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesdays through Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; For reservations or more information call 419-938-5205.

The Malabar Farm Market, located next to the Malabar Farm Restaurant, will be open summer and fall featuring locally-grown produce. Additionally, overnight accommodations are available at the Malabar Farm Hostelling International. Call 419-892-2055 for reservations at the Hostel.

Malabar Farm is located 12 miles southeast of Mansfield, Ohio, just one mile west of State Route 603 on Pleasant Valley Road. For more information about this and other special events offered year-round, contact the Malabar Farm State Park Office at 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, OH 44843-9745, or call 419-892-2784. Be sure to visit our web page at www.malabarfarm.org.

Ohio.com - Hikers hitting trails at parks

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County is getting its annual fall hiking spree underway. Get out and join the rest of northeast Ohio and enjoy nature along the great Metro Park trails. The hiking spree consists of thirteen designated trails. Hikers that complete 8 of the 13 trails earn either a hiking staff or a badge. (First year hikers get the staff, others get the badge to add to their existing hiking stick.)

Check the Metro Parks, Serving Summit County web site for a complete list of the hiking spree trails.

NeoNaturalist.com has reviewed several of the hiking spree trails. Check out these descriptions to see which trails are most interesting to you. Then, get outside and enjoy. If you want to complete the spree, you have until November 30.

• Bike & Hike Trail
• Deer Run Trail
  
• Buttonbush Trail
  
• Glens Trail
  
• Schumacher Valley Trail
  

Portage Park District Programs connect people to Nature!

Pre-registration Needed for Annual Bat Program

Come and learn about the secret lives of bats at the Portage Park District annual bat program on Friday August 14 at 8:45pm. We will meet at the Headwater's Trail parking lot at the Rt. 700 trailhead in Hiram. Jessica Hickey from Davey Resources will demonstrate bat survey techniques and equipment, as well as share little known facts about these nocturnal creatures! Pre-registration is necessary. Please call the Park District office at 330-297-7728 or email dalber@portageparkdistrict.org to pre-register. For information, please visit www.portageparkdistrict.org.

Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey

Members of the North American Butterfly Association and Portage Park District staff and volunteers will be fluttering through the field and forest on Saturday, August 15 for the annual Butterfly and Dragonfly survey at Towner's Woods Park in Franklin Township. The Park District is honored to have Judy Semroc as a guide for this activity, who, along with Larry Rosche and Linda Gilbert, have recently written a new book, the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio, second edition. It is the comprehensive guide for species occurring in Ohio. Copies of the book are available for sale ($26.88, which includes tax) at www.ddneo.info.

Towner's Woods is located at 2296 Ravenna Road, Franklin Township Directions: From SR 43, turn east onto Ravenna Rd., go 2 miles to the park entrance. A short hike begins at 10:00 am, followed by a trail and field survey for these beautiful and delicate creatures. It is recommended that participants bring water to drink and wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Pants are recommended for the more adventurous, who may venture off the trails into the field areas.
For information, please visit www.portageparkdistrict.org. or call (330) 297-7728.

Ribbon-cutting Sunday at Forest Ridge Preserve - Cleveland.com

Ribbon-cutting Sunday at Forest Ridge Preserve - Cleveland.com

This is a wonderful, large natural area that was preserved through a partnership of Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Moreland Hills. If you have a chance, attending the ribbon-cutting and taking a hike would be a great adventure!

Malabar’s “Farm Fun Day” & Barn Dance

As one of many events planned at Malabar Farm State Park, Fun on the Farm is the theme of this event. Some of the activities scheduled for the morning activities include: Egg and Spoon Race(five eggs have to be picked up and carried in a small basket over the finish line); Lasso the Steer; Get Dressed for Work (contestants must run to put on bib overalls, a coat, hat, gloves, and boots, then run to the finish line); Fix the Machinery (a container holds the right bolts to fit several holes in a steel plate, mixed in with an odd assortment of other nuts and bolts); Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest; Rubber Chicken Toss; a Sack Race and more. Additional competitions include A Pie Eating Contest (Noon) (chocolate or banana crème), Sidewalk Art and a Fishing Derby.

Instructions & Time Line

August 1, 2009

GAMES, SIDE WALK ART & PIE EATING CONTEST

· 10AM – 10:30AM: Morning Registration

Note: (Register for games, sidewalk art, pie eating contest. Pick up your game completion.)

· 10:30AM to 11:45PM: Morning Farm Games (Must be registered.See list of games below))

· 10:30AM to 11:45PM: Sidewalk Art (Must be registered)

· 12PM: Pie Eating Contest (Open to first 20. Register during “Morning Registration”)

· 12:15PM: Pie Eating Contest Awards

· 12:15PM: Contest Certificates

Note: Must complete all “Farm Contests” from 10:30AM to 11:45PM. You will receive a card at registration and will receive a check with the completion of every game.

FISHING DERBY

· 12:30PM: Fishing Derby Registration

· 1:00PM: Fishing Derby Begins

· 2:00PM: Fishing Derby Ends

· 2:10PM: Fishing Awards

MORNING GAMES INCLUDE:

· Walnut Pickup

· Dress like A Farmer (Get Dressed For Work)

· Sack Race

· Cow Pie Toss

· Rubber Chicken Toss

· Egg Spoon Race

· Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest

· Fish In A Bucket

· Lasso A Steer

· Horse Shoes

· Fix The Machinery

RULES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. An adult should accompany children.

2. All activities are open to the public free of charge.

3. Certificates of completion will be awarded. It’s all for fun!!!!!

4. Game completion certificates will be presented at the rear porch area at the Visitor Center.

5. Limited poles, wheel chair access dock, and bait will be available for youth under 16 years of age.

6. If you have your own fishing pole please bring it with you!

7. Ohio Division of Wildlife will be stocking the ponds with fish for the event.

8. Fishing Derby prizes awarded at 2:15PM are for most fish caught & largest fish caught.

BARN DANCE

Additionally, Malabar Farm will host a Summer Square Dance at the main barn beside the Big House. The dance will be held on Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The barn dance is sponsored by the Loudonville FFA Alumni. This old-fashioned square dance will take you back to the days when people gathered to celebrate summer with their friends and neighbors. Live music will be featured along with square dance calling. This dance is open to the public at no charge and refreshments will be available.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE EVENT

The Malabar Farm Restaurant newly renovated will be open on Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays 11:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. For reservations or more information call 419-938-5205. The Malabar Farm Market, located next to the Restaurant will be open summer and fall featuring locally-grown produce.

Additionally, overnight accommodations are available at Malabar Farm Hostelling International. The Hostel is a restored 1919 historic mail order catalog home where the Bromfield family lived from 1939-1940. Rates start at $20.00 per person. Call 419-892-2055 for reservations at the Hostel or visit the Hostel sub-page at malabarfarm.org.

Lake-to-Lake Trail will be dedicated July 9: Middleburg Heights Happenings - News Sun - Cleveland.com

Lake-to-Lake Trail will be dedicated July 9: Middleburg Heights Happenings - News Sun - Cleveland.com: "The trail is a 2.3-mile hard-surface nature trail that links two 11,000-year-old glacial-remnant lakes, Lake Isaac and Lake Abram."

This new trail, a 10-foot wide paved multipurpose trail, was dedicated at 11:00 am today. There are segments of boardwalk that cross marshes, which provide great opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife. Cleveland Metroparks has also installed interpretive signage along the trail. A life-sized mastodon skeleton is embedded in a sand pit at the northern end of the trail. The mastodon is perhaps a tip of the hat to the ancient heritage of the Lake Isaac/ Lake Abram area. These lakes were formed during the last ice age. They are the last remaining, and largest remaining glaicially-formed kettlehole lakes in Cuyahoga County.

Thanks to Cleveland Metroparks for making such a great area accessible to people! Without their time and investment, this diverse, important habitat would not be know, and would not be available for our education, spiritual renewal, and physical exercise. Get out and hike on the Lake to Lake Trail!

LAKE TO LAKE TRAIL
Driving Directions

To Lake Isaac:
I-71 - exit at Pearl Rd. (Rt 42)
(from the north, turn left/ from the south, turn right)

at Fowles Rd., turn left (west) to Big Creek Parkway (.5 mile)
turn left on Big Creek Parkway
Lake Isaac Waterfowl Sanctuary will be on the right.
To Lake Abram:
I-71 - exit at Bagley Rd
(from the north, turn right/from the south, turn left)

Go past Southwest General Hospital to Eastland Rd.
Turn right on Eastland Rd. and Lake Abram parking will be on the right.

Primitive Campsites open in Cuyahoga Valley

With the growing popularity of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the opening of five primitive campsites within Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a welcome and needed move. Located at the Standford Youth Hostel, the campsites are near the center of the National Park. In addition to making the towpath a longer-term adventure, providing these new camp sites will also allow people to though-hike the Buckeye Trail in this area. This is a great enhancement to the already wonderful trail experience.

Reservations should be make at least 3 days in advance. The sites cost $15 per night, 6 people per site. The camp sites are for hikers and bikers only. Drive-up camping is not permitted. Camp fires are permitted only in a group fire ring. Firewood is provided.

To make reservations, call the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association Reservation Coordinator's Office at (330) 657-2909, ext. 119, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For information regarding other camping opportunities along the Towpath Trail in Summit County, please call (330) 867-5511. For information regarding camping along the Towpath Trail in Stark County, please call (330) 477-3552.

Portage Park District Plans Morning and Moonlight Hikes

Our friends at the Portage Park District have announced some interesting, fun and informative activities. Check them out:

Early Morning Bird Hike
at Dix Park

Did you ever hear the saying early bird gets the worm? Saturday May 9 at 8:00 am Join our Park Naturalist for an informative, bird-filled morning walk! Dix Park consists of 103 acres of woods and wetlands with hiking trails-at this time of year the woods are filled with a variety of migrating songbirds. Located at 7318 State Route 44, RavennaTownship. Directions: From the intersection with SR 14 go North on SR 44 about 3/4 of a mile to park entrance on east side.

Full Moon
Bike Ride
on the PORTAGE Bike & Hike Trail

Sat May 9th. Meet at 8:15 pm in the Towner's Woods parking lot for an easy 4 mile round-trip ride to experience the natural sights and sounds of a spring dusk--helmets and lights are recommended.
Towner's Woods Park is located at 2296 Ravenna Road, Franklin Township. From SR 43, turn east onto Ravenna Rd., go 2 miles to the park entrance.

Mother's Day at the Park
Spring Wildflower Hike

Sunday May 10th 9:00 a.m. Grab Mom and bring her to Dix Park to enjoy the beautiful woodland wildflowers before they're gone. Dix Park consists of 103 acres of woods and wetlands with hiking trails at 7318 State Route 44, Ravenna Township Directions: From the intersection with SR 14 go North on SR 44 about 3/4 of a mile to park entrance on east side.

The Portage Park District was formed by the action of the Portage County Commissioners in 1991 as an independent government agency. It is overseen by an unpaid, five-member Board of Park Commissioners appointed by the County Probate Judge according to Ohio Revised Code 1545.

Contact Info:
Portage Park District
128 North Prospect Street
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
330-297-7728

February Events at Malabar Farm State Park

Malabar Farm State Park in North Central Ohio has the cure for cabin fever!

Cross Country Skiing/Rentals

Thursday through Sunday
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$5.00 per rental hour

The ski trails are open and are currently graded as “Excellent - Snow depth 3"+ over 90% coverage over all trails”. The grad will remain intact if temperatures stay below freezing and will improve pending more snow fall. Please visit www.malabarfarm.org for current conditions.


Malabar Farm “Big House Tours”
Saturday & Sunday
12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM
$4.00 Adult
$3.60 Seniors
Under 18 $2.00

Malabar Farm Restaurant
Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sunday: 11am - 7pm

Owl Walks (FREE)
February 7th & 14th
Saturday & Sunday
7:30 PM


A few more activities to round out your day...

• Stop by the new Malabar Farm Songbird Aviary.
  
• Take the kids to the Malabar Main Barn and discover our farm/petting animals.
  
• Explore the rock shelters and caves in all of its winter beauty.
  
• Eat our farm fresh products at the Historic Malabar Farm Restaurant (1820).
  
• Rent a sled and find the nearest hill for a little adventure.
  
• Ice Skate on the frozen ponds (weather and conditions pending).
  
• Explore over 10 miles of picturesque hiking trails (For a sample, go to neoNaturalist.com's review of the Butternut Loop Trail.)
  
• Purchase old fashioned Lehman’s products, Malabar Farm grass-fed meat, and fresh fudge in the Louis Bromfield Gift Store.
  

And...a sneak peak of March:

Malabar Farms FREE Maple Festival will be held March 7, 8 14, 15.

Get out and enjoy Ohio Parks!

Check out the Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park

Quarry Trail| Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County

I recently had the opportunity to explore this great trail just south of Peninsula Ohio. In spite of the single-digit temperatures, it was an adventure well worth experiencing. With my breath providing a visible excise for my normally poor photography, I got even fewer photos worth sharing compared to a normal hike.

What I did get was a renewed sense of history. The little quarry here provided the mill stones for the company that eventually became Quaker Oats. Meanwhile, the Deep Lock (17 feet compared to an average of 9 along the Ohio and Erie Canal) helped more commerce between Lake Erie and points south. This now peaceful forest was once bustling with activity. Now, songbirds, rare plants, and hikers are the most activity this little bit of earth sees, save the occasional rumble of the nearby Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway.

Sometimes it is hard, with all the worry about global climate change, urban sprawl, endangered species and everything else, to remember that some places that were used intensively are recovering over time. While I don't mean to minimize the very real risks to our environment today, sometimes it is good to get outside and look at the bright side. Even if there is a chance of frostbite. Brrr. Read about the trail here: Quarry Trail

Explore Peaks and Valleys on the Fall Hiking Spree

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County - Peaks and Valleys Hike

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County's Fall Hiking Spree is still going on. If you have a chance, check out this great trail along with one of Metro Parks' excellent naturalists. The hike is on the Deer Run Trail at O'Neil Woods Metro Park in Bath. This winter weather provides a splendid opportunity to see the lay of the land along this trail without the vegetation blocking the long views available from the peaks along the trail.

Get outside and see something special!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a glimpse of nature

One of only 55 National Parks across the U.S., Cuyahoga Valley is a hidden gem. From towering waterfalls and tall trees, to the Ohio and Erie Canal that once connected the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, this park is a true national treasure that you should visit.

read more | digg story

Is mountain biking environmentally harmful?

A brewing controversy in Cleveland Metroparks:should an agency whose mission is to conserve natural resources allow mountain biking?

Is this outdoor recreational activity more destructive than paved trails, natural surfaced trails that are poorly placed, or equestrian trails? Cleveland Metroparks in this case is coming down against the idea of mountain biking. Meanwhile National Park rules may change to allow mountain biking.

Having been around parks for many years, and seeing many different types of trails and activities, my personal opinion is that if properly managed, this type of trail is just as compatible with natural resources conservation as a bridle trail, paved trail, or even hiking trails with natural surfaces.

Bicycles can undoubtedly cause erosion issues, but so can other unregulated uses. People need to be in contact with nature. If mountain biking excites them, they ought to be able to engage in their chosen outdoor recreation. Bike trails can be created in an environmentally sustainable manner. As long as it is done right, I am all for it.

Four great things to do with the family in October

Fall is a precious time. There is only so much time when it is still comfortable to get outdoors. Only so long until the wildflowers fade. Not much longer until our spare time will be spent with the extended family for the holidays.

Before the last decent day passes, get outside and enjoy Nature! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Visit a park with an view

Find a favorite park that has a scenic overlook. A new favorite of mine is Mt. Jeez at Malabar Farm State Park near Mansfield Ohio. Take a picnic and make a day of it. While you are enjoying the views, maybe you could:

Take a fall hike

A crisp fall day is the perfect time to get out and walk in the woods. Check out these great fall hiking trails in Ohio. (If you aren't from Ohio, or even if you are, find some close to home trails that are nice in the fall, and leave a comment on this post for others to see your favorites!)

Brush up on Winter Tree ID

Take some time to practice leaf identification with the kids. If you are ambitious, you could collect a variety, glue them down on card stock with white glue, and label them as a learning aid for the family. If you are a glutton for punishment, you could wait until the leaves are gone, and then try your hand at Winter Tree ID!

Orienteering: Find your way with a map and compass

Once the leaves are gone, it is easier to see the lay of the land, and places that were dense with foliage earlier in the year will be wide open for you to explore. It is a great time to learn orienteering, or brush up on it and share it with your kids or friends if you are an old pro. See what it is all about here: Orienteering.

What ever you choose to do with the rest of your fall, please make sure to get outdoors. Then come back and post your adventures, insights, or thoughts as comments here.

Northeast Ohio parks buck national trend, attendance is up

While park visitation may be down on the whole, in northeast Ohio, park attendance is up 20% in recent times.

Is it because we have better parks? More Parks? People more in tune with Nature? Bad statistics? Whatever the reason, neoNaturalist.com encourages you to continue this trend and check out Ohio Parks on neoNaturalist.com.

Read more about the trends in park visitation here:

read more | digg story

Portage Park District Video

Support Issue 32- Portage Park District, the Natural Choice for You! The Portage County, Ohio park district is seeking its first ever dedicated funding, a 1/2 mill property tax that will cost property owners $1.50 per month per $100,000 of property value. This small investment will allow the park district to bring millions of dollars of state and federal matching grants back to Portage County, and will allow the park district to operate clean, safe parks close to home. Check out this video and support the Portage Parks! Check out the levy campaign's web site at www.citizensforportageparks.org.

read more | digg story

Their lives depend on it-Get your kids outside!

As naturalist William Hudson tells us in On Taking Kids Outside, children need to be exposed to the outdoors to thrive and connect to the real nature all around us.

Don't just take our word for it. In the newspaper article linked below, Jennie Vasarhelyi, Chief of interpretation, education and visitor services for Cuyahoga Valley National Park tells us all about it, and throws in a schedule of events to boot.

Enjoy! Akron Ohio News - Outdoors benefits children’s well-being

Tree Farm Trail

We walked the Tree Farm Trail at the Horseshoe Pond area of Cuyahoga Valley National Park last evening with the kids. We got to watch a great blue heron patiently waiting for a chance to spear its dinner in the shallows of the pond. Also saw greater lobelia along the connector trail that takes you to the picnic shelter on the peninsula of Horseshoe Pond.

Back to the topic of the Asters of September, we did see smooth aster, and New England aster along the trail, as well as a host of other beautiful late season wildflowers. This is the perfect time to get out and see these wonderful colorful natural works of art.

I could feel winter moving closer, and see fall in the yellowing leaves of the maples and ashes. Get outside and see the wildflowers before the opportunity is gone for the year. Time flies.

Fall migrations playing near you!

My last post, about the Asters of September, reminded me that we will soon be seeing lots of changes in Nature. Late summer and fall is the time of wildlife migration. Birds, butterflies, dragonflies,, whales, bats and other creatures change their routines at this time. In Northeast Ohio, we are blessed with several flyways crossing our skies.

This month and next month are a great time to get out and explore Nature, witnessing the diversity of wildlife as the birds fly through. We have some great federal parks and preserves in Ohio, and an abundance of state lands suitable for observing bird migrations as well.

Check out this article from enature.com about fall migrations to learn a bit more: eNature: The Fall Lineup.

Hocking Hills the Fall

I have always loved the other-worldly feel of the Hocking Hills area. The rock outcroppings, caves, mature forests and hilly landscape all make for some exciting and sometimes challenging hiking. Not to mention the feeling that you are walking through a natural "place of power". It just feels to me like the Earth's energy is very close to the surface in the region. You can close your eyes and almost feel the vital energy that holds us all together pulsing through the rocks and trees and streams. Check out this Plain Dealer article to learn more about the hunting, fishing, and natural relaxation options:

Hocking Hills fine in the fall - Cleveland Outdoors by D'Arcy Egan | The Plain Dealer - Cleveland.com

A weekend in the 1800's--Hamilton County Park District -- Cincinnati, Ohio

Hamilton County Park District -- Cincinnati, Ohio
Hamilton County Park District is having an 1800's weekend that runs September 20 from 3 to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity for naturalists, history buffs, kids, moms, dads, grandparents, and just about anyone else to get outdoors and learn about our shared heritage.

The event is held at Shawnee Lookout. This Hamilton County Park has forests, meadows and prairie habitats, along with vast areas of wetlands nearby. Shawnee Lookout is a great place to observe wildlife. The park also includes views of the Ohio River Valley and the Great Miami River Valley. Check out the nature along the park's three hiking trails.