8 Early Spring Events in Ohio Parks

As Ohioans, we can be weary of declaring winter has come to a close, with some calling the first sign of warmer weather a “fool’s” or “false” spring. Though temperatures may continue to fluctuate, by mid-March and early April, most Buckeye State residents are ready to brave the great outdoors post-winter hibernation. From an inaugural 5K race that takes runners along the banks of the Ohio River to an informative hike spotlighting local flora, these eight events across several Ohio parks honor our state’s history, beauty and resiliency.

The Cuyahoga: A Dam Good Story | Mar. 18
Welcome watershed specialist Elaine Marsh as she explains the roles public policy, science and funding play in water quality. This evening gathering is put on by the Greater Akron Audubon Society and takes place in the East Room at Goodyear Heights Metro Park’s Lodge. Marsh, a lifelong devotee to Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, explains how the northeast Ohio waterways transformed from being overly polluted to like new.

Drop In: Welcome to Spring Event | Mar. 21
Greet the new season with this family-focused event at Highbanks Metropark’s Nature Center. From 1 to 3 p.m., visitors to the Columbus destination can take part in spring crafts, participate in hands-on activities and sit by a campfire to roast s’mores, if the weather permits.

Blackhand Gorge Wildflower Ramble | Mar. 21
Spring is peak wildflower season in our state, and for those wanting an up-close-and-personal look, join this gathering that traces Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve’s 4.3-mile Blackhand Trail. While hiking, Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff members share historic and natural information about the region. Visitors are incited to stick around afterward for historical reenactments and refreshments as a celebration of the Division of Natural Areas and Preserve’s 50th anniversary.

Great Southern Metro Park Grand Opening | Apr. 1
Celebrate with Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks as they officially open the 21st park in their system: Great Southern Metro Park. Join visitors in exploring the 70-acre recreation area, which features a 230-yard obstacle course, fitness station, playground, prairie and overlook deck. Several paved and gravel trails run through the park and are open to foot traffic, while cyclists can pick from three paved paths. Enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hot air balloons, carnival games, tram rides and refreshments from G & J Pepsi.

Bloom Zoom 5K at the Riverfront | Apr. 4
It’s the inaugural year for this 3.1-mile race benefitting the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. The course covers Smale Riverfront Park, Yeatman’s Cove, Sawyer Point and International Friendship Park and encourages participants to enjoy the daffodils, cherry blossom trees and tulips as they traverse each destination. Several Queen City-themed raffle baskets will be awarded to lucky winners, and 21-and-over runners can enjoy a free beer at the end.

Senecaville Fish Hatchery Open House | Apr. 4
Learn the ins and outs of these Buckeye State incubators — their history, purpose and operations — at Senecaville Fish Hatchery. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., take tours, view fish eggs and get your questions answered by Division of Wildlife staff members. Stick around to watch older fish in ponds or raceways.

Floating Through History with the Goodyear Blimp | Apr. 11
Meet at Wingfoot Lake State Park’s nature center for this history-focused hike courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and America 250-Ohio. A naturalist takes participants for a 0.75-mile hike around the park developed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1916. Dive deep into the company’s pivotal role in Akron’s and the nation’s industrialization and growth.

Ohio Native Plants: Restoring Your Backyard Habitat with Local Nurseries | Apr. 14
Three northeast Ohio native plant nurseries — Native Roots, Inc., Meadow City Native Plant Nursery and Natives in Harmony — join forces for this conversation about restoring our backyard habitats. Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Happy Days Lodge to learn about cultivating native plants, including site preparation, invasive plant control and plant selection. The Peninsula venue also features a small array of plants for sale from each vendor. Visitors are encouraged to bring information about their yard conditions so that experts can help pick something suitable.

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