Join the Park District and our partners in marking Portage County's Bicentennial by celebrating our natural and cultural heritage!  From May through October, the Bicentennial Heritage Tours will be a great way to experience the beautiful landscapes and rich history that make our County such a wonderful place to live and work.

Here's a brief look at what we are planning:

"200 YEARS OF WILDLIFE" WITH THE BIOBUS
Watch for the BioBus bringing our park naturalists to area events and parades this year, with displays and activities to explore the history of Portage County’s wildlife.

FROG CALLING SURVEY AT HIRAM FIELD STATION
The Park and Hiram team up for programs at the Hiram Field Station, Thursdays, April 17th, May 15th, June 19th. All programs meet in parking lot and begin at 6:30.

CREEPY CRAWLY INSECTS FOR KIDS AT AREA LIBRARIES

Wednesdays,
June 11 at Aurora (time TBA),
June 18, 1:00 at Windham; 
June 25, 1:30 at Streetsboro;
July 9, 1:30 at Randolph.

BREAKNECK CREEK FISH SURVEY
Breakneck Creek Preserve: Division of Wildlife experts answer: “How’s the fishing?” May 31, 9:00 am.

BAT SURVEY AT TOWNER'S WOODS
August 16th at Towner’s Woods See these amazing animals up close with help from professional bat surveyors.

BUTTERFLY AND DRAGONFLY SURVEY
August 30 (31st rain date), Towner’s Woods: Learn about these beautiful bugs with help from staff from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

FARM TOUR DAYS
Explore a variety of Portage County’s farms on June 22nd and September 28th. Fun for the whole family!

PORTAGE PARKS "WILD HIKES CHALLENGE"
Earn a hiking staff by completing 8 of 12 designated hikes in 2008 — on your own, or with guides on the following dates:

May 3      Kick Off at Dix Park May 10    Night Hike at Towner’s Woods May 31    Breakneck Creek Hike June 7     Franklin Connector Hike              June 21   Streetsboro Park Hike July 12    Headwaters Hike Oct 18     Chagrin Headwaters Hike Oct 25     Walter Preserve Hike

NATURE AT THE RAVENNA TRAINING AND LOGISTICS SITE
Explore nature on the grounds of the former Ravenna Arsenal with guided activities once a month:
Biking, fishing, birding and bus tours. Pre-registration required to this usually off-limits area.

GEOLOGY TOUR AT LEFARGE SAND AND GRAVEL
Tour the layers of Portage County at Large Sand & Gravel, August 2, pre-registration required.

PORTAGE PARK DISTRICT HERITAGE FEST
Save the date for October 4th! Celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Portage County with outdoor music, food, games and displays on the grounds of the Portage County Historical Society.

PRE-REGISTER ONLINE!