OK Awesome by Kristin Casale, Associate Editor
One of my favorite city programs recently announced its summer activity schedule -- the Stow Parks and Recreation Department's Weekly Hikes.
The hikes are offered in Adell Durbin Park and Arboretum, on Route 91, just south of Route 59. The park's Harold Welch Nature Center typically serves as the starting point from which the hikes begin.
I have worked in Stow for three years and lived in the community for two. My first assignment for the Stow Sentry involved exploring Adell Durbin and reporting about the park's more than 60-year history. But I did not begin taking any of the Weekly Hikes until more than a year later.
I have not gone on all the hikes offered, but the ones I have taken have been enjoyable and educational. The park is only a few miles from my apartment, so it is easy for me to take part in a hike.
Stow Park Naturalist Dave Roberts organizes the program and often guides the hikers.
Hikes I have taken in winter include the Shamrock Hike, in which hikers search for four-leaf clovers, and the Leaf-Collecting Hike, typically offered in September.
I have been on more fall and winter hikes than summer ones because my summer allergies become worse when I walk in the woods.
This summer, I plan to take some strong allergy medication and go on a few hikes I haven't taken before, though.I have gone on the Arboretum Hike, which is offered in summer and fall. The hike allows participants to learn more about the many specimens of trees in the park. My favorite is a weeping Chinese willow tree that can be found by the tennis courts. The tree recently began displaying its spring blooms.
The next Arboretum Hike is set for Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.
A few hikes planned for this summer that I hope to take include the Wildflower Hike and the Creek Life Hike. I have been through the entire park a number of times and have seen the park's large wildflower patch, but I know very little about what types of flowers are in the patch and hope to learn more about those and other wildflowers scattered around the park.
When I was in the park visiting on one occasion last spring, I ran into Roberts, who pointed out a few snowdrop flowers that were just beginning to bloom near Campbell Lodge.
The next Wildflower Hike is scheduled for May 24 at 2 p.m. The Creek Life Hike allows hikers to venture into Walnut Creek, which flows throughout the park. According to the program's schedule, salamanders, fish, cray fish and insects typically are found on the hike.
While I am not a fan of salamanders and other reptiles, I would like to take a closer look at the creek. It is rare that I get a chance to walk through a creek, and I have a pair of waterproof hiking boots for just such an occasion. The next Creek Life Hike is scheduled for June 14 at 2 p.m.
Other activities
The Weekly Hikes program offers more than just walks through Adell Durbin.
Roberts plans to bring information about the Nature Center to Munroe Falls River Day, scheduled for the morning of May 17 in Brust Park on Route 91.
Additionally, kite-flying activities and visits from the Akron Zoo take place in summer and fall.
I attended last year's Red, White and Blue Kite Fly as part of Stow Pride. Attendees can purchase kite-building materials and have the chance to fly their kites with help from the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites. The event takes place in Silver Springs Park, behind the campgrounds off Young Road, so there is more room to fly the kites.
I flew kites when I was younger, so it was a treat to see a few at Silver Springs Park. Society members brought kites with a number of panels and colors and flew them throughout the afternoon event.
This year's Red, White and Blue Kite Fly is scheduled for June 29 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Several visits from Akron Zoo animals are planned for this summer, with the next one scheduled for June 21 at 2 p.m. in Adell Durbin. I have yet to visit the zoo in the four years that I have lived in Ohio, so I hope to attend one of the zoo's visits to Stow this summer so I can see a few of the animals.
The Weekly Hikes program is a great way to learn more about Stow's natural assets, with activities planned all year long. I want to add at least a few more hikes to the list of those I have taken.
For more information about the Weekly Hikes program, call 330-689-5151.
E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3917