Portage Park District is hosting an array of programs this month. All programs require registration. All events are free, with the exception of the July 8 Headwaters Adventure Race. Visit Portage Park District’s website for registration and program information. Look for the “Things to Do” button at the top of the webpage.
July 6: Tree Identification: Join Bob Lange, Portage Parks’ natural areas manager, as he leads a guided hike. Lange will point out trees along the way and teach keys to identify them. 6. p.m. at Shaw Woods, 7075 Berry Road in Ravenna Township.
July 8: Headwaters Adventure Race: Join the Portage Park District Foundation as they run two miles, bike 10 miles, and paddle five miles. Solo and team contestants are welcome. All proceeds support Portage Parks. 8 a.m. at Buchert Park, 4808 E. High St., Mantua.
July 11: Family Game Night. Perfect for all ages. Come prepared to play as a family or challenge each other on park-related topics. 6 p.m. at Dix Park, 7318 State Route 44 in Ravenna Township.
July 12: Touch a Bug: Learn about the benefits bugs, even creepy, crawly ones, provide, in a safe, no-pressure environment, Touching is encouraged, but not required. 9 a.m. at Morgan Park, 8828 State Route 44 in Shalersville Township.
July 13: Owlbert’s Adventure: Pond Life: Learn about what else besides ducks, geese, and fish live in Portage ponds. 11 a.m. at Seneca Ponds Park, 515 Mondial Parkway in Streetsboro.
July 13: UH Hike with an Expert: Join a representative from University Hospitals Portage Medical Center on a hike/Q&A about all things related to heart health. 6 p.m. at Trail Lake Park, 605 Ravenna Road in Streetsboro.
July 17: Bats Webinar: From the comfort of your own home, learn about the important ecological niche bats fill. 7 p.m.
July 18: Summer Bees: Learn about how bee populations change throughout the season. 2 p.m. at Morgan Park, 8828 State Route 44 in Shalersville Township.
July 12: Ride with a Ranger: Join Chief Ranger Kevin Nietert on a 14-mile ride along the whole Portage Hike and Bike Trail. Not recommended for novice riders. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. starting and ending at Portage Hike & Bike Trail, 535 Cleveland Road in Ravenna.
July 19: Birding Club: Even newbies are invited to practice their avian identification skills in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. 8 a.m. at Morgan Park, 8828 State Route 44 in Shalersville Township.
July 19: Backyard Stewardship for Beginners: Join insect and botanical photographer Danae Wolfe to learn about the importance of insects and spiders, and explore ways to protect and preserve backyard bugs through sustainable land stewardship. 6 p.m. at Morgan Operation Center, 8505 Nicodemus Road in Shalersville.
July 20: Senior Hike: A slower-paced group hike for all ages. Noon at Headwaters Trail, state Route 700.
July 20: Junior Ranger Event: What Lives Under Logs: Fallen logs host little habitats. Peek at the unique ecosystem underneath each log. 6 p.m. at Dix Park, 7318 State Route 44 in Ravenna Township.
July 21: Moth Night: See a wave of moth activity. 10 p.m. at Dix Park, 7318 State Route 44 in Ravenna Township.
July 22: Art in the Park Meadow Painting: All skill levels are welcome, from novice painter to accomplished artists. 6 p.m. at Morgan Park, 8828 State Route 44 in Shalersville Township.
July 28: Happy Heart Hike: This hike moves at a fast pace, approximately 3-4 mph with minimal breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. 9 a.m. at Headwaters Trail, state Route 700.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.