EXPLORE THE LAKE ERIE SHORE AT CLEVELAND METROPARKS

March 20, 2014

If you haven't had the opportunity to check out Cleveland Metroparks new lakefront parks, spring is a great time of year to explore along the shore. The lakefront parks are a true gem in the �Emerald Necklace� featuring everything from beaches and boat launch ramps to picnic areas and fishing piers.

Learn interesting historical facts, discover nature and view wildlife as you explore beautiful Lake Erie and the surrounding wooded areas on foot with a Cleveland Metroparks naturalist.

Hikes and natural history programs featured in April include:

Sunday Bird Walk

Sunday, April 6 � 9 - 11 a.m.

Wildwood Marina parking lot � Euclid Creek Reservation

Enjoy a one mile bird walk geared for adults and teens with Cleveland Metroparks naturalist Tim Krynak. Search the shores of Lake Erie and surrounding forest for early spring migrants and resident birds already setting up territories.

Bird Hike

Saturday, April 12 � 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. Meet at Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Offices parking lot

Cleveland Metroparks naturalist Wendy Weirich leads a 1.5 mile bird hike through the preserve which is considered to be one of Cleveland's premier birding locations. Over time, more than 280 species of birds have been identified.

Edgewater Park History Hike

Saturday, April 19 � 2 - 3 p.m.

Edgewater Park � Lakefront Reservation

Join Karen Lakus, Cleveland Metroparks cultural history interpreter, for a two mile hike around Edgewater Park. Learn about some of the interesting landmarks, statues, historical buildings and various people who influenced the development of this amazing lakefront park.

Arbor Day Hike

Saturday, April 26 � 2 - 3 p.m.

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. Meet at Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Offices parking lot

Celebrate Arbor Day with a hike among the trees. Cleveland Metroparks naturalist Jill Hauger leads a hike around the preserve to explore the trees and the wildlife that lives among them. Did you know all the trees at the site grew naturally and none were planted?

Last summer, the Park District assumed management of the six lakefront properties. While the City of Cleveland owns the properties, Cleveland Metroparks holds a 99 year lease to manage and enhance the parks.

Anchoring Cleveland Metroparks presence on the shores of Lake Erie, Lakefront Reservation is made up of Edgewater Park, East 55^th Street Marina and Gordon Park while Euclid Beach Park, Villa Angela Park and Wildwood Park joined Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation. Together, these six parks encompass 511 acres along 14 miles of lakefront property.

For more information about the Sunday Bird Hike, call 440-253-2153. For all other lakefront hikes, call 216-206-1000.

For a complete list of hikes, educational programs and special events, visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com

HOLLY KECK -216-635-3253, hak@clevelandmetroparks.com