Aspiring writers are invited to submit original work to Verdant Wonders, the park district’s nature-focused literary journal. Fiction, creative nonfiction, personal essays and poetry are welcome from Ohio residents now through December 31, 2025. Anyone interested can read the first volume online to get a feel for the style and voices featured so far.
If you’d rather get outdoors and contribute to a scientific project, the parks are also encouraging visitors to take part in Chronolog, a citizen science tool that helps document seasonal changes across northeast Ohio. Whenever you come across a Chronolog station along the trails, simply take a photo and upload it following the instructions posted there.
Those images are stitched together into a time-lapse that tracks how nature transforms over time. Stations are currently located in Sand Run Metro Park at both the Big Bend and North Hawkins areas, at Munroe Falls Metro Park in the Lake Area and along the Meadow Trail, and at Cascade Valley Metro Park’s Valley View Area.
Some other Summit County Metro Parks notes:
Free 2026 Desk Calendars
Summit Metro Parks’ 2026 desk calendars are now available, free while supplies last. You can pick them up at Nature Realm, Liberty Park, Summit Lake, or the Admin Office. And if you’re grabbing one for the first time get a reusable wooden stand too.
Fall Hiking Spree Shield Help
Need help attaching your Fall Hiking Spree shield? Metro Parks volunteers will do it for free, Sunday, Dec. 7 at Goodyear Heights and Jan. 11 at Nature Realm from 1 to 3 p.m. Don’t forget, spree forms are due March 31.
Holiday Concert
Enjoy songs of the season with the Metro Parks Ensemble, Sunday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Himelright Lodge in Akron. Free holiday cheer and light refreshments included.
Online Program Registration Change
Beginning in January, all Summit Metro Parks program registrations will move online. Sign-ups open at 8:30 a.m. on the first of the month before each program.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming to Akron, with two showings at The Nightlight, plus a virtual option. Tickets are $25 and go on sale Dec. 15. All proceeds support Summit Metro Parks conservation efforts.
—————
In Portage County, the parks are getting a big boost from local students and community partners this season. Rootstown High School students recently spent the day at Dix Park, reinforcing the woven fence, reorganizing the play space and cleaning Story Trail signs. Park officials say they’re grateful for the students’ hard work and pride in keeping Portage Parks looking great for families who visit year-round.
The district is also inviting nature lovers to get involved in one of the oldest citizen science projects in the country: the annual Christmas Bird Count. Volunteers can join a guided birding hike at Morgan Park on December 20 to help record birds spotted in the area. Registration is required through the Portage Park District website.
Another partner making a difference is On Target Youth Sportsmen, a local group the park district is highlighting for its work mentoring kids in outdoor skills like archery, fishing and conservation. The newest Ohio chapter is right here in Portage County, and they stay active all year with clubs, clinics and family-friendly activities.
As you head out to enjoy the parks this winter, keep in mind that trails are not plowed, and parking lots are only cleared after 3 inches of snow. Dress for the weather, use caution on icy paths and enjoy everything Portage Parks have to offer.
