Pedal park
If you haven’t been to Pearson Park and seen the newly refurbished lake area and/or haven’t been pedal boating yet (or ever), then now is the time. Pedal boating offers a relaxing experience that places you in the heart of a natural setting — my favorite part is the iridescent dragonflies and butterflies that flit around and hitch a ride on the boats or your arms. Improvements include new shoreline embankments allowing easier access for fishing. The lake offers largemouth bass, blue gill and is stocked seasonally with rainbow trout in May and catfish in August. Pedal boat rentals are $5 for a half hour on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Memorial Day through Labor Day). 12:30pm-7pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Park entrance at Lallendorf Rd off Navarre Ave Oregon, OH. For maps and info go to metroparkstoledo.com.
Cycling the parks
Share an engaging ride of discovery during the 25th annual Metroparks Bicycle Tour on Saturday, July 20 from 7 am until 4 pm with the Maumee Valley Adventurers. “This tour really is all about highlighting our gorgeous metroparks and the Maumee River — it’s a fantastic way to see them,” say organizer Judy Wright. This fun journey begins at Fallen Timbers Middle School at 6119 Finzel Rd. in Whitehouse. The four routes, which travel along the “safest and most scenic back roads,” elaborates Wright, are comprised of several destinations including Oak Openings, Fallen Timbers Monument, Farnsworth Parks, and Secor Metropark. Go to mvadventurers.org for required registration (online, mail-in or at the event), routes, fees, regulations and map info, or call
419-410-0087
Evening kayak
Did you miss last summer’s moonlight cruises? Don’t let this captivating and magical experience pass you by again. The Northwest Ohio River Runners will be paddling under the stars and full moon July 16 and August 20. Socializing begins at 7pm with free pizza with an 8:15pm launch time. Two kayaks are available (with life jackets and paddles) for loan. A bow light (provided) attached to your craft and life jackets are required. Please RSVP for the moonlight cruises at nworr.org; the private launch location will be emailed. Also visit the website for all upcoming activities, contact info, and to reserve kayaks and bow lights. Paddle with NWORR every Tuesday at 6:30pm from the Howard Pinkley Landing on Shoreland Ave (May-October). Check the website an hour before each outing to confirm the launch site (water level dependent) and weather cancellations. The NWORR invites everyone to participate in the July 23 outing, which will be filmed by channel 23 WGBU TV to air on their fall episode “Scenic Stops.”
Beauty snapshot
Take your best shot at the summer season — with a camera, that is. Capture Northwest Ohio's natural beauty as you stroll, paddle, bike or run through lush green natural areas. Then, submit photos by October 4 to UT’s Lake Erie Center’s 5th annual photo contest, called The Nature of our Region: From Oak Openings to Maumee Bay. To learn more about LEC’s (6200 Bayshore Rd Oregon) tours, science camp, lectures and photo contest, visit utoledo.edu/nsm/lec.
