An Amazon Smile Account to benefit the Ashtabula County Metroparks via the Ashtabula County Parks Foundation has been established, use the attached  link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/34-1816879  Amazon will donate .5% of eligible purchases to the Parks Foundation.  You must do all your shopping through Amazon Smile which will link up directly with your current Amazon account.

*** To benefit the Ashtabula County Metroparks please select “Ashtabula County Parks Foundation” when shopping on Amazon Smile.

Please note:

•  Gifts of appreciated stock can help reduce capital gain tax and remain a great way to make a gift.

•  If you have reached the age currently 72 ½ where you need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA’s, you can avoid paying taxes on them by donating that money directly to charity. This effectively reduces your adjusted gross income.

• Please consult with your tax advisor to determine the best strategy for your philanthropic gifts.

Thank you for all of your support!  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/34-1816879

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BE A BIKE ENTHUSIEST – CHECK THIS OUT!!!

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/03/21-bike-trails-to-explore-in-northeast-ohio.html

Nine-mile Grand River race from Harpersfield Covered Bridge to Hidden Valley Park. Awards to top three finishers in each race category (determined by skill level and boat type). Wear a fun, crazy hat while you race!

=”http://Grand River Canoe & Kayak Race 2021

The Ashtabula County Metroparks have reopened the parks, pavilions and campsites. 

It is our priority to maintain the parks and operations with your safety in mind.  We will continue to follow Governor DeWine and the Ashtabula County General Health Department’s recommended safety protocols.   Please see the following COVID-19 Rules and Guidelines that allow the parks to remain open:  

• Wear a mask – everyone 2 years of age and older wear a mask in public.
• Social distancing – stay a least 6 feet from others that don’t live in your household.
• Limit the people in-doors and at the pavilions to 30% maximum capacity.

Thank you for your continued support!

Ohio wildflowers which will be popping up

ODNR Chief Botanist, Rick Gardner shares some interesting wildflower information in this video, as well as when Ohio’s wildflowers bloom and the best locations to view them.

Nature Nugget: Check out the following video on different Ohio wildflowers which will be popping up across the area soon!

http://ow.ly/YwSpp

Recent Sam Wharram bird walk at Hatches Corners Metropark led by Marc Hanneman. Photos courtesy of Bobbie Rochow and Jeff & Kerri Coy