The Update | Nelson Ledges Hike to Reveal Geology; E-bike Rentals on Mill Creek Trail
GARRETTSVILLE, Ohio – The geological survey division of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will lead a series of hikes at four of the agency’s original lands when it was formed in 1949.
The series – which includes a May 18 hike at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park – are part of the ODNR’s 75th anniversary celebration. Throughout 2024, the Legacy Geology Hike Series will provide hikers with opportunities to join ODNR geologists and naturalists and explore state parks that feature some of the state’s most fascinating geologic features, flora and fauna.
The hike series will cover a wide range of Ohio’s geological history, from the Ordovician Period through the most recent Ice Age, a span of about 450 million years. The state’s geological features include world-renowned fossil beds, striking rock formations and complex landforms left behind by glaciers.
Here is the schedule:
- May 18: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 1 p.m.
- June 22: Kiser Lake State Park, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 5: Shawnee State Park, 2:30 p.m.
- Nov. 2: Hueston Woods State Park, 10 a.m. hike and 1 p.m. fossil collecting.
Complete details can be found HERE.
Electric Bike Rentals This Season
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Electric bicycles will be available to rent this season at the Kirk Road trailhead of the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway.
The park system has partnered with Cruise the Creek to offer the hourly e-bike rentals starting May 1.
The rentals are being offered as part of a lease agreement between Mill Creek MetroParks and Cruise the Creek.
The new rental location will be open for the season, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last rental one hour prior to closing.
Reservations are required and can be made at cruisethecreek.com. Rental prices start at $18 per hour.
The existing rules and regulations of the bikeway will apply to electric bikes, which include a maximum speed of 15 mph.
For information, go to millcreekmetroparks.com or cruisethecreek.com.
Austintown Fireworks Move to Racino
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – The Austintown fireworks celebration will move to Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course this year.
It will take place Sunday, June 30. Gates will open at noon, and admission is free. The event will feature food trucks, celebrity meet and greets, bounce houses, a dunk tank, performances and a three-band concert headlined by Classic Stones. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m.
In past years, the event took place at Austintown Plaza.
Tourism Guide to State’s Most Charming Towns
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s charming towns are the perfect weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Full of cozy coffee shops, family-owned restaurants and locally sourced shops, the relaxing vibes in the getaways highlighted by TourismOhio offer destinations to explore all season long. Click HERE.
To make planning easy, TourismOhio has provided itinerary inspiration for five of Ohio’s charming towns that are particularly pleasant during the spring. Take a stroll through time in historic Chillicothe; curate a visit to artistic stops in Mount Vernon; get a taste of lake life at Port Clinton; shop ’til you drop in downtown Wooster; or take a bite out of the foodie scene in Yellow Springs (named by Forbes as one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024”).
Those looking to slow down in the beauty of nature don’t need to go far. The Ohio in Bloom article at Ohio.org lists the best spots to find wildflowers across the state. Scroll to the end of the article to find more floral excursions like U-Pick flower farms and where to make your own flower arrangements.
Those looking for even more spring adventures can check out 24 Things to Do in 2024: Spring in Ohio. It is a seasonal list of destinations, festivals, sporting events and attractions.
Spring vacationers can also check out the 2024 Official Ohio Travel Guide online or request a print copy for more trip ideas and travel inspiration.
Summer Reading Party at Girard Library
GIRARD, Ohio – Friends of Girard Free Library, 105 E. Prospect St., will present the Spring into Summer Reading Party at 6 p.m. May 9 in the library community room.
The event will include hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and cotton candy, and participants will receive a party favor. There will also be a basket raffle to raise money to replace the carpet in the children’s reading room. Tickets are $1 (or six for $5).
The event is free, but reservations are required. Go to Girard Free Library’s Facebook page to reserve a spot. For information, call 330 545 2508.
Westminster College Symphony Concert
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Symphony Orchestra will present its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, in the Will W. Orr Auditorium on the college’s campus.
The orchestra is composed of students and community members. Under the direction of Melinda Crawford Perttu, associate professor of music, the orchestra will perform “Danse Bacchanale” from “Sampson and Delilah” op. 47 by C. Saint-Saëns and N. Rimsky Korsakov’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor, op. 1.
Also on the program is F. Poulenc’s Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings, and Timpani, S. 93 featuring senior concerto competition winner, Hunter Peterson, on organ. Peterson, a senior from Russell, Pa., is a music performance major focusing on organ.
This concert is free and open to the public.
Scrappers Unveil Coaching Staff
NILES, Ohio – The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have unveiled the coaching staff for the 2024 season.
Joining team manager Quinten McCracken are former Major League Baseball relief pitcher Ron Mahay, pitching coach; former MLB catcher Mike DiFelice, hitting coach; and the Cleveland Guardians 2017 second round pick, outfielder Quentin Holmes, assistant coach.
The Scrappers are set to open the 2024 season at Eastwood Field on Friday, June 7, against the Frederick Keys. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. For information, go to mvscrappers.com.
Pictured at top: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park near Garrettsville.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
