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for more details!
 
 

 


2019 BLUE WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday, May 13th

10:00 a.m.           Lupine in Bloom                                                                            OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK LODGE

Wild Blue Lupine is one of the signature species of the Oak Openings Region and is the only host plant for the Karner Blue Butterfly larvae.  Take a naturalist led walk as we enjoy this beautiful plant that is state listed in Ohio as a potentially threatened species.

 


6:00 p.m.                 In Their Footsteps: Edwin Mosely                                                                   KITTY TODD NATURE PRESERVE 

One of the first faculty members at Bowling Green State University in 1914, Mosely documented the Oak Openings Region before major settlement in the ‘Flora of the Oak Openings’. Learn about Mosely’s work and explore the beautifully restored preserve to get first hand picture of what the pre-settlement Oak Openings looked like.

 

Tuesday, May 14th

11 a.m.                Pine Management Walk                                       OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK BUEHNER CENTER

Pine trees planted decades ago to prevent soil erosion are now reaching the end of their life span. Areas of pine trees are being removed in Oak Openings to restore significant rare habitats and native species. Learn about the project through a walk with Metroparks Natural Resources and Education staff to see some of the areas impacted.

                               

6:45 p.m.                In Their Footsteps: A Force of Nature, Lucy Braun               WILDWOOD METROPARK, WARD PAVILLION

A special film event hosted by WildOnes Oak Openings Chapter about the pioneering plant ecologist, Dr. E. Lucy Braun was instrumental in inspiring preservation of the most significant natural areas in southern Ohio and Kentucky. To attend, go to wildonesoakopenings.org/.

Wednesday, May 15th

9:00 a.m.             All Things Blue                                                                               OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK LODGE

Come and discover all things Blue on a naturalist led hike.  We will look for Wild Blue Lupine, Blue Jays, Blue Birds, Blue Racer snakes and more! 

 

11:00 a.m.           Sylvan Prairie Walk and Picnic                                                                                                            SYLVAN PRAIRIE

Join the Olander Parks naturalists for a springtime hike and picnic at a restored Oak Openings prairie. 

 


6:00 p.m.               In Their Footsteps: Irwin Preserve                                                                IRWIN PRAIRIE STATE NATURE PRESERVE

Considered the finest remaining sedge meadow in the state, Irwin Prairie is a mosaic of distinctive plant communities. Join Preserve staff to hear the story of how past naturalists helped in acquiring and preserving this important site.

 

Thursday, May 16th                    

9:00 a.m.             Birds of Blue                                                                                                  OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK

Take a hike with a park naturalist and search for blue birds such as: bluebirds, blue jays, indigo buntings and anything else blue we can find!

 

7:00 p.m.             Water and Wetlands for Youth                                                                            W.W. KNIGHT NATURE CENTER

Wood County is featuring clear blue water at this event. Tatiana Burkett, with Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, will present on actions that you can take to improve water quality in our community. Youth will join a naturalist at the wetland to look for macroinvertebrates and learn how they help us determine water quality.

 


7:00 p.m.               In Their Footsteps: Harold Mayfield                                                                                       SECOR METROPARK     

Dr. Elliot Tramer shares contributions from Harold Mayfield, including Mayfield’s role in the remarkable recovery of the endangered Kirkland warbler.                                                                                

Friday, May 17th

5:00 p.m.               In Their Footsteps: Lou Campbell                                                       OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK

Come share your memories and help honor one of the Oak Openings’ great naturalist on his birthday. Hike the Oak Openings Preserve, Campbell Tallgrass Prairie and Girdham Dunes with Metroparks Monitoring and Research Supervisor Karen Menard, and National WildOnes board member, Denise Gehring.

 

7:00 p.m.             Blue Week Celebration                                         OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK BUEHNER CENTER

Celebrate the beauty of the Oak Openings with a bonfire, friends, and food.  After the In Your Footsteps hike, the Green Ribbon Initiative will connect the past to our future conservation efforts by announcing awards for those that have contributed to the conservation of the Oak Openings. Awards include the Blue Week photo contest youth and adult winners, landowner of the year award, and conservation partner of the year award. 

 

Saturday, May 18th

 

10 a.m.-2 p.m.   Native Plant Sale                                                                                                                             SECOR METROPARK

Help restore nature and bring more wildlife to your yard by growing native plants sourced from the Oak Openings Region and Great Black Swamp. Proceeds go to the Oak Openings Green Ribbon Initiative & Wild Ones programs.

 

10:00 a.m.           Endangered Species                                        OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE METROPARK, GIRDHAM RD DUNES

Commemorate National Endangered Species Day on a morning quest to find Lark Sparrows, an Ohio endangered species. Bring binoculars for a close-up view! 

 

2-4 p.m.               Oak Openings Southview Savanna Bike Tour                                       MCCORD RD BIKE TRAIL PARKING LOT

Join TOPS Director, Erika Buri, for a bike ride down the University Parks Bike Trail to the Southview Oak Savanna. TOPS started work on this site in 2002 and it is home to over 20 state-threatened or endangered species. The geology is cool too. Find out about this hidden community gem, then ride back to your cars, a total trip of 1.5 miles. Perfect for all bikers.

 


6:00 p.m.               In Their Footsteps: Toledo Naturalists’ Association                                                  MAUMEE STATE FOREST

Toledo Naturalists’ Association board members Tom Kemp and Eric Durbin will share their wealth of knowledge about the Oak Openings and discuss the rich history of Toledo naturalists.

 

Sunday, May 19th

10a.m.-2 p.m.    Native Plant Sale                                                                                                                         SECOR METROPARK

Help restore nature and bring more wildlife to your yard by growing native plants sourced from the Oak Openings Region and Great Black Swamp. Proceeds go to the Oak Openings Green Ribbon Initiative & Wild Ones programs

 

10a.m.-2 p.m.    Oak Openings Region Family Day                                                                                           SECOR METROPARK

Green Ribbon Initiative partners have planned a day for the kids to revel in the Oak Openings.  Join us for arts and crafts activities, nature hikes, and programs about native plants for both adults and kids.  Visit www.oakopenings.org/blue-week for a schedule of events and activities. 

 

9 a.m.- Noon      Native Habitat for Game Hunting                                                             PETERSBURG STATE GAME AREA, MI               

The Western Lake Erie Cluster of The Stewardship Network and Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a tour of the Petersburg State Game Area. Staff will identify species that are unique to the Oak Openings landscape and discuss management priorities to help preserve the habitat and promote recreational use for hunting.

 

1-4 p.m.               Bow For Blue Week                                                                 TOMAHAWK ARCHERS CLUB, MI

Have you ever wanted to learn archery? Join us to learn one of the greatest hobbies of all time as we shoot a field course that winds through The Oak Openings. No experience or equipment is necessary. Tomahawk Archers will provide everything you need to have a fun filled afternoon. Cost $10.