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May 7, 2007
WILDFLOWERS AND BIRDS TAKE CENTER STAGE
DURING GUIDED STATE PARK HIKES
 COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio State Parks are offering a variety of guided hikes this month to show off spectacular carpets of wildflowers, introduce nature enthusiasts and families to the delights of birding, and explore the interesting history of Ohio's canal era.
Park naturalists will be on hand to help hikers identify native wildflowers and migratory birds. Most of the hikes are on woodland trails with easy to moderate terrain suitable for most children and adults. International Migratory Bird Day hikes at Maumee Bay are on a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail.
Hikes in southern Ohio include:
Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County - International Migratory Bird Weekend, May 11-13. Several area naturalists will escort beginning and experienced birders along the Hocking Valley Birding Trail route for a variety of programs, hikes and events to celebrate the return of our avian friends. For information call (740) 385-6841, (740) 385-8003 or visit www.birdhocking.com.
Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County - Migration Bird Walk, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hope Furnace parking lot. Enjoy a leisurely hike to greet our colorful spring migrants. Some binoculars will be provided. For information call (740) 596-5253.
Forked Run State Park in Meigs County - Wildflower Hike, May 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Come hike the Deer Run Trail for an up close peek at the spring wildflowers. For information call (740) 378-6206.
Burr Oak State Park in Athens and Morgan counties - Wildflower Hike, May 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy the scenic Burr Oak Dam Trail and the woodlands covered with spring wildflowers. For information call (740) 767-3570.
Shawnee State Park in Scioto County - Whippoorwill Night Walk, May 12 from 8 to10 p.m. at the park office. Bring a flashlight for an excursion into the night to listen for the haunting melodies of the whippoorwill. For information call (740) 858-6652.
Pike Lake State Park in Pike County - Spring Wildflower Hike, May 19 from 10 a.m.to noon at the amphitheater. Take a relaxing hike to see spring's wildflower spectacular, and enjoy a hayride at 7 p.m. followed by a movie. For information call (740) 493-2212.
Hikes in northern Ohio include:
Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County - International Migratory Bird Day, May 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nature center will host bird banding demonstrations, guided hikes and slide shows. For information call (419) 836-9117.
Kelleys Island State Park in Erie County - Nest with the Birds, May 13-19. Catch the spring warbler migration, attend guided bird walks and hike the park trails. For information call (419) 746-2546 or visit information@kelleysislandnature.com.
Kelleys Island State Park in Erie County - Lilac Walk, May 13-20. Stroll the beautiful self-guided Lilac Trail and enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrant flowers. This walk begins on the south side of Ward Road, east of Division Street. For information call (419) 746-2546.
Van Buren State Park in Hancock County - Weekday Birdwatching Hike, May 17. Meet at the Nature Center at 9 a.m. for a relaxing hike to explore the treetops and meadows for songbirds. Warm up before the hike with a hot beverage, from 8:30 to 9:00. For information call (419) 348-7679.
Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County - Sandy and Beaver Canal Walk, May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gaston's Mill. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic canal route next to beautiful Beaver Creek, guided by a local historian. Additional canal hikes are held the third Sunday of every month through October. For information call (330) 385-3091.
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