Guest post sponsored by Erie MetroParks, written by Kippie Loughlin, Marketing & IT Coordinator
Spring is fast approaching, and life will start to awaken on the North Coast. The birds will migrate through our area, flowers will bloom, and temperatures will again become comfortable. With these seasonal changes Erie MetroParks will see a spike in visitors.
Erie MetroParks currently manages 14 parks and preserves within Erie County, totaling more than 3,300 acres of green space. With over 30 miles of trails, scenic views, recreational equipment, and water access; Erie MetroParks is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
Many of the parks offer unique landscapes with fossils, glacial grooves, and wildlife that are difficult to find anywhere else. With many of the parks being close to the water, many migratory birds find refuge in the parks. There are three Lake Erie Birding Trail locations within Erie MetroParks. The park district also offers over 300 free public programs every year! From kayaking to archery, maple sugaring to birding; there is something for everyone.
Erie MetroParks recently opened the Roger Johnson Nature Center at Osborn MetroPark. The nature center is an amazing addition to the area! The nature center has a tree-experience, a turtle pond, education animals, a children’s library, a Window-on-Wildlife for nature viewing, and so much more! The Roger Johnson Nature Center is located at 3910 Perkins Ave. in Huron, OH. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM to 4PM.
Erie MetroParks will also host an Earth Day Extravaganza at Osborn MetroPark on April 26, 2025, from 11AM-3PM. There will be entertainment, giveaways, food trucks, animals, and representatives for multiple agencies that focus on nature and preservation. People from all over the region can come together to celebrate Earth Day and the natural resources that are right here in Northeast Ohio. While attending the event you can also visit the Roger Johnson Nature Center, take a trip to Edison Woods MetroPark, Castalia Quarry MetroPark, or go birding along East Sandusky Bay.
Erie MetroParks will also host hundreds of free nature programs this spring, including guided hikes, workshops, birding programs, maple sugaring programs, and more. The parks will also host multiple contests this year, including the Ohio Wildlife Youth Art Contest, The 
Great Pumpkin Hunt, and more. Everyone should be part of the Erie MetroParks community. Attending events at the parks helps foster friendships and provides a place where people can obtain valuable knowledge about local wildlife.
We are so thankful for the lake and all the wildlife that call the parks home. We are also thankful that the park district provides visitors with a system of clean, safe, natural area parks and places to explore. From playgrounds to hiking trails, waterways to facility reservations; Erie MetroParks continues to provide visitors with special programs and a space where they can relax and take in the natural beauty of our area. So, lace up your boots and get ready to immerse yourself in nature. Come see what Erie MetroParks has to offer.
You can learn more about Erie MetroParks, view park maps, and sign up for nature programs by visiting https://eriemetroparks.org.
