“Fall into Nature” event returns to Bath Nature Preserve

‘Fall into Nature’ event features outdoor activities, Halloween costume parade

Bath’s “Fall into Nature” celebration will take place onSaturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Bath Nature Preserve.This free, family-friendly event is open to residents of Bath and neighboring communities. It takes place rain or shine, showcasing the Bath Nature Preserve, the Dr. Paul E. Martin Center for Field Studies and Environmental Education and Mother Nature’s splendor.

The University of Akron Field Station, the Bath Park Board and Bath Township invite young and old to enjoy the afternoon. Music from Keith Barnett, solo guitarist, will surround guests as they enjoy complimentary activities including hayrides, scarecrow making, a pumpkin patch, face and pumpkin painting, a bike raffle and a story walk.

Timed events are:

  • 11:30 a.m. – Blessing of the dogs; bring your pet or their toy for a blessing.
  • 11:30 a.m. – Bird identification walk led by John Landis. A bird display featuring the “Bath Bird Blitz” book is available for purchase in the Regal Beagle.
  • 12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – Akron Zoo Mobile animal presentations.
  • 1 p.m. – Halloween costume parade; no pre-registration required. Wear a costume and follow a unique walking course.
  • 2 p.m. – Collect insects on a walk with Dr. Randy Mitchell.
  • 2:30 p.m. – Raffle drawing for two bikes sponsored by the Bath Police Department.

Donald Witt, a pumpkin carver, will sculpt masterpieces. The fire department invites attendees to challenge themselves in an obstacle course. The Summit County Astronomy Club will open the celestial observatory to allow people to view the sun through the solar scope, weather permitting. The club will also have glow-in-the-dark T-shirts for sale.

The University of Akron Field Station will provide hands-on activities and exhibits highlighting their on-site projects including writing “Love letters to the unloved,” flower making, woolly bears and insect identification.

Local Bath community associations will have displays, present information and provide activities, including Akron-Summit Library and Bookmobile, Bath Fire Department, Bath Gamma Garden Club, Bath Township Historical Society, Bath Park Board, Bath Police Department, Bath-Richfield Kiwanis, Cascade Auto Group, Cub Scouts, Friends of Yellow Creek, Heart of Revere, Heritage Corridors of Bath, Summit County Beekeepers and Summit Soil & Water Conservation.

Does fall weather stir your appetite? DJ’s Snack Shack and Papa Bears Ice Cream will be available for purchase.

Enter the Bath Nature Preserve trailhead at 4240 Ira Rd. where parking is available. Free shuttles will take attendees from the lot to the event site. There is handicap parking at the field station. For additional information, visit bathtownship.org, email BathParkBoard@gmail.com or visit Bath Parks on Facebook. ∞