Come join us for a walk THIS SATURDAY MORNING at Gorge Metro Park!

Summit Metro Parks will close the lower trail to the observation deck at Gorge Metro Park next week, so NOW is our best chance to get a final, close look at the dam and surrounding areas before dam removal begins.

We'll meet in the Gorge Metropark parking lot at 9am, before the day gets hot, and walk for an hour or so. Come along!

FYI, the date of dam removal is yet to be determined, but since the trails will remain closed for as long as five years, now's the time to go! We'll also have a look at the preparatory work being done prior to the removal of sediment behind the dam--the first step in the removal process.

For more details on Gorge Metro Park and the removal of the dam, please see: https://www.summitmetroparks.org/about/free-the-falls/

[Photo courtesy Summit Metro Parks]

6 miles, about 4 hrs.

We're making a change to the July 6 trip! Due to elevated water levels on the Cuyahoga, and the fact that the new put-in at Northampton is not yet open after all, we'll paddle in the UPPER watershed, from Route 87 to Eldon Russell Park in Geauga County.  

We'll meet at 9:30 at the Route 87 put-in on the East Branch of the Cuyahoga, just east of Burton, Ohio. We'll paddle briefly upstream, poke about a bit in the wide floodplain there and, if the vegetation isn't too thick, make our way over to Sperry Pond. Then we'll reverse course and head back downstream. We'll pause somewhere for a break--bring a bite to eat, and something to drink--then continue to our take-out at Eldon Russell Park. 

It's going to be hot--don't forget your water, sunscreen, and hat. And, of course, your PFD!

Looking forward to paddling with you! 

[Earlier description: We’ll use two new put-ins for this paddle, at Summit Metro Parks’s Cascade Valley, opened last year, and the brand new Northampton Point access point, which opens this summer. This section of the Cuyahoga shows mixed use: wooded parkland with intrusions from agriculture, recreation, and commercial and residential development. Akron's wastewater treatment plant discharges into the river just upstream of a large, active heron rookery. A lively current adds interest, and in-stream downed trees (strainers) demand caution. Only for paddlers who can control a boat in moving water.]  
   

Come join us! Register here: https://forms.gle/mdXbkSHfNn4zTCC59
 

Members of the public are invited to attend a community update on the process to remove a 420-foot-wide, 60-foot-tall dam within Gorge Metro Park. The dam is one of the largest unresolved impediments to restoring the water quality of the Cuyahoga River and its removal will improve river ecology, create recreational opportunities and drive economic benefits within the local community.

On Monday, May 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library Main Branch (60 S. High St., Akron), partners will present a project status update. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Before the meeting, enjoy refreshments and browse Free the Falls t-shirts for sale.

Parking is available at the garage at 40 S. High St. or the surface lot at 71 S. High St. Parking in the High and Market Deck is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays, with one free hour available through validation at the library welcome desk. Additional parking information can be found online.

ASL interpretation (English to ASL) will be provided during the meeting. The meeting will also be live-streamed and available for later viewing at youtube.com/summitmetroparks.

Now in its ninth year, the dam removal project is managed by a group of partners that includes the City of Akron, City of Cuyahoga Falls, FirstEnergy, County of Summit, Summit County Council, Summit Metro Parks, The University of Akron, Ohio EPA, Ohio Lake Erie Commission and U.S. EPA.

Learn more about the effort to remove the Gorge Dam and sign up for email updates at bitl.ly/freethefalls.

SR 87 to Russell Park via Sperry Pond
6.2 miles, 4 hrs
An enchanting trip on a small, flatwater stream, 15-20 feet wide. We’ll paddle upstream from our put-in to visit Sperry Pond, then downstream on a largely channelized river through wetlands and swamp forest. Travel light for lift-overs of trees and beaver dams, and be prepared for mud; at higher water levels this becomes an easy trip. Suitable for novice paddlers and families.

Register here: https://forms.gle/wwJwK3Wp9QcWAxy67

FoCR ANNUAL MEETING, Himelright Lodge at Cascade Valley Metropark

Come join us for a bike ride along the Cuyahoga River! This will be a safe, not-too-strenuous outing in the fascinating Industrial Valley of Cleveland. We'll use the almost completed Towpath Trail for 90% of the riding , with a few short stretches on the street. Our pace will be leisurely as we make several stops to learn about the history of the valley, to read the wayside signage, and to enjoy the spectacular views. The trail is mostly flat, although there are several short but steep hills.

For more information and to join us (it's free!), please register here .

Oh, and BYOB--Bring Your Own Bike!