Ashtabula County Metroparks

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

🍂Free Fall Wagon Rides on the Western Reserve Greenway Trail🍂
Enjoy the colorful views of the trail on a relaxing Fall Wagon Ride, starting at the Austinburg Lot, 2767 St. Rt. 307, Austinburg on Sunday, October 25th, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

10/22/2026

October 21st was World Reptile Day! There are nearly 50 species of reptile in Ohio, including snakes, lizards, and turtles.
One of these animals is the Dekay's brownsnake (Storia dekayi), a commonly found snake in the family Colubridae. These small snakes will only grow to be 8-12 inches long as adults. You can identify a Dekay's brownsnake by the size, and the two rows on dark spots running down their backs. They are nonaggressive, and will rarely bite when picked up, but are known to exercise their musk glands when first grabbed. These snakes are secretive and can be found hiding under debris like old boards, logs, and stones. Dekay's brownsnakes will feed on small invertebrates such as snails, worms, slugs, and soft insects.
Dekay's brownsnakes are commonly mistaken for eastern gartersnakes (Thamnophis sertalis sertalis), who are also in the family Colubridae. You can distinguish adult gartersnakes and brownsnakes primarily by size- an adult garternsnake will be between 18 and 26 inches long, as opposed to the 8-12" of a Dekay's brownsnake. Young gartersnakes can be identified by three (often yellow) stripes on a black or brown body.
Leave a comment below telling us about your favorite reptile found in the parks.
The photo is a Dekay's brownsnake in hand, taken by Naturalist Breanna during a program at Buccaneer Metropark earlier this month.

10/20/2026

Discover the wildlife of Ashtabula County with Naturalist Breanna at the Kingsville Public Library! Explore local animals through hands-on biofacts like antlers, tracks, skull replicas, and fur while learning how wildlife interacts with people and the environment.
Open to all ages. No live animals. Pre-registration is required; register on our website or call 440-224-0239.

10/19/2026

The trails at Buccaneer Metropark are full of color. Give us a thumbs up if you love the beautiful fall colors this season on our trails. 🍂🌳🍁

10/18/2026

Wildlife Education 🦉🦌🐾
Join Naturalist Breanna in partnership with the Conneaut Public Library, on Tuesday, October 20th from 4:30–5:30 PM for an exciting look at the wildlife that calls Ashtabula County home. Explore real animal biofacts and replicas, view wildlife photos, learn important safety tips, and get your questions answered by an expert.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about the creatures in our backyard, this all-ages program is sure to be a hoot! Meet us in the Meeting Room and discover the wild side of Ashtabula County.
No live animals.
Register here: https://conneaut.libcal.com/event/17238848

10/17/2026

FREE WAGON RIDES!!
Come enjoy our trails in a different way, take a free wagon ride with us at the Upper Grand Metropark, 3199 Cork Cold Springs Rd., Austinburg, today October 17th, from 4:00 to 8:30 PM. The last ride will be after dark, with a campfire and s'mores.
Thank you to the People for Parks - Ashtabula County, for the use of their wagon for our fall wagon ride program series

10/16/2026

Enjoy a relaxing Bird Walk with Naturalist Breanna in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, 3986 Callendar Rd., Rock Creek at their Morgan Swamp campus on Sat., Oct. 17th, 9:30 - 11:00 AM.
As the seasons shift, so do the migratory birds. October is a time to look for birds who departed Canada and are passing through Ohio. We will keep our eyes to the sky for migrating hawks and eagles like the young Bald Eagle seen in the photo below. Songbirds such as kinglets, various types of sparrows, and warblers like this Yellow-rumped Warbler are likely to be seen as well. October is a perfect time to look for owls such as this Great Horned Owl.
Photo credit: Kari Warner
Any experience level is welcomed, bring your own binoculars. Time allowing is the opportunity to enter the Bissell Nature Center.