Clearwing Moth on Monarda fistulosa at Trail Lake Park - photo credit Denny Reiser

August 7, 2025

Summer sunshine greetings, park friends!

Have you visited one of our many meadow trails this summer? The flowers are gorgeous this month as we begin transitioning to late summer blooms like goldenrod and aster. There are incredible insects and other animals to observe on flowers in August, so explore while you can.

In this issue, we share ideas for teachers to connect with the parks, launch a new park ranger program, and highlight a new Portage Park District Foundation quarterly social hike. Remember to consult our Summer Program Guide and register for free programs!

In the Parks

Back to School with Portage Parks

As we enter August, we start to observe mid-season signs like goldenrods blooming and katydids singing. These let us know that fall is approaching, and with it, the start of a new school year. Portage Park District is here to support your learning goals all year long.

School field trips to our parks, teacher totes, free park programming, and the Wild Hikes Challenge are just some of the ways that educators of all kinds can connect students with the outdoors and your Portage Parks! Read more...

By Nature's Design

Join PBS Western Reserve and the Kent Free Library for a special screening of a new episode of By Nature's Design, followed by a Q&A session where you can engage with experts and learn more about the importance of wetlands.

Our very own Natural Areas Steward, Chris Poling will represent Portage Park District as an expert panelist at the event on Saturday, August 9!

New Park Ranger Citations

Ranger Jeff and Ranger Brian will be on the lookout beginning this month for opportunities to issue a new citation to park visitors - ice cream citations!

Ice cream citations will be issued to people caught following the park rules and making your Portage Parks a better place for all to enjoy. Do you keep your dog on a leash, pick up after your dog, wear a bike helmet, or pick up trash? Be aware. You may be cited for being awesome and receive a free ice cream cone!

Upcoming Programs

Junior Ranger Pinning

It is time to celebrate our park Junior Rangers! If you are just starting the activity guide or not fully finished, we still want you to join us. First year rangers that bring their completed guides will receive their badge. Second year rangers will get a t-shirt! Please register to join us Saturday, August 9 at 2:00pm.

All programs and events can be found on our Things to Do page. Make sure you check out all the great ways to engage with nature!

Our education programs require registration - this helps us keep an optimal staff to participant ratio. Join us to learn about the natural world around us. All ages and abilities are welcome!

Upcoming Senior Hikes:

Senior Hike - August 14

Senior Hike - August 28

Wild Hikes Wednesday Hike:

August 20

Visit our YouTube channel

Try our self-guided hikes

NABA Butterfly Survey

August 10 @ 10am

Join us for our annual Butterfly Count at Towner’s Woods with Judy Semroc! Bring the entire family to help with the count and look for butterflies and caterpillars.

Zumba with Sequoia

August 14 @ 6pm

Come shake your tail feathers to fun music with friends as an instructor leads us through a beginner friendly routine. This program is part of our Park Rx series!

EcoNights: Biomimicry

August 27 @ 6pm

Nature has evolved and solved so many problems! Join us for light refreshments as we delve into examples of innovation inspired by nature. Adults only. Photo: Aaron Moats

Portage Park District Foundation

Happy Hour Hikes

You asked…we listened! Introducing Happy Hour Hikes with the Portage Park District Foundation!

Each quarter, we’ll gather at a different Portage Park for a scenic group hike, followed by a casual happy hour at a nearby bar or restaurant. It’s the perfect way for volunteers, supporters, and friends to connect, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of our parks – together.

Our inaugural event will take place on August 26 at 5:30pm at North Water Brewing in Kent!

2025 Wild Hikes Challenge

It is the Year of the River Otter and there is plenty of time left to start and complete the Wild Hikes Challenge! These cute and charismatic mammals are skilled predators and are documented at a number of our parks, including the newly opened Breakneck Creek Park. Download your WHC Form and complete 8 of the listed hikes to earn rewards!

Partner Spotlight

KSU Wilderness Wardrobe

The KSU Adventure Center believes that everyone should have access to outdoor recreation and the transformative experiences the outdoors provide. With this in mind, they have created the Adventure Center Wilderness Wardrobe to increase access to the outdoors by helping to remove the financial barriers of costly outdoor gear and apparel.

Bicycle Friendly Community Survey

The City of Kent recently submitted a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) application to the League of American Bicyclists. As part of the review process, input is being collected from local bicyclists and bike advocates about their experiences and perceptions of biking conditions in Kent. Please complete this survey to share your input! These survey responses are used both to inform the League’s BFC award decision, as well as to provide local feedback directly to the applicant community about how they can improve conditions for bicyclists.

Park Reminders

Sometimes the work to improve Portage Park District means your favorite park or trail may be temporarily closed. The most current closures or alerts can be found by clicking the orange Alerts icon at the top of the park website. Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve your Portage Parks!
Visit our Planning & Development page for updates on park construction projects.
Stay safe during the warm weather. Drink plenty of water, wear sun protection, protect yourself from ticks and mosquitos, and watch the weather forecast. General safety reminders are to walk with a buddy, let someone know your hike plan, and always keep at least one ear open (free of ear bud or headset).

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