MEDINA, Ohio -- Getting tired of all the indoor activities during the holidays? Had enough of chestnuts roasting by the open fire and yuletide carols sung beside the piano?
Bundle up, put on your boots and head for the Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road in Sharon Township to search for Gnomes on the Roam.
After stopping in at the nature center to pick up your checklist of 10 nature-loving gnomes, head out into the Alderfer-Chatfield Wildlife Sanctuary to find their pictures on posts. Follow the pink ovals on the signs directing you on a hike through the various habitats along the Pine Forest Loop Trail.
Keep your eyes peeled as you walk past the pond, beside the tall grass prairie and through the majestic pine forest. You’ll pass the switchgrass meadow and the successional field with historical trees.
The entire trek is about a mile long and is primarily on a natural grass or gravel surface.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to meet Astrognomer, Ima Gemseeker, Orna Feather Cap, Flargin Flora Finder, Shroomeyes, Bugsy Spy Glass, Norbert the Nature Nerd, Winky Wild Wander, Hydro Gnome and Hagrid Herpsalot.
The pictures aren’t labeled with name tags, so you’ll have to determine who’s who by looking at the clues surrounding their likenesses.
After you’ve found as many as you can, go inside the nature center, warm up by the fire, then make and take a gnome for home. You’ll find all the pieces and parts you’ll need in the library, as well as instructions for making your own gnome.
The gnomes will be hiding out in the park from now until Dec. 31. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The park is closed on Mondays and Christmas Eve/Day.
No registration is required and the program is free.
For information about more holiday activities in the Medina County Parks, log on to www.medinacountyparks.com.
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