Field Trip Information
Tuesday June 24, 2008
Part of the excitement of Earth Science is experiencing Earth processes firsthand. On Tuesday, June 24 we will travel by van to three sites in the Cuyahoga Valley, where we will study local ecosystems and geology and see atmospheric science research in action.
Departure/Return: Meet at the R.G. Drage Center at 8am on Tuesday, June 24. We expect to return to the R.G. Drage Center by about 4pm.
What to bring:
| pen or pencil and clipboard | camera (recommended) | workshop volume |
| sunglasses | insect repellant | sunscreen |
| sun hat | seasonally appropriate clothing | daypack |
| rain jacket | sturdy shoes for walking |
Hiking: Please plan to hike approximately 2.8 miles (0.5 miles at stop 1, 0.75 miles at stop 2, and 1.5 miles at stop 3). Appropriate footwear is required.
Lunch/Snacks: We will provide lunch, snacks and drinks, but you may bring your own if you have specific preferences. Water will be available in the vans and at drinking fountains at stops 2 and 3.
Restrooms: Are available at the trailhead for each stop.
Field Trip Itinerary (see below for driving directions and maps):
| 800 am | Meet at R.G. Drage Center, travel to the Ira Trailhead, Cuyahoga Valley National Park | |
| Stop 1 | 900 -1030 am | Marsh Ecosystems - Ira Beaver Marsh, Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
| 1030 -1045 am | Restroom and snack break | |
| Stop 2 | 1100 - noon | Cuyahoga Valley Meteorological Stations and Microclimate Study Area - Cascade Valley Metropark (Chuckery Area) |
| noon - 1245 pm | Lunch at Cascade Valley Metropark | |
| Stop 3 | 100 pm -230 pm | Gorge Metropark Geology |
| 230 - 300 pm | Afternoon snacks, restroom break, day 2 quick write (Gorge Metropark) | |
| ~400 pm | Arrive at R.G. Drage Center |
Driving Directions (see below for maps of each park):
Stop 1: Beaver Marsh - Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Towpath Trail, off Riverview Rd, just north of Ira Rd in Cuyahoga Falls
| Directions from the R.G. Drage Center: I77 North to Rt. 8 North. Exit Rt. 8 at Steels Corners Rd. Turn left (west) at the end of the off ramp. Follow Steels Corners Rd. 5.4 miles, turn right (north) on Akron-Peninsula Rd. Turn left (west) onto Ira Road. Immediately after crossing the river, turn right (north) onto Riverview Rd. The Ira parking area is on the right side. (Mapquest map and driving directions) |
Stop 2: Cuyahoga Valley Meteorological Stations and Microclimate Study Area – Cascde Valley Metropark, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga Street, Akron
| Directions from the Ira Trailhead: From the Ira parking lot, turn left (south) onto Riverview Road. Riverview Road becomes Merriman Road. Turn left (north) onto North Portage Path and then turn right (east) onto Portage Path. Turn right (south) on Northampton Road, which becomes Cuyahoga Street. Follow Cuyahoga Street to Peck Road. Turn left (east) onto Peck Road to enter the Chuckery Area of the Cascade Valley Metropark. (Mapquest map and driving directions) |
Stop 3: Gorge Metropark – 1160 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls
| Directions from Cascade Valley Metropark: Exit Cascade Valley Metropark along Peck Road, turn left (south) onto Cuyahoga Street. Follow Cuyahoga Street to West Tallmadge Ave. Turn left (east) onto West Tallmadge Ave. At the 5-way intersection, take a gradual left to travel northeast on East Cuyahoga Falls Ave. Just past Juniper Ave (which is on the left), take a gradual left to travel north on Front Street. The park entrance for the picnic area is on Front Street just north of the Cuyahoga River. (Mapquest map and driving directions) |
Return to R.G. Drage Center
| Directions to the R.G. Drage Center from Gorge Metropark: Turn right out of the parking lot onto Front Street. Take a slight right on East Cuyahoga Falls Ave. Merge onto Route 8 South via the ramp on the left. Take Route 8 South to I77 South to US 30 West. Exit US 30 at Richville Dr. (Mapquest map and driving directions) |
