Summit Metro Parks

Bank swallows, or sand martins, have a few unique habits when it comes to nesting.

These birds use their feet, beaks and wings to dig holes up to five feet long as their nesting spots. Both parents assist in excavating, living in colonies of up to 2,000 individuals. That’s a lot of neighbors!

Each pair will have four to six eggs, hatching after 14–16 days and fledging after another 18–24 days.

Their nesting sites have sadly been impacted by land development and stream channeling, but they have been seen nesting in building sights containing large mounds of dirt and sand.

Get a glimpse of these birds in person at our Bank Swallow Stroll with Open Trail Collective this Sunday (June 14) at 10 a.m. at the Overlook Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park (354 Sackett Ave., Akron). For more details, visit https://ow.ly/umBH50Z1Fx1.

Photo by Doug Dawes

This week in your Metro Parks: Bring your drawing pad and pencils for an outdoor lesson in drawing, learn techniques and recipes for a three-course meal cooked on a campfire, try your hand at fishing (we’ll provide the rods and bait!) and more.

Find details for each on our Programs & Events calendar at bit.ly/SMPevents.

It’s National Trails Day! So get out there and explore your Metro Parks. With over 150 miles of trails, you’re sure to have fun.

And don’t forget – we’re halfway through Spree for All. Complete five related hikes to win rewards. For details, visit bit.ly/spree-for-all.

Photo by Rob Blair