Hi folks,
Here's an updated plan for the Nimisila Outing.
Dave Gates from Summit County Historical Society will talk with us about the history of the area, Native Americans and early settlers at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 22. I am still working with the Purple Martin folks for a possible additional talk either Friday evening or Saturday Morning.
Sunset is 8:18pm August 22 and the birds arrive at dusk. Let's plan on launching at 5:30pm for a paddle around the reservoir. Then we pretty much float and relax near the roosting areas for about an hour as the sun sets and the birds arrive and settle in for the night.
The best on-shore viewing of the Purple Martin migration and the sunset is from Lot C6, 6194 Christman Rd. Green, Ohio. You can't see much from the campground. There is parking at C6 and an area to set up chairs (and snacks), tripods and cameras. You may want to bring binoculars too. There is a boat ramp at C6 if you are not camping and want close canoe access to the roosting sites. Campers can launch from the Campground.
I still have a few non-electric campsites available. Please let me know (private email or text or voicemail is preferred so we don't end up with a huge thread here) by midnight August 5 if you would like to claim a spot. I will need to cancel the unclaimed sites on August 6. Here's the roster so far, please let me know if I missed anyone.
LOCATION:
Nimisila Campground
Nimisila Reservoir
5668 Christman Rd #5546,
Akron, OH 44319
We have three non-electric sites reserved for club members. Sites #8, 10, and 11 are available to share. Contact me by email or text to claim one of these sites and let me know if you want to share. Feel free to reserve your own site if you need electricity or want more distance. I will cancel any sites not claimed by August 6. Any cancellations must be made 14 days in advance of arrival. Sites are $30/night plus a transaction fee of $3.50. Camping Reservations
PLAN:
Arrive Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. There is unscheduled time Friday evening and Saturday day. There are hiking and biking and fishing opportunities in the area with Summit County Metro Parks and Portage Lakes State Park. Like the previous outings we will forgo any potluck meals. Everyone is expected to bring food and drink for themselves or their small group.
I hope to have a speaker on Saturday afternoon who can talk about the Portage Lakes area and the significance to travel and trade among early settlers and Native Americans.
A Saturday evening trip is planned on Nimisila Reservoir to watch the Purple Martin migration. We will launch a little before dusk and return after dark so please outfit your boat with appropriate lights.
NOTES:
There is no potable water available at this campground. A dump station is provided and firewood is available for purchase on Fridays and Saturdays 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Memorial Day - Labor Day) Vault restrooms are available, but no showers.
DIRECTIONS:
FROM NORTH: South on 77- Exit 120 for Arlington Rd. Turn right onto Arlington St. Turn right onto E. Nimisila; E. Nimisila dead-ends into the camping area. FROM SOUTH: Head North on 77. Exit 120 for Arlington Rd. Turn left onto Arlington St. Turn right onto E. Nimisila; E. Nimisila dead-ends into the camping area. FROM EAST/WEST: Exit 3 off 224 Main St., turn right heading south. Turn left on Caston Rd. Turn right on Christman Rd. and the campground will be on your right.
OTHER ALERTS:
Contacts: Summit Metro Parks Administrative Offices: 330-867-5511 (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.),
Rangers: 330-475-0029 (after hours, weekends and holidays),
Non-Emergencies 330-643-2181,
Emergencies: 911
Ruth Devereaux
440-864-5915
ruthdnp@gmail.com