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<title>Metroparks of Toledo Area : Calendar | programs | events</title>
<link>http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro</link>
<description><![CDATA[Metroparks offers dozens of low-cost or free educational programs related to the park district's purpose. Everyone is welcome. Click on the item below to go to our program calendar, where you can register online (where needed). Click on a program category at left to learn more.
Phone Reservations: 419-407-9700. Call this number to register, make special arrangements or for more information.
Program Hotline: 419-407-9771. Cancellations due to inclement weather are announced at this hotline.]]></description>
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	<title>Online Calendar And Reservations</title>
	<link>http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/item.asp?item_id=3591</link>
	<description><![CDATA[Dozens of low-cost or free programs every month for a variety of ages and interests. Everyone welcome!]]></description>
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	<pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:49:19 EST</pubDate>
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	<title>Snow Emergency / Program Cancelation Policy</title>
	<link>http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/item.asp?item_id=2228</link>
	<description><![CDATA[All Metroparks will be closed for the day when the Lucas County Sheriff issues a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Check local media for updates on Snow Emergency levels.
During Level 1 and Level 2 Snow Emergencies, Metroparks urges visitors to use their own judgement about traveling to a park.
Program Cancellations
All scheduled Metroparks programs will be canceled during a Level 2 or Level 3 Snow Emergency. Programs may be canceled for a Level 1 Snow Emergency at the discretion of the program staff. Cancellations are announced on the Program Hotline, 419-407-9771.
Winter Hours
Normal operating hours for all parks are 7 a.m. until dark every day of the year.]]></description>
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	<pubDate>Sat, 4 Apr 2009 18:36:58 EST</pubDate>
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	<title>About Our Programs</title>
	<link>http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/item.asp?item_id=2895</link>
	<description><![CDATA[Venture into the woods and prairies of the Metroparks with a naturalist, or travel back to another time with an historical interpreter. Metroparks programs are educational and fun.
&nbsp;
NATURE PROGRAMS
&nbsp;


Environmental programs emphasize outdoor, hands-on, experiential activities that are aligned with Ohio's Academic Content Standards. We are dedicated to helping students of all ages make real-world connections by providing opportunities to better understand and appreciate Northwest Ohio's unique ecosystems and the animals that live there.
Plan an outdoor learning experience in any of the Metroparks. For example, tour the Buehner Center at Oak Openings Preserve and learn about the region's remarkable endangered species. Then, explore some of Oak Openings Preserve's rare habitats firsthand.
Programs are offered year-round and are generally free to Lucas County residents. Partial yellow bus rental is available through Metroparks Nature Express to eligible Title I schools. To schedule a program, call 419-407-9700, at least six weeks before the intended field trip.
&nbsp;
HISTORY PROGRAMS
&nbsp;
Metroparks has a wealth of historical resources. The Historical Programs Department is dedicated to providing premier historical programming within the Metroparks and throughout Lucas County. Programming will be historically accurate, educational, engaging, entertaining, and accessible to all members of the general public.
&nbsp;
Focus:

Native people of the Maumee Valley 
The settlement of the Maumee Valley 
The canal era 
The Underground Railroad and American Civil War 
Post - Civil War Northwest Ohio

&nbsp;
SEE OUR PROGRAM CALENDAR&nbsp;]]></description>
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	<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:15:07 EST</pubDate>
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	<title>Program Fees Q&amp;A</title>
	<link>http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/item.asp?item_id=3203</link>
	<description><![CDATA[Metroparks is committed to keeping the parks open every day, free of charge for everyone, and to providing affordable educational programs, especially to children. For some programs, a fee is charged to help defray the cost of staffing and supplies.
&nbsp;
Answers to Common Questions
&nbsp;
Q: Don't we already pay for programs in our taxes?
&nbsp;
A: Tax revenues pay for most of the cost of running Metroparks operations. Income from sponsors, donors and fees help to pay for additional services.
&nbsp;
Q: Why would you charge for a program that used to be free?
&nbsp;
A: Most of our fee-based programs are new or enhanced versions of programs.
&nbsp;
Q: Won't charging a fee reduce participation?
&nbsp;
A: No. Adding fees can actual increase participation. Some people prefer to pay a small fee to guarantee their place in the program, similar to paying a fee to reserve a picnic shelter. Also, if a fee-based program does not attract the desired number of people, that program will likely be changed or replaced.
&nbsp;
Q: Why are you making changes now?
&nbsp;
A: Metroparks has charged fees for some programs for many years. In recent years, as budgets have grown tighter and taxpayers have expressed concerns with increases in property tax levies, the park district decided it had a responsibility to collect money from additional sources to help defray costs while continuing to meet demands for services.
&nbsp;
Q: Are you going to charge for all programs eventually?
&nbsp;
A: No, our plan is to always offer a percentage of programs for free. One priority is in-school programming.
&nbsp;
Q: What if I can't afford to pay?
&nbsp;
A: We keep fees low and offer assistance when possible. For example, we provide scholarships for summer camps, free or reduced rates for Title One schools and a Nature Express program that pays for transportation for schools that can't afford it.&nbsp;]]></description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:46:59 EST</pubDate>
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