Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will be in the Cuyahoga Valley starting this weekend.

The 13th annual tour, called the Day out With Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour, runs Saturday and Sunday at the Boston Mills Boarding Station, 7100 Riverview Road, north of Peninsula in Boston Township in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The event continues May 23-25.

There will be 25-minute train rides with Thomas the Tank Engine every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., presented by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Thomas the Tank Engine is a talking 15-ton switching engine and the star of the children's television series Thomas & Friends.

He is described as a fussy little engine that gets into scrapes, generally because he is eager to tackle projects that might best be left to bigger, more sensible engines.

Thomas is a big star among the preschool brigade. He is the heart of a $1 billion business that includes a line of toys.

Passengers will also be able to meet Sir Topham Hatt, one of Thomas' friends.

In addition, there will be games, face painting, picnicking, clowns and more for youngsters.

The tour will make 45 stops in the United States and Canada and is expected to draw more than 1 million riders.

Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up. Tickets are available at 866-468-7630. They are also available at http://www.cvsr.com or http://www.ticketweb.com/thomas.

For information and directions, contact the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , 800-468-4070.

For information about Thomas, go to http://www.thomasandfriends.com.

Today

Photographer show — Photographer Liz Russell from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will present a program on her work in Ethiopia at 7 p.m. at the Happy Days Lodge in the Cuyahoga Valley park off state Route 303 in Boston Heights. Free. Information: 330-657-2909.

Akron hike — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 7 p.m. for a five-mile hike at Goodyear Heights Metro Park. Meet at the back of the parking lot off Newton Street in East Akron. Information: 330-733-3995.

Hiram frog calling — You can join in a frog-calling survey at 6:30 p.m. at Hiram College's Hiram Field Station off Wheeler Road in Hiram Township. Sponsored by the Portage Park District and Hiram College. Information: 330-297-7728 or http://www.portageparkdistrict.org.

Wilderness walk — The Wilderness Center off U.S. 250 near Wilmot is staging a walk at 2 p.m. Information: 330-359-5235.

Friday

Bird walk — Naturalist Pat Rydquist of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will lead a spring bird walk at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the Tuscarawas Meadows area of Firestone Metro Park off Harrington Road in South Akron. Information: 330-865-8065.

DNA lecture — Science journalist Nicholas Wolf of the New York Times will lecture on DNA: A Window Into the Human Past at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. His talk is part of the museum's Explorer lecture series. The museum is at 1 Wade Oval in the University Circle area. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Information and reservations: 216-231-1177 or 800-317-9155.

Fun at the farm — Hale Farm and Village will present farm-related programs for children 2 to 6 years old and accompanying adults at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The farm is at 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath Township. Tickets are $8 for children. One adult is admitted free with each child. Information and reservations: 330-666-3711.

Bird walk — The Medina County Park District is holding a spring bird walk at 7:30 a.m. at River Styx Park off River Styx Road in Guilford Township. Bring binoculars and field guides and be prepared for muddy trails. Information: 330-722-9364.

Saturday

RiverDay 2008 — Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to clean up along the Cuyahoga River and pull invasive plants in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, boots and gloves. For ages 10 and older. Meet at Howe Meadow off Riverview Road in Cuyahoga Falls. Information and reservations: 440-546-5996. A total of 17 river-themed events are planned in Summit, Portage, Cuyahoga and Geauga counties. List of activities: http://www.cuyahogariver.net or 216-663-9468. Most of the events are free, but some require advance registration. Sponsored by the Friends of the Crooked River, a grass-roots group devoted to the Cuyahoga watershed.

Wetlands walk — Ranger Paul Motts of the National Park Service will lead a wetlands nature walk from 8 to 10:30 a.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley. Meet at the Ira Trailhead off Riverview Road north of Ira Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

Spring hike — The National Park Service is staging a leisurely hike of 2.75 miles on the Tree Farm Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley park. It will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet at Horseshoe Pond off Major Road west of Riverview Road on the border between Peninsula and Boston Township.

Spring wildflowers — The National Park Service is holding a spring wildflower walk along the Towpath Trail from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet ranger Margaret Adams at the Ira Trailhead off Riverview Road north of Ira Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

Wildlife art — The Cuyahoga Valley park's M.D. Garage will host an exhibit of paintings of wildlife by the Crooked River Gang, a group of area painters, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The garage is off Boston Mills Road east of the Cuyahoga River in the hamlet of Boston.

Bird walk — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is holding a spring bird walk at 10 a.m. in southern Summit County. Meet naturalist Meghan Doran at the Clinton Trailhead off North Street in Clinton. Information: 330-865-8065.

Photo Club workshop — Bring your cameras and get advice on a short photo walk with members of the Metro Parks Photography Club. The workshop will be at at 10 a.m. at the Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. Free. Information: 330-865-8065.

Bees, bees, bees — Naturalist Nicki Schneider of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will present a nature program about bees at 1 p.m. at the Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. Information: 330-865-8065.

Wildflowers for kids — Naturalist Danusia Casteel of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will direct a spring wildflower walk for youngsters 6 to 12 years old. It will be at 2 p.m. at the Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. The program includes a take-home craft. Information: 330-865-8065.

Night bike ride — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is sponsoring a 15-mile bike ride on the Towpath Trail and a campfire dinner. Bring your own bikes, lights, helmets, food and a chair or blanket. Meet at 8 p.m. at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park off Riverview Road in Peninsula. Information: 330-865-8065.

Night bike ride II — Century Cycle in Peninsula is organizing a night bike ride along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley. Bicyclists will pedal 15 to 22 miles. The ride will start at 8 p.m. Helmets and bike lights are required. Meet at the bike shop on state Route 303 next to the Cuyahoga River. Information: 800-201-7433.

Organic plant sale — Crown Point Farm and Education Center in Bath Township will hold its fourth annual organic plant sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will continue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 3220 Ira Road. The event includes talks, tours, programs and activities. Information: 330-668-8992 or http://www.crownpt.org.

Birds, breakfast — The Medina County Park District is holding a bird walk at 7:30 a.m., to be followed by a quick breakfast. Registration is required. The location will be disclosed when you register. Information: 330-722-9364.

Container gardens — The Stark County Park District is presenting a program about container gardens at 9:30 a.m. at the Exploration Gateway, 5712 12th St. N.W., Perry Township. Information and reservations: 330-477-3552.

Rain gardens — The Stark County Park District is presenting a program about rain gardens at 11 a.m. at the Exploration Gateway, 5712 12th St. N.W., Perry Township. Information and reservations: 330-477-3552.

Bath hike — The Portage Trail Walkers hiking club will meet at 9 a.m. at O'Neil Woods Metro Park in Bath Township for a hike of four to five miles. The park is off Martin Road. Two steep hills. An alternate hike will begin at the Ira Trailhead off Riverview Road in Cuyahoga Falls. Information: 330-673-6896.

Boston Heights hike — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bike & Hike Trail off state Route 303 in Boston Heights for a five-mile hike. The trailhead is west of state Route 8. Information: 330-733-3995.

Drum circle — Mount Union College's John T. Huston-Dr. John B. Brumbaugh Nature Center will host a drum circle with Greg Rice at 2 p.m. The center is on Daniel Street off state Route 183 six miles south of Alliance in Washington Township. Information: 330-823-7487.

Family Day — The Wilderness Center is holding Family Day with activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it . The center is west of Wilmot off U.S. 250 in Sugar Creek Township. Information: 330-359-5235 or http://www.wildernesscenter.org

Bird walk — The Wilderness Center off U.S. 250 near Wilmot is holding a bird walk at 8 a.m. Information: 330-359-5235.

Star maps — The Wilderness Center is holding a family astronomy program on making star maps at 2 p.m. The program is recommended for second graders and older. Free. It is off U.S. 250 near Wilmot. Information: 330-359-5235.

Open house — Cleveland Metroparks' Ledge Pool and Recreation Area is holding a public open house from noon to 4 p.m. at 1151 Ledge Road in the Hinckley Reservation, west of State Road and east of Kellogg Road in Medina County's Hinckley Township. Information: 440-331-8111.

Bedford birds — Cleveland Metroparks will hold a nocturnal bird migration program from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Bedford Reservation. Meet at the Circle Emerald Field at the south end of Button Road south of Turney Road in Bedford. Advance registration is required. Information and reservations: 216-341-315.

Wildflower walk — The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is staging a wildflower walk at 10 a.m. at Lorain County Metroparks' Vermilion River Reservation. Information: 440-774-4226.

Sunday

Barberton tour — The Barberton Historical Society will hold its 18th annual Anna Dean Farm walking tour at 1:30 p.m. The tour will begin at the Piggery at 248 E. Robinson Ave., Barberton.

Three-waterfall hike — Ranger Pamela Machuga of the National Park Service will lead a hike to three waterfalls in the Cuyahoga valley park: Brandywine, Blue Hen and Buttermilk. The hike will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and cover 9.5 miles. Meet at Brandywine Falls off Brandywine Road in Sagamore Hills Township. Bring a lunch and wear sturdy footwear for the difficult hike.

Boomerang throw — The National Park Service is staging a boomerang toss from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Meet at Howe Meadow off Riverview Road north of Ira Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

Junior Rangers — The National Park Service is presenting a Junior Rangers adventure photo treasure hunt for youngsters 7 to 12 years old in the Cuyahoga Valley park. It will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring digital cameras and get instructions from a ranger. A parent or guardian must attend with a youngster. The fee is $8 per child. Information, reservations and location: 800-642-3297, Ext. 100.

Bird walk — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is sponsoring a bird walk at 8 a.m. at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park off Riverview Road, south of state Route 303 in Peninsula. Information: 330-865-8065.

Liberty Park hike — Mike Johnson of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will lead a two-hour exploratory hike at Liberty Park in northern Summit County. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Pond Brook Conservation Area, 3973 E. Aurora Road (state Route 82), Twinsburg Township. Durable clothing and footwear is recommended. Information: 330-865-8065.

Fairy gardens — The Medina County Park District will present a program about herbs and flowers to create fairy gardens for children 5 and up from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Road (state Route 94), Sharon Township. Registration is required. Information and reservations: 330-722-9364.

Folk jam — Mount Union College's John T. Huston-Dr. John B. Brumbaugh Nature Center will host a folk jam at 2 p.m. The center is on Daniel Street off state Route 183 six miles south of Alliance in Washington Township. Information: 330-823-7487.

Bird walks — Cleveland Metroparks, the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History are offering the 71st annual series of spring bird walks at 7:30 a.m. Sundays. The locations are Brecksville Reservation (meet at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead off Riverview Road south of state Route 82 in Brecksville); Hinckley Reservation (meet at the bridge at the south end of Hinckley Lake off State Road in Medina County's Hinckley Township); Bedford Reservation (meet at the Hemlock Creek picnic area off Button Road in Bedford); Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation (meet at the CanalWay Center off East 49th Street south of Grant Avenue in Cuyahoga Heights); Audubon Sanctuary on East Pioneer Trail east of Page Road, Aurora;

Audubon's Blanche Novak Wildlife Sanctuary off Town Line Road north of state Route 82, Aurora; and Hiram College Biological Field Station, Wheeler Road, Hiram Township. Information: 216-635-3200 or 440-734-6660.

Monday

Full-moon hike — The National Park Service is staging a full-moon hike of 31/4 miles on the Towpath Trail from 9 to 11 p.m. Meet at the Canal Visitor Center off Canal Road in Valley View.

Tuesday

Dam removal— Bill Zawiski of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will present a program about the removal of the dam on the Cuyahoga River in Munroe Falls and its effect on water quality. His program will be at 6:30 p.m. near the gazebo at Brust Park off North Main Street (state Route 91) in Munroe Falls. Sponsored by the Friends of Stow Parks and Recreation. Information: 330-687-4683.

Brecksville birds — Cleveland Metroparks is holding a spring bird walk with naturalist Jen Brumfield at 8:30 a.m. in the Brecksville Reservation. Meet at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead off Riverview Road in Brecksville. Binoculars are required. Advance registration is required. Information and reservations: 440-526-1012.

Wednesday

Fun run — The Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association will hold a Spring Fun Run at 7 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Meet at Horseshoe Pond off Major Road west of Riverview Road on the Peninsula-Boston Township border. Information: 800-445-9667.

Museum lecture — Dr. Brian Redmond, curator and head of archaeology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will speak on New Discoveries of the Ancient Lifeways on Sandusky River: Four Seasons at the Danbury Site. His talk will be at 7 p.m. at the museum, 1 Wade Oval in the University Circle area. Tickets are $7. Information and reservations: 216-231-4600 or 800-317-9155.

Fitness walk — The Medina County Park District will hold a Healthy Ohio Fitness Walk at noon at Buckeye Woods Park off state Route 162 in Lafayette Township. Information: 330-722-9364.

Mustill Store hike — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. for a five-mile hike on sidewalks and the Towpath Trail. Meet at the Mustill Store off West North Street near downtown Akron. Information: 330-733-3995.

May flowers — Mount Union College's John T. Huston-Dr. John B. Brumbaugh Nature Center will host a nature program about May flowers for 4- and 5-year-olds and accompanying adults at 10 a.m. The center is on Daniel Street off state Route 183 six miles south of Alliance in Washington Township. Information: 330-823-7487.

Spring stories — The Wilderness Center is holding a story hour on spring for youngsters 3 and 4 years old at 11 a.m. Dress for the weather. The center is off U.S. 250 near Wilmot. Information: 330-359-5235.