The Bow Wow Beach side of Silver Springs Park has an entrance on Stow Road. Although this may seem to be an unlikely birding location, because it offers a variety of habitat in such a small location, it can offer outstanding birding. There is a cattail marsh to the north, woods, open grasslands, fencerows, the dog park pond, and a brook. Occasionally migrating waterfowl make a quick stop at the pond, but it typically hosts just Canada Geese and Mallards when dogs aren’t in the water. The vegetation around Powers Brook often has the best birding, with birds drawn to the bugs that are drawn to the shallow water. Birders can follow the drive out the back of the park to the other side of Silver Springs Park, which also has an entrance on Young Road.

Highlights: Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swamp Sparrow, Sora, Orchard Oriole.

Stow’s dog park officially opened in June 2007 and has been well received by residents of Stow and the surrounding area. The park is owned by the City of Stow and managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The 7.5-acre fenced-in park features the following amenities:

• Sandy beach and grassy knolls
• A 3-acre lake
• Pen entrances
• Waste deposit stations
• Dog washing stations
• Separate areas for small dogs
• Clearly defined rules and procedures