Park Closures – 2016 controlled hunting to affect Observatory Park, Big Creek Park
As you plan your visits to Geauga Park District this fall and winter, please note that Observatory Park will be closed November 19th, 20th, 28th and 29th, December 3rd, January 7th and 8th, and Big Creek Park will be closed December 17th and 18th, due to controlled hunting.
Rangers and/or signs will be posted at park entrances during these times as a reminder. Controlled hunting has been used since the 2007-08 season to maintain healthy, balanced populations of plants and animals on Park District properties. Time has proven it a viable management tool and a proactive approach to the Park District’s mission. Learn more about the program at . For information on holiday and snow-related closures, please visit the What’s New page at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Call for Entries: “Art Takes a Bough” Community Art Project
For the 10th consecutive year, Geauga Council for Arts & Culture is seeking regional artists of all ages to participate in its “Art Takes a Bough” Community Art Project, a showcase for community handmade holiday ornaments.
Entries may be submitted on Thursday, December 8th, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township.
Art Takes a Bough is a venue to display and sell your ornaments directly.
Ornaments must be priced at $5.00 increments ($5.00, $10.00, $15.00, etc.). Artists may submit a maximum of 10 ornaments, and each ornament must fit inside a 6-inch square box, be lightweight, have an ornament hanger, and be signed by the artist. Artists may also to provide a short, typed bio or business card to include with each ornament.
As in the past, 50 percent of sales will go directly to the artist; the remaining 50 percent will be split equally between the Geauga Council for Arts and Culture and Geauga Park District. All artists must be present at the reception and will be paid on location for ornaments sold.
Once all ornaments are submitted, these beautiful miniature pieces of artwork may be admired and purchased by the public at “Buy It Now” prices during an Open House & Reception at The West Woods Nature Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Guests at the reception will have the opportunity to purchase the handmade ornaments and enjoy holiday refreshments. Then, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Bill Hixson, an accomplished floral designer who has helped decorate The White House for the holidays for more than 30 years, will share humorous stories centered on decorating various rooms within the White House and folklore surrounding ornament designs and holiday traditions. Some of his ornaments will also be available for sale and signing at the event.
It’s a festive, fun-filled event that allows an opportunity to shop local and acquire handmade heirloom-quality décor for the home. Join us! For more information, contact Teresa Runion at 440-279-0882 or trunion@geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Night Hikes – experience the parks in a totally different light
Once you try exploring a park in the dark, you’ll be hooked! Make a plan to attend one or both of these upcoming fall night hikes, led by naturalists who will make you feel comfortable and point out all that’s awesome about Nature at night!
By the Light of the Full Beaver Moon
Sunday, November 13th, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., Swine Creek Reservation, Woods Edge Shelter
Join Naturalist Tami Gingrich for a magical stroll in the moonbeams along a woodland path while taking in the sights and sounds of Nature by moonlight. An audio player with speakers will enable us to call several species of wildlife. Bring a flashlight to aid in your own discoveries. The brightness of the moon will determine which path we take! Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Night Hike & Campfire
Friday, November 18th, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Gather around a campfire, warm up with some hot chocolate and journey into the darkness, then return to the campfire for a sweet treat! Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Registration is not required for either of these programs – come one and come all. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
Geauga Park District is online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
