With its entrance located at the far end of the nature center lobby, this reinvigorated space will be the new home of two new animals – a Gray Rat Snake and a Smallmouth Salamander – in addition to well-known Box Turtle, Mikey, and his new turtle habitat created by staff members Chris Mentrek and Grace Hickox.
After months of detailed work by very talented artist Karen Leonard of Burton, a 10-foot-by-30-foot hand-painted interactive mural of the forest now enlivens an entire corner of the room for exploration.
New puppets and a new Puppet Theater, built by volunteer Al Zack and painted by Grace Hickox, hope to inspire all kinds of new adventures among younger Nature fans.
All ages should also find time to enjoy a seasonal reading corner; hands-on mammal pelt display; interactive felt board display; natural artifact touch table and tabletop activities; 9-foot-by-12-foot Colors of Nature tree carpet; updated signage; and, of course, a nice fresh coat of paint.
The West Woods Nature Center is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87) in Russell Township. It also houses the Tree Tops Nature Store and is the current home of the Eyes to the Sky: The Art of Astronomy Community Art Exhibition through April 24th and the ongoing Home Sweet Habitat large exhibit.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
