Blackbrook Audubon will begin its 2018-19 season with an introduction to the pawpaw tree at Penitentiary Glen 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 18th. Trevor Wearstler, Blackbrook’s secretary and naturalist for Geauga Park District, will share his passion for this unique tree that calls Ohio home. It belongs to the tropical tree family of custard- apples, but is cold tolerant. The pawpaw is North America’s largest edible fruit and has a fascinating natural history. In 2009, the pawpaw became Ohio’s official native state fruit. The 20th annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival celebrates this fruit in Albany, Ohio the weekend of September 14th. According to organizers, George Washington’s favorite dessert was chilled pawpaw.
This free program is open to all. Penitentiary Glen is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland. Blackbrook Audubon covers Geauga, Lake and Ashtabula counties as the local chapter of National Audubon Society. For more information, visit Blackbrook Audubon Society. Follow Blackbrook Audubon Society on Facebook.
Audubon Ambles to Acacia Reservation
Blackbrook Audubon invites birders of all levels to join them on this inaugural visit to one of Cleveland Metroparks newer sites, Acacia Reservation, Sunday, September 30th. Blackbrook will meet at the kiosk by the parking lot of 26899 Cedar Road, Beachwood at 8:00 a.m.
Once a golf course, this park has been transformed and continues to experience habitat upgrades. The west branch of Euclid Creek now takes a more meandering path through the park. Fall wildflowers should still be in bloom hosting many pollinators. One bird species participants will keep an eye out for is the Red-headed Woodpecker, which is seen year-round at Acacia. Birders will search for fall migrants as well in this 155-acre oasis across the street from Beachwood Mall.
Trails are paved and restrooms are available. For more information, call Pat Morse at 440-567-5879 or visit Blackbrook Audubon Society. Follow Blackbrook Audubon Society on Facebook.
Cover Photo Courtesy of: ODNR Division of Forestry
