Earth Day was first recognized in 1970 and is celebrated annually on April 22 to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Events worldwide demonstrate support for environmental protection. In the observance’s 45th year, please join Geauga Park District to celebrate!
Nature Explorers: Earth Day Adventure (Ages 6-8 & 9-11)
Saturday, April 18, 2-4 p.m. at The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge
A beautiful property purchased in the late 1960s to be turned into a golf course, The Rookery is now preserved by Geauga Park District. Explore the diverse habitats and wildlife here through a scavenger hunt, learn about the importance of conserving habitats for wildlife, then create milkweed seed balls to plant for future generations of Monarch butterflies – which need our help! Indoors and out. Drop-off program. Registration required.
Landscaping with Native Plants
Sunday, April 19, 1-2 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
Learn the benefits of landscaping with native plants and get a free milkweed plant. Collaboration with the Native Plant Society of Northeast Ohio.
Birds, Blooms & Butterflies Earth Day Hike
Sunday, April 19, 2:30-4 p.m., The West Woods, Nature Center
Enjoy migratory birds, early spring wildflowers and the possibility of early butterflies. Off-trail with rugged, muddy conditions, so please wear sturdy footwear.
Earth Day Dump Clean-Up!
Saturday, April 25, 1-3 p.m., Observatory Park
Let’s clean up and discover what’s in a 50- to 100-year-old household dump! Bring gloves and a small hand trowel. Off-trail with wet conditions. Registration required.
Earth Day, NRM-Style/Milkweed & Tree Giveaway
Sunday, April 26, Noon-4 p.m., Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Become a “citizen scientist” for a day to promote good stewardship, help biologists in the Natural Resource Management (NRM) Department with their research projects and get a free milkweed plant.
Noon – “NRM: What We Do” Presentation
1 p.m. – Tree Planting Demo/Giveaway
1:30 p.m. – How to Monitor Your Bluebird Box
2 p.m. – Survey: West Virginia White Butterfly -or- Swine Creek Stream
Noon to 4 p.m. – Milkweed Giveaway
In an effort to bolster the imperiled Monarch butterfly population, your Park District will also once again propagate native milkweed. Stop by any of the following dates/programs to pick up your free plant! Find details at geaugaparkdistrict.org under Find a Program/Event, or call 440-286-9516.
April 19, Landscaping with Native Plants (must attend program) – 1 p.m., The West Woods
April 26, Earth Day, NRM-Style – Noon to 4 p.m., Swine Creek Reservation
April 27, Weekly Wildflower Hike (must attend program) – 1 p.m., Big Creek Park
May 10, Mother’s Day Giveaway – 11 a.m.-2 p.m., The West Woods
June 21, Father’s Day Giveaway – Noon-3 p.m., The West Woods
For more information on the Geauga Park District, check them out online on their website, Facebook page, Twitter, and YouTube.
