Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Become an official Citizen Scientist and participate in this worldwide bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Stop in anytime for a cup of hot chocolate and a toasty fire to help compile a list of birds seen here. Note: Count also takes place at the big windows of The West Woods Nature Center on February 17th, 18th and 19th from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 17th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Become an official Citizen Scientist and participate in this worldwide bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Stop by the nature center anytime 11:00 a.m.- 4 p.m. to help compile a list of birds seen at the big windows! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Homeschool Days: All About Birds (Ages 5-7 & 8-12)
Friday, February 17th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Observe visiting winter birds and their amazing lives, discovering the adaptations and behaviors that help them survive. Indoors and out, so dress for the weather. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Scout Day: Boy Scout Bird Study Merit Badge
Saturday, February 18th, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Work toward the Bird Study Merit Badge requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (start), 6 (partial) and 7 as part of the Annual Backyard Bird Count. We’ll review birding basics, including binoculars, field guides and bird ID. Bring your own Bird Study Merit Badge Worksheets and Blue Cards. Merit Badge counselor will be on site to sign requirements. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Lichen Workshop
Saturday, February 18th, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Janet Traub and Jim Toppin with the Ohio Moss and Lichen Association present the interesting relationship between algae and fungi. A two-hour indoor introductory session with samples to view will be followed by a lunch break, then a field foray in search of examples. Bring lunch and a hand lens. Joint program with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 18th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Become an official Citizen Scientist and participate in this worldwide bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Stop by the nature center anytime 11:00 a.m.- 4 p.m. to help compile a list of birds seen at the big windows! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Scout Day: Senior & Ambassador Girl Scouts Outdoor Art
Saturday, February 18th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join us for a fun afternoon celebrating art in Nature as we work on requirements for the brand-new GSUSA Senior “Outdoor Art Expert” and Ambassador “Outdoor Art Master” badges! We’ll cover requirements 1, 2 and 4. Bring your camera or phone to complete Nature photography requirements. Program will include exploring the astronomy-themed Eyes to the Sky community art exhibition. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Sunday, February 19th, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Become an official Citizen Scientist and participate in this worldwide bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Stop by the nature center anytime 11 AM-4 PM to help compile a list of birds seen at the big windows! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Travelogue: Namibia, Africa
Sunday, February 19th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join Becky Parkin and Andy Avram from Lake Metroparks for a photo journey of their graduate trip to Namibia Africa, and learn more about conservation efforts for cheetahs and the wild side of this amazing country. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Music of Birdsong: Sorting Out the Singers
Sunday, February 19th, 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Birdsong is music, but learning those songs can be daunting. The process becomes easier and much more enjoyable when we begin to identify the musical elements in those songs and observe the interactions that accompany them. Join music professor/naturalist Dr. Lisa Rainsong and see how techniques used in music training and appreciation classes can provide valuable tools for identification of birds and their repertoire. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Senior Day: Snowshoeing
Thursday, February 23rd, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge
Discover the fun of snowshoeing in this seasonal senior program! Snowshoes and instruction provided. Hike if snow conditions are not ideal. Registration required.
Maple Town Tune Traders
Thursday, February 23rd, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Informal performances followed by jam session. All genres, instruments and skill levels welcome. Come to play, sing or simply enjoy as audience. Snacks to share welcome.
Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Supernova 1987a Turns 30
Friday, February 24th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Thirty years ago, Earth got its first glimpse of a tremendous explosion in a nearby galaxy. We’ll explore how Ohio astronomers were involved in every stage of this historic event, then enjoy night sky viewing with park telescopes till 11:00 p.m. if weather permits. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, February 25th, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join other beginning birders in nature center lobby, where we will practice identifying the winter birds found at our feeders, then head out to see what birds we can find along the Discovery Trail! Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Nature Explorers: Awesome Astronomy (Ages 6-7 & 8-11)
Saturday, February 25th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Look at the night sky in our new portable planetarium, train to be astronaut in the International Space Station, and make your very own constellation craft. Drop-off at 1:00 p.m.; pick-up by 3:00 p.m. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Night Sky Viewing
Saturday, February 25th, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Take in the wonders of the night sky using park telescopes! Planetarium program if weather won’t allow night sky viewing. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show
Sunday, February 26th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us for a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky each week. Building open house 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Travelogue: Paddling with Sharks – The 99-Mile Wilderness Waterway
Sunday, February 26th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join photographers Bruce and Susan Bennett for an illustrated presentation of their 99-mile paddling journey across the Wilderness Waterway, from Everglades City to Flamingo Florida. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
1917 Vacation: Geauga’s Land of Lakes & Ledges
Sunday, February 26th, 3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Follow the adventures of a Cleveland family vacationing in Geauga County 100 years ago as they visit Chesterland Caves and Bass Lake, traveling by steamship, interurban rail and auto.
Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Geauga Walkers
Tuesday, February 28th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Join other active seniors on weekly hikes typically 1 ½ miles long. A naturalist leads hikes in Geauga Park District parks. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule, 440-279-2137. If temperature is below 20 degrees, please call 440-279-0880 to confirm program will still be held.
For more information, visit Geauga Park District or call 440-286-9516.
Visit Geauga Park District online at Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
