There is something for everyone in Geauga Park District this winter – from free snowshoe borrowing and birds who can hand-feed at The West Woods, to sledding hills and groomed cross country skiing trails, to comfortable facilities you can easily reserve year-round, to special events and many naturalist-led programs reaching every age and ability. Here are our offerings for January, 2017.
JANUARY
Geauga Walkers
Tuesday, January 3rd, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Eldon Russell Park
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.
Coffee Talk & a Walk
Saturday, January 7th, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Begin your day with a ½-mile walk followed by a fireside presentation on winter wildlife. Hot drinks and donuts provided. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Sledding & Snowflakes
Saturday, January 7th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Try fun outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, bring your sled for a ride, learn about winter wildlife, and enjoy winter crafts and games. We’ll even have a cozy fire and warm drinks! Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Travelogue: Magical Butterflies from the Rainforests of South America
Sunday, January 8th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Cynthia Druckenbrod of the Cleveland Botanical Garden will showcase amazing plants, butterflies, moths and other fascinating insects from the lowland rainforests in Central and South America, specifically in Guatemala, Ecuador and Peru. She has been Vice President of Horticulture since 2000 and helped to build the Glasshouse in 2003. Her MS is in entomology from Auburn University. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Hawk Talk: Winter’s Birds of Prey & Live Bird Presentation
Sunday, January 8th, 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
An overview of Geauga’s winter hawks, eagles and owls, plus a live Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl from Lake Metroparks’ Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Senior Day: Snowshoeing
Thursday, January 12th, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Discover the fun of snowshoeing in this seasonal senior program! Snowshoes and instruction provided. Hike if snow conditions aren’t ideal. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Full Moon: The Wolf Moon
Thursday, January 12th, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Explore the lives of wolves and learn to “speak wolf,” then watch the full Wolf Moon rise over Observatory Park! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Dark Matter Galaxies
Friday, January 13th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Find out more about the mysterious dark matter and new hints about our universe’s history. Followed by night sky viewing using park telescopes till 11 PM. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Learn to Snowshoe
Saturday, January 14th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
Learn the basics of snowshoeing including clothing, equipment and technique. Indoor presentation followed by outdoor instruction. We provide snowshoes or bring your own! Ages 8+ w/adult. Registration required.
Night Sky Viewing
Saturday, January 14th, 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.
Frozen Fest
Sunday, January 15th, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Join Geauga Park District for an exciting afternoon of FREE winter fun! Activities include live ice carving/sculptures, guest appearance by a winter snowman and ice princesses, snowshoeing, snow-themed crafts, face painting, refreshments and much more! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show
Sunday, January 15th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
A planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky each week. Building open house from 1-4 PM. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
