Find your adventure in Geauga Park District this spring – from going on a real-life snipe hunt to exploring Ansel’s Cave to learn to canoe and kayak or running (or walking) your first 5K!
Here are our offerings for May 2019. You may also view these programs and events published on our new website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, beginning the morning of March 20, and in our quarterly Park Explorer newsletter, which is mailed to every Geauga County household and available from all in-county libraries.
Tea & Wildflowers – Saturday, May 4th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Headwaters Park, Boathouse
Celebrate spring with a wildflower talk by park naturalists while you enjoy a variety of teas and pastries. Then head out on short trail for a hike to look at the wildflowers in bloom. Held rain or shine. Registration required. Nature’s Not to Be Missed. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Scout Day: Girl Scout Outdoor Skills Field Day – Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Chickagami Park
Cadette, Senior & Ambassador Girl Scouts, let’s put our scouting skills to the test! Practice fire building, orienteering, outdoor cooking and knot tying as we work toward making a delicious campfire treat! For Girl Scouts grades 6-12. Registration required.
Scout Day: Boy Scout Outdoor Skills Field Day – Saturday, May 4th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Chickagami Park
Boy Scouts, let’s put our scouting skills to the test! Practice fire building, orienteering, outdoor cooking and knot tying as we work toward making a delicious campfire treat! For those who have crossed to Boy Scouts grades 5-12. Registration required.
Amazing Amphibians – Saturday, May 4th from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Learn about frogs and salamanders during a fun indoor presentation, then head outdoors for a half-mile hike to experience the sights and sounds. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Annual Spring Bird Walk Series – Sunday, May 5th from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Eldon Russell Park
See a variety of birds as they return to prime breeding habitat during spring migration. Experienced leaders will assist participants with observation and identification. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars and bird guide. At different locations May 12th and 19th. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Beautiful Blooms Wildflower Hike – Sunday, May 5th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge Parking Lot
Take a naturalist-led hike to one of the best locations in Geauga Park District to find beautiful spring-blooming wildflowers! Hike up to 2 miles with rolling terrain and stream crossings. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Lost Lake Kayak Expedition – Sunday, May 5th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Upper Cuyahoga River, Rt. 87 Parking Lot
Experienced kayakers, take a rugged but rewarding kayak trip to a remote, seldom-seen wild marsh and lake accessed from the Upper Cuyahoga River. Ages 16+. Be prepared for the possibility of wading, muddy portages, climbing over felled trees and other obstacles – not for inexperience kayakers! Bring spare clothes and water. Registration required starting April 28th.
Geauga Walkers – Tuesday, May 7th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Headwaters Park, Rt. 322 Parking Lot
Hikes for active seniors 1 to 1½ miles long. Naturalist led. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule: 440-279-2126.
Magee Marsh Birding Van Trip – Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at The West Woods – Fee: $10 ($25 out of county)
Join us for a trip to one of the best bird-watching spots in the country to witness the spring spectacle of bird migration along the shores of Lake Erie. We’ll provide transportation and naturalists to assist with bird identification; bring your own binoculars, water and bag lunch. Registration required. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Henrietta Leavitt: Visionary Astronomer – Friday, May 10th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Observatory Park
Learn the history of pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Program followed by night-sky viewing until 11:00 p.m., weather permitting. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Frog Fest “Party Line” Call List – Friday, May 10th 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Get your name on the call list to witness the noisy courtship of Gray Tree Frogs and Green Frogs as they come to woodland pools to breed. We’ll call when conditions are right, so expect short notice. Registration required. Nature’s Not to Be Missed. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Catwalk Bird Count – Saturday, May 11th from 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Ascend the stairs of the Nassau Observatory to the outside catwalk, where we will conduct a bird count from our elevated perch closer to the tree canopy. Drop in or out anytime during program hours and help add some bird species to the list. Bring binoculars. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Nassau Night Sky Viewing – Saturday, May 11th from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Observe the wonders of the night sky using this facility’s giant research-grade telescope! If weather prevents sky viewing, join us for a planetarium presentation in the McCullough Science Center instead. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Annual Spring Bird Walk Series – Sunday, May 12th from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Big Creek Park, Aspen Grove Parking Lot
See description for May 5th. Nature’s Not to Be Missed. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Mother’s Day Milkweed Giveaway – Sunday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
What better gift can you give your mother than a plant? Stop by anytime during specified hours to pick up a free pot of native milkweed to plant and help the ailing Monarch Butterfly population. One pot per person. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
