Geauga Walkers – Tuesday, July 16th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Holbrook Hollows
Hikes for active seniors 1 to 1 ½ miles long. Naturalist led. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule at 440-279-2126.
Full Moon: The Human Moon – Tuesday, July 16th from 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Observatory Park
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing by humans, join us to learn how humans have related to our closest neighbor in space. If weather conditions permit, we’ll watch the rising full moon using the park’s telescopes. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Elderberries: Paddling and Peddling in the Park – Thursday, July 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Headwaters Park, Boathouse
Join the Geauga County Department on Aging, University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and Geauga Park District as we explore the water from kayaks. There will be three sessions of kayaking and a guided bike ride, followed by a picnic lunch and EZ Go Cart tours of the park. Register for the event online; sign up for each kayak session will take place at the event. BYOB (bring your own bike)! Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Astrotots: Once Upon a Time (Ages 3-5 w/adult) – Friday, July 19th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Observatory Park
Come leap, laugh and learn about the 12 brave men who explored the moon once upon a time. Plant a flag on the moon and create your very own space helmet! Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Dragon-Hunting Van Trip: Morgan Park, Portage County – Saturday, July 20th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Dragonflies and damselflies are the insects of interest on this van trip and hike at one of Portage County’s newer parks. Come explore the meadows, wetlands and surrounding habitats at Morgan Park for these amazing insects. Our species list will then be given to the Ohio Odonata Society for a survey currently underway. Registration required.
Griswold Creek Stream Restoration Site Tour – Saturday, July 20th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at B Benner Metzenbaum Park
Take an off-trail hike to see firsthand what stream and wetland habitat restoration looks like – a unique chance to join our Natural Resource Management team and other conservation partners for a tour of the Griswold Creek restoration site. Also learn about stream pollution problems and what the Park District is doing to correct them. Dress for off-trail hiking in wet conditions with sturdy footwear. Registration required.
Nassau Astronomy Night with CVAS – Saturday, July 20th from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society to take in the wonders of the night sky using our newly restored telescope! Stop in to discover this amazing facility and all it has to offer. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Nights Out in the Parks: Tom Todd, Tribute to Jimmy Buffet – Saturday, July 20th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Amphitheater
Enjoy a tribute to the music of Jimmy Buffet performed by Tom Todd – One Man Band. Refreshments served. Held inside if inclement weather. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Grand River Kayak – Sunday, July 21st from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Adults, join naturalists on this day-long exploration as we paddle our way along the Grand River, home to a wondrous variety of birds, dragonflies, reptiles and other critters. Entry and exit to the river is challenging. Bring a lunch, snacks and a water bottle in a waterproof bag, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. Meet at The West Woods Nature Center and be transported by park van to and from the kayak site. Kayaks provided, but must have previous kayak experience. Registration required.
Trees of an Uncommon Nature – Sunday, July 21st from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
A gentle walk introducing the botany and lore of uncommon and rare native trees such as chestnut, shingle oak, hazelnut and tamarack. Binoculars available for close-up views into the canopy and out on the Lake Kelso bog, or bring your own.
Kelso Sunset Canoe (Ages 10+ w/adult) – Sunday, July 21st from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
Watch the sun set as you canoe Lake Kelso, an Ice Age relic rimmed by a bog. This unique northern wetland type is like being transported to Canada! Must have basic canoeing skills. Ages 10+ with adult; must be 12 to paddle. Cancelled in event of thunderstorm and/or high winds. Registration by phone begins July 14. Registration required. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Adventure Day Camp (Teens entering grades 8-10) – Monday, July 22nd – Friday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The West Woods – Fee: $150
Are you ready for an adventure!? If so, sign up now for an exciting week that includes exploring, archery, biking, kayaking, fishing, a high ropes course adventure and sending rockets high into the sky! Participants begin and end each day at The West Woods Nature Center. Transportation provided to other parks for various activities facilitated by highly qualified staff. Schedules, waivers and other details sent upon registration. Waiver required for each participant. Bring lunch, water and a raincoat in a backpack each day. Other equipment provided by the registration fee. Financial assistance available; call for details. Registration required.
Timbertots: Reptile Explorers (Ages 3-5 w/adult) – Tuesday, July 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 27th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The West Woods, Turkey Ridge Picnic Shelter
Discover some of the amazing things about reptiles and get to see a few up close! Dress for the weather. Older or younger siblings will not be considered participants. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Beat Around the Bushes Insect Hike – Tuesday, July 23rd from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Claridon Woodlands, Judge Lester Taylor Lodge
Why is this called a “Beat Around the Bushes Insect Hike”? Because that’s what we’ll be doing –beating the bushes with a stick while holding a “beating sheet” beneath the branches to see what insects and other invertebrates fall out of the vegetation. Come discover the diversity of normally unseen life in the shrubbery. Wear pants and sturdy shoes for straying off-trail. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Maple Town Tune Traders – Thursday, July 25th from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
Come to play, sing or simply enjoy as audience. Musicians of all levels, genres and instruments are welcome. Short performances followed by sharing of songs and tunes in the round. Snacks to share welcome. Inquiries to Dan Best 440-279-0883. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Apollo to the Moon – Friday, July 26th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Observatory Park
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing this month, join us for an indoor presentation on the fascinating history of this audacious undertaking. Followed by night-sky viewing using park telescopes until 11 PM, weather permitting. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Movie Night: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – Saturday, July 27th from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. at Observatory Park
Calling all wizards and witches – join us for this PG-rated family film, plus a special visit from the “owlry” of Lake Metroparks! Pre-show wizard activities begin at 8 PM and include Geauga County Public Library’s Fun Bus. Free popcorn and lemonade. Wizard attire welcome! Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Movie will be shown indoors if inclement weather. Weather permitting, night sky viewing after the movie. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Pond Exploration Day – Sunday, July 28th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Stop by to drop a net in the pond! Discover the animal life from microscopic monsters to frogs, turtles and everything in between, and learn about their amazing adaptations for swimming, breathing, eating and avoiding predators. We’ll supply the nets; you supply the curiosity. Follow signs to program location. Drop-in anytime from 1-3:30 PM. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show – Sunday, July 28th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Observatory Park
Join us for a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky this week. Building open house 1-4 PM. Weather permitting, also view the sun using our safe solar-viewing equipment. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Geauga Walkers – Tuesday, July 30th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Swine Creek Reservation, Valley Picnic Shelter
Hikes for active seniors 1 to 1 ½ miles long. Naturalist led. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule at 440-279-2126.
