Find your adventure in Geauga Park District this winter – from learning to snowshoe to live reindeer encounters to our re-branded “Elderberries: Seniors Ripe for Adventure!” programming to sweet maple sugaring memories!
Here are our offerings for January, 2018. You may also view these programs and more in our quarterly Park explorer newsletter, which is distributed to every Geauga County household and published online at Geauga Park District under About Your Parks, then Publications & Forms.
Geauga Walkers
Tuesday, January 2nd, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Sunnybrook Preserve
Hikes for active seniors 1 to 1 ½ miles long. Naturalist led. If temperature is 20 degrees or below, please call park to confirm it will still be held. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule, 440-279-2137. Also January 16th & 30th. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Full Moon: The Wolf Moon
Tuesday, January 2nd, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Observatory Park
Join us for the earliest “full moon-rise” of the year! Since January’s moon is also known as “The Wolf Moon,” we’ll explore the fascinating lives of wolves and learn to “speak wolf,” then watch the full moon rise using park telescopes, weather permitting. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Backcountry Hike: Ravines, Rocks & Ledges
Saturday, January 6th, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – The Rookery
Join a naturalist for an off-trail adventure into some of the rock ledges, streams and ravines of the protected preserve portion of this park. This is an outdoor program in rugged terrain, so hikers should be physically capable of several miles of off-trail challenges. Wear boots or shoes with good traction that can get wet, snowy and muddy, and dress for the weather! Not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Learn to Cross Country Ski
Sunday, January 7th, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Learn the basics of cross country skiing from Chris Newman of Geiger’s, including proper clothing, equipment and technique. Indoor presentation followed by outdoor instruction. Ski rental available in advance from Geiger’s, 50 Shopping Plaza, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022, 440-247-4900. A special rental rate for this program applies: $17 for pick-up on Friday and return on Monday during business hours. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Travelogue: A Summer in Switzerland at the Girl Scout World Center “Our Chalet”
Sunday, January 7th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The West Woods, Nature Center
Adult Girl Scout Rachel Sauder will share her experiences as a summer volunteer at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Center “Our Chalet” in Switzerland! Come hear all about her adventures in the international scouting world and her discoveries in the Swiss Bernese Alps, and make your own plans to visit “Our Chalet” with your troop! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, January 10th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – The West Woods, Nature Center
Interested in learning more about Geauga Park District’s Volunteer Program? Join us for an orientation about opportunities and begin the application process. Paperwork includes background check for ages 18 and up; youth under 14 must volunteer with an adult. Registration required.
Astrotots: Planet Pals! (Ages 3-5 w/adult)
Thursday, January 11th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. -The West Woods, Nature Center
Come meet eight great planets! Discover where our planet pals are positioned as we explore the night sky inside our inflatable planetarium – sure to be an out-of-this-world adventure, far-out and fun! Also January 13th. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Plants in Space
Friday, January 12th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Observatory Park
Plants are a space traveler’s best friend! Learn about plants that have made the trip to space, and how they can help clean your air. Night-sky viewing until 11 PM using the Oberle telescope, weather permitting. Also January 26. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Astrotots: Planet Pals! (Ages 3-5 w/adult)
Saturday, January 13th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – The West Woods, Nature Center
See description for January 11th. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
Nassau Night Sky Viewing
Saturday, January 13th, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Observe the wonders of the night sky using this facility’s giant research-grade telescope! If weather conditions prevent sky viewing, join us for a planetarium presentation in the McCullough Science Center instead. Also January 27th. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show
Sunday, January 14th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Observatory Park
Join us for a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky this week. Building open house 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. If weather permits, also get a chance to view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment. Also January 28th. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Travelogue: Explore the Azores
Sunday, January 14th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The West Woods, Nature Center
Travel with photographer Joanne Orichella to Terceira Island, one of the volcanic islands in the Azores located in the North Atlantic off the coast of Portugal. Explore both the picturesque countryside dotted with stone fences and cows and the urban cities with their local traditional festival of “running with the bulls.” Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
