Our more experienced Nature lovers, the seniors, continue to have a diversity of park programs in the fall, including seasonal bike rides, naturalist-led hikes and Elderberries experiences.
Please note that registration is required to participate in Elderberries and Geauga Walkers at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org under Programs & Activities, or by phone at 440-286-9516 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, beginning September 20 for Geauga County residents and September 27 for all others.
If you’re a senior who enjoys a good bike ride, plan to bring your bicycle to the Park Avenue trailhead parking area behind Marc’s in Chardon, with your helmet and water, and join escorted rides along The Maple Highlands Trail – no registration required! Geauga Cyclists will be heading out at 3 p.m. every Wednesday through the end of October for roughly an hour and a half. To receive notice when rides are cancelled, call Sandy McLeod at 440-279-2137 to be added to her cancellation call list.
Love to explore by foot? Register to join a naturalist in a variety of parks throughout the season. Geauga Walkers hikes within Geauga Park District are scheduled this fall for the following Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.: October 4 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, October 18 at Orchard Hills Park, November 1 at Beartown Lakes Reservation, November 15 at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, November 29 at Big Creek Park, December 13 at The West Woods (including the annual holiday potluck), and December 27 at Eldon Russell Park. For a complete schedule, including walks outside of the parks, call the Senior Center at 440-279-2167.
And if you’re always game for a new adventure in the Great Outdoors (or eager to revisit one from days gone by), Elderberries (“seniors ripe for adventure”) is for you! Register ASAP to attend one or more of the season’s programs – all complete with free food (either a meal, if listed, or snacks) courtesy of the Geauga County Department on Aging and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Following is a list of what’s available this fall.
Elderberries: Fall Wagon Ride
Thursday, October 13, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM at Swine Creek Reservation
Enjoy a picnic lunch, then take a naturalist-led wagon ride to enjoy natural wonders unique to autumn.
Elderberries: Restoring Parks for Wildlife
Thursday, November 10, 1-2:30 PM, at The West Woods Nature Center
Join Park Biologist Paul Pira to learn how Geauga Park District has restored streams and wetlands for wildlife in Geauga County. Snacks provided.
Elderberries: Wildlife Detective Training
Thursday, December 8, 1-2:30 PM, at The West Woods Nature Center
Learn how to be a Wildlife Detective from Naturalist Karie by observing evidence that wildlife left behind! Snacks provided.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
