For the “more experienced” Nature-lovers among us, meadows will be ablaze with goldenrod, asters and other showy wildflowers during a free lunch and leisurely after-lunch stroll on the paved loop trails of Orchard Hills Park in Chesterland on Thursday, September 20th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Registration is required for Elderberries: Strolling in Fields of Gold at 440-286-9516 or Geauga Park District. With activities tailored to senior citizens, Elderberries programming is co-presented by Geauga Park District, the Geauga Department on Aging and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Activities are partially wheelchair accessible.
Intriguing insects will dominate the day’s animal activity, with native pollinators – bees, beetles and butterflies – busy at work among the blossoms, said Naturalist Dan Best, leader of the Nature walk.
“Look a big bug in the eye: a Praying Mantis, dragonfly or grasshopper,” Dan said. “Watch the goldfinches work the thistles for seed, and migrant songbirds, bound for the tropics, forage for fuel among the berry bushes.
“If Monarch Butterflies are passing through, netting will also be attempted to tag them for scientific study of their amazing trans-continental migration to Mexico.”
EZ Go Cart tours will be available, and lunch will be served in the shelter. “Oh, and you can leave your hankies in your pocket; goldenrod does not cause hay fever,” Dan said.
Geauga Park District naturalists also lead Geauga Walkers hikes of active seniors throughout the year, usually a couple Tuesdays a month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is not required; the last hike of the summer season is Tuesday, September 25th, at 1:00 p.m. at Headwaters Park.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
