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 April 2019. You may also view these programs and events published on our new website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, beginning the morning of March 20th, and in our quarterly Park Explorer newsletter, which is mailed to every Geauga County household and available from all in-county libraries.
April Evening Adventure – Friday, April 5th from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park
A memorable spring evening hike for families to see an American Woodcock air show accompanied by a chorus full of Spring Peeper piping, Barred Owl bantering, beaver tail-slapping and Great Blue Heron flapping. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Hunter Education Course –Saturday, April 6th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Day 1) and Saturday, April 13th 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Day 2) – Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
Geauga Park District will train young and beginner hunters on safety, archery, ammunition, ethics and conservation during this two-day Hunter Education Course. Attendance required both days to complete the coursework, which ends with a quiz. Under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required through the Ohio Division of Wildlife at . Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Monarchs & Milkweed –Saturday, April 6th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
This in-depth presentation will cover Monarch biology and migration. Get the latest on this well-known insect’s plight as it struggles to survive. Afterwards, plant your own pot of native milkweed seeds to take home and grow. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Bald Eagle Hike –Sunday, April 7th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Headwaters Park, Boathouse
Learn amazing facts about Bald Eagles and hike to an active nest, rain or shine, hopefully to observe eagle activity! Participants should be able to hike 2 miles over rolling terrain. Registration required. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Buckeye Trail: 250-Mile “Little Loop” – Sunday, April 7th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
Did you know Northeast Ohio has a 250-mile section of the Buckeye Trail called “the Little Loop”? Take a virtual tour around this section and learn about the Little Loop Challenge – a collective effort to hike the entire Little Loop in one day! Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Geauga Walkers –Tuesday, April 9th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Deep Woods
Hikes for active seniors 1 to 1 ½ miles long. Naturalist led. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule: 440-279-2126.
Spring Terrarium Workshop –Friday, April 12th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Claridon Woodlands, Judge Lester Taylor Lodge – Fee: $40 ($44 out of county)
Join artisan Holly Michniak to welcome springtime by creating a beautiful glass terrarium with live plants and decorative accents. Refreshments will be provided. Ages 10+. Registration required. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Mapping Mars –Friday, April 12th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Participate in a Citizen Science project to map the features of Mars! We’ll show you how to join an online effort to puzzle out the features of “the Red Planet.” Followed by night sky viewing until 11:00 p.m. if weather permits.
Egg Hunt: Nature Style –Saturday, April 13th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
Celebrate spring by following clues indoors and outdoors to hidden eggs and fun facts. Find all the eggs and get a fun prize! Drop in anytime during program hours. Scavenger hunts for both preschool and school age children.
Nassau Night Sky Viewing –Saturday, April 13th 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, April 14th from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
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 April 21st, 28th, May 5th, 12th, 19th. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Loonacy: Loons in Life, Legend & Local Waters –Sunday, April 14th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Bass Lake Preserve, Lodge
Learn about the amazing aquatic abilities, ecology, lore and conservation issues of this iconic bird of the North Woods. Outdoor viewing of migratory Common Loons follows. Bring binoculars; spotting scope provided. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Timbertots: Spring Things (Ages 3-5 w/adult) –Sunday, April 14th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Monday, April 15th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
Join Nora the Explorer on an adventure to discover the wonderful Nature that awakens in the spring. Program outdoors, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Registration required. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Warbler Warm-up –Sunday, April 14th from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at The West Woods, Nature Center
Noted local birders Matt Valencic and Kelly Kozlowski present techniques for ID’ing spring warblers using color patterns, habitat, behaviors and song. For novice to intermediate birders, with handouts provided. Walk follows to find early songbird migrants. A collaboration with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
