GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
John Muir: Come Home to Nature
Jan. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
The West Woods Nature Center
John Muir, who lived 1838 to 1914, was America’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist who taught the importance of experiencing and protecting our natural heritage. Also known for his journalism, he was a writer and advocate of U.S. forest conservation leaving behind many strong quotes and anecdotes to support his cause to be heard during the presentation.
Muir’s activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. His legend lives on through The Sierra Club, a prominent American conservation organization, which he founded.
Chief Naturalist John Kolar has portrayed John Muir in various avenues statewide for years.
Registration is not required.
Nature Forensics: Owl Pellet Investigation
Jan. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
The West Woods Nature Center
Great horned owls begin nesting in January. Discover what Geauga County owls eat and feed their young by dissecting a real owl pellet, and then head outside to see if any owls answer our call.
Registration is required. The program is designed for school age and up.
Work It
From protecting your legs from the snow, to giving tiny blue birds a place to call home, to creating a landscape you can enjoy year-round, to maple sugaring, come out to your Geauga Park District this winter we’ll show you how it’s done.
Registration is limited and required for all the workshops. Register for Maple 101 through the Geauga County OSU Extension Office, at 440-834-4656.
Sew Your Own Gaiters Workshop
Jan. 16, 1-3 p.m.,
Big Creek Park’s Donald W. Meyer Center
Sew a pair of waterproof gaiters to help keep feet dry when snowshoeing, skiing or tromping through the deepest snow. Materials provided. Bring a sewing machine or borrow one from the park district. School age and up. Fee is $20.
Make a Bluebird House
Feb. 6, 1-3 p.m.
Big Creek Park’s Donald W. Meyer Center
Youth school age and up with an adult will build and take home a house that any bluebird would be proud to call home. The park district will provide some pointers on where and when to place the birdhouse to attract bluebirds and thwart rivals. The group will be assembling using hammers, nails and glue. The $10 fee covers all supplies; please register “by the birdhouse” rather than “by the person.”
Winter Wonderland & Wine
Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m.
The West Woods Nature Center
Adults 21 and older will join artist Carlene Exline to paint a beautiful winter landscape on an 8×10-inch board suitable for framing, while enjoying wine, cheese and great company. This step-by-step instruction requires absolutely no painting experience. The $24 fee covers all materials and refreshments.
Maple 101 Workshop
March 5, 9 a.m. to noon
Swine Creek Reservation
Beginners and experience producers wishing to hone sugaring skills will learn everything they need to know, including tree biology and identification, why sap flows, tapping, collecting methods, sugar bush management, producing the finished product, canning and packaging, as well as some local sugaring history. School age and up. Free.
Free Bus Trips
Group travel is a fun way to enjoy nature together. Hop on a bus or the new summer camp van to discover some of the area’s scenic winter wonders with Geauga Park District naturalists.
Registration is limited and required. None of the trips are wheelchair/stroller accessible; however, those with mobility issues are welcome to caravan behind to view from their own vehicles.
Winter Hawk Watch Backroad Bus Trip
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to noon
A birding adventure into Amish farmland for raptors including rough-legged hawks, harriers and kestrels, as well as horned larks, snow buntings, Lapland longspurs and other winter birds of open country. Ages 12 and up. Departs from Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield Township.
Habitats Revisited Van Trip Hyde Property
Feb. 20, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
The first of four trips planned to this property in 2016. Aligning with the park district’s new Come Home theme, a variety of habitats on the trip will provide an opportunity to explore and observe the seasonal changes in local plant and animal life. Dress for the weather. The terrain is fairly flat and open, but walking could be a challenge in the event of deep snow, so boots are recommended, or snowshoes in case of significant snow cover. School age and up. Departs from The West Woods in Russell Township.
Lake Erie Birds & Ice Bus Trip
Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join for a ride to Headlands Beach State Nature Preserve in search of hardy winter birds and amazing ice formations. Dress for the weather. Bring a snack and water. Adults only. Departs from The West Woods in Russell Township.