GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Over the course of a few hours the night of April 14, through April 15, the Earth’s shadow will darken the full moon in an alignment called a total lunar eclipse.
Observatory Park Astronomy Naturalist Chris Mentrek will be following the eclipse all night at Observatory Park, offering the public a telescope view of the moon’s transformation from Monday at 8 p.m. until Tuesday at 5 a.m.
April’s is the first total lunar eclipse since 2011, which also means that it’s the first one since Geauga Park District opened Observatory Park.
For a preview of the eclipse, attend the Eclipses program at Observatory Park on April 11, from 7-9 p.m. to learn all about the lunar and solar eclipses of 2014. An indoor planetarium presentation will be followed by night sky observation using park telescopes, weather permitting.
Observatory Park is located at 10610 Clay St. in Montville Township. Registration is not required.
Spring Birding
Continuing a Greater Cleveland tradition since 1933, the annual Spring Bird Walk Series returns for six walks throughout April and May, including: April 13 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, April 20 at Frohring Meadows, April 27 at The Rookery, May 4 at Eldon Russell Park, May 11 at Big Creek Park and May 18 at Swine Creek Reservation. All are Sundays from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and among Nature’s Not to Be Missed opportunities.
Located where there is the best bet for birds at each particular stage in migration, these walks connect experienced bird watchers with novices of all ages for bird observation, identification and interpretation.
For those newly interested in birding, Dan Best will host a Bird Walk for Beginning Birders on May 4, from 1-3 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park, providing assistance with binocular use, recommendations for choosing a bird guide, sources of regional birding resources, guided observation and tips for identification.
Another excellent opportunity to spot a diversity of birds will be the Spring Bird Sit on May 17 at a select location within Eldon Russell Park. Drop in any time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and follow the signs to sit a spell with a naturalist and help tally the spring bird life at this park. Finally, for an explanation on what goes into bird migration, join Cleveland Museum of Natural History Ornithologist and Director of Science Andy Jones for a discussion of Avian Olympics: Bird Migration Explained on April 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center.
For outdoor programs, dress for the weather and bring a bird guide if available. Registration is not required.
Spring Your Dog’s Step
Geauga Park District resumes its popular Hound Hike series in April, May and June.
Walks are scheduled for April 19, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Headwaters Park, 13365 Old State Road in Huntsburg Township; May 19, from 6:30-9 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Road in Chester Township; and June 21, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road in Bainbridge Township.
Registration is required. Please bring dog towels, water bowl, poop scoop and bags for cleanup. One non-aggressive dog is allowed per handler, who must be able to fully control his or her dog at all times on a leash no longer than eight feet.
Scout Out
Geauga Park District will offer two April scouting programs at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township that will help scouts get experiences they need to succeed.
Cub Scouts: Sharing Your World with Wildlife Achievement is April 19 from 9:30-11 a.m.; and Brownies: Wonders of Water Badge takes place April 26 from 9-11:30 a.m.
Both programs require registration and cost $2 for out-of-county scouts. Cub Scouts must bring a two-liter pop bottle or milk jug. See online listings for details.