Parks & Recreation

December 18, 2014 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geauga

parkdistrict.org.

Bring Some Light Into The Longest Night

Among the longest-running programs Geauga Park District hosts, in its 25th year, the Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk is the kind of charming event that fast becomes a tradition for families. The walk takes place Dec. 21 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.

Visitors begin the year’s longest evening indoors with hot cider and cookies homemade by volunteers, as well as sing-along opportunities with the accomplished Pilgrim Brass Choir, which has contributed traditional holiday music all 23 years of the program.

Then, head outdoors in volunteer-led groups of 40 to 50 to explore the roots of modern holiday celebrations, derived from ancient civilizations.

Expect to encounter five exciting stations to educate and entertain about the celebration of the longest night of the year, past and present. Cultures featured during the walk’s luminary-lit stations will include the origin of the Christmas tree; the Druids and their origins of mistletoe and holly; Native American traditions; and the Northern Barbarians and how they saw the solstice as the annual theft of the sun by the Frost Giants.

The free program, held at Swine Creek Reservation for 14 years and The Rookery for seven, made its debut at The West Woods in 2010. Roughly 15 staff members and 40 volunteers make it happen annually, and with good reason it regularly attracts about 400 people. The last group will be sent onto the path at 9 p.m.

Due to limited parking, carpooling is highly recommended; overflow parking will be at ASM International, 9639 Kinsman Road, where a shuttle will offer prompt transport to the Nature Center.

Registration is not required. With questions, just call 440-286-9516.

Family Time In Nature

Bring the family the weekend after Christmas to learn from Geauga Park District Chief Naturalist John Kolar what survives and thrives in the wintry cold conditions of Northeast Ohio.

On Dec. 27, from 1-3 p.m., it’s Wildlife Detectives! Discover what animals are lurking in the backyard. Learn of the many telltale signs of their presence, and then head outside on a short hike to see what the group can discover. Indoors and outdoors, families will participate in several hands-on tracking activities including a one-of-a-kind scat quiz.

Then, on Dec. 28, from 1:30-3 p.m., visit the more specific Wildlife in Winter. Freeze, fly, frolic or sleep animals in Geauga County have different fascinating ways to combat the cold. The group will be indoors to discover animal adaptations and strategies, and then outdoors for a short hike to look for signs of active wildlife.

Registration is not required for either of the free programs.