Geauga Park District
Geauga Park District offers many different hikes to enjoy beautiful fall color locales.
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Feast Your Eyes On Fall Colors
Geauga Park District offers many different hikes to enjoy beautiful fall color locales.
Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve is recommended the first weeks of October to see the bog surrounding the lake ablaze in full color.
Other naturalist-recommended fall color parks, around mid-October, are the new Veterans Legacy Woods, Bass Lake Preserve, Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, Frohring Meadows, Headwaters Park and Swine Creek Reservation.
For those who want more guidance, park district naturalists have also scheduled some special fall color experiences. Registration is required for them all.
Fall Color Canoe Float
Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m., Burton Wetlands Preserve
Cross-country Fall Colors Van Trip
Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The West Wood
Ansel’s Cave Hike: Autumn Exploration
Oct. 20, 9-11 a.m., The West Woods
Fall Hike Around the Reservoir
Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Headwaters Park
Reserve Space In Nature
Start dates for Geauga Park District facility reservations in 2020 have been released, once again giving priority to Geauga County residents.
Geauga County residents will be able to make 2020 reservations beginning Dec. 2 starting at 8 a.m. online and by phone.
Out-of-county residents will be able to make 2020 reservations beginning Jan. 2 starting at 8 a.m. online and 10 a.m. by phone.
Visit the park district’s website for a current fee schedule and information about facility reservations.
Fall Art Workshops
Registration is now open for two unique nature-themed workshops.
Friends & Wine Card-Making Workshop
Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Bring outdated/unused cosmetics or use some new stock provided to create nature-themed greeting cards with artisan Angela Giaimo. Complete with snacks and wine. Fee is $14 for county residents.
Beaded Spider Workshop
Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.
The West Woods, Affelder House
Join jewelry artist Fran Rafiani to learn about the Ukrainian legend of the Christmas spider and create a 2-inch beaded arachnid utilizing copper, silver and gold colored wire and choice of assorted glass beads. Refreshments served. Fee is $33 for county residents
Fall At Observatory Park
Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Memorial Day, and naturalist Chris Mentrek and other naturalist staff are eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park during the following upcoming programs this fall.
Front and center is the Transit of Mercury, a cool astronomical event happening on Nov. 11. Drop in between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. during this rare “mini-eclipse” to try to catch a glimpse of this seldom-seen planet as it crosses between Earth and the sun. The event will be canceled if weather prevents viewing the sun.
Guided night sky viewing will be held using the huge research-grade telescope at the Nassau Astronomical Station Saturdays, from 7-11 p.m., Oct. 12 and 26, Nov. 9 and 23 and Dec. 14 and 28. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will participate Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.
Hour-long, hands-on astronomy education will be offered Fridays, from 7-8 p.m., followed by night sky until 11 p.m. if weather permits: Oct. 11 and 25 (Ancient American Skywatchers), Nov. 8 and 22 (The Shape of the Earth) and Dec. 13 and 27 (Track a Meteor).
Full moon programs are Oct. 13 (The Buck Moon); Nov. 12 (The Beaver Moon) and Dec. 12 (The Black Bear Moon).
Kids ages 3-5 can sign up to enjoy Astrotots: Meet Mars on Oct. 18, and 19, and youth ages 5 to 12 who are homeschooled can sign up for Homeschool Days: Awesome Astronomy on Nov. 8.
Finally, “Astro-Nat” Chris will open the Robert McCullough Science Center and Oberle Observatory Sundays, Oct. 27 and Dec. 29, from 1-4 p.m., all featuring The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows at 2 p.m.
