Geauga Park District
Join the park district as it launches its new trekking series, designed to get participants out on its awesome trails.
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org. No registration required unless otherwise noted.
Geauga Gems Trekking Series
Jan. 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Join the park district as it launches its new trekking series, designed to get participants out on its awesome trails. The information session held at the West Woods Nature Center will cover all the details of this year-long adventure, including number of hikes, hiking opportunities, how to register and incentives for completion – then take a naturalist-led hike that completes one’s first required hike.
Winter Scout Days
Dress for the weather and explore Geauga parks to earn scouting credit. Registration is now open for all of them.
Webelos can complete their requirements for the Into the Woods elective adventure on Jan.11 from 9-11 a.m. at Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge.
Also on Jan. 11, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts can participate in a Snowshoe Adventure at The West Woods.
A great warm-up for their Snow or Climbing Adventure Badge, wear snow boots to fit into snowshoes.
At Observatory Park on Feb. 1, Cadette Girl Scouts can complete the requirements for the Night Owl badge from 6-8:30 p.m.
On Feb. 15 from 9-11:30 a.m. at The West Woods, Boy Scouts can work toward earning their Bird Study merit badge work as part of the Annual Backyard Bird Count. Bring Bird Study merit badge worksheets and Blue Cards. A merit badge counselor will be on site to sign requirements.
At Orchard Hills Park on March 21, Lodge, Bear Cub Scouts can complete their requirements for their Fur, Feathers & Ferns required adventure from 9-11 a.m., and Brownie Girl Scouts can complete their Eco Friend badge from 1:30-4 p.m.
Only participating scouts of the designated affiliation should be registered, and to maximize attendance and minimize no-shows, there will now be a limit of four registrations per person. Email Holly Sauder, outreach coordinator, at hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org with questions.
Winter At Observatory Park
Observatory Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Montville Township, and naturalist Chris Mentrek is eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park during the following special programs all season long.
Register for one of the limited spots to join a naturalist on a 2.5-mile hike, discovering early springtime forest and meadow, during Hidden Gems Hikes: Exploring Observatory Park on March 22 from 1-3 p.m.
Guided night sky viewing will be held using the huge research-grade telescope at the Nassau Astronomical Station from 7-11 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and 22, March 14 and 28, plus astronomy nights led by Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society volunteers on Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 21.
Take in hands-on astronomy education from 7-8 p.m., followed by night sky until 11 p.m. weather permitting on Fridays, Jan. 24 – Light Pollution Solutions; Feb. 7 and 21 – Pluto & Friends; and March 13 and 27 – Black Holes.
Full moon programs are Jan. 10 (The Wolf Moon); Feb. 9 (The Frost Moon); and March 9 (The Worm Moon).
Kids ages 3-5 can sign up to enjoy Astrotots: There’s No Place Like Home, and discover what makes Earth so special, on Jan. 24 and 25.
And finally, “Astro-Nat” Chris will open the Robert McCullough Science Center and Oberle Observatory on Sundays, Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 29 from 1-4 p.m. All dates feature The Sky Tonight Planetarium Shows at 2 p.m.
