Geauga Park District Quarterly Calendar of Events
For more information on any of these programs or events, contact the park district by phone at 440-286-9516 or visit online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.OCTOBERShutterbugs Camera ClubOct.…
For more information on any of these programs or events, contact the park district by phone at 440-286-9516 or visit online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
OCTOBER
Shutterbugs Camera Club
Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Learn tips and tricks for better pictures. See “Things to Do” on the website for meeting details.
Fall Hike Around The Reservoir
Oct. 5, 1-5 p.m.
Headwaters Park, Route 608 Parking
A seven-mile hike around East Branch Reservoir including the preserve side not open to the public.
Horseback Moonlight Ride
Oct. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Headwaters Park, Route 608 Parking
Bring your own horse. A four-mile naturalist-led ride to experience autumn as the sun sets and the moon rises over the East Branch Reservoir.
Geauga Walkers
Oct. 7, 1-2:30 p.m.
Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Call Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Full Moon: The Hunter’s Moon
Oct. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Learn the legends of the Hunter’s Moon, and watch the rising full moon through telescopes. Program inside under planetarium if cloudy.
Fall Fest
Oct. 10 and 11, 5-9 p.m.
Frohring Meadows
Celebrate autumn with horse-drawn wagon rides, hands-on activities for all ages, face painting, costumed characters and a walk after dark.
Monsters In The Sky
Oct. 10, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
The night sky is crawling with spooky sky stories. Come and learn about them in the planetarium. View the night sky through telescopes.
Nature Explorers: Spying on Spiders
Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to noon
Beartown Lakes Reservation,
North Point
Youth ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 will learn cool facts about these amazing critters through illustrations, games and other hands-on activities and venture outside for a spider search.
Fall Color Canoe Float
Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Bass Lake Preserve,
Boat Launch Area
Enjoy the autumn color as well as migratory waterfowl and possibly eagles as we explore the lake. Phone registration Oct. 11-17.
Halloween Blacklight Hike and Campfire
Oct. 18, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge
Use a blacklight flashlight to discover plants or other creepy-crawlies that might be revealed for this spooky but not-too-scary Halloween hike and fire afterwards. Costumes welcome.
Timbertots: Tree Treasures!
Oct. 19, 1-2 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will explore forest and orchard to discover the hidden treasures of trees. Indoors and outdoors.
Fall Color Exploration
Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Join a park naturalist to explore the orchards, forests and meadows of Orchard Hills in all of its autumn splendor.
Geauga Walkers
Oct. 21, 1-2:30 p.m.
Big Creek Park,
Campground parking area
Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Call Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Hogs Gone Wild and other Problem Wildlife
Oct. 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
USDA biologists inform of troublesome non-native animals that cause crop and property damage, and other negative impacts. Joint program with Blackbrook Audubon Society.
Timbertots: Tree Treasures!
Oct. 22, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Lodge
Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will explore forest and orchard to discover the hidden treasures of trees. Indoors and outdoors.
IMAGINE: Meet the Artists of Ravenwood Mental Health Center Art Therapy
Oct. 23, 4-6 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
See artwork created during therapy groups provided at Ravenwood Mental Health Center. Viewing this show may help gain an understanding of mental health issues.
Maple Town Tune Traders
Oc. 23, 7-10 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Sign up for an informal performance spot with acoustic or gently amplified instruments. Evening ends with open jam session. Snacks to share welcome.
Homeschool Days: Awesome Astronomy
Oct. 24, 10-11:30 a.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Youth ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 will discover constellations, planets and more with a fun planetarium show and planetary trail hike.
Monsters In The Sky
Oct. 24, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
The night sky is crawling with spooky sky stories. View the night sky through telescopes.
Twilight Trolley:
Ghosts of the C&E Interurban
Oct. 24, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge
Ghostly characters step out of the past to regale rail bed walkers on the Cleveland & Eastern rail bed with trolley tales from the interurban area.
Howl’oween Hound Hike
Oct. 26, 2-3:30 p.m.
Beartown Lakes Reservation,
Minnow Pond
Parade with your favorite pooch. Costumes (dog or human) are welcome.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Program
Oct. 26 2014, 2-3 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us on the second and fourth Sundays for planetarium presentations. Building open hours 1-4 p.m. If weather permits, view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment.
NOVEMBER
Junior Girl Scout Geocacher Badge
Nov. 1, 9:30-11 a.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Junior Girl Scouts work on requirements to earn the geocacher badge, including using a GPS unit and going on a geocache adventure.
Nature Trek Fitness Hike
Nov. 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
Fitness hike along the hilly trails of Big Creek Park. Participants should have the ability to walk at least two miles with some hills.
Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society Monthly Meeting
Nov. 1, 7:30-10 p.m.
Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge
Open to anyone with an interest in astronomy. Meeting with observation report, educational program and night sky viewing when clear. Learn more at www.chagrinvalleyastronomy.org.
Meet the Artists: Hillcrest Art Guild
Nov. 2, 2-4 p.m.
Big Creek Park, Meyer Center
View the work of artists from the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, on display through Jan. 11.
Backcountry Heron Hike
Nov. 2, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
The Rookery, Great Blue Heron
Lodge and grounds
Head off trail to the site of a heron nesting colony while the herons winter down south.
Geauga Walkers
Nov. 4, 1-2:30 p.m.
Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve,
Sunset Shelter
Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Call Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Full Moon: The Beaver Moon
Nov. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Learn about the industrious beavers and where to look for them then watch the rising moon through telescopes. Program inside under planetarium if cloudy.
Shutterbugs Camera Club
Nov. 6, 7-9 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Competition Night promises to be an exciting and instructive evening for members and observers alike. See “Things to Do” on the website for details, rules and entry forms.
Cosmic-Ray Cloud Chambers
Nov. 7, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
“Cloud chambers” are devices that let you see traces of high-energy particles (cosmic rays). With just a few household items learn to build a cosmic-ray detector.
Cub Scouts Wildlife Conservation
Belt Loop & Pin
Nov. 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Covers most of the requirements for either a belt loop or pin. Mostly indoors with some outdoors if weather permits.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Program
Nov. 9, 2-3 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us on the second and fourth Sundays for planetarium presentations. Building open hours 1-4 p.m. If weather permits, view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment.
Timbertots: Wonderful Weather
Nov. 15, 10-11 a.m.
The Rookery,
Great Blue Heron Lodge
Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will join Nora the explorer to uncover all of the wonders of weather. Partially outdoors weather permitting.
Waterfowl on the Move
Nov. 16, 9-11 a.m.
LaDue Reservoir
View migratory ducks, loons, grebes, swans and bald eagles during prime migration time from the west shore of LaDue Reservoir. Spotting scopes provided. Meet in boathouse parking lot for carpooling.
Timbertots: Wonderful Weather
Nov. 17, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will join Nora the explorer to uncover all of the wonders of weather. This program is partially outdoors, weather permitting.
Geauga Walkers
Nov. 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
Orchard Hills Park, Parking Area
Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Call the Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Maple Town Tune Traders
Nov. 20, 7-10 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Sign up for an informal performance spot with acoustic or gently amplified instruments. Evening ends with open jam session. Snacks to share are welcomed.
Cosmic-Ray Cloud Chambers
Nov. 21, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
“Cloud chambers” are devices that let you see traces of high-energy particles (cosmic rays). With just a few household items, learn to build a cosmic-ray detector.
Family Campfire and Night Hike
Nov. 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge
Gather around a blazing outdoor campfire for a story or two, then journey into the darkness to experience the magical world of nature during the nighttime!
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Program
Nov. 23, 2-3 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us on the second and fourth Sundays for planetarium presentations. Building open hours 1-4 p.m. If weather permits, view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment.
Turkey Trottin’ Scavenger Hunt
Nov. 29, 1-4:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Fun for the whole family. Go on a rhy-ming scavenger hunt to find turkey facts. Drop in anytime during program to join in.
Land of Lakes and Ledges:
1900s Tourism in Geauga
Nov. 30, 2-3 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Share the adventures of a Cleveland family on a vacation to Geauga County in the early 1900s.
DECEMBER
Geauga Walkers
Dec. 2, 1-2:30 p.m.
Chickagami Park
Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Cancelled if temperature is 20 or below. Call Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Shutterbugs Camera Club
Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Pack your potluck food and two of your favorite photos to share for annual holiday gathering. See “Things to Do” on the website for more details.
Holiday Greens Workshop
Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.
Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Make a holiday arrangement from fresh evergreens. Select from four options. See the Bulletin Board on the Park District’s website for project illustrations and details.
The Mistletoe Market
Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, noon to 4 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Bring little shoppers ages 3 to 8 to find gifts at affordable prices for everyone on their lists. Elves available to help kids. Purchases will be wrapped and tagged.
Full Moon: The Cold Moon
Dec. 6, 5:30-7 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
View three planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus) and the rising full moon through park telescopes. Program inside under planetarium, if cloudy.
The Mistletoe Market
Dec. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Bring little shoppers ages 3 to 8 to find gifts at affordable prices for everyone on their lists. Elves available to help kids. Purchases will be wrapped and tagged.
Timbertots: Evergreen Artists!
Dec. 7, 2-3 p.m.
Dec. 8, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Children ages 3 to 5 with an adult will discover what’s so cool about pine trees and other evergreens and make a fun centerpiece to take home.
Citizen Science in Astronomy
Dec. 12, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
From mapping asteroids to classifying galaxies, learn how to participate in “citizen science” projects online. Following the program, night sky viewing through the Park telescopes. Program inside under planetarium, if cloudy.
Affelder Adventure
Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m.
The West Woods, Affelder House
Hike to Affelder stream and waterfall, and then share discoveries indoors by a cozy fire.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Program
Dec. 14, 2-3 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us on the second and fourth Sundays for planetarium presentations. Building open hours 1-4 p.m. If weather permits, view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment.
Geauga Walkers: Holiday Hike & Pot Luck
Dec. 16, noon to 3 p.m.
The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge
Hike at noon. Potluck lunch at 1 p.m. Indoor presentation at 2 p.m. Naturalist-led weekly hikes for seniors, one and one-half miles long. Cancelled if temperature is 20 or below. Call Geauga Senior Center at 440-279-2137 for a full schedule.
Maple Town Tune Traders
Dec. 18, 7-10 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Sign up for an informal performance spot with acoustic or gently amplified instruments. Evening ends with open jam session. Snacks to share welcomed.
Winter Bird Banding Station
Dec. 20, 9-11 a.m.
Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge
Stop by anytime during the scheduled time for a close-up look at some most common winter species. Birds will be gently netted, banded and released.
Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Dec. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Dress for the weather and celebrate the longest night of the year. Start indoors with hot cider and music by the Pilgrim Brass Choir then be guided along a candlelit trail to learn about the ancient roots of modern holiday celebrations at interactive stops.
Citizen Science in Astronomy
Dec. 26, 7-8 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
From mapping asteroids to classifying galaxies, learn how to participate in “citizen science” projects online. Following the program, night sky viewing through the park telescopes. Program inside under planetarium, if cloudy.
Wildlife Detectives!
Dec. 27, 1-3 p.m.
The West Woods,
Learn telltale signs of animals present in your backyard, and then join in on a short hike to see what we can discover. Hands-on tracking activities include a one-of-a-kind scat quiz.
Wildlife in Winter
Dec. 28, 1:30-3 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Discover animal adaptations and strategies followed by a short outdoor hike to look for signs of active wildlife. Come prepared for the weather.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Program
Dec. 28, 2-3 p.m.
Observatory Park,
Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us on the second and fourth Sundays for planetarium presentations. Building open hours 1-4 p.m. If weather permits, view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment.
Nature Explorers: Bird in the Hand
Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to noon
The West Woods, Nature Center
Drop your kids ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 to learn about amazing winter birds and make a hanging peanut butter and seed feeder. We’ll count birds and go outside to try the bird-in-the-hand feeding station.
Grandparents in the Park: New Years Eve Nature Celebration!
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The West Woods, Nature Center
Grandparents and their grandchildren celebrate New Year’s Eve with fun activities, indoor Ice Age themed exhibit and snacks. Bring snacks to share. Beverages provided for a “toast” at noon.
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