Parks & Recreation

December 11, 2014 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Don’t Miss Bill Hixson

For the eighth consecutive year, all are invited to enjoy and purchase handmade holiday ornaments by regional artists through the “Art Takes a Bough” community art project on Dec. 16 at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.

From 6-9 p.m., the beautiful miniature pieces of artwork may be admired and purchased at “buy it now” prices of $10 or $30 during an open house and reception.

Guests will enjoy holiday refreshments while they enjoy the hunt. Also featured during the evening will be a make-n-take Zentangle ornament, plus a display of ornaments by the students of Geauga Achieve/STARS.

Then, from 7-8 p.m., Bill Hixson, an accomplished floral designer who has helped decorate The White House for the holidays for over 30 years, will share humorous stories centered on decorating various rooms within the White House and folklore surrounding ornament designs and holiday traditions. Some of his ornaments will also be available for sale and signing at the event.

As in the past, 50 percent of sales will go directly to the artist; the remaining 50 percent will be split equally between the Geauga Council for Arts and Culture and Geauga Park District.

Registration is not required.

Birds, Up Close and Personal

The official 2015 winter finch forecast says that because the seed crops in Canada are poor this year, Northeast Ohio could see an invasion of more northern feathered friends. So, who knows what will show up at the Swine Creek Lodge feeding station?

Stop by anytime during this naturalist-led experience to see if the park district has netted any of its winter resident birds or more northern visitors.

Winter Bird Banding Station is Dec. 20 from 9-11 a.m. at the lodge at Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road in Middlefield Township.

Birds will be gently mist-netted as people watch, banded and released. It is an excellent photographic opportunity; bring a camera for close-ups of netted species.

Registration is not required.

Reserve Space in a Park

The new fee schedule for 2015 reservations, which will open on Dec. 15 for Geauga County residents and Jan. 1 for all others, is available on the park district website under the What’s New tab.