Parks and Recreation

November 12, 2015 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Trail Camera Treasures

Nov. 20, 7-8 p.m.

West Woods Nature Center

Often referred to as a “game camera” by hunters, the trail camera is quickly becoming a favorite tool for biologists, researchers and the outdoor hobbyist. Research assistant Tami Gingrich’s topics will include different types of trail cameras and their capabilities, and her proven techniques on how to determine their best placement. She will also divulge some of her most awe-inspiring photos that her cameras have captured over seven years of trail camera surveys within Geauga Park District.

Learn how to capture wildlife on a camera in one’s own backyard. Registration is not required.

Chickadee Magnets

Winter is a great time to observe birds, and what better place to observe them than the comfortable, serene wildlife feeding station at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. Geauga Park District’s Bird in the Hand Project allows people to feed the wild birds by hand.

The project debuted in the winter of 2014 to great success, and the black-capped chickadees immediately warmed up when the feeder went back out this fall.

To try one’s hand at feeding the birds, time up the visit for daylight hours and dress warmly since one will be standing still. Stop into the nature center from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to collect some black oil sunflower seed or use a little from the feeder already placed on site. Hand-feeding works best with just one or two people or a small group, like three or four.

Follow the Trout Lily Trail, then hang a right at the fork after the boardwalk across the wetlands, following the sign. Soon visitors will come upon the feeding station marked by a feeder and a mannequin, “Parker,” who keeps the birds familiar with a human presence.

Take down the feeder, hide it under the bucket that’s there, extend one’s hand with some seed in one’s palm, and then wait.

To get kids ages 6-7 or 8-11 involved on their own, sign them up during winter break to participate in Nature Explorers: Bird in the Hand on Dec. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is required for this drop-off program.

Night Hike & Campfire

Nov. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.

Orchard Hills Park, Lodge

Gather around a blazing outdoor campfire for a story or two, then journey into the darkness, without flashlights, to experience the magical world of nature at night. Naturalist Karie Wheaton will explain how nocturnal animals have adapted their senses to both survive and thrive at night.

Registration is not required.

Call For Entries: Art Takes A Bough

Dec. 10, 4-6 p.m.

For the ninth consecutive year, Geauga Council for Arts & Culture is seeking regional artists of all ages to participate in its Art Takes a Bough community art project, a showcase for community handmade holiday ornaments.

Entries may be submitted at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township.

Art Takes a Bough is a venue to display and sell your ornaments directly.

Ornaments must be priced at $10 or $30 each. Artists may submit a maximum of six ornaments at $10 each and a maximum of four ornaments at $30 each. Each ornament must fit inside a 6-inch square box, be lightweight, have an ornament hanger and be signed by the artist. Artists may also to provide a short, typed bio or business card to include with each ornament.

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. All artists must be present at the reception and will be paid on location for ornaments sold.

Once all ornaments are submitted, these beautiful miniature pieces of artwork may be admired and purchased by the public at “buy it now” prices during an open house and reception at The West Woods Nature Center from 6-9 p.m.

Guests at the reception will have the opportunity to purchase the handmade ornaments, priced at $10 or $30 each, and enjoy holiday refreshments, as well as a Zentangle demo and display of ornaments by students from Geauga Achieve and STARS. Then, from 7-8 p.m., Bill Hixson, an accomplished floral designer who has helped decorate the White House for the holidays for more than 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. For more information, contact Teresa Runion at 440-279-0882 or trunion@geaugaparkdistrict.org.