For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.Fire In The Parks "Hotline" Call ListExperience…
GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Fire In The Parks “Hotline” Call List
Experience a real controlled burn sometime in late March or early April from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge Township.
Controlled burning is a well-established best management practice used to maintain prairies. At Frohring Meadows, burning brush material away reduces weed species, propagates seeds dispersed in 2008, and creates an opportunity for supplemental seeding of additional grasses and forbs.
In addition to watching the fire set and burned out, call-listers will start their visit learning about fire ecology and the values of using this management tool from the staff of Geauga Park District’s Natural Resource Management Department.
The special opportunity is entirely weather dependent, and will not be called if weather conditions do not present themselves prior to the nesting season of grassland birds. Activities will start most likely in the late morning or early afternoon when conditions are optimal.
All controlled burns are conducted by an Ohio-certified prescribed fire manager and done according to prepared burns plan to ensure proper smoke dispersal. Signs will be posted for visitors as soon as conditions are conducive to burn; only affected trails will be closed during the time of the burn only. Neighbors, the local fire department and local law enforcement will be notified directly.
If conditions are right this spring, Geauga Park District also hopes to utilize prescribed fire to manage property at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve in Burton Township unrelated to the call list.
Explore Backcountry Ravines
April 2
Venture into rocky woodland ravines of Chester Township to discover stately trees, meandering streams, rock ledges, salamanders and the history of the land.
Options for adventure are from 9-11:30 a.m. at a Geauga Park District preserve near Lindsey Elementary School and from 12:30-4 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park. Choose one or both and enjoy a packed lunch with fellow hikers in between.
Registration is required for both hikes. Hikers will explore rain or shine, and should be school aged or older.
Fish Stocking
Geauga Park District’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) Department announces the season’s first stocking of fish at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve in Munson Township on March 16.
Yellow perch numbering 1,000 were released into the 30-acre lake last Wednesday joining largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, bullhead and channel catfish also known to live in its waters.
Families are welcome to catch and take fish from seven parks countywide with a current Ohio fishing license in accordance with state regulations. Guidelines for fishing in the parks, including location tips and the species of fish found in each waterway, are posted online.
NRM also plans to stock waters this spring in Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield Township, Big Creek Park in Chardon Township, Orchard Hills Park in Chester Township and Beartown Lakes Reservation in Auburn Township.
