Parks and Recreation

April 21, 2016 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.

Run with the Caveman

June 12

Registration for Geauga Park District’s sixth annual Caveman Crawl 5K trail run and new 1-mile fun walk at the West Woods in Russell Township is now open.

All proceeds from the race benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure, which funds youth programming in the parks, including summer camps for youth entering grades five through 10.

For runners and walkers of the 5K, the course, just over 3.1 miles of hilly, well-graded dirt and gravel, includes portions of Ansel’s Cave Trail, known for its beautiful Sharon conglomerate rock outcropping, not to mention the forest views and wildlife just around the bend.

Race winners, chip-timed by Greater Cleveland XC, will take home handcrafted awards in the top three places overall, as well as the top three places in nine different age groups in both male and female categories. Plus, wear prehistoric garb and stand to win handcrafted awards for best costumes in youth and adult categories.

Race time is 9 a.m.; registration is from 7-8:30 a.m. Costume judging begins at 8:30 a.m.; and free food and awards will follow.

All ages are welcome. Find the official registration form and online registration information at http://bit.ly/gpdcaveman.

Registration is $20 postmarked by June 6 or online, $25 on race day. A free 2015 race day T-shirt is guaranteed for the first 250 to register

Get on Board for a Day Trip

See new things in nature and visit locations outside of the parks with a Geauga Park District naturalist as a guide. Registration is required.

Magee Marsh Birding Trip

April 25 or May 12, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Experience one of the best bird watching spots in the country to witness the spectacle of spring bird migration along the shores of Lake Erie. Fee is $10 or $25 for out of county residents. Bring lunch, water and binoculars. Meet at The West Woods Nature Center.

Habitats Revisited Van Trip: Hyde Property

May 21, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit Geauga Park District’s preserved Hyde property to see its spring wardrobe in this second of four 2016 trips. Bring lunch. Meet at The West Woods Nature Center.

Headlands Dunes Birding Van Trip

May 22, 6:45-10:30 a.m.

Explore this birding hotspot for spring migrants by either reserving a spot on the van or meeting the group at Headlands at 7:30 a.m. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, camera. Meet at The West Woods Nature Center.

Wildlife Habitat by Design: Backyard Van Tour

June 5, 1-4 p.m.

Visit two Certified Wildlife Habitat backyards that have been transformed into wildlife sanctuaries, and get inspired to make your own backyard more wildlife friendly. Meet at The West Woods Nature Center.

Purple Martin & Swallow Colony Van Tour

June 11, 9 a.m. to noon

Marvel at nesting sites of cliff, barn, tree, bank and rough-winged swallows, as well as the Amish community’s magnificent purple martin colonies. Meet at Burton Square Gazebo.

Spread Like Wildflower

With the unpredictability of the spring season, Weekly Wildflower Walks in the Geauga Park District will cover the early and late flowers over the course of four Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m.: May 2 at The West Woods; May 9 at Beartown Lakes Reservation; May 16 at Sunnybrook Preserve; and May 23 at Swine Creek Reservation. Naturalist Judy Bradt-Barnhart will share Native American and pioneer folklore, as well as name origins and pollination strategies.

In addition, join the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio for an After-Work Wildflower Walk on April 27 from 6:30-8 p.m. at The Rookery; and attend their Spring Wildflower ID Workshop, co-presented with Geauga Park District, on May 14 from 1-3 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center. Registration is required.

Workshop participants will learn to identify little beauties by their characteristics using “Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide,” which will be sold at the program, but can also be borrowed, or bring a copy from home.