Parks and Recreation

November 10, 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.

Park Closures

Observatory Park will be closed to the public Nov. 19, 20, 28 and 29, Dec. 3, Jan. 7 and 8, and Big Creek Park will be closed Dec. 17 and 18 due to controlled hunting.

Rangers and/or signs will be posted at park entrances during these times as a reminder.

Controlled hunting has been used since the 2007-08 season to maintain healthy, balanced populations of plants and animals on park district properties. Time has proven it a viable management tool and a proactive approach to the park district’s mission. Learn more about the program at http://bit.ly/gpdhunting.

For information on holiday and snow-related closures, visit the What’s New page online.

Call For Entries: Art Takes A Bough

Dec. 8, 4-5:30 p.m.

For the 10th 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 $5 increments. Artists may submit a maximum of 10 ornaments, and 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 and enjoy holiday refreshments. 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.

Night Hikes

Make a plan to attend one or both of these upcoming naturalist-led, fall night hikes. Registration is not required.

By the Light of the Full Beaver Moon

Nov. 13, 7:30-9 p.m.

Swine Creek Reservation, Woods Edge Shelter

Naturalist Tami Gingrich will lead a magical stroll in the moonbeams along a woodland path while taking in the sights and sounds of nature by moonlight. An audio player with speakers will enable the group to call several species of wildlife. Bring a flashlight.

Night Hike & Campfire

Nov. 18, 6-7:30 p.m.

Orchard Hills Park, Lodge

Gather around a campfire, warm up with some hot chocolate and journey into the darkness. Then, return to the campfire for a sweet treat.