Geauga Park District

January 4, 2018 by Staff Report

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

Now Accepting Snowmobiling Applications

Geauga Park District is accepting applications for snowmobiling permits this winter. Snowmobiling will be allowed only in Observatory Park in Montville Township, every day when conditions are right from sunrise to sunset, by permit only.

In partnership with Geauga Park District, the Ohio State Snowmobiling Association (OSSA) will be tracking trails with their snowmobiles and grooming equipment. The presence of these tracks will let park patrons know conditions are right for snowmobiling at Observatory Park.

While other trail users will be allowed on trails, they will need to yield to snowmobile traffic. Additionally, with 21 open parks and more than 75 trails totaling more than 60 miles, trail users are encouraged to take advantage of other parks and trail systems this winter. Geauga Park District offers something for everyone, including free snowshoe borrowing at The West Woods, the grooming of cross country skiing trails at Orchard Hills Park and The Maple Highlands Trail, and The West Woods’ Bird in the Hand Feeding Station.

To obtain an application for a snowmobiling permit, visit the park district website and scroll down to the yellow Bulletin Board.

For those interested, the Ohio State Snowmobiling Association also holds free snowmobile safety classes in the winter. Visit www.snowmobileohio.com for information.

Learn To Cross Country Ski Or Snowshoe

Register to learn the basics of cross country skiing from Chris Newman of Geiger’s, including proper clothing, equipment and technique, on Jan. 7 from 12-2 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park. Ski rental will also be available in advance, at a discounted rate of $17, from Geiger’s in Chagrin Falls.

Register to learn the basics of snowshoeing, including proper clothing, types of equipment and proper techniques, on Jan. 20, from 9-11 a.m. at The West Woods. Snowshoes are available to borrow. Ages 8 and up, please.

Both programs will begin with an indoor presentation followed by outdoor instruction.

Volunteer Orientation

Jan. 10, 2-3 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.

Interested in learning more about Geauga Park District’s Volunteer Program? Join for an orientation about opportunities and begin the application process at the West Woods Nature Center. Paperwork includes background check for ages 18 and up; youth under 14 must volunteer with an adult. Registration required.

Armchair Adventures Return

The popular Armchair Adventures Travelogues series return to The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. Registration is not required.

Since the debut travelogue in 2006, an average crowd is 100 people. Many presenters also bring maps, souvenirs or the backpacks right off their backs so people can see what is involved in taking such a trip. These items are set up in the back of the room for pre- and post- examination and questions.

The following travelogues can be enjoyed on the following designated Sundays from 2-3 p.m.:

A Summer in Switzerland at the Girl Scout World Center: Jan. 7

Adult Girl Scout Rachel Sauder shares her experiences as a summer volunteer at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Center “Our Chalet” in Switzerland. Hear all about her adventures in the international scouting world and her discoveries in the Swiss Bernese Alps, and make plans to visit “Our Chalet” with your troop.

Explore the Azores: Jan. 14

Photographer Joanne Orichella travels to Terceira Island, one of the volcanic islands in the Azores located in the North Atlantic off the coast of Portugal.

The Four Jewels of California: Jan. 21

Bill and Sue Berger revisit their travels to four of California’s gems of nature: Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite and Death Valley.

Wild Orchids Across North America: Feb. 4

Tom Sampliner, photographer and past Native Plant Society president, shares his longtime interest in wild orchids that has taken him to many places throughout North America seeking out native orchids. Presented in conjunction with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio.

Thoroughbred Racing – In Search of a Triple Crowner: Feb. 11

Naturalists Tami Gingrich and Linda Gilbert share photos of their recent trip to the picturesque rolling pastures of the Kentucky Bluegrass. Tour some of the premiere thoroughbred farms in the country, view early morning workouts at two racetracks, visit the grave of beloved Secretariat and get an up-close encounter with the 2015 Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah.

Wandering Ohio – A Buckeye Trail Thru-Hike: Feb. 18

In 2016, Chuck and Beth Hewett completed a 1,400-mile, 76-day hike on the Buckeye Trail, the longest loop trail in the nation. They will share their journey with pictures and stories about history, nature and all the wonderful people they met along the way.

Iceland – Land of Ice, Ash & Waterfalls: Feb. 25

Join Shane Wohlken on a journey down Highway 1, winding its way through the breathtaking scenery of Iceland: waterfalls, mountains, crater lakes, glaciers, icebergs and seaside towns.