Geauga Park District

February 5, 2026 by Staff Report

For more information and registration, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

WILD About Winter Nights

Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m.

Discover the fun that a winter night provides at Big Creek Park in Chardon Township. Activities include a large bonfire near Maple Grove Shelter, naturalist-led night hikes at 7 and 8 p.m., a self-guided luminary-lit trail, a nature touch table featuring nocturnal animals, guided astronomy with park telescopes (weather permitting), snowshoeing on a first-come, first-served basis, and outdoor snow games such as snow snakes and winter cornhole. Free hot cocoa and s’mores will be available near the shelter area.

If parking is full at Maple Grove Shelter, guests may park near the Donald W. Meyer Center or Deep Woods Lodge and take a shuttle to the event, or walk the Trillium Trail from the Meyer Center lot.

A Creative Take On Birding

Feb. 15, 2-3 p.m.

Explore bird identification through art during “Bird ID Through Art” with Geauga Park District Naturalist Trevor Wearstler at The West Woods Nature Center. Registration is recommended to receive updates and reminders, but not required.

The program highlights how artists use key field marks — shape, color patterns and posture — to capture birds on canvas, offering a fresh and less intimidating approach to learning bird ID. Participants will view bird-themed artwork and gain tips to sharpen observation skills for use in the field.

The program also serves as a precursor to the park district’s “On the Wing…Nature That Takes Flight” community art show, with online artist applications accepted Feb. 12 through March 12. The exhibit will be on display at The West Woods Nature Center from March 28 through July 26.

Spring Turkey Hunt

Applications due March 15 for youth hunt, March 30 for regular hunt

Geauga Park District is offering a turkey hunting opportunity again this spring within its Longo and Farley properties.

For the option to participate, applicants must complete the form located on the park district’s website and email it to permits@geaugaparkdistrict.org or drop it in the mail.

Applications are due March 15 for the youth hunt taking place April 25 and 26, and are due March 30 for the regular hunt taking place May 2 through May 31.

Hunters will be selected by random drawing and notified via email of their acceptance and hunt location. Permits will be sent electronically. ODNR rules and regulations apply to all hunting conducted on park property.