Geauga Park District
Observatory Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Montville Township, and naturalist (“Astro-Nat”) Chris Mentrek is eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park during the following special programs all season long.
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Winter At Observatory Park
Observatory Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Montville Township, and naturalist (“Astro-Nat”) Chris Mentrek is eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park during the following special programs all season long.
The historic Nassau Astronomical Station at 10350 Clay St. will host Nassau Night Sky Viewingsfrom 7-11 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 9 and 23 and March 9 and 23. If conditions aren’t favorable, enjoy a planetarium show instead at the Robert McCullough Science Center. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will also host Nassau Astronomy Nights with CVAS from 7-11 p.m. on Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16.
Back at the main campus at 10610 Clay St., enjoy full moon programs on Feb. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. (the young bear moon) and March 20, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (the worm moon).
Enjoy a special middle-of-the-night total lunar eclipse on Jan. 20. From 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., with the most dramatic portion occurring the first hour, participants will use park telescopes for a glimpse of Earth’s shadow completely darkening the moon. Cloudy skies will cancel the program; if the forecast is questionable, call 440-286-9516 that day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to learn whether it’s still on.
During Bring In Your Telescopeon Jan. 26, from 4-6 p.m., park district staff will help guests get the most enjoyable astronomy experience out of their equipment and offer a few maintenance tips.
Young people can anticipate quality astronomy-themed fun when they are registered for Astrotots: The Right Stuff for ages 3-5 with an adult, on Jan. 18 and 19; or Nature Explorers: Space Explorers for ages 6-7 and 8-11, on Feb. 18.
Hands-on astronomy education will be offered during hour-long programs on Fridays, from 7-8 p.m.: Jan. 11 and 25 – NASA’s Ultima Thule Space Probe; Feb. 8 and 22 – Make a Star Finder; and March 8 and 22 – Black Holes, followed by night sky until 11 p.m. if weather permits.
Last, but not least, Astro-Nat Chris will host open houses of the Robert McCullough Science Centerand Oberle Observatory on Sundays, 1-4 p.m., Jan. 13 and 27, Feb. 10 and 24, and March 10 and 24. All dates feature his famous Sky Tonight Planetarium Show at 2 p.m.
Registration is required for both youth programs. All other programs are open to all without registration.
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. 6, 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.
In addition, register to learn the basics of snowshoeing, including proper clothing, types of equipment and proper techniques, on Jan. 19, from 9-11 a.m. at Big Creek Park’s Meyer Center. Snowshoes are available to borrow. Ages 8 and up, please.
Both programs will begin with an indoor presentation followed by outdoor instruction.
Armchair Adventures Return
The popular Armchair Adventures Travelogues series return to the The West Woods Nature Center on designated Sundays from 2-3 p.m.
Utah’s Mighty Five: Jan. 6
Utah is home to five national parks, collectively referred to as The Mighty Five. Join the Sauder family as they take you through their spring break travels to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in southern Utah.
The Island of Rhodes: Jan. 13
The island of Rhodes is 70 miles off the coast of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean. It is a hotbed for Mediterranean flora, especially orchids, bird migration, interesting insects and animals, the remnants of bygone cultures and famous beach playgrounds. Join Tom Sampliner, photographer and past Native Plant Society president, for this presentation in conjunction with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio.
Winter Scout Days
Dress for the weather and explore Geauga parks to earn scouting credit. Registration is now open.
On Jan. 12, Wolf Cub Scouts can work on the Paws on the Path Core Adventure and take a winter hike at The Rookery from 9:30-11 a.m., and Brownie Girl Scouts can complete all the requirements for the Outdoor Adventurer Try-It Badge and try snowshoeing at The West Woods from 1-3 p.m.
At The West Woods on Feb. 9, Junior Girl Scouts can earn the Animal Habitats Badge from 10-11:30 a.m., and Webelos can complete work on the Earth Rocks Elective Adventure from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
On March 16 at Swine Creek Reservation, Bear Cub Scouts can work on the Fur, Feathers & Ferns Required Adventure from 9:30-11 a.m., then Cadette Girl Scouts can learn about trees in the sugarbush and work on the Trees Legacy Badge from 2-3:30 p.m.
Visit the park district website for requirements being covered at each program, or email Holly Sauder, outreach coordinator, at hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.orgwith questions.
Black Bears Returning Home
Jan. 13, 3:30-5 p.m.
Lost with the settlement of Ohio’s primeval wilderness, the black bear is attempting a comeback in Ohio after a 150-year absence. Discover the “bear facts” about Ohio’s largest mammal through illustrations, tracks, pelts and other hands-on activities at The West Woods Nature Center. Registration is not required.
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