GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT For more information, contact the park district…

April 11, 2013

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.gea

ugaparkdistrict.org.

Birding Tradition Continues

The Annual Spring Bird Walk Series is part of a long-standing tradition in Greater Cleveland since 1933 that provides opportunities to spot a wide variety of birds during migration throughout a variety of parks.

As its contribution to this tradition, Geauga Park District will host six walks throughout April and May: April 14 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, April 21 at Frohring Meadows, April 28 at The Rookery, May 5 at Eldon Russell Park, May 12 at Big Creek Park and May 19 at Swine Creek Reservation. All are Sundays from 7:30-9:30 a.m. and among Nature’s Not to Be Missed opportunities.

Both naturalists and volunteers, all seasoned bird-watchers, will actively assist all ages and take novices under their wings with observation, identification and interpretation during these strolls.

Geauga Park District began participating in 1986 with walks at Eldon Russell Park six consecutive weeks. Starting in 1990, the walks expanded with new parklands, providing a greater variety of land and water habitat and, thus, a greater variety of birds, from waterfowl to songbirds.

Other free spring bird walks are sponsored by the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Metroparks, Lake County Metroparks and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.

Walks will be held rain or shine, except in the case of thunderstorms or high winds. Registration is not required. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars and a bird guide.

April Evening Adventure

Experience nature’s explosion of springtime activity by joining naturalist John Kolar on a fantastic spring adventure along the Eldon Russell Nature Trail.

April Evening Adventure takes place April 20 from 7-9 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park, 16315 Rapids Road in Troy Township.

In the case of a hike along the beautiful Upper Cuyahoga River, activity may be defined as spring peeper piping, barred owl bantering, beaver tail slapping, heron flapping and maybe even a spectacular American woodcock air show, part of this pudgy, football-sized bird’s springtime mating behavior.

Be prepared for the unpredictable spring weather and potentially muddy trail conditions with some standing water. Waterproof footgear is highly recommended.

Registration is not required.

Earth Day Expedition

Join Geauga Park District, Cleveland Metroparks and Lake Metroparks for a bus ride along the natural feature they all share, the Chagrin River, with stops to highlight its natural and cultural features.

Sharing the Chagrin Bus Trip is April 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bass Lake Preserve, 11445 Lakeview Road in Munson Township.

The Chagrin River begins just north of Bass Lake Preserve, with several spring-fed tributaries emerging out of the sandstone bedrock that support the endangered native Ohio brook trout.

Upon boarding the bus, passengers will stop on Auburn Road for a river view in search of resident bald eagles, at Fowlers Mill to see the site of an old mill and visit the on-location gift shop, and at nearly 20 other sites for special riverside views and exploration experiences.

Bring your own lunch, but snacks and water will be provided. Bus fare is $15; register as soon as possible before April 18 by calling Lake Metroparks at 440-358-7275.

Geauga YMCA Summer Camp

The Geauga Family YMCA is offering its annual Summer Sports Day Camp for youth ages 6-12 who have interest in developing sport specific skills, making friends and having fun.

There will be a variety of sports to choose from with each session lasting one week.

Sports Camp is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Activities take place at the Geauga YMCA located at 12460 Bass Lake Road in Munson Township.

For more information, call Mike Dutton at 440-285-7543.

Help Wanted At Geauga YMCA

The Geauga Family YMCA is currently hiring for a part-time program instuctor. The program instructor will be responsible for coaching, instructing and officiating various youth sports programs.

Applicant should have previous coaching experience, especially with youth, and excellent communiaction and customer service skills. Must be able to work flexiable hours; weekends are a must.

For more details, contact Mike Dutton, program director, at 440-285-7543.