Parks and Recreation

May 16, 2013

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

RiverDay

Go for the goal of the 23rd annual RiverDay’s upstream outpost in Geauga County by attempting to spot 50 species of migratory birds including sandpipers, vireos, flycatchers, cuckoos, thrushes, orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, buntings and colorful warblers, including the prothonotary warbler.

Riverside Bird Walk is May 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Eldon Russell Park, 16315 Rapids Road in Troy Township.

RiverDay, presented by Friends of the Crooked River, is a watershed-wide celebration of the beauty and benefits of the Cuyahoga River. Working with local parks, municipalities and organizations, RiverDay hosts 26 events at 16 locations featuring the river and its bounty.

Circumstances permitting at the Geauga Park District walk, netting for banding purposes will also provide an in-hand look at “the Jewel of the Cuyahoga,” that golden beauty oft-studied at Eldon Russell.

The Riverside Bird Walk is designed for those school age and up, but is free to all without registration. Meet at the shelter by the river.

Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 citizens participate in annual RiverDay events region-wide. For a complete list of this year’s events, visit http://cuyahogariver.net.

Float, Float Away

Consider registering for one or several of the following spring canoe floats: the Lost Lake Canoe Expedition on May 25; Learn to Canoe on June 2; Canoe Pine Brook on June 8; Polliwog Paddle Family Canoe on June 9; and Full Moon Cuyahoga Canoe on June 21.

Lost Lake Canoe Expedition is May 25 from 1-4 p.m. at Upper Cuyahoga River, Route 87 parking lot.

Experienced canoeists take a rugged but rewarding canoe trip to a remote, seldom seen wild marsh accessed from the Upper Cuyahoga River. Be prepared for the possibility of wading and muddy portages as shallow water and beaver-felled trees provide the adventure. Ages 16 and up. Registration will be available May 18-24.

Learn to Canoe is June 2 from 1-4 p.m. at Headwaters Park, Boathouse.

Learn basic canoe-handling techniques for safe canoeing on flat water. Ages 10 and up.

Canoe Pine Brook is June 8 from 2-4 p.m. at Pine Brook Preserve.

Canoe the lakes and wetlands of this future park property as we explore the abundant wildlife calling it home. Directions will be provided upon registration. Ages 10 and up with an adult, 12 and up to paddle, and one 10- to 12-year-old in the middle.

Polliwog Paddle Family Canoe is June 9 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park.

For ages 5 and up with an adult, 12 and up to paddle, with up to two 5- to 11-year-olds in the middle, this is an easy, short-distance float for families on the wildlife-rich Upper Cuyahoga River. Registration will be available June 1-8 by phone only at 440-286-9516.

Full Moon Cuyahoga Canoe is June 21 from 8-10 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center.

Enjoy the nightlife in the Flats of the Upper Cuyahoga River: beaver, muskrats, mink, great blue heron and barred owl. Basic canoeing proficiency is required. Ages 10 and up with an adult, 12 and up to paddle, and one 10- to 12-year-old in the middle. Registration will be available June 14-20 by phone only at 440-286-9516.

Lake Metroparks

HorseFest 2013

Discover the magical beauty of horses and learn about more than 20 different breeds, riding disciplines and uses for these versatile animals. HorseFest takes place May 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Metroparks Farmpark.

Featured presenters include the Clemson Show Belgians from Chardon and the Ohio Top Hands Rodeo Drill Team. Visitors will also see Clydesdales, Friesians, miniatures, Lusitano, Morgan, Norwegian Fjord and for the first time at HorseFest, the Black Forest Horse.

HorseFest is an equine showcase of the splendor, versatility and history of the horse with a variety of hands-on activities, presentations, training techniques and demonstrations for all ages to enjoy.

Admission is $6; $5 for seniors 60 and over; and $4 for children ages 2 to 11. Children younger than 2 are free. Members of Lake Metroparks Farmpark receive free admission. 4-H groups receive discounted admission.

For more information, call 440-256-2122 or visit lakemetroparks.com.