Parks and Recreation

April 14, 2016 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Earth Day Extravaganza

April 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Frohring Meadows, Bainbridge Township

Join Geauga Park District’s Natural Resource Management Department and experience an exciting live birds of prey show; amphibian and reptile show-and-tell; bird and insect walks; up-close bird banding and bird box care; hands-on tree and wildflower planting; expert speakers on wildlife and conservation issues; astronomy club and telescopes; informational displays; refreshments; and tree and wildflower giveaways.

Creating Habitat In Your Yard

Park professionals often field questions from residents about creating habitats for wildlife in their own yards and gardens.

On April 23, from 1-2 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center, “Landscaping with Native Plants” will teach how to give a garden or landscape a sense of place and promote a more biologically rich region by using some of our beautiful native plants. A few natives may also be available for sale after the program, co-presented by the president of the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio, who will end with a Q&A.

Then, for a different kind of learning experience, register to take the “Wildlife Habitat by Design: Backyard Van Tour” on June 5, from 1-4 p.m., meeting at The West Woods. The group will explore two local yards that have been transformed into wildlife sanctuaries and are Certified Wildlife Habitats through the National Wildlife Federation. Each homeowner will also be on site, with the naturalist, to answer questions about backyard habitat creation.

Registration for the van trip is already open.

Call for Entries: Nature Arts Festival

Geauga Park District welcomes exhibitors of wildlife and nature artwork and nature-inspired works into its 25th annual Nature Arts Festival to be held Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road in Chardon Township.

Applications can be found at http://bit.ly/ gpdspecial or at The West Woods Nature Center. Because it is a juried show, all applicants must submit at least four images of their artwork, including one of their display booth. Works portraying domestic plants and animals will not be accepted.

Deadline for entries is May 1, at which time initial jurying will take place. Additional applications will be accepted and juried as space allows.

Artist spaces are available indoors and outdoors. See the application for details.

Visitors will also have the option of making Geauga County their arts destination for the day, as Chardon Square Arts Festival happens simultaneously on Chardon Square, a mere 5-minute free Lolly the Trolley ride from the Nature Arts Festival.

On top of fine arts on display and for sale by regional artists, festival-goers will enjoy free admission, live music by Cats on Holiday and Rio Neon, a farm-artisan market, family make-n-take projects and entertainment, the Nature Writing Contest winners celebration and open mic, the Kid at Art bus converted into an art studio, stilt walkers by Jasmine Dragons of Chardon, chalk art, face painting, balloon artists, a variety of food for sale, and much more.

Young at Park

Get the kids having fun outdoors this spring at one of the following park district programs.

Timbertots: Amazing Amphibians

April 14, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

The West Woods, Nature Center

April 16, 3-4 p.m.

Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge

Discover what you can hear in the spring. Ages 3 to 5 with an adult. Registration required.

Nature Explorers: Vernal Pool-ooza

April 16, 10 a.m. to noon

Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge

Explore exciting vernal pools and the amphibians that call them home in the spring. Ages 6-7 and 8-11. Drop-off program. Registration required.

Junior Girl Scout: Legacy Flowers Badge

May 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The West Woods, Nature Center

Junior Girl Scouts work on requirements for their naturalist Legacy Flowers Badge. Indoors and outdoors. Registration required.

Homeschool Days: Pond Primer

May 27, 2-3:30 p.m.

Swine Creek Reservation

Grab a net and join a naturalist to learn about the animals that live in ponds. Ages 5-7 and 8-12. Registration required.

Timbertots: Cicada Spectacular!

May 29, 1-2 p.m.

Big Creek Park, Deep Woods Shelter

May 31, 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

Orchard Hills Park, Lodge

Experience the sights and sounds of the 17-year cicada. Ages 3-5 with an adult. Registration required.

Polliwog Paddle Family Canoe

June 5, 1-3 p.m.

Eldon Russell Park, Horwath’s Shelter

An easy-paced, short-distance float for families with kids ages 5 and older. Phone registration required May 29 to June 4.

Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run

June 12, 7-11 a.m.

The West Woods

Experience a one-of-a-kind 5K trail run through the wooded hills of The West Woods, including a new, family-friendly 1-mile fun walk. Fee is $20. Proceeds benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure. Visit http://bit.ly/gpdcaveman for information and registration.