Parks and Recreation

January 5, 2017 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.

Unlimited Winter Fun

Two Saturdays in January will make sure weekends are full of winter fun at Geauga Park District. Registration is required for both programs.

First, try outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, bring a sled for a ride, learn about winter wildlife, enjoy winter crafts and games and cozy up near the fire with warm drinks at Sledding & Snowflakes on Jan. 7, from 1-3 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park.

Then, learn the basics of snowshoeing, including proper clothing, types of equipment and proper technique, at Learn to Snowshoe on Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Big Creek Park. An indoor presentation will be followed by outdoor instruction. Snowshoes will be provided or bring your own. Program is for individuals 8 and older with an adult.

Armchair Adventures Travelogues

The popular photo-focused Travelogue series returns on Sundays to The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.

Since the debut travelogue in 2006, an average crowd is 100 people, sometimes braving blizzard-like conditions to enjoy local photographers and travelers’ stories of discovery. Many presenters also bring maps, souvenirs or the backpacks right off their backs so people can see what is involved in taking such a trip. The items are set up in the back of the room for pre- and post-meeting examination and questions.

Registration is not required for any of these free, all-ages programs.

• Magical Butterflies from the Rainforests of South America – Jan. 8, 2-3 p.m.

Cynthia Druckenbrod, of the Cleveland Botanical Garden, will showcase amazing plants, butterflies, moths and other fascinating insects from the lowland rainforests in Central and South America, specifically in Guatemala, Ecuador and Peru. She has been vice president of horticulture since 2000 and helped to build the Glasshouse in 2003.

• Costa Rica – Jan. 29, 2-3 p.m.

Join Tom Sampliner, photographer and past Native Plant Society president, as he shares images of Costa Rica during the summer monsoon season. Presented in conjunction with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio.

• A Local Botanist’s Look at the Flora of Kaua’I – Jan. 29, 3:15-4 p.m.

Naturalist Judy Barnhart shares images of her recent travels to Kaua’I, taking a look at how Polynesian culture and recent introductions have influences the flora of the island. Presented in conjunction with the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio.

• Namibia, Africa – Feb. 19, 2-3 p.m.

Join Becky Parkin and Andy Avram from Lake Metroparks for a photo journey of their graduate trip to Namibia, Africa, and learn more about conservation efforts for cheetahs and the wild side of this amazing country.

• Paddling with Shakes – The 99-Mile Wilderness Waterway – Feb. 26, 2-3 p.m.

Join photographers Bruce and Susan Bennett for an illustrated presentation of their 99-mile paddling journey across the Wilderness Waterway, from Everglades City to Flamingo, Fla.

Winter At Observatory Park

For casual visitors, Observatory Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 10610 Clay St. in Montville Township.

For those wanting a more guided experience, however, astronomy naturalist Chris Mentrek is glad to guide visitors at this International Dark Sky Park.

Park buildings are open on select Saturday nights 7-11 p.m. for night sky viewing with park telescopes and Sundays from 2-3 p.m. for The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show. Visit the park district website for specific dates and times.

Special programs to study the season’s full moons are scheduled for Jan. 12 (the Wolf Moon), from 6-7:30 p.m.; Feb. 10 (a very partial eclipse), from 6-8 p.m.; and March 12 (the Worm Moon), from 8-9 p.m.

Hour-long focus programs on Fridays at 7 p.m. will offer glimpses into dark matter on Jan. 13 and 27; Supernova 1987a and its 30th birthday on Feb. 24; and how the ancient Norse may have used a rock to navigate the seas on March 10 and 24.

A naturalist will guide an any-weather Winter Walk around a wooded trail on Feb. 11, from 3-4:30 p.m. Dress for the weather and wear boots if it’s snowy.

There will also be a Timbertots moon program and a Senior Day snowshoeing program on its winter calendar. Registration is required for these special programs.

Learn more about Observatory Park online at http://bit.ly/gpdop.