Parks and Recreation

October 16, 2014 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Hogs Gone Wild

Two animals introduced to the United States long ago clearly demonstrate the pitfalls of transferring wildlife outside their natural range. Now two biologists from the USDA, Craig Hicks and Caleb Wellman, are coming to Geauga Park District to detail how these invasive species threaten Ohio’s agriculture and ecosystems.

Hogs Gone Wild and Other Problem Wildlife takes place Oct. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Donald W. Meyer Center, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Township.

Animals on the agenda include feral swine and mute swans.

Hicks and Wellman plan to discuss what steps are being taken to monitor swine and swan and to mitigate their damage, in cooperation with the Ohio Division of Wildlife and other agencies. Ohio Wildlife Services is conducting intense management efforts to reduce damage and loss in southeastern Ohio, and to eliminate newly emergent populations of feral swine in the western and northern portions of the state.

Registration is not required.

Feelings For The World To See

As goes the American Indian proverb: Never criticize a man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins. Join Geauga Park District for a local art show with that very important goal in mind.

IMAGINE: 16th annual Ravenwood Mental Health Center Art Show Reception will be held Oct. 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Donald W. Meyer Center, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Township.

IMAGINE will remain on display at Big Creek Park through Nov. 21, weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Show artwork will also be shown at Burton Public Library Oct. 23 through Nov. 15.

Most of the artwork on display was created during art therapy groups provided by Ravenwood Mental Health Center.

Halloween-Style History

Going back in time is always thrilling, but add some big personalities from that classic era, the era of the railways in Geauga County, and one is in for a real treat. Just one week before the spookiest day of the year, at dusk, walk the real-life rail beds of ole as two gadabout ghosts regale guests on the Cleveland & Eastern Interurban electric-powered railway.

Twilight Trolley: Ghosts of the C&E Interurban takes place Oct. 24 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township.

While jolly trolley conductor Sparky Wier recalls the good old trolley days, crabby rider Rita Railbane will counter with retorts: safety measures versus mishaps and derailments; luxury versus long layovers; and stark station conditions versus comfortable accommodations. While Sparky effuses about the unsurpassed efficiency of a smooth 75-minute trip from Chardon to downtown Cleveland in the days of the horse and buggy, Rita will whine about the rough ride.

The C&E trolley line rolled out of Cleveland and traversed Geauga County from 1900-1925. Registration is not required.