Parks & Recreation
Winter is a great time to observe birds, and what better place to observe them than the comfortable, serene wildlife feeding station at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.
GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Chickadee Magnets
Winter is a great time to observe birds, and what better place to observe them than the comfortable, serene wildlife feeding station at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. Geauga Park District’s Bird in the Hand Project allows people to feed the wild birds by hand.
The project debuted in the winter of 2014 to great success, and the black-capped chickadees immediately warmed up when the feeder went back out this fall.
To try one’s hand at feeding the birds, time up the visit for daylight hours and dress warmly since one will be standing still. Stop into the nature center from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to collect some black oil sunflower seed or use a little from the feeder already placed on site. Hand-feeding works best with just one or two people or a small group, like three or four.
Follow the Trout Lily Trail, then hang a right at the fork after the boardwalk across the wetlands, following the sign. Soon visitors will come upon the feeding station marked by a feeder and a mannequin, Parker, who keeps the birds familiar with a human presence.
Take down the feeder, hide it under the bucket that’s there, extend one’s hand with some seed in one’s palm, and then wait.
The Mistletoe Market
Children, ages 3-8, may find gifts at affordable prices for everyone on their lists with help from Geauga Park District staff and volunteers.
The Mistletoe Market takes place Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.
Gifts range from 50 cents to $7, with many nature-themed items. Mistletoe Market purchases may even be wrapped and tagged onsite.
While the children shop, parents may enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee; the park district’s gift shop will also be open.
Land of Lakes and Ledges
As Cleveland’s metropolis grew with industry and population in the early 1900s, two major developments allowed city people to seek respite from the grime and grind of city life: new labor laws that granted a five-day work week and vacation time, as well as expanding transportation systems, most notably the electric interurban rail network.
Geauga, the “Berkshires of Ohio,” with its scenic rock ledges and tranquil natural lakes, became a natural attraction long before the establishment of state or county park systems.
Take an imaginary 1900s trolley trip to these special tourist destinations by following the imaginary journey of a Cleveland family, illustrated with photographs and vintage postcards.
Land of Lakes and Ledges: 1900s Tourism in Geauga will be held Nov. 30 from 2-3 p.m. at the West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.
Once-upon-a-time resorts at Little Mountain, Chester Caves, Bass Lake and Punderson Lake will certainly be on the itinerary of the nostalgic tour of historic Geauga, which will also include stops in early 20th-century Chardon, Burton and The Great Geauga County Fair.
Registration is not required for the indoor program.
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