Parks & Recreation

May 7, 2015 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Upcoming Milkweed Giveaways

Mother’s Day, May 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Father’s Day, June 21, Noon to 3 p.m.

West Woods Nature Center

In an effort to bolster the imperiled monarch butterfly population, Geauga Park District is again propagating native milkweed, so stop by to pick up a free plant.

Frog Fest “Party Line”

Sometime May 10 to June 10, 8-9:30 p.m.

West Woods Nature Center

Register one’s name on the call list of this Nature’s Not To Be Missed program to witness the natural phenomenon of spring breeding behavior of gray tree frogs and green frogs. Once one signs up, expect a call in the late afternoon on the day of, or possibly the day before, the program, and set out appropriate clothing and flashlights for the visit. The decision to hold the program is based on the amount and timing of rain, temperature and more.

Equine Park Fun

Horseback Trail Ride

May 31

The West Woods

The naturalist-led 6- to 8-mile ride on the Pioneer Bridle, Music Street and Affelder trails promises to provide plenty of natural history lore so horse and rider may more fully enjoy future rides through woodland and field. Hills, gravel, bridge and stream crossings should be anticipated, as well as spring wildflowers and migratory birds.

Ride times are from 10 a.m. to noon for walking, trotting and cantering, and then 1-2:30 p.m. for walking only; participants may register for one or both trail rides with a lunch break between.

Trail Horse Nature Challenge

May 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Swine Creek Reservation’s Woods Edge and Lakeside Shelter parking lots

Challenge yourself and your horse with a series of nature questions and natural trail obstacles such as hills, gravel, mud, streams, bicycles, hikers and Amish buggies.

Assigned departure times will be in order of registration. Participants may ride out individually or in pairs at a leisurely pace, since time is not a factor. The course can be completed in an hour or two. Challenge awards will be presented in both youth and adult divisions.

Helmets are recommended for both programs, and registration is required.

Epic Birding

Magee Marsh Epic Birding Adventure

May 14, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ottawa County

Each May brings waves of songbird migrants from tropical America to nesting habitats in North America. For a fee of $10 in-county/$25 out-of-county, the provided two-hour ride will leave from The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township to the shores of Lake Erie in Ottawa County, one of the best bird watching spots in the country. A naturalist will assist with bird identification.

Birding Biathlon: 50 Birds

By Boat & Boot

May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Eldon Russell Park

This park and the Upper Cuyahoga River that runs through it are registered Important Bird Areas with the National Audubon Society.

In order to use a park district canoe for the water portion, which launches at 11 a.m., registration is required. Otherwise, bring a canoe and kayak for the float, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy afterward and then embark on the walking portion at 1 p.m.