Parks and Recreation

April 24, 2014 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Run with the Caveman

Online, drop-off and mail-in registration is again open for Geauga Park District’s fourth annual Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run on June 8 at The West Woods in Russell Township.

All proceeds from the race benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure, which funds youth programming through the parks, including annual summer camps for grades five through 10. Previous races have drawn nearly 400 people.

In addition to running or walking, prehistoric garb is encouraged and commonly worn – however, optional – with prizes awarded by three guest judges to the best costumes in youth and adult categories.

The course, just over 3.1 miles of hilly, well-graded dirt and gravel, includes portions of Ansel’s Cave Trail, known for its beautiful Sharon conglomerate rock outcropping, not to mention the forest views and wildlife that could always be just around the bend.

Race winners, chip-timed by Greater Cleveland XC, will take home hand-crafted awards in the top three places overall, as well as the top three places in nine different age groups (a 70+ age division has been added), in both male and female categories.

Race time is 9 a.m.; registration is from 7-8:30 a.m. Costume judging begins at 8:15 a.m.; and free food and awards will follow.

All ages are welcome. Find the official registration form and online registration information at http://bit.ly/gpdcaveman.

Registration is $20 postmarked by June 1 or online; $25 on race day. A free 2014 race day T-shirt is guaranteed for the first 250 to register.

Geauga Park District is grateful for the generous sponsorship of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Paul Davis Restoration, Fairmount Minerals and Kent State University at Geauga.

Keep Dogs on Leash

Over the winter and spring, Geauga Park District Natural Resource Management Department has been monitoring the Eastern coyotes at Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge Township and reports that they continue to be active in the same areas as previous years.

Leash laws are enforced on all Geauga Park District properties, and dogs are required to be on leash at all times for the benefit of dog owners, other park visitors and the resident wildlife. Even the most highly trained and best-behaved pets can be unpredictable at times, so leashing is required for the best interest of all. Failure to follow this law can result in a fine.

As signs at the park indicate, pets off leash may also provoke denning coyote pairs by wandering off trail and finding their dens.

Frohring Meadows’ Big Bluestem Trail was closed for more than two months in 2012 after a woman and her dog had an encounter with the coyote pair. In 2013, the same trail was marked with signs at the entrance to the woods.

Rangers will also be monitoring the area more closely during this time to ensure compliance and safety.

If one encounters a coyote, calmly control one’s pet and leave the area the way it was entered. If walking a dog, shorten the leash; keep the dog close and as quiet as possible. Pick up and carry small dogs.

If a coyote does approach, walk backwards slowly and try to discourage it by shouting in a deep voice, waving one’s arms, throwing objects and looking the coyote directly in the eyes. If wearing a coat or vest, spread it open like a cape to appear larger. Carrying a whistle can also help frighten a coyote and alert others.

Please report coyote interaction to the park district’s ranger and natural resource management departments.

Putting Spring in One’s Step

Spring Wildflower Walk is April 30 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Deep Woods, 9160 Robinson Road in Chardon Township.

Enjoy the diversity of colorful spring wildflowers along with some fascinating wildflower folklore, during a half-mile walk.

No registration is required.

This is one in a series of weekly walks offered by the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio.