Parks and Recreation

October 1, 2015 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.

Techno-Nature

Oct. 3, 2-3 p.m.

West Woods Nature Center

Trying to identify something cool one just saw on the trail? Well, there’s an app for that. The park district will show visitors the apps the naturalists recommend at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. They will also explore the ins-and-outs of using them in the field. Registration is not required.

Fall at Observatory Park

For casual visitors, Observatory Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 10610 Clay St. in Montville Township. For those wanting a more guided experience, however, naturalist Chris Mentrek is eager to show guests around this International Dark Sky Park.

Park buildings are open the second and fourth weekends of each month: Friday and Saturday for self-guided night sky viewing with park district telescopes from 6-11 p.m., as well as Sunday from 1-4 p.m., with The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show at 2 p.m. illustrating “what’s up” in the night sky. Planetarium shows are on Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and 29, and Dec. 13 and 27.

Astronomy programming is also available for visitors of all ages and interests. Visit the park anytime during the Geminid Meteor Shower for what should be a spectacular show beginning Dec. 12-13 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., complete with a cocoa break in the warmth and comfort of the McCullough Science Building.

Biweekly Friday programs include Tour the Nassau Astronomical Observing Station on Oct. 9 and 23 from 7-9 p.m.; Meet the Meteorites on Nov. 13 and 27 from 7-8 p.m.; and CoCoRaHS Network Training on Dec. 11 from 7-8 p.m.

Special programs to study the season’s full moons through park telescopes are scheduled for Oct. 27 (The Hunter’s Moon) from 7-8:30 p.m.; Nov. 25 (The Beaver Moon) from 6-8 p.m.; and Dec. 26 (The Cold Moon) from 7-8:30 p.m. .

Plus, all ages should plan to swing by Observatory Park Funday on Oct. 11 from 1-4 p.m. for more fun weather- and astronomy-related activities.

All Observatory Park programs this season are free to attend without registration. Learn more about the park at http://bit.ly/gpdop.

Cuyahoga Color Kayak

Oct. 4, 12-2:30 p.m.

Eldon Russell Park

Enjoy fall foliage while paddling the quiet waters of the wildlife-rich Upper Cuyahoga River. Ages 12 and older with an adult. Registration required.

Fall Color Canoe Float

Oct. 11, 1-3 p.m.

Bass Lake Preserve

Ages 12 and older with an adult. Registration begins by phone Oct. 2.

Fall Color Hike Around the Reservoir

Oct. 17, 1-4:30 p.m.

Headwaters Park, Route 608 parking lot

Seven-mile hike; registration required.

Horseback Maple Highlands Ride

Oct. 25, 2:30-5 p.m.

Headwaters Park, Crystal Lake Picnic Area

Six- to seven-mile ride on one’s horse; registration required.

Howl’oween Hound Hike

Oct. 31, 1-3 p.m.

Chickagami Park, Pine Grove Shelter

Costumes (dog or human) optional; registration required.

Fall Fest

Oct. 10, 3-7 p.m.

Swine Creek Reservation

The second annual Fall Fest begins with a dedication of the new south section of The Maple Highlands Trail, at Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield. First-come, first-served horse-drawn wagon rides from 3:30-6:30 p.m. are among the most special features.

Fall Fest will also feature kayaking and fishing on the pond, hands-on activity stations, live music by the Oak It’sland Skunk Jumpers, a corn box, face painting, balloon art, plein aire painting demonstrations, a campfire, s’mores, other treats for sale and more. Mountain Road Cycles will have a display at the event, along with a certified bicycle mechanic on site. Wear costumes to add to the Fall Fest fun. Then, at 7 p.m., join a naturalist for a night hike into the woods unaided by a flashlight.

View the detailed schedule at http://bit.ly/gpdspecial. Registration is not required.