What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

A publication of 

Geauga Park District 

In Nature 

Neotropical migrating 

birds such as orioles, 

Indigo Buntings 

(shown above) and 

Scarlet Tanagers begin 

to appear in May, 

brightening bird walks. 

In This Issue 

SPRING 2012 

2 

What Makes 

Geauga a Gem 

“A real gem,” they say of Geauga County. 

Ask any regional biologist and they’ll tell you: we live in one of the most interesting and 

special places in Northeast Ohio. 

From the Chagrin River watershed in the northwest to the Grand River watershed in the 

southeast to the upper Cuyahoga River watershed in central Geauga – like a gem, many 

of this county’s natural features are especially polished and preserved within Geauga Park 

District and its partner properties. 

“There are lots of plant and animal communities here that were once found all over the 

place in Ohio, but many of ours have been left intact,” Park Biologist Paul Pira said. 

(continued on page 3) 

Photo: Burton Elementary teacher Chris Kostiha assists a fifth-grader with plant identification at The Rookery in Munson. 

A devastating disease 

of North American bats 

extends into Ohio - Page 4 

Special opportunities 

for volunteers at 

Observatory Park - Page 6 

Judge Grendell appoints 

new Park Board 

Commissioner - Page 8 

In The Park 

Attend the grand opening 

of Observatory Park 

in June to see all the 

interpretive features of this 

extraordinary park and 

enjoy an evening of fun, 

complete with stargazing, 

for the entire family. 

Find details on page 9.

park hours 

6 AM - 11 PM daily 

“We try to walk in all the parks often. They all have 

a unique beauty. My newest favorite is Frohring 

(Meadows).” Hugh Cassidy — Chesterland 

“I have walked my dogs at the site of the new 

Observatory Park for years before it was a 

park! We walked the fields, wooded areas, 

and wetland areas and watched herds of deer, 

flocks of turkey, and beaver. I can even see the 

roof of the buildings from my living room window 

when there aren’t any leaves on the trees. Watching the development of 

all that wilderness become a park for everyone to enjoy has been a treat, 

especially when it leaves so much to Nature. Every park in Geauga Park 

District is a treasure.” Jody J. O’Connor — Montville 

Frohring Meadows - Bainbridge 

"I love the fact that Orchard Hills Park is 

a repurposed golf course. Excellent work!" 

Mark E. Edwards — Chesterland 

Donald W. Meyer Center in Big Creek Park 

is open 8 AM - 4:30 PM weekdays (year round) 

and 10 AM - 5 PM weekends (May through October) 

The West Woods Nature Center 

is open 10 AM - 5 PM daily 

Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve 

is open 6 AM - 9 PM daily 

The Maple Highlands Trail is open dawn to dusk 

For more information on parks, 

programs or events: 

Phone: 440-286-9516 

800-536-4006 (Geauga toll free) 

Fax: 440-286-1285 

Online: info@geaugaparkdistrict.org 

www.geaugaparkdistrict.org 

Follow Geauga Park District on 

“The new trailhead arch with its stone wings at 

Big Creek Park's bridle trails (Woodin Road) has 

the unintended benefit of serving as a mounting 

block. A functional, multipurpose element!” 

Louise Fraser — Mentor 

"The repair of the dam at Bass Lake ensures it 

will remain a lake for years to come." 

Chris Parker — Chardon 

Bass Lake Preserve - Chardon 

park mission 

The mission of Geauga Park District 

is to preserve, conserve and protect 

the natural features of 

Geauga County and to provide 

the opportunity for people to 

enjoy and appreciate those resources. 

Park Commissioners 

John D. Leech • Jim Patterson 

Michael J. Petruziello 

In Your Backyard 

Russell 

A Trilling Experience with Treefrogs 

Saturday, May 26, 8-9:30 PM, The West Woods 

Witness the breeding phenomenon of Gray Treefrogs, 

green frogs and bullfrogs in woodland pools. Rain or 

shine. Bring flashlights. 

Montville 

Observatory Park Grand Opening Celebration 

Saturday, June 16, 7 PM-Midnight, Observatory Park 

Join us for this family-friendly evening to celebrate the opening of the 

internationally recognized Observatory Park. Opening ceremonies are 7-8 PM; 

family activities are 8-9 PM; a concert with ContraBAND begins at 9 PM, and 

midnight stargazing is from 10:30-midnight. 

Executive Director • Thomas G. Curtin 

Deputy Director • Keith McClintock 

Editor • Sandy Ward, Paige Hosier 

Designer • Vicky Liptak 

park board meetings 

Geauga Park District invites and 

encourages you to come and let your 

voice be heard. Please stop by at any time 

during one of these upcoming Board of 

Park Commissioners meetings held at the 

Meyer Center in Big Creek Park. 

Tuesday, April 10, 3:30 PM 

Tuesday, May 8, 3:30 PM 

Tuesday, June 12, 3:30 PM 

2 VOICES OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org

(continued from front cover) 

Geauga: a Gem 

by Sandy Ward, Editor 

Headwaters 

When the conservation community thinks 

of Geauga, it doesn’t think maple syrup – 

first and foremost, it thinks headwaters, 

the birth of a water system, where water 

flows off surrounding land into a defined 

path. 

Among its biggest fans is Dr. Jim 

Bissell, renowned curator of botany 

and coordinator of natural areas at the 

Cleveland Museum of Natural History. 

“You protect the headwaters of the river 

streams in Northeast Ohio for all the 

rest of us,” Bissell said. “All the streams 

coming off Geauga County are exceptional 

quality, and those of us downstream have 

to thank the Park District for that.” 

Four river streams start in Geauga: 

• Northwest, deep ravines and steep 

forested slopes send 

the Chagrin River 

headwaters toward 

Lake County. Find 

these at The Rookery, 

Bass Lake Preserve, 

The West Woods, 

Orchard Hills Park and 

Sunnybrook Preserve. 

• Southeast, 

highlands at Swine 

Creek Reservation and 

Chickagami Park start 

one of the 

state’s finest rivers, 

the Grand, which flows toward Ashtabula 

and Lake, then back to Big Creek Park. 

• In central Geauga, exceptional 

wetlands send one branch of the upper 

Cuyahoga River headwaters from 

Observatory Park, where you can literally 

jump across it, through Burton Wetlands 

and Eldon Russell Park, then back toward 

Cleveland. (This is also the part of the river 

that gives it the “crooked river” name.) 

• A tiny tributary of the Mahoning River 

also starts south, in Troy Township, near 

Chickagami Park. 

While all are high-quality resources, the 

Geauga is graced with three major 

headwaters — and biodiversity 

to prove their high quality 

Chagrin River tributary at 

Observatory Park - Montville 

Chagrin River watershed in particular has 

the highest percentage of unpolluted, 

cold, spring-fed streams in Ohio, with 

about 50 percent of them in 

Geauga, said Amy Brennan, 

executive director of the 

Chagrin River Watershed 

Partners. 

“These streams are unique 

because they always have 

groundwater flow coming to 

them, which provides habitat 

for bugs and fish exclusively 

adapted to cold water,” she 

said. “Many Geauga residents 

rely on that same groundwater 

for their drinking water supply.” 

Speaking of drinking water, 

it’s a good thing Akron needs 

some – it preserves much of 

the Cuyahoga and surrounding 

wetlands through Geauga 

County property it owns 

to secure its water source. 

“They’ve saved a lot of 

biodiversity,” Pira said. 

Intact flood plains on 

these preserves help slow 

down water and prevent 

flooding and erosion, said 

Pete McDonald, director of 

stewardship for Western 

Reserve Land Conservancy. 

Added Bissell, “Plus, you 

probably know there's one 

damselfly on the Cuyahoga River that's no 

place else in the state, and then there's 

the endangered Racket-tailed Emerald at 

Pine Brook 

Preserve and 

Lake Kelso, 

and a cool 

beetle not 

described 

until 1996 

found on 

several 

museum 

preserves in Ashtabula now 

found in Geauga County, and...“ 

Racket-tailed Emerald dragonfly 

Biodiversity 

Bissell, Pira and other biologists find 

different plants and animals living 

in Geauga because of its unique 

microhabitats. Lake and Cuyahoga 

are more developed; Ashtabula, more 

influenced by agriculture. 

For instance, one particular Ohio 

endangered mussel is only found in the 

Cuyahoga River flowing out of East Branch 

Reservoir. 

A particularly special locale is near Burton 

Wetlands Nature Preserve and its beautiful 

Lake Kelso, a kettle hole depression; 

biologists call it the Cuyahoga Wetlands. 

Just south of there, White Pine Bog Forest 

is also a Registered 

Natural Landmark 

through the National 

Park Service. 

“It’s unique and 

pristine and just a 

really fine example 

of this type of 

white pine bog/fen 

forest that was here 

thousands of years 

ago but you can’t 

find it anymore,” 

Pira said. 


also protects some 

awesome fens, 

a type of wetland fed by mineral-rich 

groundwater. 

“Fens and bogs are some of the rarest 

communities anywhere, and they all 

deserve to be protected,” Bissell said. 

“The nice thing is, you can go to Lake 

Kelso, stand on the boardwalk and look 

at an outstanding glacial lake, fen system 

and typical boreal forest. It's a wonderful 

place to introduce people to bogs without 

getting their feet wet.” 

Wooded areas 

Like Lake and Ashtabula, Geauga Park 

District houses many cool hemlock woods 

that harbor unique northern species 

normally found in Canada and Appalachian 

species such as northern nesting birds: 

Magnolia Warblers, Winter Wrens and 

Dark-eyed Juncos. 

“If they can find suitable micro-habitats – a 

little more moisture, shaded and cool all 

summer long – they will come down to 

Geauga County to nest,” Pira said. 

And while it’s neat to talk about the rare 

things, biologists also get excited about 

Geauga’s beech-maple forests. 

Lake Kelso in Burton Wetlands - Burton 

(continued on next page) 

www.geaugaparkdistrict.org • VOICES OF NATURE 3

A bat habitat at The West Woods 

It is with sadness that biologists confirm the 

presence of white-nose syndrome in bats 

hibernating in the cave areas of The West 

Woods in Russell and Newbury Townships. 

White-nose syndrome (WNS) 

has killed more than 5.5 million 

bats in eastern North America 

since 2006, and was first 

documented in Ohio at Wayne 

National Forest in 2011. 

Because these animals are top 

predators for night-flying insects, 

their mass deaths have raised 

concern about WNS’s potential 

impact on agriculture and entire 

ecosystems nationwide. 

How does WNS kill Bats generally 

resume feeding and foraging again in 

April, and leave their hibernacula colonies 

for maternity colonies in May. The belief 

is this disease irritates them enough to 

prematurely rouse the bats, forcing them 

to find food when little is available, which 

results in starvation. 

“Unfortunately no known cure exists 

for WNS,” said Paul Pira, Geauga Park 

District’s Natural Resource Management 

Director. “And if it doesn’t get them the 

first year, it wipes them out by year two.” 

Bat-to-bat contact transmits the disease. 

Because it requires body temperatures 

below 68 degrees Fahrenheit to grow, 

the disease does not affect humans. 

But humans can still spread WNS from 

contaminated sites to new areas on their 

clothing, footwear and outdoor gear. 

Geauga County is home to Little Brown 

Bats, Big Brown Bats, Northern Long-eared 

Bats, Eastern Small-footed Bats and Tricolored 

Bats, all of which can be affected 

by WNS; so can the federally endangered 

Indiana Bat, found in Summit County. 

However, the region’s Red, Hoary and 

Silver-haired Bats thankfully don’t appear 

to be affected. 

Signs of WNS include white fungus 

on a bat's nose, wings, ears or tail; 

flying outside during the day in cold 

temperatures; clustering near the entrance 

of hibernacula; or 

groups of dead or 

dying bats during 

winter months. 

For more 

information 

about bats and 

the effects of 

WNS both 

regionally and 

statewide, please 

visit http://bit.ly/ 

WhiteNoseSyndrome or http://fws.gov/ 

WhiteNoseSyndrome. With questions 

or unusual bat sightings, please call Park 

Biologist Paul Pira at 440-279-0812. 

Photo of Little Brown Bat (above) courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Geauga: a Gem (continued) 

These forests once covered 95 percent 

of the state; Geauga was almost solid 

beech-maple. But today, the county is 

one of the few places left with intact 

examples of this once-common forest. 

“People tell other folks in Northeast 

Ohio: ‘You wanna go see a real nice 

example of a typical forest that was 

here years ago, go to Swine Creek 

Reservation, visit a Geauga County park 

and take a look at one of those forests,” 

Pira said. (“As forest systems go in 

Northeast Ohio, it’s one of the best,” 

Bissell said.) 

“There are lots of us,” Pira added, “that 

are concerned about protecting both 

the rare stuff and fine examples of more 

common communities which are going 

away pretty quickly.” 

Preservation 

In line with these concerns, the Lake Erie 

Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity 

(LEAP) is in the process of writing a 

regional conservation plan to guide 

concerned organizations. 

Using data from geographic analysis, the 

group of roughly 10 biologists, including 

Pira, hopes to create a master list of 

regional plants, animals and properties 

to preserve or restore – “and a lot of 

those are falling in Geauga County,” he 

said. “We have nice big connected forests 

and wetlands that allow for plants and 

animals to move through corridors and 

carry on life by doing that.” 

Of course this is all news to the wildlife, 

which couldn’t possibly understand 

political boundaries. That’s why it falls 

to the Park District, its residents and its 

partners to protect their habitat, and 

thus biodiversity, for future generations. 

“I think people should be proud to live 

in Geauga County,” said McDonald. 

“Yes, for its land preservation, but also 

because it’s just a beautiful place to live.” 

April at a glance 

4-1 April Foolery 

4-1 Spring Wildflower Preview 

4-3 Geauga Walkers 

4-5 Shutterbugs Camera Club 

4-7 Egg Hunt: Nature Style 

4-12 Grandparents in the Park 

4-12 Food & Farms 

4-13 Woodcock Watch 

4-14 Hunter Education Course 

4-14 Cub Scout Achievement 

4-15 Spring Bird Walk 

4-15 Invasive Invaders & Films 


4-19 Nomadic Birder 

4-20 The City Dark Film 

4-20 Astronomy Night 

4-21 Hunter Education Course 

4-21 Binocular Adventure 

4-21 Timbertots 


4-23 Hound Hike 


4-26 Jam Session 

4-27 Scrapbooking Workshop 

4-28 Meet the Artists 

4-28 Wildflower Workshop 


4-29 Horseback Trail Clinic 

Advance Registration Required 

(call 440-286-9516 or register online) 

Volunteers Needed 

Fully Accessible 

Nature Scopes 

Leave No Child Inside Program 

supports initiative by providing naturecentric 

experiences designed to instill 

wonder, engender curiosity and benefit 

emotional and social health. 

Heart Healthy Program 

indicates a program involving physical 

activity and heart health and offering 

an experience to de-stress in Nature. 

• If you or a member of your family has special 

needs, please call the Park District regarding 

available accessibility accommodations. 

• American Sign Language interpreters can be 

arranged with 72 hours notice. 

• Advance registration is required for limited 

enrollment programs. 

• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• In the event of severe weather or a “storm 

warning,” programs will be cancelled. 

• Programs are generally free of charge; those with 

fees are noted. 

• Payment of fees must be made at the time of 

registration with a credit/debit card. 

• Registration fees can be refunded up to five 

days prior to the event, or if the Park District 

cancels the program. 

4 VOICES OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org

ARTS IN NATURE 

Shutterbugs Camera Club 

Thursday, April 5, 7-9 PM 


Competition Night! All are welcome 

to attend, but only members active 

in the last 6 months may submit a 

photo in the two categories: Vista 

and/or Geauga Landmark. 

Maple Town Tune Traders 

Jam Session 

Thursday, April 26, 7-9 PM 


Singers and musicians: Share songs 

and tunes in all genres each 4th 

Thursday. Acoustic and gently 

amplified instruments and vocals. 

Snacks to share welcome. 

Framed “Memory Page” 

Scrapbooking Workshop 

Friday, April 27, 6:30-8:30 PM 

Big Creek Park, Cherry Room 

Create a framed memory page. Fee: 

$18 for materials and instruction. 

See web for details. Ages 12+. 

Waiver required for ages 12-17 

attending without an adult. 

Meet the Artists: The Murray 

Hill Drawing Group 

Saturday, April 28, 7-9 PM 


Meet members of the Murray Hill Art 

Group and view a diverse collection 

of nature-inspired artwork by several 

talented artists. On display through 

July 16. Refreshments served. 

EXPLORE THE 

OUTDOORS 

Geauga Walkers 

Tuesdays, 1-2:30 PM 

April 3: Eldon Russell Park 

April 17: Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park 

Join active seniors on weekly hikes, 

1-1½ miles long and held year-round. 

Hikes listed are led by a Park District 

naturalist. Call Geauga Senior Center 

for full schedule: 440-279-2137. 

Evening Woodcock Watch 

Friday, April 13, 7-9 PM 

The Rookery 

Hear the “peent” of the 

woodcock and witness his 

spring ritual dance. Frog calls, 

redwing maneuvers and other signs 

of spring are an added bonus. 

April 

programs in detail 

Annual Spring Bird Walks 

Sunday, April 15, 7:30-9:30 AM 

Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve 


Frohring Meadows 


The Rookery 

Join six walks held in April 

and May as part of a 

Cleveland tradition. 

Seasoned birders help 

novices. Held rain or shine, but not 

in thunder or high winds. Bring 

binoculars & bird guide. 

Dark Skies Astronomy Night 

Friday, April 20, 8-10 PM 

Observatory Park 

Celebrate International Dark Sky 

Week with the Chagrin Valley 

Astronomical Society for telescope 

viewing and Park District staff for 

constellation ID and folklore. Call after 

3 PM for conditions and program 

status. Preceeded by 7 PM viewing of 

the film “The City Dark.” 

Family Binocular Adventure 

Saturday, April 21, 2-3:30 PM 

The West Woods, Mastin Classrooms 

Families explore the spring season 

close-up! Bring binoculars or 

borrow park binoculars. Mostly 

outdoors. 

Hound Hike: Walk ‘n Wag 

Monday, April 23, 6:30-7:30 PM 

Sunnybrook Preserve 

Step into spring with your favorite 

canine. Dress for weather. 

One, leashed non-aggressive 

dog/handler. 

Spring Wildflower ID 

Workshop 

Saturday, April 28, 10 AM-Noon 

Big Creek Park, Deep Woods Shelter 

Discover spring wildflowers with 

Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Bring 

your own guide; a limited number 

available for $10. Presented with 

Native Plant Society of N.E. Ohio. 

NATURE INDOORS 

Spring Wildflower Preview 

Sunday, April 1, 2-4 PM 


Photographer Tracey Knierim 

presents native wildflowers, where 

to look for them and their folklore. 

Joint program with Native Plant 

Society of Northeastern Ohio. 

Invasive Invaders & 

Feature Films 

Sunday, April 15, 2-3:30 PM 


View two environmental films from 

the 2011 Chagrin Falls Documentary 

Film Festival. Filmmaker Tiffany Ann 

Laufer discusses her entry “If You 

Listen...” Also view "Kudzu Vine" for 

a look at invasive species and their 

management. Commentary by Park 

Land Steward Bob Lange. 

Nomadic Birder: Back 

Packing Southern Africa 

Thursday, April 19, 7:30-8:30 PM 


Join University of Cape Town 

student Ethan Kistler, who shares 

backpacking adventures from South 

Africa to Tanzania! 

"The City Dark: 

A Search for Night on a 

Planet that Never Sleeps" 

Friday, April 20, 7-8:45 PM 


See a thought-provoking 

documentary examining a 

threatened natural resource – our 

dark night skies. Recommended for 

ages 12+. 

Horseback Trail Clinic 

Sunday, April 29, 1-3:30 PM 


A 3-part clinic covering vaccinations, 

de-worming, mules and pasture 

management. Joint program with 

Geauga County 4-H and Geauga 

Chapter of Ohio Horseman’s Council. 

No horses please. 

SEASONAL SPECIALS 

April Foolery 

Sunday, April 1, 10-11:30 AM 

The Rookery, 

Great Blue Heron Lodge 

Take a lighthearted indoor/outdoor 

look at whimsical natural features, 

common names and other plant 

and animal "tricks" of nature. 

Egg Hunt: Nature Style 

Saturday, April 7, 1-4 PM 

The West Woods 

Complete this fact-finding mission 

inside the nature center and on a 

trail that will lead you to hidden 

eggs containing amazing egg facts! 

Turn in answers for prizes. 

GENUINE GEAUGA 

Grandparents in the Park: 

Spring Break 

Thursday, April 12, 10:30 AM-Noon 

Mountain Run Station, 

Chardon Rotary Shelter 

Grandparents with grandchildren 

enjoy a nature scavenger hunt, craft 

and trail ride on their own bikes. The 

EZ Go Cart will be available to shuttle 

those unable to bike. Snacks to share 

welcome. 

Food: What Do Farms Have 

to Do With It 

Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8:30 PM 


Join Rich Hill of Laleure Vineyards, 

a small Geauga County winery 

producing wines from vinefera 

grapes. Sharing of local foods is 

welcome. See web for details. 

Hunter Education Course 

Saturday, April 14, 9 AM-4 PM 

& Saturday, April 21, 9 AM-4 PM 


A two-day course to obtain your 

first hunting license. Must attend 

both days (April 14 & 21) to obtain 

certificate. To register go to https:// 

www1.oh.wildlifelicense.com/ 

training_map.php or call 

1-800-945-3543. 

Cub Scout Bears: Sharing 

Your World with Wildlife 

Saturday, April 14, 9:30-11 AM 

The West Woods, Mastin Classrooms 

Bears work on requirements for this 

achievement. Bring a 2-liter pop 

bottle or milk jug to make a recycled 

bird feeder. Geauga County scouts 

get first dibs on reserving troops. 

Fee charged for out-of-county scouts. 

Register your pack by phone only by 

calling 440-279-0880. 

Timbertots: Amazing Amphibians (Ages 3-5 w/adult) 

Saturday, April 21, 3-4 PM Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, Sunset Shelter 

Tuesday, April 24, 10-11 AM or 1-2 PM The West Woods Nature Center 

Explore the ponds and woods as we look and listen for salamanders and frogs. 

Held mostly outdoors, weather permitting, so please dress accordingly. 


Lots of Space for Volunteers at Observatory Park 

As we celebrate the grand opening of Observatory Park this summer, Geauga Park District is excited to involve interested 

volunteers in the exploration of nature "from the ground to the galaxies." While still including traditional volunteer roles 

such as special event and program assistants, Observatory Park anticipates taking volunteering to a whole new plane. 

Volunteers will play a vital role in the Observatory Park visitor experience. Opportunities are both indoors and out, and 

will vary by season and program content. A majority of these programs will be in the evening and may include astronomy 

nights, concerts, themed movie screenings, planetarium shows, hikes, campouts, workshops and special events. Of course 

most will also focus on night sky observation, meteorology, astronomy, geology and cultural and historical storytelling. 

So much of Geauga Park District’s public service is already focused on nature education for all ages, but this 

park will expand its outreach to more school classes, scouts, astronomy clubs and other 

interested organizations. 

If you have special interest, enthusiasm and knowledge 

of astronomy, meteorology, seismology or using a 

telescope, this will be beneficial (but not required) 

to your involvement in this exciting new park 

experience. 

With interest in learning more about these or 

any other volunteering opportunities with 

Geauga Park District, contact Holly Sauder at 

440-279-0802 or hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org. 

Coming August - October 2012 

to The West Woods Nature Center 

COMMUNITY ART EXHIBITION 

Come see this unique exhibit with local 

artisans featuring nature or organic 

inspired artwork made from at least 

50% ferrous or non-ferrous metals. 

Artwork will consist of functional and 

decorative pieces as well as jewelry. 

Entries will be accepted August 9 & 10, 2012. 

For details contact Teresa Runion, special 

events coordinator, at 440-279-0882 

or trunion@geaugaparkdistrict.org. 

sponsored by ASM International 

6 VOICES OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org 

In partnership with 

WRABA 

Western Reserve Artist 

Blacksmith Association 

Adventures in Geocaching 

Geocaching, the high-tech sport of hide and 

seek, continues in Geauga Park District with 

different types of caches in 2012. This spring's is 

a regular cache located in Big Creek Park 

in Chardon Township. 

N 41° 37.546’ 

From the campground lot, W 081° 12.224’ 

proceed to campsite A 

down the Pawpaw Trail. 

Past the gray water crock's the way. 

At the trail junction you will come to see 

two blue blazes on a maple tree. 

Turn right into the woods a little ways 

To a hollow chestnut that has seen better days. 

This cache expires January 1, 2013. 

For more information: http://bit.ly/gpdgeocache 

May at a glance 



5-5 Diamonds & Jewels 


5-6 Nature Chime Workshop 

5-9 Spring Wildflower Walk 

5-11 Backyard Edibles 



5-15 Sensational Birds 


5-19 Jungle Bird Canoe Safari 

5-19 Trail Horse Nature Challenge 

5-19 R.O.A.M. in Concert 

5-20 Spring Bird Walks 

5-20 Coffee with the Birds 




5-25 Astronomy Night 

5-26 Trilling Treefrogs 

5-27 Meet the Artists 

5-29 Geauga Walkers



Thursday, May 3, 7-9 PM 


Spring is screaming to be captured 

on camera, and a Shutterbug 

session will help photographers of 

all levels improve their skills. Short 

instructional sessions are followed by 

assignment critiques. See “Things to 

Do” on our website for details. 

Nature Spirit Chime 

Workshop 

Sunday, May 6, 1-3 PM 

The West Woods, Affelder House 

Join artist RobinAnne Ralls Payne 

to create chimes from Lake Erie 

driftwood, seed pods, branches, 

leaves, shells, copper pipe, bells, 

mirrors, ribbons, flowers…all favorite 

enchanted garden things! Fee: $18 

for materials and instructions. Bring 

your own special treasure such as a 

button, pin, feather, stone or crystal 

to add to your creation. Ages 7+; 

ages 7-10 please bring an adult to 

assist. Waiver required for ages 11- 

17 attending without an adult. 

Roots of American Music 

(ROAM) in Concert 

Saturday, May 19, 7-9 PM 

Big Creek Park, Amphitheater 

Enjoy four musicians from Roots of 

American Music (ROAM) performing 

a variety of music showcasing our 

American roots, from African music 

to blues through rock and roll. 

Expect many traditional instruments 

including fiddle, pennywhistle, 

acoustic and slide guitars and bass. 

Refreshments served. Held indoors 

in the Cherry Room if inclement 

weather. 


Jam Session 

Thursday, May 24, 7-9 PM 


Singers and musicians: Share songs 

and tunes in all genres each 4th 

Thursday. Acoustic and gently 

amplified instruments and vocals. 

Snacks to share welcome. Host Dan 

Best offers everyone in attendance 

the round-robin opportunity to 

sing or play to the accompaniment 

of others, making this format 

less formal than an open mic 

performance venue. 

Meet the Artists: 

Geauga Senior Center 

Painting Classes 



Meet the artists and view their 

diverse wildlife and nature-themed 

works, on display through July 26. 

Refreshments served. 

May programs in detail A Trilling Experience 

EXPLORE THE 

with Treefrogs 

Saturday, May 26, 8-9:30 PM 

OUTDOORS 


Witness the breeding phenomenon 


of Gray Treefrogs, green frogs and 

Tuesdays, 1-2:30 PM 

bullfrogs in woodland pools. Rain or 

shine. Bring flashlights. 

May 1: Orchard Hills Park 

May 15: Big Creek Park, Tupelo Pond Jungle Bird Canoe Safari 

May 29: Observatory Park 

Saturday, May 19, 9-11 AM 

Join other active seniors on weekly Eldon Russell Park 

hikes, 1-1½ miles long and held yearround. 

A naturalist leads listed hikes. Bird Day observance celebrating 

Join our International Migratory 

Call Geauga Senior Center for full the return of migratory songbirds 

schedule: 440-279-2137. 

from the Latin American Tropics. 

See sandpipers, vireos, flycatchers, 

The Valley of Diamonds cuckoos, thrushes, orioles, Rosebreasted 

Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, NATURE INDOORS 

and warblers including the famed 

"golden swamp warbler." Bring your 

canoe or kayak; a limited number of 

park canoes will be available for use. 

Registration May 12-18. 

& Jewels 

Saturday, May 5, 2-4 PM 

Swine Creek Reservation, Valley 

It’s a family adventure to seek 

out nature’s jewels: photograph 

wildflowers, net fish in brilliant 

spawning colors, spot colorful 

songbirds with binoculars and pan for 

the legendary Swine Creek diamonds! 

Bring your own camera; other 

equipment provided. 

Annual Spring 

Bird Walk Series 

Sunday, May 6, 

7:30-9:30 AM 

Eldon Russell Park 

Sunday, May 13, 7:30-9:30 AM 

Big Creek Park, Aspen Grove 

Sunday, May 20, 7:30-9:30 AM 

Swine Creek Reservation, Woods Edge 

The final three walks of 

six held in April and May 

to participate in a 

Greater Cleveland tradition 

since 1933. See birds during spring 

migration. Seasoned bird watchers 

assist novices. Held rain or shine, 

except for thunderstorms and/or 

high winds. Dress for weather. Bring 

binoculars and bird guide. 

Spring Wildflower Walk 

Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 PM 

Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge 

Enjoy the diversity of colorful 

spring wildflowers in this mature 

woods and discover some of 

their fascinating folklore. One in 

a series of weekly walks offered 

by the Native Plant Society of 

Northeastern Ohio. Be prepared 

for a couple of small stream 

crossings and some hills. See www. 

nativeplantsocietyneohio.org for full 

schedule. 

Trail Horse Nature Challenge 

Saturday, May 19, 10 AM-3 PM 

Headwaters Park, 

Crystal Lake Picnic Area 

Challenge yourself and your horse on 

a series of natural trail obstacles and 

nature questions along park trails. 

Awards in youth and adult divisions. 

HELMETS REQUIRED. Anticipate hills, 

gravel, bridge and stream crossings 

on this trail. 

Happy Hounds Hound Hike 

Tuesday, May 22, 6:30-7:30 PM 

Frohring Meadows 

Grab your favorite canine for a stroll 

around the pond. Dress for the 

weather. Only one, non-aggressive 

dog per handler. Must be able to 

fully control your dog, kept on leash 

at all times (8 ft. max). 

Astronomy Night 

Friday, May 25, 9-11 PM 


Gaze through telescopes of the 

Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society 

and the Park District’s 14-foot-long 

Oberle Telescope (or bring your own) 

to view a variety of celestial bodies 

as you familiarize yourself with 

spring/summer constellations and 

learn their stories. Call after 3 PM for 

cancellation notice. 

Sensational Birds, Sensational 

Observations 

Tuesday, May 15, 7-8:30 PM 


Guaranteed to give you a new 

perspective on the birds you already 

know. Outstanding photos and an 

engaging presentation by Chuck 

Jakubchak will help you become 

more attentive to the actions of 

common birds and more appreciative 

of their special lives. Joint program 

with Blackbrook Audubon. 

Coffee with the Birds 

Sunday, May 20, 10-11:30 AM 


Join a naturalist for an “inside” look 

at bird watching as we enjoy sitting 

inside with beverages and snacks to 

view the outdoor bird feeding station. 

Drop in anytime during program 

hours. 

SEASONAL SPECIALS 

Incredible Backyard Edibles 

Friday, May 11, 6:30-8 PM 


Join Kimberly McCune, Geauga 

County’s own gourmet chef, as she 

shows us how to harvest, prep and 

enjoy backyard edibles. And you 

thought dandelions were a weed! 

Learn more about Kimberly at www. 

hungrybeecatering.com. 

Timbertots: Flower Fun 

(Ages 3-5 w/adult) 

Friday, May 18, 10-11 AM or 1-2 PM 

Big Creek Park, Maple Grove 


Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park 

Join Nora the Explorer to stop and smell 

(and explore) the flowers! Held mostly 

outdoors, weather permitting, so please 

dress accordingly. Program is designed for 

the specified age group; older or younger 

siblings will not be considered registered 

participants. 


Respect your Trust 

Geauga Park District has earned the trust of voters for 50 

years, and we respect your trust. Our goal in each issue is 

to explore some aspect of Park District fi scal operations 

and to make the process clear and understandable. 

Implementing an Efficiency-Focused Process 

In an effort to make the most efficient use 

of resources agency-wide, Geauga Park 

District has formed a task force to analyze 

and improve efficiency at all levels focused on 

data-driven studies. No topic, no process, no 

department will be off-limits. 

Modeled after Regional Transit Authority’s 

TransitStat and Baltimore City’s CitiStat, the 

goal of Geauga Park District’s E 2 initiative is 

to assign teams of staff members to learn 

firsthand how consolidating operations, 

eliminating inefficiencies in time and effort, 

and streamlining processes can help the Park 

District provide the quality of services that 

patrons have come to appreciate in a more 

efficient way. 

The first area of study has been electricity 

consumption. An E 2 team has already begun 

evaluating electrical usage in sample areas 

8 VOICES OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org 

of the Park District’s facilities to find ways to 

conserve, with the goal of reducing the overall 

cost of electricity. Some energy-saving tactics 

will include ensuring heat, air conditioning, 

and hot water demand times match building 

business hours; educating staff on conserving 

electricity; and controlling light usage or 

converting to new lighting technologies as 

available. 

Changes will occur over time as areas of 

concern are identified and teams develop and 

implement solutions. Even then, however, the 

process will not end; these teams will continue 

to monitor and review data over time. It is 

Geauga Park District’s hope to provide real 

data and real results to its invaluable patrons. 

Be on the lookout in future issues for updates 

on E 2 , including cost savings and service 

improvements to your Geauga County parks. 

Geauga Park District Welcomes 

New Park Board Commissioner 

Geauga Park District is pleased to introduce you to its newest Park Board member. 

Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Timothy J. Grendell, who has the 

authority to appoint Park Board members under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1545, 

selected Michael J. Petruziello for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2012. 

Mr. Petruziello has expressed his dedication to preserving and maintaining current 

park properties. Upon learning of his appointment, the new Park Board member said he felt humbled, elated 

and honored to give back to his community: “I look forward to working with the other board members and 

bringing another perspective to the table.” 

Michael Petruziello lives with his wife Carmella in Chester Township. 

Together they have three children and four grandchildren. He has worked 

since 1995 as chief operating officer of Quality Quartz of America, Inc. 

in Mentor, which manufactures and supplies fused quartz products for a 

variety of industries including fiber optic, investment casting, semiconductor, 

biomedical and lighting. Previously he was president of Quality Quartz of 

America; president and owner of Romanco in Cleveland; and head of sales 

at Pyromatics, Inc., of East Cleveland. In 1971 Mr. Petruziello was honorably 

discharged as a United States Army sergeant. 

“We are happy to have him as part of the team and for the perspective he 

will bring,” said Geauga Park District Executive Director Tom Curtin. “His 

unique professional background will benefit the Park District.” 

Departing from the three-member board is Dr. Mark Rzeszotarski, who 

served 15 years in his position. Geauga Park District and Park Board 

members John Leech and Jim Patterson express their appreciation to Dr. 

Rzeszotarski for his faithful service. 


Nature Writers’ 

Coffee House 

Friday, June 1, 7-10 PM 


Don’t miss the opportunity to 

mingle with writers of all ages 

and literary expertise. We honor 

winners of Geauga Park District’s 

17th Annual Nature Writing 

Contest, who will read their works. 

Refreshments served. 

Hiram Rapids Stumblers 

in Concert 

Saturday, June 2, 7-8:30 PM 


Enjoy high-energy traditional folk 

and bluegrass music under the 

stars. Refreshments served. Held 

indoors in the Cherry Room if 

inclement weather. 


Thursday, June 7, 7-9 PM 


Summer photo opportunities 

abound in the parks, making 

this an ideal time to check out 

the camera club. All levels are 

welcome to a short instructional 

session followed by assignment 

critiques. See “Things to Do” on 

our website for details. 

Woven Wire Nest 

Pendant Workshop 

Tuesday, June 12, 6:30-8:30 PM 

The West Woods, 

Mastin Classrooms 

Create a necklace featuring a 

charming sterling silver bird nest 

with pearl “eggs.” Fee: $22 for 

materials and instruction. Ages 

12+. Waiver required for ages 

12-17 attending without an adult. 

June at a glance 

6-1 Writers’ Coffee House 

6-2 National Trails Day Hike 

6-2 Hiram Rapids Stumblers 

in Concert 

6-3 Learn To Canoe 


6-9 The Great Toad Count 

6-10 Caveman Crawl 



Hike & Picnic 

6-12 Nest Pendant Workshop 

6-16 Observatory Park Grand 

Opening Celebration 

6-17 Hikin’ on Horseback 


6-18 Muskrateers 

6-19 Crinkleroots 

6-21 Grandparents in the Park 


6-22 Summer Solstice Canoe 

6-23 Backcountry Ledges Hike 

6-24 Home Grown Butterflies 



6-29 Fun with Fireflies 

6-30 The Switch Band 

in Concert


Jam Session 

Thursday, June 28, 7-9 PM 


Singers and musicians: Share 

songs and tunes in all genres 

each 4th Thursday. Acoustic and 

gently amplified instruments and 

vocals. Snacks to share welcome. 

Informal evening gives everyone an 

opportunity to sing or play to the 

accompaniment of others. 

The Switch Band in Concert 

Saturday, June 30, 7-8:30 PM 


Enjoy live music from this local 

group playing classic rock with 

a little country for added flavor. 

Refreshments served. Held indoors 

if inclement weather. 

EXPLORE THE 

OUTDOORS 

National Trails Day 

Hike Around the Reservoir 

Saturday, June 2, 10 AM-12:30 PM 


Rt. 608 Parking Area 

Lace up your walking shoes and 

accompany a naturalist on this 

7-mile hike around East Branch, 

including the restricted east side. 

Meet at the main parking lot off 

Rt. 608. Dress for the weather, and 

bring water and a trail snack. 

The Great Toad Count 

Saturday, June 9, 1-2 PM 

The West Woods, Turkey Ridge 

Toad tadpoles are testing out their 

new legs as they hop out of the ponds 

and explore the forest. If it’s a “good 

year,” we’ll be hopping, too, as we 

count the abundance of amphibians 

on the trail and learn a little about 

their life cycles. 

June 

programs in detail 


Tuesday, June 12, Noon-2 PM 

The West Woods, Turkey Ridge 

Annual Potluck Picnic - Bring a 

passing dish and table service to 

participate. Walk from noon to 1 

before the picnic. 

Tuesday, June 26, 1-2:30 PM 

The Rookery 

Join other active seniors on weekly 

hikes, 1-1½ miles long and held yearround. 

A naturalist leads listed hikes. 

Call Geauga Senior Center for full 

schedule: 440-279-2137. 

Hikin’ on Horseback 

Sunday, June 17, 10 AM-1 PM 

Beartown Lakes Reservation, 

North Point 

Bring your own horse for this 

leisurely naturalist-led trail ride on 

the Whitetail Trail and private trails 

adjacent to Beartown Lakes, a total 

of 6 miles under saddle. HELMETS 

REQUIRED. Participants trailer their 

horses to North Point Shelter Parking 

Area to meet a naturalist. Anticipate 

hills, gravel and bridge crossings, 

as well as flowers, butterflies and 

wildlife in field and forest. 

Hound Hike: 

Pace with Your Pooch 

Thursday, June 21, 6:30-7:30 PM 


Rt. 608 Parking Area 

Grab your walking shoes and leash 

to enjoy this pup-friendly walk. 

Dress for the weather. Only one, 

non-aggressive dog per handler. 

Must be able to fully control your 

dog, kept on leash at all times 

(8 ft. max). 

Summer Solstice Canoe 

Friday, June 22, 7-9 PM 

Headwaters Park, Boat Launch 

Celebrate the summer solstice (the 

Learn To Canoe 

longest day of the year) while afloat 

on the beautiful waters of the East 

Sunday, June 3, 1-5 PM 

Branch Reservoir! Must call Park 

Headwaters Park, Boathouse 

District office to register June 15-21. 

Learn basic canoe-handling 

Ages 12+ with adults with canoeing ng 

techniques in this Red Cross course for experience. Only one 7- to 12-year- 

safe canoeing on flat water. Fee: $10 old allowed to ride in the middle of 

for instruction. Ages 10+. No private 

canoes or unregistered people, please. 

Dress to get wet or muddy. Bring 

water and a change of clothes 

in case the canoe overturns. 

Timbertots: Life Under 

a Log (Ages 3-5 w/adult) 

Tuesday, June 12, 

10-11 AM or 1-2 PM 

Sunnybrook Preserve, Lodge 



Crystal Lake Picnic Area 

Discover a whole world of 

critters living under just one 

log! Held outdoors, weather 

permitting, so please dress 

accordingly. Program is 

designed for the specified 

age group; older or younger 

siblings will not be considered 

registered participants. 

each boat. Wear shoes to get wet 

or muddy, and bring water and a 

change of clothes just in case the 

canoe overturns. 

Backcountry Hike 

Saturday, June 23, 10 AM-Noon 

The West Woods, Deer Run Shelter 

Join a naturalist on an off-trail 

adventure to explore the hidden 

beauty of The West Woods. This is a 

rugged hike with slippery, wet and 

muddy conditions off trail. 

Playing with Fire: 

Fun with Fireflies 

Friday, June 29, 

8:30-9:30 PM 


At this “illuminating” experience 

for big family fun, come see the 

Firefly Light Show and learn the 

secret of the lightning bug beetle’s 

chemical candle-power. Also play 

the “semaphore signal” game that 

shows how fireflies find the right 

mate among different species’ 

flash patterns. 

NATURE INDOORS 

Home Grown Butterflies 



Join Greater Mohican Audubon 

Society president and life-long 

butterfly enthusiast Cheryl Harner 

as she presents a program focusing 

on Ohio’s native plants as nectar 

sources and host plants in the home 

landscape, then learn what to plant 

to support their life cycle in all 

stages. 

Muskrateers: Streamlife 

Safari (Ages 9-11) 

Monday, June 18, 9 AM-Noon 

Swine Creek Reservation, Valley 

Muskrateers venture into a 

forested stream to discover wildlife 

like crayfish, rainbow darters, 

salamanders and stonefly larva! 

Children should be dropped off by 

their parents at 9 AM and picked 

up at noon at Valley Shelter. 

Held outdoors, even in light rain, 

so dress for the weather. Wear 

suitable shoes or boots for wading 

in a rocky stream; no sandals 

please. 

GENUINE GEAUGA 

Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run 

Sunday, June 10, 9-11 AM 


Run the wooded hills of The West 

Woods – caveman costumes optional! 

Registration begins at 7:30 AM; 5K 

race begins at 9 AM. Applications 

available at the Meyer Center, The 

West Woods Nature Center and on 

our website’s Bulletin Board. 

Advanced registration fee: $20; 

additional fee charged for day-of-race 

registration. Course is primarily well 

graded dirt and gravel with minimal 

pavement running. Unique awards for 

winning runners and most creative 

costumes. Walkers welcome! Proceeds 

will benefit the Chip Henry Institute 

for Outdoor Adventure. 

Observatory Park Grand 

Opening Celebration 

Saturday, June 16, 7 PM-Midnight 


Join us for this family-friendly 

evening to celebrate the opening 

of the internationally recognized 

Observatory Park. Opening 

ceremonies are from 7-8 PM and 

family activities are from 8-9 PM. 

Concert begins at 9 PM with 

stargazing from 10:30-Midnight. 

Guests with limited mobility 

will also be able to tour the grounds 

in the Park District’s EZ Go Cart, 

available for short six-person 

tours. 

Grandparents in the Park: 

Summertime Fun 

Thursday, June 21, 10-11:30 AM 

The Rookery, Great Blue Heron Lodge 

Grandparents and grandchildren 

celebrate the first day of summer with 

indoor and outdoor activities and 

summertime snacks! Please bring a 

snack to share. 

Crinkleroots: Search for 

Streamlife (Ages 6-8) 

Tuesday, June 19, 9:30-11:30 AM 


Crinkleroots venture into a forested 

stream to discover wildlife like 

crayfish, salamanders and mayfly 

larva! Children should be dropped 

off by their parents at 9:30 a.m. and 

picked up at 11:30 a.m. at the lodge. 

Held outdoors, even in light rain, so 

dress for the weather. Wear suitable 

shoes or boots for wading in a rocky 

stream; no sandals please. 


kid’s corner 

My what 

big eyes 

you have! 

Can Spring’s 

you guess these VOICES OF NATURE or 

something about them The voices are the clues. Good luck! 

3 

ACROSS 

“What do my bird friends 

and I do when we travel long distances 

during the change in seasons to find food, 

and breed in warmer weather” 

Insect eyes are much 

different from human eyes 

(called simple eyes). They 

have two compound eyes 

with many different lenses 

to see through instead of 

just one lens like we have. 

Each compound eye can 

have anywhere from 2 to 

30,000 different surfaces. 

Compound eyes cannot see 

detail or things that are far 

away. They can see quick 

movements and things that 

are close to them. Have you 

ever tried to swat a fly 

What happened when you 

got close to it It probably 

flew away the second you 

got close enough, right 

That is because a fly’s 

compound eyes bulge out 

of its head, so it can see 

motion all around its 

body — and therefore, see 

when anything (like your 

hand) comes close to it. 

“I am a violent, 

rotating column of air extending from 

a thunderstorm to the ground. I can 

be very destructive, with wind speeds 

of up to 300 mph.” 

7 

1 

5 

“I am a large collection 

of tiny water droplets or ice 

crystals in the sky.” 

“I live part of my life in the 

water and part on land, and I breath 

through my skin. I could be a salamander, a 

newt, a frog or a toad. ” 

9 

down 

2 

“I am the only mammal that can fly. 

I am active at night (nocturnal), and I 

use 

ultrasonic sound (echolocation) to 

catch insects for food.” 

“I am the sweet 

food source in flowers that insects 

like bees and butterflies, and also 

hummingbirds, depend on.” 

4 

“I help people see into 

outer space. I am a very useful tool 

that helps astronomers study 

our galaxy.” 

Dragonfl ies have 

two sets of wings, 

so be 

sure to 

use 4 seeds. 

Glue your nature 

dragonfl y onto a note card and 

give it to somebody as a gift. 

A great idea for Mom or 

Grandma on Mother’s Day! 

6 

“I am an insect with thin wings 

and a long thin body, like a stick. My flying is 

pretty amazing. I can fly fast, I can hover in one 

spot, and I can fly backwards!” 

8 

10 

“I am not an insect because I have 

eight legs and only two body parts, and 

I can have up to eight eyes.” 

“We are the part of the plant that 

makes food by using sunlight, air and water, 

and we change colors in fall.” 

“I am a group of stars in the sky that 

forms a picture. People long ago would use me to help 

them find their direction when traveling.” 

11 

Create a dragonfl y using 

a little bit of glue, a small twig 

and samara, which is the 

winged fruit of the maple tree. 

We see tons of these in the 

spring and summer as they fall 

from maple trees to sprout new trees from 

the seeds. Use peppercorns for the eyes. 

Dragonfly 

Nature Craft 

Don’t be afraid of dragonfl ies — 

they 

don’t bite or 

sting you. They 

are fascinating insects to look at, 

but you will have a hard 

time catching one! 

Dragonfl ies 

eat other 

insects like 

mosquitos 

and fl ies. 

Hey kids! Celebrate Earth Day by telling your story... 

...about your favorite experience in Geauga Park District. Details about this Earth Day Writing Contest, sponsored by Western 

Reserve Properties L.L.C., can be found on the Park District’s website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or in an ad in the Geauga 

County Maple Leaf or the Chesterland News in early April. Entries due April 27, with prizes awarded in three age categories. 

You can help inspire awareness and appreciation for Earth’s natural environment 

through your story! Winners will be published in May in the Geauga County Maple Leaf and the Chesterland News. 

10 VOICES 

OF NATURE • www.geaugaparkdistrict.org 

Crossword puzzle: down — 1-tornado, 2-nectar, 4-telescope, 5-clouds, 7-amphibian, 

9-bat; across — 3-migrate, 6-dragonfly, 8-spider, 10-leaves, 11-constellation

FOUNDATION 

The mission of Geauga Park District Foundation is to build enduring assets for Geauga Park District. 

The Foundation will foster a legacy of philanthropy for Geauga Park District through community engagement and investment. 

Observatory Park – A New Voice of Nature 

Dave Simko 

Trustee – Geauga Park District Foundation 

Observatory Park truly represents the 

“voices of nature.” This park will stimulate the 

imagination of youngsters of all ages through 

the wonders of nature and science. 

At Observatory Park, a seismograph introduces us to what 

is happening under the earth. On the surface of Earth, the 

headwaters of the Cuyahoga River help explain our natural 

history and the impact of an ice age millenniums ago. The 

preservation of the wetlands and the meadows teaches us how 

to protect the many species of plants, animals and reptiles 

with which we share space. Above the earth, a weather station 

makes us aware of what is happening in the atmosphere 

surrounding us. Finally, two research-grade telescopes 

dramatically reveal the planets in our solar system, the stars in 

our galaxy and the galaxies invisible to the naked eye beyond 

Earth. 

With their time and talents, Geauga Park District naturalists, 

volunteers and staff will provide and support the programs at 

Observatory Park to make learning about nature fun. When 

learning is fun and interactive, it motivates a desire to learn 

more, even when the topic is science. 

Why I Give 

Ian Cooper hopes Observatory Park 

will “flip the switch” for school 

children when it comes to unlocking 

a passion for dark sky exploration 

and scientific inquiry. Ian speaks 

fondly of his sixth-grade science 

teacher, Vivian Starr, who flipped the 

switch for him and ignited his lifelong 

interest in science and astronomy. 

Shortly after Mrs. Starr assigned a 

constellation project, Ian bought his 

first telescope in 1967 for $20 at the 

Beyer Craft Toyland in Bainbridge. 

Ian is a 44-year member of the 

Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society 

(CVAS) and for a long time was its 

youngest member. “I remember the 

first star party I attended at Riverside 

Park in Chagrin Falls. We borrowed 

chairs from the local funeral home 

and signed a movie out from the 

Chagrin Falls Library called 'The 

Universe,' and Tom Quesinberry’s 

dad, Ralph, borrowed a 16mm 

projector from the high school. We all 

brought our telescopes so we could 

show people what cool things were 

out there in the night sky.” 

Ian and the members of the Chagrin 

Ian Cooper with his first telescope, 

purchased in 1967 

Valley Astronomical Society, which 

holds its monthly meeting in 

Geauga Park District, still enjoy 

sharing what they know about the 

mysteries of the cosmos; their 

enthusiasm and behind-the-scenes 

work on the Oberle Observatory 

and its telescope has helped Geauga 

Park District complete Phase III of 

Observatory Park. 

Ian makes an annual contribution 

to support Geauga Park District’s 

Nature Scopes program, and he 

volunteers by bringing his telescope 

to the Park District’s night skyviewing 

events. “This is my giving 

back to society,” he said. “If I can get 

one kid excited about astronomy like 

I was then, it’s all worth it.” 

The Observatory Park 

Technical Advisory Group – 

comprised of representatives 

from the Cleveland Museum 

of Natural History, the Great 

Lakes Science Center, Case 

Western Reserve University, 

Hiram College, Kent State 

University, Lake Erie Nature 

& Science Center and the 

Chagrin Valley Astronomical 

Society – will continue to 

provide technical support and regional programming opportunities 

in astronomy, the sciences and natural history. 

Also, Observatory Park’s special features, including the Oberle 

Observatory and the Robert McCullough Science Center, are 

supported by contributions from private individuals, foundations 

and companies throughout Northeast Ohio. Unique facilities 

and features in other parks and preserves in Geauga Park District 

have also been made possible through private donations, as have 

other key programs, such as Nature Scopes. A community that 

generously supports such efforts is necessary and important to the 

continued expansion of existing programs and the addition of new 

ones. Speaking as a trustee of Geauga Park District Foundation, we 

are all thankful for that support. 

Geauga Park District Foundation 

2012 Board of Trustees 

Richard Frenchie – President and 

Observatory Park Campaign Chair 

Kathy Leavenworth – Vice President 

Dave Chew 

Jan Fitts 

Dave Ford 

Bill Franz 

Glenn Frohring 

Mary Beth O’Neill – Secretary 

Brian Valentine – Treasurer 

John Janoch 

Cristine Lewis 

Doug Nemeckay 

Bob Page 

Todd Ray 

Dave Simko 

Jeff Suszynski 

Trevor Wilson 

Gary Witosky 

Some of the members of the Foundation are, from left to right: 

Richard Frenchie, Bill Franz, new member Trevor Wilson, 

John Janoch, Jeff Suszynski, new member Gary Witosky, 

Mary Beth O’Neill, Todd Ray and Doug Nemeckay. 

Geauga Park District Foundation • 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon OH 44024 

Development Director: Emilie Gottsegen • Development Associate: Amanda Stith 

Administrative Assistant: Barb Emch • foundation@geaugaparkdistrict.org 



9160 Robinson Road 

Chardon, OH 44024-9148 

park locations 

Bass Lake Preserve · 11445 Lakeview Drive, Munson Twp. 

Beartown Lakes Reservation · 18870 Quinn Road, Auburn/Bainbridge Twps. 

Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park · 7940 Cedar Road, Chester Twp. 

Big Creek Park · 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Twp. 

Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve · 15681 Old Rider Road, Burton/Newbury Twps. 

Chickagami Park · 17957 Tavern Road, Parkman Twp. 

Eldon Russell Park · 16315 Rapids Road, Troy Twp. 

Frohring Meadows · 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge Twp. 

Headwaters Park · 13365 Old State Road, Huntsburg/Claridon Twps. 

The Maple Highlands Trail 

Big Creek Spur · 9280 Ravenna Road, Chardon Twp. 

The Maple Highlands Trail 

Mountain Run Station · 12601 Chardon Windsor Road, Hambden Twp. 

Observatory Park · 10610 Clay Street, Montville Twp. 

Orchard Hills Park · 11340 Caves Road, Chester Twp. 

Sunnybrook Preserve · 12474 Heath Road, Chester Twp. 

Swine Creek Reservation · 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield/Parkman Twps. 

The Rookery · 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Twp. 

The West Woods · 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87), Russell Twp. 

The West Woods - Affelder House · 15139 Chillicothe Road, Russell Twp. 

Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve · 11620 Ravenna Road, Munson Twp. 

Whitlam Woods · 12500 Pearl Road, Hambden Twp. 

For more information on parks, 

programs or events, 

call Geauga Park District at 440-286-9516 

or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org. 

Printed on recycled paper using 25% post-consumer waste. FSC Certified 

This publication was printed exclusively with Biolocity - environmentally responsible inks 

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT’S 

5K TRAIL RUN 

Sunday, June 10, 2012 

The West Woods · 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township 

Walkers Welcome Caveman garb encouraged 

Registration: 7:30 AM · Race Start: 9 AM 

John & Chris 

Steigerwald 

DETAILS INSIDE 

See the June program listing on page 9 

and find out how to register!

What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?