What Makes Geauga a Gem - Geauga Park District

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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 4-17 Geauga Walkers 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 4-22 Spring Bird Walk 4-23 Hound Hike 4-24 Timbertots 4-26 Jam Session 4-27 Scrapbooking Workshop 4-28 Meet the Artists 4-28 Wildflower Workshop 4-29 Spring Bird Walk 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 Big Creek Park, Cherry Room 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 Sunday, April 22, 7:30-9:30 AM Frohring Meadows Sunday, April 29, 7:30-9:30 AM 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 Observatory Park 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 The West Woods Nature Center 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 Big Creek Park, Cherry Room 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. www.geaugaparkdistrict.org • VOICES OF NATURE 5
Page 1 and 2: A publication of Geauga Park Distri
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Page 7 and 8: ARTS IN NATURE Shutterbugs Camera C
Page 9 and 10: Maple Town Tune Traders Jam Session
Page 11 and 12: FOUNDATION The mission of Geauga Pa

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