Emerald Necklace - December 2011

Emerald Necklace December ‘11 Volume 60 #12

Featuring Cleveland Metroparks program guide and events

Contents Special Events 16 Chalet Toboggan Chutes

Features

3 Introducing ...Logan 7 Daring and Dangerous 12 The Northern Shift in the Wake of Climate Change 4 6 8 14

Columns

Notes from the Field Naturalist’s Almanac Inside the Emerald Necklace Zoo News

In Addition 2 11 19 20

Winter Outdoor Recreation Golf During Winter Events By Location Events Calendar

All photos by Casey Batule or Cleveland Metroparks archives unless otherwise noted.

Emerald Necklace Published monthly by:

Cleveland Metroparks 216-635-3200 TTY 216-351-0808 clevelandmetroparks.com

Paulette Welch Editor

Nobbynees Ltd. Graphic Design

RR Donnelley Printing

Board of Park Commissioners Bruce G. Rinker President

Dan T. Moore Vice -President

David W. Whitehead Brian M. Zimmerman Vice-President

Executive Director-Secretary

For editorial questions or comments, contact Paulette Welch at 216-635-3205.

Cleveland Metroparks does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment, services or access to programs and activities. Special assistance for Cleveland Metroparks programs or facilities is available by calling 216-635-3264 in advance.

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Winter Outdoor Recreation Comes to Life with Snow in Cleveland Metroparks From a rainy spring to a hot summer and a wet fall - now we just need snow to complete the seasons. Cleveland Metroparks offers many great and fun winter recreation opportunities.

Enjoy the exhilarating winter season in Cleveland Metroparks and take advantage of the many opportunities for cold weather fun. Among the many activities offered are sledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, tobogganing at the Chalet, and hiking.

For sledding enthusiasts, Cleveland Metroparks has a number of sledding hills including some with night lighting.

Cross-country skiers can use the unplowed trails, and are also permitted on the fairways and rough areas at Little Met, Big Met, Shawnee Hills, and Sleepy Hollow golf courses when there is a four-inch base of snow. The hiking and bridle trails also can be used by cross-country skiers, but skiers should use caution and must yield to hikers and horses.

Park visitors can enjoy pond ice skating at various Park District locations, including one with night lighting. The areas are not monitored and skaters are responsible for clearing the ice. Visitors should skate with caution and only when proper ice conditions exist.

For the truly dedicated fishing enthusiast, the recreational sport of ice fishing is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the winter season. Call 440-331-8017 for more ice fishing/ice conditions information.

The Chalet Recreation Area provides tobogganing thrills on the twin ice chutes, open through mid-March, with or without snow. Call 440-572-9990 for hours, admission fees, and group reservations on the only public ice chutes in Ohio.

Winter is also a perfect time to take a hike and explore the various trails throughout the reservations, especially the all purpose trails. When snowfall is two inches or more, portions of the all purpose trails will be plowed as time permits.

Cleveland Metroparks encourages everyone to dress properly for the weather and to exercise caution when outdoors. To truly enjoy the winter season, park visitors should prepare themselves and their equipment for strenuous outdoor activities and then get out there and have some fun.

Winter Recreation locations are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additional information is available in the Winter Recreation brochure, which can be obtained at any Park District facility, by calling 216-635-3200, or online at www.clevelandmetroparks.com.

Introducing...

Logan

Although one of Cleveland Metroparks newest employees sometimes lays down on the job right now, it’s okay. Once his training is done, he will help the Ranger Department lay down the law.

Logan, a German Shepherd born July 22, 2011, joined the department on September 1 and was sworn in as a K-9 on September 28 during a Board Meeting at Cleveland Metroparks Administration Building.

The Ranger Department selects male dogs because of their natural instincts, high energy and increased ability to listen and follow commands consistantly. The dogs are all part of the Buckeye Area Regional K-9 group (B.A.R.K.)

Because the majority of Logan’s training is at home with usual puppy training needs and is a 24/7 job, the ranger who serves as the handler undergoes an interview process. The handler, in this case Gibson, is selected based on their interest in dogs, Named after his grandfaphysical fitness, high drive, ther, Logan was donated active patrol experience, and L-R: Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Brian

by Schmidt’s of Macedolaw enforcement history. Also Zimmerman, Tom Schmidt - owner, Schmidts of Macedonia nia, owned by Tom and taken into consideration is (donor of Logan), Lieutenant Sean Flannigan, Ranger Kevin Kathy Schmidt. He is the the socialization process for Gibson, Sergeant Bob Pofok son of current Cleveland the dog with the handler’s Metroparks K-9 Radar and family and/or other pets they nephew of Rocky, the other may have. Once selected, the K-9 in the unit, also donated ranger has rigorous training by the Schmidts. for themselves and the K-9 and also must gain certificaLogan is handled by Ranger tion in K-9 emergency care.

Kevin Gibson and will be trained in tracking, narcotIn addition to law enforceics, and apprehension. ment duties, Logan and Ranger Gibson also will have “Logan has already begun many community appearanchis training and is interactes so both must learn skills to ing well with other K-9 dogs K-9 gains TV audience attention LIVE on WOIO-TV 19 effectively interact with the as well as following simple public in all forums. commands,” noted Gibson.

So don’t worry right now if Logan lays down on the Like his uncle and his father, eventually Logan will be job. He’s got a lot going on for only being four months certified in tracking, article search, narcotics, crimiold. But if his bloodline is any indication (Rocky and nal apprehension and handler protection. His initial Radar both have been recognized for their work), he training will take aproximately one year and then the won’t be slacking when it’s time to lay down the law!

Ranger Department will apply for his certification through the Attorney General’s office Ohio Peace OfCompiled by Paulette Welch, Marketing and ficer’s Training Academy. Certification is good for two Dianna M. Kall, Ranger Department years, but the Ranger K-9s participate in weekly training to keep their skill sets at a high level.

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December Celebration

Notes From The Field

I have a friend who hates December. A month of holidays holds no joy for her after the lush greens of July give way to the orange, red and gold of October, and then the snow falls. It’s dark in December, with sunset - when we can see it through the gray and gloom - coming ever sooner and sooner until the porch light comes on even before we arrive home each evening. Days grow short, and nights grow ever longer. Cold, gray, slush, December. What’s to like about a month like that?

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There are two good things about December - a celestial date and a bird.

Even the most dismal of moods can’t help but find daily joy in December once a solstice and a bird are embraced. Let’s explore.

the sun that day with stone markers, or having the sun appear through an opening to mark precisely that most fearful day. What if the sun went farther south and disappeared completely? It was best to keep an eye on it, so they did.

I love the solstice, because I know that even one day later, the sun will rise earlier and the days will grow longer, ever so slowly, minute by minute, as each day passes. No wonder the ancients considered December 25 as the middle of winter, not the beginning, and celebrated the solstice each year.

And then there’s the bird, the other good thing about December. Just as December arrives with the white of snow and the gray of skies, most of our resident winter birds are white and gray, Even though Dewith touches of the cember ends with color of the long black two more months of nights. White-breasted winter ahead, Denuthatches, tufted titcember is a turning mice and black-capped point in the calenchickadees are perhaps dar of the year. On most common, with December 22 this downy woodpeckers year, the sun will rise included, minus the as far south as it ever gray. Red, the color Black-capped chickadee will, and the very next day it will of ripe winter berries, splashes begin its gradual march northward, back to the across the winter landscape in the form of male warmth of spring and summer to come as each northern cardinals, and as markings on the male day grows slightly longer and nights shorter. downy. Blue jays reflect the colors of December’s Ancient people believed that each year the sun bright blue skies - there will be a few blue skies fled, and only celebrations and sacrifices could this month, believe me. Would a blue jay lie? bring it back. The greatest fear, that of eternal darkness and eternal cold without the sun, And yet, other than a few birds calling their comprovoked great interest in watching the sun’s panions to warn of predators or invite for food, retreat each year. Sacred temples, stone circles December is largely a silent month. Except for and other structures were built to determine one bird, my December bird, our black-capped when that shortest day would arrive, with vari- chickadee. ous devices casting dawn shadows, or aligning

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Chickadees are defiant little birds, and When December and the other winter months start to get winter doesn’t get them down. When me down, I step out on the back porch, and listen to the other birds migrate south, chickadees grow extra layers of down feathers to chickadees proclaiming that life is good, and being with defeat the cold. When other birds lurk family is good, and everyone should feel the same way. in the morning shadows, chickadees get up early and get to work. There are on the back porch, and listen to the chickadees protiny bugs and spiders to be found under the bark of claiming that life is good, and being with family is good, trees and tasty seeds to find and hide again. Where and everyone should feel the same way. are the birdfeeders this winter, they ask each other, and the group flies off to find as many as they can. In In only another month, winter will start to lose its grip, winter chickadees band together in extended family flocks, all the better to find food and protected roost with the January thaw suggesting that real spring is only two months away. I watch the days grow longer, and so holes in trees, and to huddle together for warmth. does the chickadee flock, until finally one bright mornEver adaptive, the little guys can drop their nightly ing one sings “feeee-beeee, feeee-beeee” as if to protemperature as much as 15 degrees every winter claim, “Spring’s here, spring’s here.” And all is well with night in a sort of controlled hypothermia, to conthe world again. The chickadees declare it. serve energy. They thus conserve about 25% of their total energy budget every hour when sleeping at Robert D. Hinkle, PhD freezing temperatures.

Chief, Division of Outdoor Education And they talk. When other birds are largely silent, chickadees are noisy and gregarious all winter. The cold and snow and gloom of gray December days don’t bother them a bit. As their family flocks move through the landscape, they keep a constant chatter of chickadee talk, keeping in touch, establishing and maintaining hierarchy and warning other birds of danger. Calls of “dee-dee-dee” tell you they’re coming for your sunflower seeds, and you’d better be ready. Studies show that during winter chickadees may need twenty times more food than they do in summer, and the presence of a winter-long feeder raises their winter survival rate from less than 40% to almost 70%. They may gain as much as 10% of their body weight daily, only to lose it keeping warm through each winter night. When December and the other winter months start to get me down, I step out

rdh@clevelandmetroparks.com

QR Code Connects Nature with Technology Scan this QR code into your smartphone and you can read, hear and see what’s happening each week in the natural world. Or pick up a QR code sticker at any Cleveland Metroparks nature center to affix to your field guide, binoculars or even your car or bike.

No smartphone? No problem! Log on to http://blogs.clemetparks.com/naturalists-almanac to access the same information.

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Naturalist’s Almanac December

As the Beaver Moon of November gives way to the Full Cold Moon of December, Cleveland Metroparks takes on a new appearance. The browns of autumn gradually give way to patches of brilliant white as winter snows begin to fall. Wildlife reckon with the radical changes of the season by altering their behavior, finding heavy cover, or like Cleveland Metroparks groundhogs, ignoring the season altogether in a long winter’s hibernation.

December is a time of reckoning, a time to look back at the year and an exciting time to plan the new year to come. Overhead in the night sky Orion the hunter rises in the east, signaling the start of winter.The change in seasons creates many changes in wildlife behavior, too, as feeding strategies are altered by the cold and snow.

First Week

Birds As the last of the migrating Canada geese move south, they may be joined by snow geese, white geese with telltale black wing tips.

Open water remains at most refuges and rivers until month’s end.

Watch for late migrating ducks such as shoveler ducks and the fish-eating red breasted mergansers.

Mammals Bucks’ antlers become brightly polished as the breeding season continues from October and November.Territorial battles are rare, but the rattling antlers of combatants can sometimes be heard in Mill Stream Run and Ohio & Erie Canal reservations. When you spot one deer, look for others nearby!

Second Week

Third Week

Birds Each year at this time the National Audubon Society sponsors a nationwide Christmas Count of birds remaining on the wintering grounds. Contact a Cleveland Metroparks nature or visitor center for information on this year’s Christmas Count.

If open water remains, ruddy ducks, common mergansers and goldeneye ducks should be passing through this week. These are generally the last of the fall migrants.

Mammals Cold, snowy weather and limited food resources mean the temporary disappearance of winter sleeping mammals like the raccoon, opossum and skunk. They may awaken from time to time to feed as winter passes.

Birds If winter hasn’t been too harsh thus far, some of Hinckley Reservation’s buzzards may still be seen circling overhead at midday. As food becomes scarce, they will gradually drift to more southerly locations for the winter.

Deer tracks in the winter snow tell tales of evening adventures in Rocky River, Brecksville, Hinckley, Bedford, and Ohio & Erie Canal reservations. Follow a set of tracks and try to discover what the deer were doing there, and why.

Cedar waxwings begin to harvest the summer’s crop of overripe berries. The fermented sugars in the berries turn to alcohol and the happily inebriated little birds occasionally lose all sense of direction, propriety and flight when the alcohol laden berries warm their tiny stomachs.

Birds Tufted titmice and chickadees should be willing to take sunflower seeds from friendly hands at Brecksville and North Chagrin nature centers from now until the end of winter. Bring a pocketful of seeds and make a new bird friend this week!

Trees Many oaks and beeches will hold dead leaves on their branches all winter. Spring growth sheds the golden brown mantle of old leaves, thus allowing the forest to gain two layers of nutrients each year. The rustle of leaves in the winter wind is a sharp contrast to the quiet of snowy meadows.

Certain witch hazels in sheltered locations continue to bloom this week.

Fourth Week

As winter begins officially this week, watch leafless trees in deep Cleveland Metroparks forests for barred and great horned owls.

Mammals Chipmunks have become scarce as they “hole up” for the winter.

These farsighted little squirrels depend on acorns, seeds and nuts carefully stored in underground caches for their winter food. They remain active underground until March.

The last of Cleveland Metroparks groundhogs should be carefully tucked away in their burrows and hibernating until February or March.

Editor’s note: The duck pictured in the November Emerald Necklace was misidentified as a shoveler duck. The duck pictured was a ruddy duck.

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

I’m going to ask you to get a little nostalgic, even if you didn’t know you were old enough. We hear a lot of talk about how times are changing, how kids just don’t do the fun things that adults remember doing. What did you do when you were growing up that most kids don’t experience today? Did you sleep out in the backyard without your parents? Play elaborate neighborhood games that lasted for days? Climb trees?

I dug a pond in my friend’s backyard, which his parents insisted we fill in. I made an art of finding, catching and raising tadpoles. I went in a real quicksilt pit (like quicksand) and then went down a mudslide carved into a hill. In spite of some of my adventures, I survived and grew up to have a strong relationship with the natural world.

Doing daring and dangerous things as children - doing them thoughtfully and often with sensible supervision - can lead to well adjusted adults who have a good relationship with the world. You may have heard of the books, The Dangerous Book for Boys, by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden and The Daring Book for Girls, By Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. Each book is packed full of forgotten games, do-it-yourself building projects, worldly information, advice, and even literature. These books are for children, and they are for adults and children who would like to tackle adventure together. They make excellent gifts for kids and families. While they are separated by gender, it’s just a formality. There is no reason why the activities in both wouldn’t be enjoyed by all.

In 2012 at Look About Lodge I will be leading a yearlong series of programs following many of the activities in the books. I want to invite any of you with children (grades 2-7) in your life to join us for a year of Daring and Dangerous programs in South Chagrin

Reservation. Every month will be appropriate for boys and girls and the adult they bring with them. The adult attending doesn’t have to be a parent; this might be a perfect time for an aunt or uncle, grandparent or neighbor, to give Mom and Dad a Sunday off each month. We’ll learn knot tying, canoe-paddling and rock-skipping, make our own walking sticks and paper, and we’ll even camp out once during the summer.

I am hoping that anyone interested will join the program series in January and plan to attend throughout the year. We’ll meet for 1-3 hours the first or second Sunday of each month. Most meetings will be in South Chagrin Reservation, but we’ll deviate at least once for canoeing at Hinckley Lake.

This is a chance to capture nostalgia. This is a chance to share with a younger generation many of the things that you did, things that kids today might not think to do. Heck, we might even do something that you always wished you could do but never got around to learning how.

The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book for Girls are available for purchase at EarthWords Nature Shops. You don’t have to own one to participate in the Daring and Dangerous program series, but you may want to pick one up for a child in your life (or yourself).

Carly Martin, Naturalist Look About Lodge

cam@clevelandmetroparks.com

The first Daring and Dangerous program will be at Look About Lodge, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on January 8. Registration is required, and there is a fee of $15 per child, as everyone will get some essential Daring and Dangerous equipment. Contact Look About Lodge to register or for more information at 440-247-7075 or LALreg@clevelandmetroparks.com.

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Inside the Emerald Necklace 8

Get a Jump on Holiday Shopping ...

Cleveland Metroparks Style!

Go online...

This holiday season, simplify your shopping. Visit Cleveland Metroparks website at clevelandmetroparks. com and browse through a variety of gift ideas from EarthWords Nature Shops and Cleveland Metroparks golf pro shops as well as Ledge Pool season passes. Shop for unique nature-related gifts or golf items from home and support Cleveland Metroparks.

Go to Westfield SouthPark Mall in Strongsville...

New this year! Cleveland Metroparks will have a retail cart at Strongsville’s SouthPark Mall on the second floor between the elevators and the food court - you can’t miss it! The cart will be open every day during mall hours from November 1 through December 31. Gifts and gift cards will be available for all the outdoor enthusiasts and golfers on your gift list!

Or, buy a Cleveland Metroparks Gift Certificate...

If you always have trouble finding the perfect gift for someone, make your holiday gift-giving easier with Cleveland Metroparks Gift Certificates.

Certificates can be used for: • Golf Courses - greens fees, cart and club rentals, merchandise, and driving range fees • Chalet Recreation Area - tobogganing fees, season passes, merchandise, refreshments, hayrides, and facility rental fees • EarthWords Nature Shops - books, Cleveland Metroparks apparel, jewelry, ornaments, cards, and other gift items • Ledge Pool & Recreation Area - admission fees, season passes and shelter reservation fees • Cleveland Metroparks facility rentals • Cleveland Metroparks fee-based programs • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - admission, education programs, fee-based programs (not valid for refreshments or souvenirs) Gift certificates are available in any quantity of $5 increments and are valid for two years. Certificates can be purchased at Cleveland Metroparks Administrative Office, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Administrative Office, EarthWords Nature Shops (3 locations), the Chalet, Westfield SouthPark Mall or online. For more information, call 216-635-3200.

Holiday Tree Hunt A tree has been decorated for the holidays somewhere in the woodlands of South Chagrin Reservation. Take hike or two in search of adorned boughs. Can you find it? If you do, take a picture and send it to lookabout@clevelandmetroparks.com or show a photo to a Look About Lodge naturalist. You’ll be given one free pass to any Fireside Concert Series performance, which takes place in January and February 2012.

The tree will be decorated November 28 – December 31.

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

Looking for a way to share the holiday spirit with your favorite golf or nature enthusiast? A tribute gift to Cleveland Metroparks is a unique opportunity to recognize people who are important to you. Through a gift to one of the following funds, you can support what is meaningful to those who are a special part of your life: •

Emerald Necklace Endowment Fund - all contributions remain in the Fund and generate annual income to preserve and protect Cleveland Metroparks for generations to come

•

Fishing Fund - helps to provide a rewarding fishing experience through fish stocking and habitat enhancement

•

Golf Education Fund - supports all aspects of the Junior Golf Program including instructional clinics, leagues, tournaments and day camps

•

Legacy Fund - helps to provide tree and wildlife plantings throughout Cleveland Metroparks; gifts may be designated for a specific reservation

•

Outdoor Education Fund- supports special exhibits, programs, resource materials and equipment to provide opportunities for all ages to experience the natural world; gifts may be designated for a specific program or facility

•

Ranger Department Mounted Unit Fund - assists with veterinary care, specialized training and equipment to ensure the safety of all Park District visitors as well as conserve natural resources

•

Trails Fund - supports maintenance and rehabilitation of trails throughout Cleveland Metroparks

A special holiday card will be sent to all individuals to notify them of your meaningful tribute gift. Honorees and donors will also be recognized in Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace newsletter and Gift of Nature annual report.

To make a gift, send a check payable to Cleveland Metroparks to: Gift and Donor Development, Cleveland Metroparks, 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, Ohio, 44144. Donation forms are also available at clevelandmetroparks.com/get involved. Gifts to the Emerald Necklace Endowment Fund may be made online at clevelandmetroparks.com/ get involved and follow the corresponding links.

Private Group Rentals at the Chalet Toboggan Chutes

Book your company party, school trip, church outing, or club get-together at the Chalet Toboggan Chutes - the only public ice chutes in Ohio!

The Chalet Recreation Area can be rented for exclusive private use during non-public hours - including riding the ice toboggan chutes - just for your group! Great dates still available! A limited number of shared use bookings are available, too.

Call the facility at 440-572-9990 for more information and to make reservations.

Enjoy an outing at the Chalet Toboggan Chutes all to yourselves!

For more information on ways you can support Cleveland Metroparks, contact Karen Kannenberg, CFRE, manager of gift and donor development, at 216-635-3217 or kjk@clevelandmetroparks.com.

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Winteriffic!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012 • Noon - 5 p.m.

Chalet Recreation Area • Mill Stream Run Reservation.

Come out of hibernation and enjoy the best the Cleveland winter has to offer.

• Try out cross country skiing, snowshoeing or ice fishing • Watch dog sled demonstrations • See the magic of ice carving • Take a winter hike • Build a snow shelter • Music, refreshments and more!

For more information, call 440-734-6660.

Chalet Recreation Area is located at 16200 Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville.

Snowshoe With IGO January 14, 21, 22, 28, 29 • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Squires Castle • North Chagrin Reservation February 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Sledding hill • South Chagrin Reservation Try a pair of snowshoes and hike along a course set up for the day. No special boots are required for snowshoeing, but waterproof footwear is suggested. Catch us on Facebook for weekend updates. Pre-registration is suggested but drop-ins are welcome. IGO staff will be on location when snow is 4” or deeper. Please note - dates are subject to change. For ages 8 and up (with participating adult.) Rental fee for snowshoes is $10 per pair.

For more information, call 216-341-1704.

Squires Castle Join us on

is located off Chagrin River Road in North Chagrin Reservation, south of Chardon Road/Route 6 in Willoughby Hills.

The Sledding Hill is located at corner of Sulphur Springs Drive and Chagrin River Road in South Chagrin Reservation, east of SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Bentleyville

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Just Because It’s Cold Is No Reason To Forget About Golf!

Weather permitting, it’s not too late to get in a few more rounds of golf in December at fall discount rates.

Here are a few “need to know” dates:

December 24

Last day of the golf season at Little Met, Mastick Woods and Washington golf courses

December 25

Christmas Day - all courses closed

December 26 - 31

Manakiki, Sleepy Hollow, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, and Big Met open for regular play at fall discount rates, weather permitting.

January 1 - March 13

Courses and driving ranges open if weather permits. Please check the individual courses for updates.

Here some gift ideas for the golfer in your life!

Whether shopping for the holidays or for yourself, winter might be the best time to visit a Cleveland Metroparks Pro Shop.

Shop now and enjoy deep discounts on most merchandise at Cleveland Metroparks Golf Pro shops!

• All men’s shirts are 40% off or more • All women’s shirts are 40% off • All bags are 30% off • All shoes are 40% off • All clubs are 30% off (Ping, G20, and Karsten putters not included) • Caps, towels, headwear, and accessories are 20% off

Afraid to get the wrong thing?

Gift cards fit!

Gift cards for any denomination are available at all Cleveland Metroparks golf courses. Recipients can redeem these cards at any Cleveland Metroparks golf course for greens fees, carts, golf merchandise, Academy of Golf programs, or lessons.

Don’t Forget! FREE REPLAY through December!

Golfers - Buy an 18-hole round at an 18-hole course or a 9-hole round at a 9-hole course at the regular rate, Monday through Thursday, at any Cleveland Metroparks golf course and play an additional 9 for free!

Offer is subject to availability. Cart charges apply for each round. (Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.)

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The Northern Shift in the Wake of Climate Change Join us to hand feed a Carolina Chickadee at Brecksville Nature Center, or visit Buzzard’s Roost for the return of black and turkey vultures to Hinckley Reservation. Could these possibly be some future programs in Cleveland Metroparks in the wake of global climate change?

It is anticipated that the average global climate will warm (depending on sources) anywhere from 3.2 to 7.2ºF degrees over the next 100 years. I often overhear visitors talking about changes they have already observed, as winters seem to be getting milder, spring earlier, summer hotter and fall later. They remember when it seemed that snow came and never left all winter long! With warmer global temperature it is expected that some areas will be wetter, and others dryer. What does this mean for the plants and animals of Cleveland Metroparks?

Black-capped chickadee woods, and these will shift to deciduous forests. But, can they shift fast enough to keep up with the climate change?

I think about this when I am on top of Fort Hill in Rocky River Reservation and peer across to “Cedar Simple … they will change.

Point”. I find myself searching for the cedar trees that gave this point its name. Today these trees are becomWhat should we expect? While it is hard to predict ing harder to locate, as this is a tree of the cool northern exactly what will happen, but current research does forest and is currently locally disappearing. Others like give us some clues. There will be an observable shift in the white pine and eastern hemlock may soon follow. bird communities, as those that rely on cooler forests Familiar names like Cedar Point, Oak Grove, Hemlock will move north into Canada and others from the and Old Birch Picnic Areas maybe just a reminder of south shift their range into the Cleveland region. One the past plant communities. species that this could happen to within my lifetime is the replacement of black-capped chickadees with As one species gives way to another, their associates their close relative the Carolina chickadee. The curwill need to change too. Because this change appears rent transition zone for these species is near Wooster, to be relatively rapid, many species may not be able to Ohio. Scientific journals have already published a shift keep up. As we lose species it may open the door to in populations of about 20 kilometers in 15 years. This new species to colonize many of which may be from rate should put the transition zone in Cleveland in other parts of the world. I think back to when Cleveless than 60 years. Could other northern replacements land Metroparks was founded and the forests were filled possibly be summer tanager replacing scarlet tanagers, with American chestnut trees and wonder what walking blue grosbeaks replacing rose-breasted grosbeaks? in this forest was like. I now find myself looking into the future and wondering what these same Cleveland Because birds fly, it is possible that they can and may Metroparks forests will be like in the next 100 years. disperse to suitable territories in the wake of change; however, plants rooted in the ground will have a Tim Krynak, Naturalist 1 harder time relocating. Seeds can only be dispersed so North Chagrin Nature Center far, so fast. Boreal forests will shift to northern hard tjk@clevelandmetroparks.com 12

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

The Chickadee Nest

The Kids-Only Holiday Shop EarthWords Nature Shops of Cleveland Metroparks

Imagine you’re a kid again.

Imagine a magical room filled with wonderful gifts (from $1 to $10) for all the special people in your life.

Imagine having your very own shopping helper (we call them elves) to help you choose those perfect presents.

Imagine enjoying cookies and milk while more “helpers” wrap those special treasures that you have just found.

Now imagine that this delightful place is tucked away in three Cleveland Metroparks nature centers.

Follow your imagination to your favorite EarthWords Chickadee Nest on Saturday, December 3 or Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Turn your imagination into reality. You will not be disappointed in this memorable holiday experience.

Please call your closest EarthWords Shop for more information.

No reservations required.

CanalWay Center Cuyahoga Heights 216-206-1003 North Chagrin Nature Center Mayfield Village 440-449-0511 Rocky River Nature Center North Olmsted 440-734-7576 December 1- December 24 shop hours Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sunday Noon - 4:45 p.m.

Are you a member of Cleveland Zoological Society? Bring your membership card to receive 10% off non-sale merchandise every day!

EARTHWORDS NATURE SHOPS will be open daily from December 1 through December 24. Come and see our new selection of apparel, books and holiday items. Fancy up your home and find that unique gift all in one-stop-shopping at EarthWords. And after the big day, join us for our special sale December 26 -28.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter to see new products and specials! Send an email to hjs@clevelandmetroparks.com, and type subscribe in the subject.

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Learn about prosimians at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this winter Primates are one of the most popular groups of animals in zoos today, and the primate collection at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is no different. The Zoo is very fortunate to have dozens of different primate species, from great apes like the western lowland gorilla, to colobus monkeys on Monkey Island, to prosimians like the Mohol bush baby.

Zoo News

Prosimians may not be household names, or make the cover of nature magazines, but they are still a fascinating branch of the primate family tree, and the Zoo, manages of one of the largest groups of prosimians in the country, is a great place to learn about them.

There are six types of primate that can be classified as prosimians, including the lemur, tarsier, aye-aye, loris, potto and bush baby. The Zoo currently has representatives of four of the six Top: Crowned lemur types, with another on Middle: Mohol bush baby the way. The Zoo has Bottom: Potto five different species of lemur, one species of loris, the potto and the bush baby, and is slated to add an aye-aye to this winter. And winter is the perfect opportunity to see these rare primates because they’re all located indoors in the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building.

Physically, prosimians more closely resemble monkeys than apes. They primarily dwell in trees, are extremely agile and have tails. But they have strong legs that are longer than their arms to allow for leaping from tree to tree, proportionately larger eyes to allow them to see in the dark and wet noses (similar to a dog’s) to enhance their sense of smell.

Another important difference between prosimians and other primates is their social structure. Prosimian family groups are dominated by the females, while most other primate groups are male dominated.

Prosimians are native to Africa, Madagascar and Asia. Because of their remote habitats, not much is known about many of them. There is research under way at the Zoo that involves testing the effects of light on the health of nocturnal animals such as the potto and bush baby. One of the graduate level research projects checks melatonin levels in the prosimians’ saliva. This will help Zoo staff determine if nocturnal exhibit lighting levels promote healthy amounts of sleep. The results of this study could help zoos around the world adjust the lighting in their nocturnal exhibits and improve the health of their animals.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except December 25 and January 1. Reduced winter admission rates are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 11. Parking is free. For more information, visit clemetzoo.com or call 216-661-6500.

Joe Yachanin Marketing & Public Relations Specialist

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Breakfast with Santa December 10, 11, 17 and 18

Not all holiday fun has to involve bundling up against the elements! Thaw out in The RainForest and have Breakfast with Santa.

The jolly old elf will be appearing from 8-9:30 a.m. on December 10, 11, 17 and 18 in The RainForest - where it’s always 78-80 degrees - for a break away from the snow at the North Pole. Breakfast will include a delicious meal, holiday crafts, a visit with Santa and admission to the Zoo. Reservations are required - call 216-635-3300.

December Days at the Zoo December 19-24 and 26-30

Festive family fun abounds at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during December Days. Enjoy special seasonal activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 19-24 and 26-30 including holiday crafts, live music, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Wolf Lodge (Dec. 19-24 only), cookie decorating and more! You can visit with the animals in Northern Trek including bears, tigers and reindeer and take the complimentary heated shuttle to the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building.

Then take a break in The RainForest and check out the orangutans, otters and sloths. Best of all – winter admission to the Zoo is discounted to $8 for adults and $5 for children age 2-11.

Visit clemetzoo.com for more info, or call 216-661-6500.

Zoo Closed for the Holidays December 25 and January 1 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The RainForest are closed in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day, Sunday, December 25 and Sunday, January 1.

Noon Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31

There’s no use trying to stay up late, the holidays are exhausting! Come ring in the “Noon Year” with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo instead from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 31. This family favorite event features live entertainment, crafts for kids, “ReZoolutions” and of course, the ball drop at noon in the Welcome Plaza.

Noon Year’s Eve is presented by Dollar Bank with support from Radio Disney.

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Icy Thrills, FREE Hats and Travel Mugs, Discounted Nights –

The Chalet Toboggan Chutes Has It All!

Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Toboggan Chutes are not only the best way to enjoy the winter, but they’re also the best place to receive great give-aways and discounts all season-long!

The Chalet Toboggan Chutes feature 700-foot twin, refrigerated ice chutes with a 70-foot vertical drop and can operate with or without snow! Impress friends and family in town for the holidays by bringing them to the Chalet Toboggan Chutes and enjoy extended Holiday Hours!

The regular tobogganing hours are: Thursdays - 6 - 10 p.m. (January and February 2012, excluding Holiday Hours) Fridays - 6 - 10:30 p.m.

Saturdays - noon - 10:30 p.m.

Sundays - noon - 5 p.m.

Holidays - call for hours The Special December Holiday Hours are: Wednesday, December 21 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 22 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, December 23 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 24 – Noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 25 – Closed – Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 26 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 27 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 28 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 29 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, December 30 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 31 – Noon to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 1 – Noon to 5 p.m.

Additional Holiday Hours: Monday, January 16 – Noon to 5 p.m.

Monday, February 20 – Noon to 5 p.m.

Tobogganing costs $8 for adults and $6 for children, ages 11 and under. One-time ride tickets are available for $3.

Group rates, for 20 or more people, are available for tobogganing during public hours. Groups must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance (not valid for season pass holders).

Season passes are available for $35 for adults and $25 for children, 11 and under. A family pass (for up to four) may be purchased for $100. A 20% discount on season passes is available, if purchased before December 24. Call the Chalet for details.

All riders must wear gloves or mittens. Children, ages 11 and under, must be at least 42-inches tall to ride, and must be accompanied by an adult.

Private Use: The Chalet, including the ice toboggan chutes, can be rented for exclusive private use during non-public hours.

Call 440-572-9990 for more information and to make reservations.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy nature’s winter thrill ride at the Chalet Recreation Area in Cleveland Metroparks – on the only public ice chutes in Ohio!

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

The Chalet Promotional Schedule is Slick!

Fri. Dec. 2 Sun. Dec. 4 Fri. Dec. 9

Sun. Dec. 11 Fri. Dec. 16 Sun. Dec. 18 Mon. Dec. 19 Sat. Dec. 24 Sun. Dec. 25 Fri. Dec. 30

Sat. Dec. 31

Holiday Tree Decoration Contest (Vote for favorite tree by Decemeber 18) Family Four-Pack - $30 for 4 Toboggan Passes, 4 Hot Dogs & 4 Sodas Lake Erie Monsters Street Team Activities 6 - 8 p.m. Drawing to Race “Sully” the Mascot at 8 p.m.! AND, Receive a Discount Ticket to the December 28th Monsters Game.

Dollar Day - $1 Hot Dogs & $1 Sodas Tis’ the Season - 12 & Under Receive a FREE Treat Wear an Ugly Holiday Sweater and Save $2 Last Day to Vote on the Tree Decoration Contest Tis’ the Season - 12 & Under Receive a FREE Hot Chocolate Closed - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Cleveland State Vikings Street Team, Cheerleaders & “Magnus” the Mascot with Activities. AND, all kids will receive a FREE ticket to the December 31st Vikings Game.

FREE Ice Scraper

Sun. Fri. Sun. Sun. Mon. Sun. Sun.

Toast the New Year with a FREE Travel Mug Aloha! Wear a Hawaiian Shirt and Save $2 Winteriffic! Enjoy Ice Carvings, Hikes, Winter Recreation Demonstrations, and More!

Dollar Day - $1 Hot Dogs & $1 Sodas Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Holiday Hours FREE Winter Hat for Your Noggin FREE Ice Scraper

Jan. 1 Jan. 6 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 16 Jan. 22 Jan. 29

Fri. Feb. 3

Sun. Feb. 5 Fri. Feb. 10

Sun. Feb. 12

Sun. Feb. 19 Mon. Feb. 20 Fri. Feb. 24 Sun. Feb. 26

Cleveland State Vikings Street Team, Cheerleaders & “Magnus” the Mascot with Activities. AND, all kids will receive a FREE ticket to the February 25th Vikings Game (Fan Appreciation Night).

Kickoff the Big Day - Wear a Team Jersey/Shirt and Save $2 Lake Erie Monsters Street Team Activities 6 - 8 p.m. Drawing to Race “Sully” the Mascot at 8 p.m.! AND, Receive a Discount Ticket to the February 12th Monsters Game.

Sweetheart Deal - $20 for 2 Toboggan Passes, 2 Hot Dogs, 2 Hot Chocolates, & 1 FLEECE BLANKET! Military I.D. Day - All Military with a Valid I.D. Pay $5 Presidents Day - Holiday Hours Dollar Day - $1 Hot Dogs & $1 Sodas Family Four-Pack - $30 for 4 Toboggan Passes, 4 Hot Dogs & 4 Sodas

Fri. Mar. 2

Sat. Mar. 3 Sun. Mar. 4 Fri. Mar. 9 Sat. Mar. 10 Sun. Mar. 11

Race Day - Fastest Toboggan Riders Receive 2012-13 Season Passes (Day- of Registration) FREE Winter Hat for Your Noggin Family Four-Pack - $30 for 4 Toboggan Passes, 4 Hot Dogs & 4 Sodas Dollar Day - $1 Hot Dogs & $1 Sodas Chalet Recreation Area Appreciation Day Family Four-Pack - $30 for 4 Toboggan Passes, 4 Hot Dogs & 4 Sodas

ALL Thursdays Jan. 5 – Feb. 23

Student I.D. Night – All Students with a Valid I.D. Pay $5

All promotional items are with paid admission (while supplies last.)

The Chalet Toboggan Chutes are located at 16200 Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville, are open through February, weather permitting.

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Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Wild Winter Classes and Programs for All Ages Are in Full Swing!

Join us for a variety of winter programs that cater to all ages from parent and child programs (1 - 5 years), Nature Nuts preschool classes (3 - 5 years), Log Cabin Kindergarten classes (5 - 6 years), After School Adventures Club for elementary ages and Junior Naturalist programs for middle-schoolers. Call 440-871-2900 or log onto www.lensc.org for full program details and registration information.

Log Cabin Sampler: Penguins Monday, December 12 9 - 11 a.m. OR 1 - 3 p.m.

Fee: $20/child; members $15/child Children ages 4 – 6 can sample our ongoing Log Cabin Explorers Club through this themed, 2-hour program. Science experiments, live wildlife encounters, crafts and more help your child build important school skills while they have a blast in and around the Log Cabin classroom. Pre-registration required.

Holiday Night Tree Tradition Wednesday, December 7 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Fee: $7/person; $35/families of 5 or more For families of all ages: celebrate the heartwarming story of the Night Tree - one family’s tradition of sharing the spirit of the holidays with nature. Have a close encounter with some of the animals featured in the story. Prepare and take home treats for your backyard wildlife to eat, and enjoy your own snack of holiday cookies and hot cocoa. Pre-registration required.

Winter Solstice Celebration Wednesday, December 21 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Fee: $7/person; $35/families of 5 or more Celebrate both night and day on the shortest day of the year!

Come dressed to hike our candlelit trail. Warm up by the fire and then visit with nighttime animals. Experience the night sky in the planetarium. Make a fun Winter Solstice craft! Pre-registration required.

NEW SERIES! Second Nature: A Series for Lifelong Learners Bees for All Seasons Thursday, December 15 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $7/Adult (advance pricing); $10/Adult (day of the program) Lisza Christine, seven year Apiary Inspector for Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties, will speak on the subject of keeping bees for self sustainability – learn to maintain a hive throughout the four seasons and how to deal with raising young or disorganized colonies. She will detail how we can provide honey bees with ideal living conditions so they have the highest chance for longevity and ultimately produce wax and honey for humans to harvest.

Walter R. Schuele Planetarium Family Programs* Twinkle Tots Thursdays & Saturdays • 11 a.m.

Fee: $1/person (including infants) This is a program for the toddler in your family. Watch lights dance across the sky, see some magic and learn what’s new in space. This program is fun for just about everyone in the family!

Stellar Stars Wednesdays • 11 a.m. & Saturdays • noon Fee: $2/child Grab your passports, blast off to a new planet and find a different picture in the stars each week. Watch lasers moving to music, take home a planet picture to color and add a sticker to your passport. Great for children 2 years and up!

*Planetarium seating is first-come, first-served.

Door closes promptly and no one will be admitted after posted program start time.

Monthly SkyQuest: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 1:30 p.m.

Saturdays, December 3 & 17 • 7 p.m.

Fee: $3/person Winter skies are coming back! And for star gazers, the long cold clear nights offer the best views of what many believe are the most interesting objects in the night time sky all year! We will give you a guided tour and tell some of the great stories associated with our heavenly winter delights from the warmth and comfort of the Walter R. Schuele Planetarium. Who knows?

Maybe next summer you’ll be yearning for winter with great anticipation so you can bundle up and get outside every night!

Or maybe not … Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Telescope Viewing Saturdays, December 3 & 17 Free Join us in the field outside the Center as we explore the night sky! Telescope viewing takes place following the evening Monthly SkyQuest program on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month, weather permitting.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Located at 28728 Wolf Road in Bay Village | 440-871-2900 | www.lensc.org Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is an independent nonprofit affiliate of Cleveland Metroparks

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

December Events by Location Off-Site Programs

(HiR) Hinckley Reservation

(BeR) Bedford Reservation

(HuR) Huntington Reservation

23 • 30 • Urban Explorations: Cleveland’s

Arcades 17 • Woodlands of Bedford: The Great Falls of Tinkers Creek

(BCR) Big Creek Reservation 31 • New Year’s Eve Hike

(BrR) Brecksville Reservation 17 • Blazing the Trail

(BNC) Brecksville Nature Center Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Rt. 82 entrance, Brecksville 440-526-1012 1 • Weekday Walkabout 4 • Breakfast in the Park 7 • 14 • Animal Crackers 8 • Storm Water Pollution Solutions 11 • Holiday Concert 18 • Winter Blues Hike 28 • A Day of Fun Naturally!

29 • Family Fun Night

(CWC) CanalWay Center

Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Off E. 49th St., Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Cuyahoga Hts., 216-206-1000 EarthWords Nature Shop Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sun. noon - 4:45 p.m. 216-206-1003 1 - 31 • Hunt of the Month 1 - 31 • Quilted Nature 3 - 4 • Holiday Gift Gallery 10 • Bird Banding 10 • Mr. Jingeling Visits CanalWay Center!

10 • Acoustic Players Circle 11 • Soup Hike 14 • Hidden Valley Homeschoolers: Habitat 15 • Preschoolers: Holiday Traditions 17 • Coffee at the Feeders and Bird Banding 21 • History & A Brown Bag Lunch 22 • Holiday Hike Series 28 • Kids Day at CanalWay 28 • 31 • Treasure Hunt Adventure GPS for Beginners Cleveland Astronomical Society 1 • Monthly Meeting

(GPNC) Garfield Park Nature Center Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Broadway Ave. or Turney Rd. entrance Garfield Heights 216-341-3152 3 • Bird Banding 4 • Bee Hive Inspection 6 • Hibernation Hike 10 • Mill Creek Meander 10 • 20 • Gingerbread Birdhouses 11 • Eco - Friendly Ornaments 13 • Conifer Quest 22 • First Day of Winter Hike 28 • Winter Woodpeckers 29 • Fable and Fire

6 • Hiking for the Young at Heart 10 • Loop the Lake Dog Walk 3 • Volunteer to Adopt-A-Beach (LENSC) Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

28728 Wolf Road, Huntington Reservation, Bay Village 440-871-2900 17 • Meet an Animal - The Great Horned Owl

(MSRR) Mill Stream Run Reservation 2 • For Women Only 17 • Winter Wildlife Walk

(NCR) North Chagrin Reservation

11 • Birds and Coffee 18 • Celebrating Evergreens 21 • Trail Trackers: Colors of Winter 22 • Around the Emerald Necklace 23 • Outdoor Education for Homeschoolers: Winter Survival 27 • Kids Play: Sledding

(NCNC) North Chagrin Nature Center

Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mayfield Village 440-473-3370 EarthWords Nature Shop Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sun. noon - 4:45 p.m.. 440-449-0511 2 • Family Friday Night 3 • Families Explore: Winter Weeds 4 • Sunday Bird Walk 4 • Hike for Your Health 9 • Naturepiece Theatre: Coping With The Cold 10 • Moon Walk 11 • Hand Feed a Chickadee 16 • Friday Movie Night - Life in the Freezer 17 • Dog Hike 20 • Stroller Science - In Search of Chickadee-dee-dee-dees!

23 • Family Friday Night: Deer Are No Strangers 26 • Snow Creatures 27 • Winter Explorers Camp 28 • Mid-Week Matinee - Happy Feet 31 • A Fishy New Year’s Eve Cleveland Metroparks Photography Club East 5 • 19 • Bi-monthly Meeting

(OECR) Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

5 • Out to Lunch Walks - Harvard Trailhead 12 • Out to Lunch Walks - Rockside Trailhead 19 • Out to Lunch Walks - West Canal Trailhead 29 • Holiday Hike Series

(RRR) Rocky River Reservation 10 • Winter Exploration 20 • Hidden Story Hike 22 • Solstice Hike

(RRNC) Rocky River Nature Center

Open daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted 44070 440-734-6660 EarthWords Nature Shop Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Sun. noon - 4:45 p.m. 440-734-7576 1 - 31 • Gallery Wall 3 • Coffee with the Birds 4 • Winter Book Review 4 • 18 • Bird Banding at Rocky River Nature Center 4 • 5 • Meet a Chickadee 5 • 6 • Little Explorers - Animal Homes 8 • Hiking for Your Health 10 • Boy Scout Merit Badge Mammal Study 10 • Second Saturday Storytelling 10 • Full Moon Hike 11 • School of the Wilds: Lake Erie Primer 17 • Monthly Morning with the Birds 26 • Winter Wellness Hike 27 • 28 • Winter Explorers 29 • Winter Birds Cleveland Metroparks Southwest Camera Club 5 • Monthly Meeting Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society 6 • Monthly Meeting Trout Unlimited 6 • Monthly Meeting Greater Cuyahoga Beekeepers Association 14 • Monthly Meeting

(SCR) South Chagrin Reservation Look About Lodge

Open for scheduled programs. Miles Rd., east of Rt. 91, Bentleyville 440-247-7075 4 • The Lodge Is Open!

4 • Winter Hike 4 • Hike for your Supper 8 • Around the Emerald Necklace 9 • 30 • Nature Play Date 10 • Paint the Colors of the Season 10 • Holiday Crafternoon & Recycled Card Crafting 10 • Not Quite Winter Moon 16 • Winter Solstice Concert 17 • Candlelit Hike and Caroling 18 • Carousel Hike 28 • 29 • Kids in the Woods Cleveland Natural Science Club 11 • Monthly Meeting

(WCR) West Creek Reservation

NOTE: W. Ridgewood Road entrance is closed - programs will meet at Center Park, on Park Dr. off of State Rd./94

8 • Parma Prowl for Owls 13 • Winter Warriors of West Creek

Group Programming

For information on group programs, call any Cleveland Metroparks nature or visitor center.

Outdoor Adventures With IGO

The Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO) offers year-round courses in canoeing, backpacking and more, plus Escapes to Nature throughout the U.S. and Canada. For details, visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com.

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December Events Calendar 1 • Thursday Hunt of the Month The winter is a great time to go out at night to listen for owl calls. Or you could stop

by CanalWay during the day to find the 20 hidden owls.

See if you can find them all.

Through December 31.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CWC Quilted Nature Come see the quilted designs by Sara Cooley that were inspired by nature. She has chosen quilting as her method to capture special times and places of Cleveland Metroparks. Come in to spark a few of your own memories. Through December 31.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CWC

Cleveland Metroparks Maps

Visit clevelandmetroparks.com for maps of Cleveland Metroparks 16 reservations.

Or, call 216-635-3200 and request a Pathfinder Map & Guide.

Gallery Wall Enjoy the nature photography of Joe Boyle who has traveled from Northeastern Ohio to Glacier National Park and beyond to gather images for this show.

Through December 31.

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. RRNC Weekday Walkabout Old Man Winter is knocking at our door. Join Naturalist Pam Taylor as she hikes through the ups and downs of the Deer Lick Loop Trail.

10 a.m. - noon BNC Terrain: hills, 4 miles

Cleveland Astronomical Society Planets, Planets, Everywhere - News from Other Worlds. Guest speaker Dr. Karen Bjorkman will review the techniques used to search for the existence of planets (exoplanets) around other stars.

8 - 9 p.m. CWC

2 • Friday For Women Only Come join other women for exercise and camaraderie as we recharge after a busy week. We’ll explore areas along the Rocky River and through the woods as fall transitions to winter. Call for meeting location.

10 a.m. - noon MSRR Ages: adult women Terrain: moderate, hills, 3.5 miles 440-526-1012 Family Friday Night Come explore a December night, with a walk through A.B. Williams Memorial Woods. We may get a glimpse of a starry sky or hear the calls of an owl, before concluding the evening with a warm fire and some hot chocolate.

6:30 - 8 p.m. NCNC Ages: families Terrain: trails, moderate, 1.5 miles

3 • Saturday Coffee with the Birds Join us at Rocky River Nature Center to observe the birds visiting our feeders while sipping a warm cup of coffee. We will look at different types of feeders and seeds which may provide ideas on how to attract birds to your yard. We’ll provide coffee, binoculars and birds.

9 - 10 a.m. RRNC Registration required 440-734-6660

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Bird Banding Drop in anytime between the hours below to learn about this essential tool for learning about our feathered friends.

See intricate details of the birds we capture, band and release at the feeders. Program cancelled if raining.

9:30 a.m. - noon GPNC Holiday Gift Gallery Bring your holiday gift list to CanalWay Center. Several local artists will have work here for your convenient, one-stop shopping trip. There will be photographs, paintings, metal sculptures, quilts and woodworking items.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. CWC Volunteer to Adopt-A-Beach This is a great project for businesses, schools, groups, families and individuals. Play an active role in caring for your Great Lakes. Adopters remove litter and conduct a beach health assessment: sciencebased observations and water quality testing. Data collected is used to make changes for the better.

1 - 2:30 p.m. HuR Water Tower near parking lot Registration ends December 2 440-331-8111

4 • Sunday Breakfast in the Park Join us for a delicious, hot breakfast prepared by our volunteer chefs. While they are cooking, we’ll venture out for a brisk morning hike.

8 - 10 a.m. BNC Terrain: moderate, 1 mile Register beginning November 14 440-526-1012 Sunday Bird Walk Join us as we search this beautiful forest for woodpeckers and other songbirds that make this area their winter retreat. Some binoculars will be available to borrow.

9 - 11 a.m. NCNC Ages: adults & teens Terrain: easy, 2 miles

Families Explore: Winter Weeds The vibrant colors of summer plants are gone until next year, but the plants still stand.

Disguised in their winter attire, these plants can be hard to identify. Join Naturalist Angelec Hillsman to reveal the winter plants identity.

Bird Banding at Rocky 1 - 2:30 p.m. NCNC River Nature Center Terrain: easy, 0.5 - 1 mile Better than binoculars, see intricate details as we capture and band birds from the feeder. Learn about bird banding, an essential tool for studying our feathered friends. Program cancelled

Hike for Your Health during rain. Drop in any time This leisurely paced hike between the hours below. will allow you time to look 9:30 a.m. - noon RRNC for animals or their tracks, but the incline will provide The Lodge Is Open!

Take a break from your busy a mild cardio-workout. The day at Look About Lodge. Sit best activity for your health a while or just stop in. We’ll is walking. Join us today and have a roaring fire waiting for jump start your New Years resolution. you.

1 – 2:30 p.m. NCNC Noon - 3 p.m. SCR Terrain: gradual rise, 2.6 miles Look About Lodge Bee Hive Inspection View an observation hive as we discover the inner workings of the honey bee hive.

The founders of “Gaughan Bee Dancin” will be on hand with tools for demonstration. Learn about different jobs of worker bees and see examples of bees wax, queen cells, propolis, pollen collected from bees and royal jelly!

Meet a Chickadee If it lands in your hand, you’ll 2 - 3:30 p.m. GPNC have an opportunity to meet a chickadee close-up. Let’s try our hand at hand feeding a chickadee. Sunflower seeds will be provided.

1 - 2 p.m. RRNC Terrain: may be snow, 1 mile Winter Hike Join a naturalist for a hike around Look About Lodge to see how nature is settling in for winter. We’ll finish up with a mug of hot cocoa in the Lodge and ponder how we’ll settle into winter.

12:30 - 2 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Terrain: rolling hills, 1.5 miles

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Winter Book Review Join Naturalist Joni Norris as the Rocky River Readers celebrate another year together.

Bring a favorite pie to share as we review Henry Beston’s classic book The Outermost House. Haven’t read the book? No problem - listeners welcome.

2 - 4 p.m. RRNC Ages: adults Hike for your Supper Come to the Lodge to learn about animals that are active in winter. Choose between an energizing or a more relaxed pace hike. When you register a food item will be assigned to bring as your admission.

We’ll enjoy a warm supper prepared by our volunteers upon our return.

5 - 7 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Terrain: rolling hills, 0.5 mile Register by December 1 440-247-7075

5 • Monday Little Explorers Animal Homes Winter is a good time to search for structures made by animals – places to live or lay eggs in.

Join us to search for and learn about nests and the animals that constructed them.

10 - 11:15 a.m. or 1 - 2:15 p.m. RRNC Ages: 3 - 5 years with adult Terrain: a few steps, 0.5 miles Reservation required 440-734-6660

22

Out to Lunch Walks Harvard Trailhead Instead of fast food how about a fast walk at lunchtime today? You CAN get out in the winter! We’ll walk briskly for 30 minutes on the all purpose or towpath trail.

Dress for the weather.

12:15 - 12:45 p.m. OECR Harvard Trailhead Terrain: all purpose trail, some hills 216-206-1000 Cleveland Metroparks Southwest Camera Club Eric Wethington of Dodd’s Camera and Video will present What’s New on the Photography Market. Just in time for your holiday shopping!

7:30 - 9 p.m. RRNC Cleveland Metroparks Photography Club East Critique Night - Time to put your knowledge of composition to work. Bring in a maximum of three photos for general audience critique.

8 - 10 p.m. NCNC Meet a Chickadee (see 12/4 for details) Little Explorers (see 12/5 for details)

6 • Tuesday Hiking for the Young at Heart Get off the pavement and into the woods with Naturalist Pam Taylor as she leads you on a journey through Hinckley Reservation.

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. HiR Redwing Picnic Area parking lot Terrain: hills, slippery, 3.5 miles 440-526-1012

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Hibernation Hike Come to the nature center for a short story in the cozy cabin. Then take a short winter hike to explore places where critters may be spending their winter!

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. GPNC Ages: 3 - 5 years with adult Terrain: easy, 0.5 - 0.75 mile

8 • Thursday Around the Emerald Necklace Cleveland Metroparks naturalists are excited to share their favorite trails around the Emerald Necklace with you. These hikes will rotate throughout most of Cleveland Metroparks reservations. Our hope is to introduce you to a few spots that will become your favorite as well.

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. SCR The Arboretum Terrain: easy, 2.5 miles 440-247-7075

Trout Unlimited Fly fishing for pike - get in on the action with “Pike on a Fly” - a presentation by George Vosmik, Master Fly Angler, Fly Tier, and Instructor. Also on tap is one of his detailed pike fly tying demHiking for Your Health onstrations.

Enjoy a hike through wet6:30 - 9 p.m. RRNC lands and forest and up Fort Hill to view the park’s habiWestern Cuyahoga tats from above. We will look Audubon Society Enjoy the beauty of the for signs of wildlife as winter American southwest in the approaches on this walk with photographic program, “A Naturalist David Dvorak.

Naturalist’s Perspective of 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. RRNC the Southwest”, by Cleveland Terrain: one hill, 2.5 miles Metroparks Naturalist DaParma Prowl for Owls vid Dvorak Jr. Along with the beautiful scenery, the Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield flora and fauna of the area, on a special quest to hear especially birds, will be high- (and hopefully, see) Eastern Screech-Owls in their nightlighted. time woodland haunts on the 7:30 – 9 p.m. RRNC trails of West Creek Reservation. Bring a flashlight and 7 • Wednesday sturdy hiking boots. Dress warmly!

Animal Crackers Bring your preschooler for 5 - 7 p.m. WCR a special celebration of Eve Ages: adults, families Buntings Night Tree. We’ll Terrain: moderate, mostly read the story and make a flat, 1.5 miles special treat for the animals.

Storm Water Pollution Remember, the children will Solutions discover today’s topic by using the clues in our mystery Pollution from storm water runoff can be detrimental to bag. our streams, creeks and lakes.

10 - 11:15 a.m. or Learn from the Cuyahoga 1 - 2:15 p.m. BNC Ages: 3 - 5 years with adult, Soil and Water Conservation District staff how you can be no siblings a part of the solution to storm Register beginning water pollution and incorpoDecember 1 rate simple steps to help out 440-526-1012 with this environmental and economic problem.

6 - 7:30 p.m. BNC

9 • Friday Nature Play Date Come to Look About Lodge to play both indoors and out.

Stop by anytime between the hours below to enjoy the outdoors and connect your little ones with the natural world in winter.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Ages: 2 - 6 years and adult 440-247-7075 Naturepiece Theatre: Coping With The Cold Brr…it’s cold outside! Join the Naturepiece Theatre puppets as they explore the lives of animals in winter. We’ll end the night making a craft to celebrate the season.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. NCNC Ages: 6 years & under with adult Register beginning December 1 440-473-3370

Loop the Lake Dog Walk Start your day with a brisk walk around beautiful Hinckley Lake. We’ll see what seasonal happenings nature has in store for us as fall transitions to winter. Walkers without dogs are welcome.

10 • Saturday 9:30 – 11 a.m. HiR Hinckley Lake Boathouse Paint the Colors Terrain: moderate, 3.5 miles of the Season Register beginning Experience the beauty of na- December 1 ture as it changes through 440-526-1012 the seasons and shifts in colors and shapes. Through our Bird Banding sketches and photographs, we Learn about bird banding, will paint the same subject at an essential tool for learning the same location each sea- about our feathered friends. son throughout the year, tak- You can see the intricate deing note of seasonal change. tails of the birds that we capYou can bring your own art ture, band, and release at the supplies or call by December feeders. Drop in anytime 7 to reserve them. Dress for however the program will be the weather. cancelled if raining.

9 a.m. - noon SCR 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. CWC Look About Lodge Ages: 14 years - adult Mill Creek Meander 440-247-7075 Take a morning stroll over to see Mill Creek Falls. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a changing environment as nature prepares for the coming of winter!

10 - 11:30 a.m. GPNC Terrain: paved, 2.4 miles

Boy Scout Merit Badge Mammal Study Join Naturalist Valerie Fetzer to complete most requirements for your merit badge.

We will learn about the natural history of native mammals, including their classification, habitat, and diet. We will cover requirements 1, 2, 3c, and 4.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. RRNC Register beginning November 28 440-734-6660 Gingerbread Birdhouses Celebrate the coming winter season by coming to the nature center to build gingerbread birdhouses! Enjoy views of our feathered friends while building your birdhouse.

1:30 - 3 p.m. GPNC Ages: adults, children 10 years & older Register beginning December 1 216-341-3152

Winter Exploration Enjoy a walk up and down hills by Little Met Golf Course with Naturalist David Dvorak. Discover what animals are active in the area as we approach the winter solstice.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. RRR Little Met parking lot Terrain: some hills, 3 miles Holiday Crafternoon & Recycled Card Crafting Drop by Look About Lodge this afternoon and create a simple craft, or design your own recycled card in honor of the season. Participants are encouraged to bring some of their own old cards and images.

2 - 4 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Ages: 8 years - adult Acoustic Players Circle Want to get into the holiday spirit? Bring an instrument and join us as we play and sing some holiday songs. If you don’t play an instrument then bring your voice or appreciation for music in this relaxed atmosphere of song swapping and neighborly fun.

1 - 3 p.m. CWC

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Mr. Jingeling Visits CanalWay Center!

For many Clevelanders, the holiday season would not be complete without a trip downtown and a visit with Mr. Jingeling. Before he pops in for a visit we will make a holiday craft. Bring your camera, he will be posing with kids of all ages.

2 - 4:30 p.m. CWC Fee: $5 (2 years & under, 80 years & over free) Registration required 216-206-1000 Moon Walk Join Naturalist Tim Krynak as we hike under the full cold moon of December. Clear skies may give us glimpses of Venus on the horizon and Jupiter high in the night sky.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. NCNC Ages: adults & families Terrain: easy, 0.5 - 1 mile Full Moon Hike Join Naturalist Bethany Majeski to hike in celebration of the last full moon of 2011.

We’ll enjoy the snowy trails, and then warm up with some hot chocolate. Dress for the weather!

6 - 7:30 p.m. RRNC Ages: adults and families Terrain: mostly flat with some stairs, 1.5 miles Second Saturday Storytelling As we move into the cold season, enjoy old-fashioned stories around a warm fire. After refreshments you may share a family-appropriate tale during our story swap. Please call in advance if you want to tell a story.

7:30 - 9 p.m. RRNC 440-734-6660

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Not Quite Winter Moon Visit Jackson Field under a full moon for the last in a series of four full-moon hikes this year. The silvery glow will guide us as we discover the wonders of the river-bottom land at night.

8:30 - 10 p.m. SCR Jackson Field Terrain: flat, 1.5 miles

Hand Feed a Chickadee Take a stroll through the forest to the Overlook, where wild chickadees will land on your hand for a tasty sunflower seed. We’ll provide the sunflower seeds and instructions.

1 - 2:30 p.m. NCNC Terrain: moderate, may be icy, 1.5 - 2 miles

11 • Sunday

Holiday Concert Celebrate the spirit of the season with an afternoon of music by the local duo Sunday in the Park (Christopher Ellicott and Karen Ellicott.)

This program includes classical and contemporary arrangements of familiar Christmas carols, as well as new and traditional songs from around the world.

2 - 3 p.m. BNC

Birds and Coffee Join us as we enjoy the birds visiting the feeders as we sip hot coffee. We’ll discuss how to attract birds to your own backyard and behaviors of the birds that are being observed. This is a great opportunity to have your bird questions answered. Space is limited.

9 - 10 a.m. NCR Nature Education Building Ages: adults & families Registration begins December 1 440-473-3370 Soup Hike Join us at CanalWay Center for a hike along the Towpath.

We will go north to the flood pole and back. When we return homemade soup will be waiting to warm us up. Each person receives a Cleveland Metroparks mug to take home.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CWC Terrain: one hill, all purpose trail, 3 miles Fee: $15 Register beginning December 1 216-206-1000

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Eco-Friendly Ornaments Learn how to use leftover household items to make fun ornaments for the holiday season. Bring along an empty plastic water or pop bottle and/or aluminum can to transform into cool holiday designs!

2 - 3:30 p.m. GPNC Ages: adults, children 10 years & older with adult School of the Wilds: Lake Erie Primer Think you know everything about the Great Lake in our front yard? Cleveland Metroparks Planner Jim Kastelic will be sure to teach you some new facts about our freshwater source.

2 - 3:30 p.m. RRNC

Cleveland Natural Science Club Christmas Holiday Tea with musical entertainment.

3 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge 216-883-2738

12 • Monday Out to Lunch Walks Rockside Trailhead Instead of fast food how about a fast walk at lunchtime today? You CAN get out in the winter! We will walk briskly for 30 minutes on the all purpose or towpath trail Dress for the weather.

12:15 - 12:45 p.m. OECR Terrain: all purpose trail, some walks involve hills 216-206-1000

13 • Tuesday Conifer Quest Learn to identify some of Ohio’s native species in this important tree family. During a short hike we will also look for birds that make a home in this beautiful winter shelter.

9:30 am- 10:30 a.m. GPNC Winter Warriors of West Creek Join naturalist Jen Brumfield on a winter hike through the crisp woodlands of West Creek. We’ll be on the lookout for resident birds, like titmice, juncos, and bluebirds, that are toughing out the season here in Parma’s “big backyard”. Binoculars recommended.

10 - 11:30 a.m. WCR Ages: adults, families Terrain: moderate, mostly flat, 1.25 miles 216-341-9225

14 • Wednesday

Greater Cuyahoga Beekeepers Association Year in Review - After a potluck dinner, members share their most memorable experiences from the season.

Being a beekeeper isn’t all sweetness and light, but tonight’s shared memories may lighten your spirits.

7 - 9 p.m. RRNC

Hidden Valley Homeschoolers: Habitat Food, water, shelter, space, and air are necessities to the survival of all animals. Join us as we discuss the basic needs of animals. We will also find out how the food chain plays a role in every animal’s habitat.

1 - 3 p.m. CWC Animal Crackers Ages: 6 - 12 years (see 12/7 for details) Register beginning 10 - 11:15 a.m. only December 1 216-206-1000

15 • Thursday Preschoolers: Holiday Traditions Find out about holiday traditions celebrated by different cultures. If you can, please bring something along that is a tradition in your family or culture to share with the group. Make something special to remember your visit.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m. CWC Ages: 3 - 5 years Register beginning December 1 216-206-1000

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Blazing the Trail Let’s hit the trail! Hike along five miles of the Buckeye and bridle trails as they wind through Brecksville Reservation. Wear sturdy footwear.

9:30 a.m. - noon BrR Oak Grove Picnic Area parking lot Terrain: hills, 5 miles 440-526-1012 Coffee at the Feeders and Bird Banding This Saturday we combine two programs - Bird Banding and Coffee at the Feeders. Stop in and enjoy some coffee while you watch the birds visit the feeders. You can also learn the intricate details of birds from the bird banders.

9:30 a.m. – noon CWC

16 • Friday Winter Solstice Concert Look About Lodge is the perfect backdrop to welcome winter at this special concert.

Enjoy the talents of Foster Brown & Friends 7 – 8 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Register by December 14 440-247-7075

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Friday Movie Night: Life in the Freezer You think Cleveland is cold?

Antarctica is the coldest and most isolated continent on Earth, with temperatures averaging minus 56 degrees at the South Pole! Yet, a rich diversity of wildlife call the frozen tundra home. Come witness what it takes to survive around glaciers and frozen seas. Popcorn will be served.

Doors will open at 7:15 p.m.

7:30 - 8:45 p.m. NCNC

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Woodlands of Bedford: The Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek Enjoy one of the natural wonders of Bedford Reservation, The Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek, on this short hike led

by Volunteer Naturalist Fred Losi. The lack of leaves should also reveal great views of historic landmarks: The Arch, a 17 • Saturday railroad viaduct and the ruins of several mills.

Monthly Morning 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. BeR with the Birds Viaduct Park Enjoy a leisurely bird walk Terrain: easy, paved through the forest and wet- 216-341-3152 lands of Rocky River Reservation with Naturalist David Winter Wildlife Walk Dvorak. We will look for mi- Get out, stretch your legs, grants like pine siskins that and enjoy the brisk winter are in our area from the north air. Along our hike, we will to spend the winter. explore the woods, looking 9 - 11 a.m. RRNC for signs left behind by our Terrain: level, 2 miles native winter residents. A special stop will be made at Strongsville Wildlife Area.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MSRR Bonnie Park Picnic Area parking lot Terrain: 3 miles 440-734-6660

Dog Hike Bring your best friend to the park for some exercise and socialization. We’ll hike the wooded trails of North Chagrin Reservation. All dogs must be leashed.

1 - 2:30 p.m. NCNC Terrain: moderate, may be icy, 1.5 - 2 miles Meet an Animal: The Great Horned Owl People are intrigued by owls, especially the awesome great horned owl. Come and see why. In this program, we will discuss interesting facts about the “Tiger of the Woods” while viewing one up-close and personal. Free 3 p.m. LENSC 440-871-2900

Candlelit Hike and Caroling Take respite from the busy season by walking through a beautiful South Chagrin forest lit by candle luminaries.

You will be led to a roaring fire where we will sing carols and warm our hearts and hands together.

7 - 8:30 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge

18 • Sunday Carousel Hike Travel the ups and downs of South Chagrin trails with a full afternoon of hiking. No agenda or expectations - just spending time discovering what nature has to share.

Noon - 4 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Terrain: hills, 5 miles

Winter Blues Hike Winter will officially arrive in three days. Join Naturalist Kelly McGinnis for a hike along Deer Lick Cave Trail before cabin fever sets in.

1 - 3 p.m. BNC Terrain: hills, slippery, 4 miles Celebrating Evergreens Evergreens are an important part of our holiday season.

Join Naturalist Mindy Murdock on a hike to look for pine, hemlock and other evergreens along the Hemlock Trail. We’ll also share the holiday folklore that surrounds our evergreens.

1 - 3 p.m. NCR Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot Terrain: hills, slippery, 3 - 3.5 miles

19 • Monday Out to Lunch Walks West Canal Trailhead Instead of fast food how about a fast walk at lunchtime today? You CAN get out in the winter! We will walk briskly for 30 minutes on the all purpose or towpath trail.

Dress for the weather.

12:15 - 12:45 p.m. OECR West Canal Trailhead Terrain: all purpose trail, some hills 216-206-1000 Cleveland Metroparks Photography Club East Holiday Potluck Dinner Party - Bring along a dish to share.

Dinner followed by program.

7 - 10 p.m. NCNC

Bird Banding at Rocky River Nature Center (see 12/4 for details)

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20 • Tuesday Hidden Story Hike Subtle land forms can hide stories for centuries, even eons. Hike the bluffs overlooking the Rocky River with Naturalist Debra Shankland to look at the lay of the land and learn the stories behind it.

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. RRR RRNC parking lot Terrain: many stairs, hills, 2.25 miles 440-526-1012 Stroller Science In Search of Chickadeedee-dee-dees!

Bring your precious one out to learn about one of nature’s toughest winter birds that comes in a small package: the black-capped chickadee!

Weather permitting, we will go on a short hike around the marsh to look for some and listen for their calls that speak their name!

10:15 - 11:15 a.m. NCNC Ages: 2 years & under with adult Gingerbread Birdhouses Celebrate the coming winter season by coming to the nature center to build gingerbread birdhouses! Enjoy views of our feathered friends while building your birdhouse.

3 - 4:30 p.m. GPNC Ages: adults, children 10 & older Register beginning December 1 216-341-3152

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21 • Wednesday

22 • Thursday

Trail Trackers: Colors of Winter Winter is more than just white! Red birds, evergreens and brown galls are just a few of nature’s colorful gifts to us this season. Program includes a hike and craft.

10 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 2 p.m. NCR Nature Education Building Ages: 3 years - K with adult Terrain: may be slippery, level, 0.5 miles Register beginning December 1 440-473-3370

Around the Emerald Necklace Cleveland Metroparks naturalists are excited to share their favorite trails around the Emerald Necklace with you. These hikes will rotate throughout most of Cleveland Metroparks reservations. Our hope is to introduce you to a few spots that will become your favorite as well.

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. NCR Holiday Hike Series Squires Castle parking lot Holiday Hike number two Terrain: hills, stairs, will take us from CanalWay 4 - 4.5 miles Center down to the Ohio First Day of Winter Hike & Erie Canal. We will head Hike with us through beauti- south along the Towpath to ful Garfield Park on this first the Sewer District. Join us to day of winter. We will take in celebrate the holidays with a the beauty of the morning as hike.

1 - 2 p.m. CWC we get some exercise!

Terrain: 2.5 miles, one hill 10 - 11 a.m. GPNC Terrain: moderate, some hills 1.8 miles

History & A Brown Bag Lunch People from many cultures have settled in Cleveland bringing their holiday traditions along with them. Bring your lunch and join us as we find out all about holiday traditions here at home and around the world.

Noon - 1 p.m. CWC

Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Solstice Hike Happy Solstice! Come celebrate the first day of winter on a hike with Naturalist Bethany Majeski. We’ll keep an eye out for winter wildlife and learn some fun facts about how this first day of winter has been celebrated by people for thousands of years.

10 a.m. - noon RRR Maple Grove Picnic Area Ages: adults, older children Terrain: uneven footing and one very steep hill, 2 miles

23 • Friday

26 • Monday

27 • Tuesday

Outdoor Education for Homeschoolers: Winter Survival Northeast Ohio winters can be long and harsh. The animals, plants and people who live here are adapted to meet their survival needs. Join us to discover the unique ways living things cope with winter.

10 a.m. - noon NCR Nature Education Building Ages 6 - 12 years Terrain: easy, 1 mile Register beginning December 1 440-473-3370

Snow Creatures Hike to look for the local animals or their tracks. If we have snow, we’ll create some snow creatures of our own.

Hot cocoa will warm you up after this activity.

1 - 2:30 p.m. NCNC Ages: 6 years & over with adult Terrain: level, 1 mile

Winter Explorers Camp Hey kids! You’ve got the week off from school but you’re not sure what to do. This year spend your winter break exploring North Chagrin Reservation. Spend three days discovering winter habitats with snowshoeing, animal tracking and other naturalist-led outdoor activities. Program runs through December 29.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. NCNC Ages: 6 - 12 years Fee: $36 Register beginning December 1 440-473-3370

Urban Explorations: Cleveland’s Arcades Doug Kusak leads an exploration of downtown Cleveland’s arcades: the Old Arcade, Colonial Arcade, and Euclid Arcade. We’ll stroll through a part of Cleveland’s grand past en route to understanding their role in Cleveland today.

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Ages: adults, children 8 years & over with adult Register beginning December 1 216-206-1000

Winter Wellness Hike Just because it’s snowy and cold out doesn’t mean we shouldn’t get out and exercise! Join Naturalist Bethany Majeski for a brisk hike, and let the crisp air rejuvenate your body and recharge your mind.

1 - 3 p.m. RRNC Ages: adults and older children Terrain: mix of hills and flat, possibly icy stairs, 2.5 miles

Kids Play: Sledding Bundle up, grab your sled and join us on the sledding hill. While you sled, take in the beautiful sights and sounds of your surroundings. We’ll provide hot chocolate to warm you up.

1 - 2 p.m. NCR Old River Farm Picnic Area parking lot Winter Explorers Another day to explore the ways of winter. Head out into the cold to find ways animals survive the cold and experience some ourselves.

1 - 3 p.m. RRNC Ages: 7 - 12 years Terrain: steps and trails, 1.5 miles Registration required 440-734-6660

Family Friday Night: Deer Are No Strangers Our state mammal, the white-tailed deer, is a familiar backyard visitor. We’ll take a short hike to look for their tracks after learning more about them. Back inside, enjoy the movie Stranger in the Woods. End the evening toasting marshmallow at the fireplace.

7 – 8:30 p.m. NCNC Terrain: level, 0.5 miles

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28 • Wednesday

Winter Explorers Another day to explore the ways of winter. Head out into the cold to find ways animals survive the cold and experience some ourselves.

1 - 3 p.m. RRNC Ages: 7 - 12 years Terrain: steps and trails, 1.5 miles Registration required

Kids in the Woods Kids who are off from school this week will love exploring the winter woods with a naturalist. Children should dress to be outside for the entire program and bring a brown bag lunch.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. SCR Look About Lodge Treasure Hunt Adventure Ages: 7 - 8 years GPS for Beginners Registration required by of All Ages December 22 Want to learn how to use a 440-247-7075 or LALreg@ handheld GPS? Doug Kusak clevelandmetroparks.com teaches you how. He hides stuff, you find it. Bring your A Day of Fun, Naturally!

Hey kids, have the day off handheld GPS or borrow from school? Put down those one of ours (ID required). new toys and join us for some 1 - 3 p.m. CWC fun. We’ll spend the day (or Fee: $5 at least most of it) outdoors, Register beginning December 1 so dress for the weather!

216-341-1704 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. BNC Ages: 9 - 11 years Mid-Week Matinee Register beginning ​ Happy Feet December 5 Got the winter blahs? Then 440-526-1012 come on out to experience the joy of Happy Feet, Kids Day at CanalWay Drop off your kids at Canal- the story of a penguin who Way for a day of fun and en- can’t sing…but can dance tertainment! We will go for up a storm. Popcorn will be a hike, do crafts, play games, served. and watch a movie. Bring a 3 - 5 p.m. NCNC lunch and a water bottle, and Ages: families dress for the weather.

29 • Thursday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. CWC Ages: 6 - 12 years Holiday Hike Series Terrain: inside and outside Holiday Hike number three Register beginning will start at Bacci Park. Join December 1 us as we take a brisk hike 216-206-1000 over and under the bridges of the Towpath. Dress warm Winter Woodpeckers Come hear a story and then since it is very windy on the go for a brief walk to see if bridges. we can find woodpeckers! 1 - 2 p.m. OECR Upon our return to the na- Bacci parking lot ture center we will warm up 216-206-1000 by the fire and make a cool woodpecker craft.

10:30 a.m. - noon GPNC Ages 4 - 8 years with adult Register beginning December 1 216-341-3152

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Emerald Necklace, December 2011

Fable and Fire Let your imagination run wild as we gather ‘round the fire to hear fun animal fables.

After the story, enjoy a warm chocolate treat and explore the exhibits. Stories told on the hour. Stop in anytime between the hours below.

1 - 3 p.m. GPNC Winter birds Looking for something fun to do on the last few days of winter break? Join us at Rocky River Nature Center as we learn about our backyard birds. After learning a little bit about our feathered residents, we will create feeders that can be taken home.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. RRNC Ages: 8 – 12 years Registration required 440-734-6660 Family Fun Night Bring your family for some fun around the fireplace. We will learn about animals in the winter through a story, games and a craft.

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. BNC Register beginning December 12 440-526-1012

31 • Saturday New Year’s Eve Hike Looking for an alternative way to spend New Year’s Eve? Hike the Lake to Lake Trail with Naturalist Sharon Hosko and learn how other cultures welcome in the New Year. Registration is limited and required.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. BCR Eastland Road Trailhead Terrain: flat, paved, 4 miles Register beginning December 12 440-526-1012 A Fishy New Year’s Eve Join us for an evening full of fishy fun. We’ll celebrate the upcoming New Year by featuring our local fish through a presentation, games, crafts and more.

7 - 9 p.m. NCNC Ages: adults & families Terrain: icy, paved, 0.5 miles Register beginning December 1 440-473-3370 Treasure Hunt Adventure GPS for Beginners of All Ages (see 12/28 for details)

Kids in the Woods (see 12/28 for details)

30 • Friday Nature Play Date (see 12/ 9 for details) Urban Explorations: Cleveland’s Arcades (see 12/23 for details)

Cleveland Metroparks is proud to serve the following products

EMERALD NECKLACE KIDS CORNER

Winter arrives this month, and the clear, cold nights of this season are great for stargazing.

Long ago people saw patterns among the stars that, with a little imagination, look like people or animals. A group of stars that looks like one of these figures is called a constellation.

The ancients wove stories around these imaginary figures, and today we call these stories myths.

Two constellations that shine brightly in the winter night sky are Orion the Hunter and Canis Major the Big Dog. Do the constellations shown here look like these figures to you? Connect the dots to see how ancient people might have imagined them.

Many books about constellations and their myths are available. To learn more, try starting with The Stars by H.A. Rey. Watch Emerald Necklace for upcoming astronomy programs. Naturalists can help you find these and many other constellations, and you might even get to see a planet or two through a telescope.

Drawings by Beth Whiteley

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4101 Fulton Parkway Cleveland, Ohio 44144-1923 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY

printed on recycled paper

Cleveland Metroparks Directory

Administrative Offices

Golf

Outdoor Education Facilities

24-hour Job Hotline 216-635-3211

Golf Services – for general course info and inquires 440-232-7247

Brecksville Nature Center Rt. 82 entrance Brecksville Reservation Brecksville 440-526-1012

216-635-3200/general Cleveland Metroparks information - 24-hours a day.

4101 Fulton Parkway Cleveland, OH 44144 clevelandmetroparks.com

Office of the Executive Director 216-635-3214 Office of the Treasurer 216-635-3231 Human Resources 216-635-3228 Marketing 216-635-3268 Planning/Engineering 216-635-3237 Brochures/Maps/Emerald Necklace 216-635-3200 Permits/Picnic Area Reservations 216-635-3200 Volunteer Services 216-635-3258

Ranger Headquarters Ranger Chief 4600 Valley Parkway Fairview Park 440-331-5530 Accidents or Emergencies 440-333-4911 Parkway Alert Line (PAL) 440-331-5963

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & The RainForest 216-661-6500/24-hour information.

3900 Wildlife Way Cleveland, OH 44109 clemetzoo.com Office of the Zoo Director 216-635-3331 Education Programs/Volunteers 216-635-3391 Travel Programs 216-635-4420 Marketing & Public Relations 216-635-3338 School Group Reservations 216-635-3391 Groups/Parties/Private Events/ Facility Rentals 216-635-3389 Cleveland Zoological Society 216-661-6500, ext. 4421

Winter Recreation 216-635-3200

Chalet/Tobogganing Mill Stream Run Reservation Strongsville 440-572-9990

Golf Tee Reservations (24 hours) and directions, hours, fees etc.

216-635-3673 clevelandmetroparks.com

Big Met Golf Course 4811 Valley Parkway Rocky River Reservation Fairview Park 440-331-1070 Food Service/Catering: Big Met Grille 440-333-5575 Little Met Golf Course 18599 Old Lorain Road Rocky River Reservation Cleveland 216-941-9672 Manakiki Golf Course 35501 Eddy Road North Chagrin Reservation Willoughby Hills 440-942-2500 Food Service/Catering: Sammy’s of Manakiki 440-946-1140 Mastick Woods Golf Course 19900 Puritas Road Rocky River Reservation Cleveland 216-267-5626 Food Service/Catering: Eagle’s Nest Cafe 216-267-5626 Seneca Golf Course 975 Valley Parkway Brecksville Reservation Broadview Heights 440-526-0043 Food Service/Catering: Back 9 Grill 440-546-7797 Shawnee Hills Golf Course 18753 Egbert Road Bedford Reservation Bedford 440-232-7184 Food Service/Catering: Double Bogey Grille 440-786-7587 Sleepy Hollow Golf Course 9445 Brecksville Road Brecksville Reservation Brecksville 440-526-4285 Food Service/Catering: Theo’s of Sleepy Hollow 440-546-1555 Washington Golf Course 3841 Washington Park Blvd.

Washington Reservation 216-641-1864 The First Tee of Cleveland 216-641-7799

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education Administration 216-341-9225 Institute of the Great Outdoors 216-341-1704

CanalWay Center E. 49th Street entrance Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Cuyahoga Heights 216-206-1000

Garfield Park Nature Center 11350 Broadway Avenue Garfield Park Reservation Garfield Heights 216-341-3152 North Chagrin Nature Center Sunset Lane Entrance North Chagrin Reservation Mayfield Village 440-473-3370 John J. Donnelly Rocky River Nature Center 24000 Valley Parkway Rocky River Reservation North Olmsted 440-734-6660 Look About Lodge 37374 Miles Rd., east of Rt. 91 South Chagrin Reservation 440-247-7075 EarthWords Nature Shops CanalWay Center Cuyahoga Heights 216-206-1003 North Chagrin Nature Center Mayfield Village 440-449-0511 Rocky River Nature Center North Olmsted 440-734-7576 NatureTracks Education Unit/EcoExplorers 216-341-1707 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Bay Village 440-871-WILD

Boating

Emerald Necklace Marina 1500 Scenic Park Drive Rocky River Reservation Lakewood 216-226-3030 Food Service/Catering: Sweetwater Landing 216-228-2233 Kayak Rentals 41° North Coastal Kayak Adventures Rocky River Reservation 1-866-529-2541 Hinckley Boathouse West Drive, Hinckley Lake Hinckley Reservation Hinckley Township 330-278-3132 Wallace Lake Off Valley Parkway, south of Bagley Road Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea Quarry Rock Café

Historical Interpretation 440-786-8530 Voyageur Canoe Paddle Wallace/Hinckley Lakes 440-786-8530 West Creek Reservation 216-341-9225 Youth Outdoors 216-206-1010

Affiliates are supported, but not operationally-funded,

by Cleveland Metroparks. These outstanding non-profit organizations depend on class fees, special events, benefactor initiatives, and your financial support to operate.

Your contributions and volunteer service are encouraged.

Swimming

440-331-8111 Hotline 216-635-3383 Hinckley Lake Hinckley Reservation Hinckley Township Huntington Beach Huntington Reservation Bay Village Ledge Pool & Recreation Area Hinckley Reservation Hinckley Township Ledge Rock Café Wallace Lake Mill Stream Run Reservation Berea Quarry Rock Café

Cleveland Metroparks Affiliates and Clubs Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful 440-238-6200 Mill Stream Run Reservation BAYarts Huntington Reservation 440-871-6543 www.bayarts.net Vento 440-835-4530 Brecksville Historical Society Brecksville Reservation 440-526-7165 Brecksville Stables Brecksville Reservation 440-526-6767 www.brecksvillestables.com Brilla House Slavic Village Development Mill Creek Falls Garfield Park Reservation 216-429-1182, ext. 116 Brooklyn Exchange Cabin Hinckley Reservation 330-577-8882 exchangecabin@gmail.com Chagrin Valley Trails and Riding Club South Chagrin Reservation 216-635-3200 Cleveland Archery Club 216-635-3200 Cleveland Natural Science Club 440-247-4005 or 440-247-0151 Hinckley Historical Society Hinckley Reservation 330-278-3159 Huntington Playhouse Huntington Reservation 440-871-8333 www.huntingtonplayhouse.com Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Intergrove Lodge 1-800-852-4474 www.gsneo.org Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Huntington Reservation 440-871-2900 www.lensc.org Olmsted Historical Society Rocky River Reservation 440-779-0280 www.olmstedhistoricalsociety.org Rocky River Stables Rocky River Reservation 216-267-2525 (lessons & boarding – no trail rides)