Events

Feb 22 OIPC Annual Meeting

whereHighbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center, OH

hostOhio Invasive Plants Council

You are invited to attend the OIPC annual meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Registration is FREE and is now available online (www.oipc.info) with optional box lunches for $10. Speakers will include OIPC President Cheryl Coon giving an update on OIPC activities, Past-President Theresa Culley presenting our new Invasive Plant Assessment Protocol, and Nate Beccue from The Holden Arboretum who will discuss invasive plant control strategies.

Feb 26 Winter Botany and Birds at Mentor Marsh

whereMentor Marsh Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sunday, February 26, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

The boardwalk and trails at Mentor Marsh can be a great place for bird-watching and nature observation. Join us as we take a late winter walk through Mentor Marsh. Along the way, we will learn about identifying shrubs and trees in the winter months. We will discuss the invasive species that threaten Mentor Marsh and ways that the Museum has utilized the cold winter months for invasive species control on our preserves.

To register, please go to this website.

You will receive a map upon registration.

Feb 26 Winter Birds at Pymatuning State Park (PA)–Van Trip

wherePymatuning State Park, PA

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sunday, February 26, 2012; 9 am to 3 pm

Travel by Museum van and check out the tough guys who spend the frigid winter days at Pymatuning. Target species are raptors (maybe a Bald Eagle or two), migrating Swans and Grebes, and wintering forest birds.

Please register here.

Directions will be provided to registered participants.

Mar 4 Explore Springfield Bog

whereSpringfield Bog Metropark, Summit County

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sunday, March 4, 2012; 2 to 5 pm

Springfield Bog Metro Park in Summit County opened in January of 2011. A prairie grassland habitat was planted, using over 40 species of native plants. Home to Bobolinks and Grasshopper Sparrows, late winter could bring those species which hunt this habitat for food and shelter. We are hoping to find Short-eared Owls, Marsh Harriers, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

To Register, please proceed to this site.

A map will be provided upon registration.

Mar 11 Spring Wings XXXI: Encountering Swans, Eagles, and the Harbingers of Spring

whereNortheastern Ohio

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sunday, March 11, 2012; 9 am to 5 pm

Join us as we travel to select localities in Northeastern Ohio searching for flocks of migratory Tundra Swans, early nesting Bald Eagles, diving ducks and other open water waterfowl, late winter raptors and whatever else the season will bring. We will visit LaDue, Mosquito Creek and Pymatuning Reservoirs as well as wooded and open habitats in between seeking signs of spring. In past years we have seen hundreds of swans at a time, and upwards of a dozen eagles.

To register, please click here.

A map will be sent to you after registering.

Mar 11 Waterfowl & Winter Trees at Mahoning Sanctuary

whereMahoning Sanctuary

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sun, Mar 11, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Amazing birding can be found at the Mahoning Sanctuary in Mahoning County. Using buds, bark and the scratch and sniff method, we will have a lesson in winter tree identification. Perhaps a river otter will pop in for a quick look!

Please registerhere.

You will receive a map after registering.

Mar 17 St. Patrick's Day is for the Birds!

whereFindlay State Park

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, March 17, 2012; 9 am to 4 pm

Jump in the Museum van for this birding excursion to Findlay State Park, Caley Reservation and the Wellington and Oberlin Reservoirs. Targets species are waterfowl, raptors, gulls and any other nature sightings. Plan to warm up at a local lunch spot to celebrate St. Patty's Day. (The cost of lunch is not included in the trip).

Click here for registration.

You will receive a map upon registration.

Mar 23 Tracking Wild Tigers in Northern Ohio

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Fri, Mar 23, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Instructors: Dr. Tim Matson, Roberta Muelheim, and David Kriska

At up to 14 inches, Tiger Salamanders are big! This early spring adventure is an opportunity to witness one of the giants of the salamander world. The preserve we will be visiting has a handicapped accessible boardwalk.

For registration, click here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

Mar 30 Spring Salamandering

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Fri, Mar 30, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Old man winter is reluctantly releasing his grip, and the salamanders and frogs know it! If the conditions are right, the sound of spring can be deafening with the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs around sunset.

To register, please proceed to this website.

Directions will be sent to participants upon registration.

Mar 30 Kickel Preserve–Can You See Spots?

whereKickel Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Fri, Mar 30, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Help us to find those early species that have to blend in with little available vegetation at this time of year. Target species are American Woodcock, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Rough-legged Hawk and more. The vernal pools may provide other "spotted" creatures for inspection.

Go here for registration.

Mar 31 Amphibian Amble at Spokane Swamp

whereSpokane Swamp

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sat, Mar 31, 2012; 7:30 to 9:30 pm

Join us for an exciting foray in to the nocturnal world of amphibians at Spokane Swamp. This preserve consists of an extensive matrix of vernal pools. We will learn to identify the calls of the various frogs that inhabit the preserve, and we will search for elusive salamanders.

To register, click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 7 Canoeing for Garlic Mustard in the Gorge

whereGrand Wild and Senic River

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, April 7, 2012; 9 am to 4 pm

Spend a spring day canoeing in the gorge of the state designated Wild and Scenic Grand River. We continue to work on keeping this "Gorge-ous" section of the river from being overrun by alien Garlic Mustard. We’ll also be stopping to admire the old growth Hemlock ravines and waterfalls at the Museum's own Cash/Hertrick Preserve.

To register, click here

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 14 Urban Rocks: Near West Side/Ohio City Stones

whereVarious Locations

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sat, Apr 14, 2012; 8:30 am to noon

Join us for a tour of classic structures with a close look at local and imported stones used in their construction. We will study the stone architecture and setting of bridges, churches and other structures. Sites include; Old Viaduct, St. John's Episcopal Church, the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and St. Patrick's Church.

Register here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 14 Spring Salamandering at Wendtwood

whereWendtwood

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sat, Apr 14, 2012; 8 to 10:30 pm

Old man winter is reluctantly releasing his grip, and the salamanders and frogs know it. Early April often brings the first warm air mass and the smells and sounds of spring. If the conditions are right, the sound of spring can be deafening with the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs around sunset. Join us for some "hands-on" fun as we track down these tiny critters with impressive voices! We will also search for salamanders in the many vernal pools that are found at the preserve.

Register here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

Apr 20 Spring Time at Big Swamp

whereBig Swamp

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Fri Apr 20, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

The Big Swamp is a big deal in Ohio conservation efforts. Overall, the habitat is rare in Ohio. Drainage for agriculture and development has eliminated most of Ohio's natural wetland communities. This large tract is a prime example of natural history preserved.

Register here

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 21 Slimy and Stupendous–Hadlock Preserve

whereHadlock Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, April 21, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Search out the salamanders and other aquatic wonders that make their home at the Hadlock Preserve. Both the riverine and vernal pool environments will be explored.

Please register here

Directions will be forwarded to registered participants.

Apr 21 Evening Out at the North Kingsville Sand Barrens

whereNorth Kingsville Sand Barrens

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, April 21, 2012; 7 to 9:30 pm

Twilight is an exciting time to explore the diverse habitats found at the North Kingsville Sand Barrens. We will keep our eyes open for woodcock who may be utilizing the meadows and trails for courtship at dusk. We will also seek out some of the naturally occurring springs at the preserve and keep our ears open for owls along the trails.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 27 Spring Wildflowers at the Terraces

whereGrand River Terraces

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Friday, April 27, 2012; 10 am to 3 pm

Springtime in Ashtabula County is a must see event. The Grand River Terraces offers wonderful examples of wildflowers, vernal pool life and hosts a magnificent, diverse floodplain environment. Bird migration should provide plenty of sights and songs.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

Apr 28 Terminal Velocity:Peregrine Falcons in the City

whereCleveland, Ohio

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, April 28, 2012; 8 am to 1 pm

Hidden in the canyons of Cleveland is the world's fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon. This once critically endangered species has made a stunning comeback over the past 30 years. We will tour downtown Cleveland in search of these "sleek missiles" capable of "stooping" at speeds in excess of 200mph. We will look for signs of success during this nesting time, at regional areas, particularly the Terminal Tower. We might also find the smaller American Kestrel and other birds that pass through or dwell in Cleveland.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

Apr 28 Spring Wildflower Extravaganza at Cash-Hertrick

whereCash-Hertrick Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, April 28, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Join us as we explore the wide diversity of wildflowers that occur at the Cash-Hertrick Preserve. The last weekend in April is quite often the peak time for viewing woodland wildflowers, which should present many photo opportunities. We will wrap up the hike with a visit to a scenic waterfall which is hidden in a deep ravine at the preserve.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

May 4 West Virginia White at Koelliker Fen

whereKoelliker Fen

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Friday, May 4, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

Join Naturalists in their search to re-locate West Virginia White butterflies at the Museum's own Koelliker Fen in Geauga County. These small white butterflies were last seen in the fen in the 1980's.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

May 5 Garlic Mustard Pull at the Taber Preserve

whereTaber Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Saturday, May 5, 2012; 10 am to 2 pm

Spring is a beautiful season to take a walk along the scenic Chagrin River. We will look at some of the native wildflowers that are growing on the floodplain and take time to pull the invasive garlic mustard that we encounter along the way. We will also explain why removing garlic mustard is so crucial to maintaining the quality of floodplain ecosystems. Light refreshments will be provided for all participants at the end of the hike.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

May 6 Explore Chamberlin Preserve

whereChamberlin Preserve

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Sunday, May 6, 2012; 10 am to 1 pm

Help Naturalists in their search for West Virginia White butterflies, wildflowers and more at the Chamberlin Preserve near Middlefield, Ohio.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent after registration.

May 8 Natural Splendors of Beaver Creek State Park

whereBeaver Creek State Park

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Tuesday, May 8, 2012; 8 am to 4 pm

We will be looking for early nesting Neotropical warblers and thrushes at the Beaver Creek State Park in East Liverpool. In recent years Common Merganser have nested along Little Beaver Creek. Come along for a day of breathtaking geology, botany, birds and fun.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to participants upon registration.

May 11 "Painted Slippers" of the Allegheny National Forest

whereAllegheny National Forest

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Friday, May 11, 2012; 8 am to 6 pm

Have you ever seen Painted Trillium and Pink Lady's Slippers by the dozens? Join us for a stunning botanical foray into Western Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest to see these beauties. Impressive geologic overlooks have created a special haven for many plants and creatures.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered particiapnts.

May 14 Big Day: BEST BIRDING DAY EVER!

whereMagee Marsh and Ottawa Wildlife Refuge

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Monday, May 14, 2012; 6 am to 8 pm; van departs at 6 am sharp.

Some of the BEST spring migration birding can be found in Ohio with songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and waders, we hope to see and identify more than 100 species among our group. This BIG DAY trek to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a must for ALL BIRDERS. Novice and experienced birders will delight in the opportunity to observe the awe of the migration spectacle that is unfolding before you!

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

May 15 Red Fish, White Lep, and Green Viola, Oh My!

whereSawdust Tract

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 9 am to 3 pm

Accompany Naturalists to the Sawdust Tract to seek out species that are rare and not often seen. The species we are targeting could be "lifers" for participants.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

May 18 Prairie Wildlife and Wildflowers

whereResthaven Wildlife Area

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Friday, May 18, 2012; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

European settlers in Ohio from the early 19th century described the state's vast grasslands (prairie is French for "meadow"). These writings describe the prairies, noting the plants and animals encountered there. We will be visiting one of the largest remaining prairies in Ohio: Resthaven Wildlife Area. We'll be on the lookout for critters not known from Northeast Ohio.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to registered participants.

May 22 Explore Pennsylvania's Gamelands

wherePennsylvania's Gamelands

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Tuesday, May 22, 2012; 9 am to 7 pm

Trek through various Western Pennsylvania Gamelands with us while we search for unusual species that are protected by their extensive land system.

To register, please click here.

Directions will be forwarded to participants.

May 23 Shade Gardening Using Native Woodland Wildflowers

whereLower-level Classroom at C.M.N.H.

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Native woodland wildflowers and shrubs can be a great addition to the home landscape. Traditional plantings in shady areas in the garden are often dominated by monocultures of invasive groundcovers such as English ivy, pachysandra, and myrtle with little diversity. This seminar will teach you how to utilize the shady areas of your yard to their highest potential by incorporating native species and landscaping in a more natural fashion. A special emphasis will be placed on gardening in a deer-dominated landscape.

Registration is not yet available for this event. Once registration opens, the member price will be $15, and the non-member price will be $20.

May 30 Urban Botany Trek: Golfview Woods

whereCleveland Metroparks

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Wed, May 30, 2012; 9 am to noon

Join Botany and Natural Areas staff as we take a late-spring hike through a unique upland forest protected by the Cleveland Metroparks. Nestled in a Cleveland neighborhood, this part of the Rocky River Reservation features scenic views, deep winding ravines, and a mature forest canopy which is perched, overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Rocky River and Big Met Golf Course. Additionally, we are likely to see a number of rare plants that are found in a unique plant community known as a "Slump."

To register, please click here.

Directions will be sent to participants after registration.

Jun 20 Back to Basics: Introduction to Mineral Identification

whereC.M.N.H.

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Wednesday, June 20, 2012; 7 to 10 PM

Using hands-on demonstrations, Dr. Saja will show how individual atoms are assembled to form crystalline structures, and how these structures define the geometric shapes and physical properties of a crystal. Using simple techniques and tools you will learn how to identify minerals based on their physical properties. Optional materials available from the Museum Store: Schumann, Walter, 1993, Handbook of rocks, minerals, and gemstones, Houghton Mifflin, New York, and a Mineral ID Kit including 14x hand lens, streak plate, glass plate, masonry nail, copper plate, acid bottle.

Registration for this event is not yet available. Once registration opens, the member price will be $25, and the non-member price will be $32.

Jul 23 Local Flora Field Course

whereVarious Locations accross Northeastern Ohio

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Monday, July 23 through Thursday, July 26, 2012; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Learn plant identification outdoors in this Local Flora field course. The identification and recognition of trees, shrubs, ferns and herbaceous plants of northeastern Ohio will become second nature. Learn the characteristics of common families of plants. Practice the use of diagnostic keys. Experience, first-hand, the need for conservation and preservation of natural areas and native habitats. Learn to accurately describe the characteristics of leaves, stems, flowers, inflorescences, fruits and seeds. Successful completion of this two credit course will enable participants to teach others to recognize many species of plants, speak knowledgeably about the importance of plants in northeastern Ohio, understand texts used for plant identification and converse in the language of botany.

Registration for this event is not yet available. The cost for these field trips will be $230 for members and $250 for non-members.

Meet in the C.M.N.H. Science Resource Center.

Aug 4 A Little Night Music

whereSoubusta Sugarbush

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

Join us for a fun family friendly evening with Dr. Lisa Rainsong, a music theory faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music, who also does field recordings and surveys of crickets and katydids - the "singing insects." We will become expert listeners as we explore the choruses of Ohio's night shift. We will meet and listen at a museum property near Chardon called Soubusta Sugarbush.

Registration for this event will be available at a later date. After registration commences, members will be able to register for $15; non members will be able to register for $20.

A map will be provided to registered participants.

Aug 12 2012 at Capitol Reef National Park: Astronomy, Vulture and Nature

whereCapitol Reef National Park, Utah

hostCleveland Museum of Natural History

contactRenee Boronka, (216) 231-4600

August 12 through 15, 2012

The Perseids Meteor Shower is at its best in mid-August and we are going to the darkest place we can find to see it. Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah not only offers some of the darkest and clearest skies in the country, but it also has a rich cultural and natural history. Participants will have the opportunity to view the meteor shower every night for three days and possibly see up 60 meteors an hour during peak times, with the help of CMNH educators. There will also be optional daytime excursions to see pictographs and petroglyphs from the ancient Fremont culture, the historic Fruita orchards, and awe-inspiring geological features. Our group will be hosted in dormitory-style accommodations by Capitol Reef Field Station, run by Utah Valley University, located at the heart of the national park.

The price includes transportation to and from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas NV, lodging, all astronomy and natural history programming, and all meals from dinner on 8/12 to breakfast on 8/15. Airfare is not included. Participants should plan on arriving in Las Vegas no later than 2 pm on 8/12/2012 and departing no earlier than 3 pm on 8/15/2012.

To register, please click here.