Winter Sowing via Zoom
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Winter sowing is a germination method starting seeds outdoors in an enclosed container in winter. Sowing native seeds in January is a fantastic way to kickstart your spring garden! Winter sowing offers the unique advantage of giving your plants a head start, allowing them to grow and develop faster than those sown in the spring. By planting seeds in an enclosed container, you can place them outdoors where they will benefit from a cozy micro-environment that helps accelerate both germination and growth. This seed sowing presentation will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to sow seeds effectively and successfully. Presented by the Natural Resources team at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes.
Join the Zoom Presentation:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82474073716?pwd=
[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 824 7407 3716
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Nature in My Backyard is a program of the
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Shaker Lakes Garden Club.

Sparrows & Finches of NE Ohio via Zoom
2025-01-16 19:00 - 20:00
Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, this program has been changed to: “LBJs: Sparrows & Finches of NE Ohio.”
Little Brown Jobs! That’s how many of us identify sparrows and finches, mostly because they are LBJs! But each of the 28 species we find in NE Ohio has one or more features to help lead to its identity. Through lots of photographs this program introduces you to these small birds, where to find them, when to expect to see them, and how to separate them from similar species. It’s time to put a name to the face! About 1-hour. Presented by Matt Valencic.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIof-2vqjMvHdCOTdNohYmMrHl767MgbzgW
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Will it be beautiful? via Zoom
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
Steve Cagan lives in Cleveland Heights, and shares birding, native plants and vegetable gardening with his wife, Beth. His avian photography and the images from his garden are by-products of a long-standing love of nature and birding. He will present a look through the year at the engaging beauty of his native garden.
Steve has exhibited and published photography on four continents and has published reviews and critical writings in variety of professional journals and books. Major awards include two Fulbright Fellowships, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and several Ohio Arts Council Fellowships and New Jersey Arts Council Fellowships. Steve taught photography at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, 1985-1993.
Register HERE.

A Bird's Eye View via Zoom
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00
A Birds Eye View: The Sensory World of Birds
Did you know that a bird’s eyesight is more than seven times keener than yours? Birds experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the world in a radically different way than we do. Learn about some of the amazing ways birds make sense of their environment.
Presented by Dr. Sarah Mabey.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EFxS25tMRSS0Ev4bP8zJ2w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Planting for the Planet 101 via Zoom
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Don’t miss our next Brown Bagging it in My Backyard Zoom talk on Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Zoom in to hear Citizen Scientist John Barber’s talk Planting for the Planet 101. As the climate emergency brings awareness that nature exists in our own yards, not only in parks, people are looking for a new way to garden. John Barber will present practical ideas about how to begin, or continue, to increase habitat and reduce lawn in your own green space.
Visit our website at https:natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org to register.

Insects in the Forest Canopy via Zoom
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00
Insect interactions high in the canopy of a forest have largely remained a mystery. To understand what’s happening in and above the canopy, one must visit it. Here, I focus on how accessing, quantifying, and inferring ecological interactions in and above the forest canopy alters our understanding of forest insect ecology and end with a participatory discussion on a novel project design.
REGISTRATION LINK:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vrbQnxE7RumQBq_A2iCU2w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Warbler Warm-up Various
2025-04-11 13:00 - 14:00
Warbler Warm Up
Gates Mills Library April 11 @ 1:00pm
West Wood Nature Center April 13 @ 2:00pm
Some of the prettiest birds on the planet are in NE Ohio from April through October. Most just pass-through during May on their way north, but some stay here to have their babies. Because we only see them for a short time every year, we forget how to quickly identify them. This presentation uses actual photographs to help group birds by appearance, behaviors and preferred habitat. About 1 ¼ hours in length.
(Gates Mills Library, 1491 Chagrin River Road, Gates Mills, OH)
(West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87), Novelty, OH)

Native Plants for Birds, Insects & Biodiversity Program
2025-04-11 13:00 - 14:00 | The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, OH, 44689
April 11, 2025 @ 1:00pm
Native Plants for Birds, Insects and Biodiversity
The Wilderness Center, Wilmot, OH
Birds, insects and native plants are inextricably linked in nature. Whatever happens to one will have an effect on the others. This talk explains those relationships, then shows you ways to enhance your personal landscape for birds, insects, or just for the beauty of native plants. Lots of pictures of birds, insects and native plants (flowering plants, trees and shrubs). Directions provided to download handouts from our website. About 1-hour in length.

Birds of NE Ohio Various
2025-04-14 18:30 - 19:30
Birds of NE Ohio
Mentor Public Library April 14 @ 6:30pm
North Royalton Library April 15 @ 7:00pm
Over 230 species of birds can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are year-round residents and others just pass through on their way to the Boreal Forests of Canada. Others fly across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop to have their babies in our back yards! Get a close look at 100 of the most common residents, migrants and breeding birds of NE Ohio and learn where and when to find them. Approximately 1 hour in length.
(Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH)
(North Royalton Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH)

Warbler Warm-up via Zoom
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00
The prettiest birds on the planet will be arriving in Ohio during April and May. Whether you are a new birder or a veteran, join us to polish your I.D. skills or to just enjoy the beautiful pictures. Many tips on separating similar species. Handouts on our website after the program.
REGISTRATION LINK:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/54k2GQNRSGm8zc_hygwCNQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Good Bug - Bad Bug via Zoom
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00
Learn about increasing biodiversity in our landscapes to attract more beneficial insects and help control insect pests. We achieve these goals by removing non-native invasive plants, and adding a variety of native flowers, shrubs and trees that beautify our yards throughout the growing season. More native plants will also attract more butterflies and birds for you to enjoy.
You decide what you want it to look like and what plants you prefer. A list of resources will be provided, or you can invite the team at Nature in My Backyard to help.
Matt Valencic is a Master Gardener of Geauga County and Chair of the Education Committee of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Birding Workshop Program
2025-08-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The Chagrin River Bird Quest’s pre-event Birding Workshop! Update your skills or learn new ones in preparation for the upcoming Bird Quest on Sept 5-6. An hour presentation (approximately) will be followed by a bird walk in the Novak Sanctuary to practice what you learned.
Please register on-line for this event.

Bird Quest 2025
2025-09-05 16:00 - 2025-09-06 19:00 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
Save the date for this year’s Bird Quest, coming September 5 – 6! Our base of operations will be at The Rookery in Geauga County, same as last year. Please plan on joining us.
Registration now open!

Rooted for Success via Zoom
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00
Rooted for Success:
Tree Planting Best Practices
Tune in for Chad’s advice about proper tree-planting. Chad will walk you through best practices for selecting the right tree for your spot, choosing the healthiest nursery stock, and using proper planting techniques. You’ll also learn key tips for transplanting and how to give young trees the early care they need to thrive. Join us to grow your tree-planting know-how from the ground up!
Chad is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist. He is also a Municipal Specialist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified with the ISA, and an Ohio Licensed Commercial Applicator. Chad is passionate about providing high quality tree and shrub care with a goal towards preservation. He enjoys putting his expertise to use advising his clients about maintaining their landscapes.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Confusing Fall Warblers via Zoom
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00
Many of our ‘Summer Birds’ molt before starting the long journey to their winter territories in Central and South America. Some of them look quite different in their ‘basic plumage’ while others look surprisingly similar. The young-of-the-year can also be confusing, often appearing like adult females. This talk will explore some of the differences with clues for recognizing birds that you might mistake for new species. Presented by Matt Valencic. About 1-hour in length.
Register in advance for this meeting.
When: Sep 18, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ifaqfYaCTQWEghyNhx4wzQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Wild About Winter via Zoom
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00
As we approach the winter solstice and prepare for the festive holidays of December, it is interesting to ponder the wild goings-on in in our yards, our gardens and our neighborhoods. No, not those wild goings-on! Rather what is happening in nature. True, many organisms are now dormant, but many are not.
Harvey Webster will explore the lives of select animals and plants in winter, their adaptations and strategies for survival, and focus on the importance of the winter solstice as the key signal and lead-in to spring. We will also explore how we can observe the vibrant life of winter.
There is always much to explore in our own habitats and ‘hoods, regardless of season.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is a program of the
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Shaker Lakes Garden Club,
together with the Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County.

Birds of NE Ohio Program
2026-02-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Bay Village Library, 27400 Wolf Road, Bay Village, OH, United States
Over 200 species of birds can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are year-round residents and others just pass through on their way to the Boreal Forests of Canada. Others fly across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop to have their babies in our back yards! Get a close-up look at 100 of the most common residents, migrants and breeding birds of NE Ohio and learn where and when to find them. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Ephemeral Excitement via Zoom
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Ephemeral Excitement: The Spring Rush For Sunlight, Nectar, Pollen & Love
Judy Semroc, Conservation Specialist
Our natural world has a tight schedule for completing many important feeding mating and survival tasks before the trees fully leaf out and many of our spring wildflowers and insects take on a different look to their existence. Join in to learn about why these fleeting performances are so very important.
Conservation specialist, field biologist and naturalist Judy Semroc has 25+ years of experience offering hands-on exploration based learning programs. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through hikes, interpretive programs, and photography. Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Bluebird Society & Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee). She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” in 2008, and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio: A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History” in 2017.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Owls of Ohio Program
2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Middleburg Hts Library, 16659 Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts, Ohio
Twelve species of owls have been spotted in Ohio. Several are residents, some are migrants, and a few are accidental visitors. Interesting owl trivia will be revealed. Some tips on how, when and where to spot owls will be shared. Presented by Jim Tomko. (This is a power point presentation and no live owls will be exhibited).

A Bird's Eye View Program
2026-04-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, OH, 44050
A Bird’s Eye View: The sensory world of birds
Did you know that a bird’s eyesight is more than seven times keener than yours? Birds experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the world in a radically different way than we do. Learn about some of the amazing ways birds make sense of their environment. Presented by Sarah Mabey.

Warbler Warm-up Program
2026-04-12 14:00 - 15:00 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Some of the prettiest birds on the planet are in NE Ohio from April through October. Learn how to identify them by their field marks and songs. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Summer Birds of NE Ohio Program
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 | North Royalton Public Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH, 44133, United States
Did you know that more than 50 species of birds travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles each spring just to raise a family in NE Ohio? This one-hour presentation showcases 50 species of “Summer Visitors” through 180 photographs of adult birds, babies, nests and habitats. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Some Good Fronds... via Zoom
2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00
In the Garden with Some Good Fronds: Garden-worthy Native Ferns
Steve McKee is from Mansfield, Ohio, where he served as director of the Richland County Park District for 35 years. He has been interested in ferns for about 50 years, has studied them in several states and countries, and has grown over 20 species of native ferns in his Ohio gardens.
In his retirement, Steve still searches for rare ferns in both Ohio and Utah, where he is a volunteer botanist for Zion National Park.
Steve’s program will focus on native ferns that you can grow in your Ohio garden.
To join the Zoom presentation please register
www.natureinmybackyard.ohionativeplants.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is administered by Ohio Native Plants with support from Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Shaker Lakes Garden Club and the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cuyahoga County.

Nature Blitz! Event
2026-08-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
ATTENTION NATURE NERDS! Join us on Saturday August 15th from 9am – noon for a Nature Blitz at the Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Aurora. Using the Citizen Science apps iNaturalist, SEEK, Pl@ntNet and Merlin, we will walk the fields and trails to see how many species of flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, birds and insects we can identify with the help of apps and our volunteer guides. These are free apps you can download to your smart phone now and we will help you learn to use them. Rain date will be Sunday August 16th. Please RSVP to info@clevelandaudubon.org in case we need to contact you due to rain.

Birding Workshop Event
2026-08-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Education Center, 382 Townline Rd, Aurora,, OH, 44202, United States
Get ready for Bird Quest with this comprehensive birding workshop! Designed for newer birders, but experienced birders might learn something too! Includes one hour of classroom instruction followed by a guided bird walk in the Novak Sanctuary to practice what you learned! Presented by Matt Valencic.
Free to all. Register HERE.

Reap What You Sow via Zoom
2026-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
Saving seeds is an economical and joyful way to renew the beauty of your backyard garden. Participants will learn how to identify various types of seeds, learn when seeds are ready for harvest, and how they can be stored for the following growing season. Join Seed Bank Manager, Kim Lessman, to learn about seed saving best practices in your own backyard.
Kim Lessman is the Seed Bank Manager for Holden Forests & Gardens. Initiated in 2023, the Holden Seed Bank is working to source, collect, and redistribute native seeds of local ecotype to support restoration and reforestation efforts innortheast Ohio.
To join the Zoom presentation please register
www.natureinmybackyard.ohionativeplants.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is administered by Ohio Native Plants with support from
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Shaker Lakes Garden Club
and the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cuyahoga County.
