Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2025-03-22 08:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Many waterfowl are speeding their way north to breeding grounds with the drakes sporting their spectacular, breeding plumage. Most of them will cause you to gasp in amazement! They are only passing through so now is the time to get out and see them. This is a caravan-style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Make sure to have a full tank of gas because gas stations are not one of our stops. If the group desires, we will stop for lunch at the end of the tour. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Take an evening to be amazed at the courtship ritual of the Timberdoodle. These upland shorebirds are some of the earliest breeders and the males do a wonderful dance followed by a fantastic flight display to woo the females just as darkness falls. Dress for the weather with footgear able to withstand wet meadow terrain and meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Annual Series Spring Bird Walks Field Trip
2025-05-04 07:30 - 09:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
These are fun walks where novices and seasoned veterans share techniques and advice on birding (my advice is to wear mud boots!). I hope you can join in on one of the many walks this spring in the Cleveland/Akron area. The last one in this series is Sunday May 18th at 7:30 A.M. Check out our website for a complete list of locations.

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2025-07-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
As the summer heat wanes the evening creatures begin to stir and make their appearance. Day-time creatures seek a place to roost or spend the night. Owls may call, raccoons may argue, fox may bark and coyotes may howl. Let’s see what we can turn up! Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary/Brettschneider Park parking lot located on the north side of Pioneer trail few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. (896 East Pioneer Trail Aurora, OH 44202)

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.

High Summer Hike Field Trip
2025-08-23 13:30 - 15:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Come and enjoy the progress of the “Invasive Species Warriors” work on reclaiming our fields and forest. Thanks to the beaver the marsh is successfully holding water allowing it to progress to its former character of years ago. Join us to observe the changes. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. almost a mile north of Route 82 in Aurora. (382 Townline Rd. Aurora, OH 44202)

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2025-09-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join us on our annual saunter to view one of the last wildflowers of the season to bloom. This amazing biennial will dazzle you if we are lucky enough to have a sunny September day. A fantastic shade of violet with the delicate fringed petals will make you glad to have made the 2-mile hike. Please wear waterproof footwear as this bloom likes to keep its feet slightly wet! We will meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora. (896 E. Pioneer Tr. Aurora, OH 44202)

Busting Buckthorn Volunteering
2025-10-11 08:30 - 12:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Please consider joining us on Saturday October 11th from 8:45am to noon at the Novak sanctuary to selectively cut stands of buckthorn in areas where we have been working since 2022. Once removed, these areas will revert to open fields of native wildflowers and grasses the very next growing season (2026). I will show you examples of recent successes as we walk to the work sites.
You should wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, work gloves and sturdy shoes/boots (hiking boots are fine). Bring your favorite loppers or use ours. We will supply work gloves for those who need them, loppers (we have 7) and Buckthorn Blaster herbicide applicators. We work in teams of 3 or 4, taking turns cutting the trees near the ground, moving the cut trees to create ‘wildlife piles’, and applying herbicide to the cut stumps. We will have bottled water (or bring your own) and packaged snacks.
If you can join us, please RSVP to info@clevelandaudubon.org so we know how many to expect. We will meet at 8:45am in the parking lot at 382 Townline Road in Aurora. We will be there for 3-hours but if you can only help for 1 or 2 hours, we appreciate the time you can help.

Autumn Color Hike Field Trip
2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
We are fortunate to have John Lillich guide us on a spectacular autumn leaf color hike overlooking the Chagrin River Valley from our own Hach-Otis Sanctuary. Hopefully the trees will have received just enough moisture and cool night temperatures to provide amazing color. Meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Leaf Cruncher Hike Field Trip
2025-11-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
The enjoyable sound and feeling of wading through a carpet of fallen leaves awaits you! The forest without leaves obscuring the view gives a new and different perspective. Unseen slopes and gulleys just off the trail become visible. Ancient trees hidden by their leafy offspring appear clearly. And you can actually see the birds you could only hear when the leaves were attached to their branches. As always water-proof footwear is recommended, Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 on Aurora/Mantua border.

Winter Solstice Hike Field Trip
2025-12-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
I love the quiet and peaceful sensations of the winter woods at night. Hopefully there will be a light snow cover to add to the ambiance. If the clouds give way, the stars and moon will shine brightly lighting our path. We will be celebrating one of the longest nights of the year a few days ahead of the actual solstice. Please dress appropriately with winter footwear. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2026-01-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Help us read the stories in the snow. The local wildlife use our trails much more than we do but go unnoticed due to their secretive, alert and sometimes nocturnal habits. In the snow is the history of their comings and goings. Do we have fox or coyote? Are otters present? Did the Flying Squirrel land on the ground near that tree? We will meet at the Aurora Sanctuary at 9:30 in the Bretschneider Park parking lot a few hundred yards east of Page Road on the north side of East Pioneer Trail in Aurora (896 East Pioneer Trail)

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2026-02-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This annual, international event was developed and promoted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with National Audubon Society in 1998. To participate you can join us on our winter bird survey hike. Help us make Ohio a top contributor this year! We will meet at the Aurora Sanctuary at 9:30 in the Bretschneider Park parking lot a few hundred yards east of Page Road on the north side of East Pioneer Trail in Aurora (896 East Pioneer Trail)

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2026-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Join us to view the astounding plumage of the drakes as the waterfowl wing north to their nesting grounds. This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. We will finish our trip with lunch at Freddies in Streetsboro to share stories and our tallies. Make sure to have a full tank of gas because gas stations are not one of our stops. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2026-04-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
If you have not had a chance to view and hear the courtship song, dance, and flight display of our local Timberdoodles, then you should see this “show”! These upland “shore birds” do not live near the shore; they thrive in our moist woodlands bordering wet fields. We usually have several displaying at the same time. It is a short walk to their singing grounds, but dress for the weather and wear waterproof footgear. You may use a flashlight on the walk out. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Spring Bird Walk Series Field Trip
2026-04-12 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-19 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-26 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-03 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-10 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-17 07:30 - 09:30 | OH
Spring Bird Walk Series 2026
The Series of Spring Bird Walks is one of the oldest community science partnerships between Northeast Ohio park systems, Audubon chapters, and other organizations now in its 93rd year. It is also a celebration of migratory birds. Walks are led by experienced birders and will be held on Sundays, April 12, 19, and 26, and May 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30 AM unless otherwise noted. The following locations are participating in the Series:
Aurora Sanctuary – Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland Sanctuary, parking lot east of Page Rd. on E. Pioneer Trail, east of routes 306 and 43, Aurora. 216-337-2202. Terrain: 2.5 miles, packed soil with some hills and MUD! Boots highly suggested.
Bedford Reservation – Hemlock Creek Picnic Area, off Button Rd., Bedford. 330-715-6300 Terrain: natural surface, may be muddy and uneven footing. 2 miles with an additional (optional) 3 mile spur.
Big Creek Reservation – Lake Isaac, southern terminus of the Lake-to-Lake Trail, Cleveland Metroparks Big Creek Parkway, Middleburg Heights. Contact: info@wcaudubon.org Terrain: natural surface, some off trail, short boardwalks, footing can be rough, muddy, and slippery. 2 miles.
Brecksville Reservation – Parking area at Station Rd. Bridge Trailhead, off Riverview Rd. south of Route 82, Brecksville. 330-467-3664. Terrain: varies, 3 or more routes.
Gates Mills – Various locations. Takes place rain or shine, footwear and clothing for the weather. Children with adults are welcome. May 3, May 10 and May 17 are TBA (contact Buster 216.316.1621 for details)
April 12 – Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve – the End of Skyline Drive (Off of River Rd.), Willoughby Hills, OH and continue at Hach-Otis John & Carol Lillich Meadows, 2685 Dodd Road, Willoughby Hills, OH
April 19 – Orchard Hills Park –11340 Caves Road, Chester Township, (north of Mulberry)
April 26 – Frohring Meadows – 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge Township
Geauga Park District – Various locations in Geauga County, see list below. 7:30am to 9:30am at all locations. Contact info@geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 for details.
April 12 – Burton Wetlands – 15681 Old Rider Rd, Burton OH 44021
April 19 – Frohring Meadows – 16780 Savage Rd, Chagrin Falls OH 44023
April 26 – The Rookery – 10110 Cedar Rd, Chesterland OH 44026
May 3 – Eldon Russell Park – 16315 Rapids Rd, Troy Township, OH 44021
May 10 – Big Creek Park – 9160 Robinson Rd, Chardon, OH 44024
May 17 – Swine Creek Reservation – 16004 Hayes Rd, Middlefield OH 44062
Hiram – James H. Barrow Field Station (Hiram College), 11305 Wheeler Road, Hiram use the south driveway not the employee/delivery driveway please. 330-569-5787. Terrain: natural surface, may be muddy. 2.5 miles.
Lake Metroparks – Lake Erie Bluffs, 3301 Lane Rd., Perry Township. Meeting time is 8:00 AM. For information contact 440-256-1404, ext. 2118. Terrain: 2 miles. Sunday Morning Bird Walks sign-up page: WebTrac Activity Search – Lake Metroparks

Lorain County Metro Parks
Vermilion River Reservation – Bacon Woods https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L274600
Note: Walks begin at 8:30 AM! Drive to the back of the park to meet at the trailhead at the far northern lot. Walk includes the beginning sections of the parking lot and the red and blue trails. Terrain: crushed gravel, short boardwalks, and sometimes mud on the grass trail. Approx 2 miles. Contact: 440-787-7736
Mentor Marsh – parking at Shipman Pond parking lot, 9600 Headlands Rd., Mentor. 440-257-0777. Terrain: Approx. 3 miles. Details at Calendar | Cleveland Museum of Natural History
North Chagrin Reservation – North Chagrin Nature Center parking lot, 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield Village. 440-473-3370. Terrain varies: all purpose and natural surface trails and boardwalk 2.5 miles. Walks are from 7:30 -10:30am.
Novak Sanctuary – Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland Sanctuary, parking lot at 382 Townline Rd, Aurora, 44202 (north of Rt. 82). Text or call 216-374-6292 or email caslonsvcs@gmail.com. Terrain: 1.5 miles with modest hills and wet and muddy areas. Please wear/have mudproof footwear.
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation – CanalWay Center, 4524 E. 49th Street, Cuyahoga Hts. 216-206-1000. Terrain: 2.3 miles primarily on all purpose trail.
Rocky River Reservation – Rocky River Nature Center parking lot, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted. Contact: info@wcaudubon.org. Easy to moderate terrain; some paved, crushed gravel, boardwalks, and potential mud: Approximately 2 miles.
Shaker Lakes – The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes parking lot, 2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights. 216-321-5935. Terrain: Mix of all purpose trail, asphalt and dirt, 2 miles. Registration is appreciated but not required www.shakerlakes.org – Events/Programs, Programs, Birding Programs

River Styx Park – Medina County Park District, 8200 River Styx Rd., Guilford Twp., Wadsworth. Will have walks on Saturdays, April 11 through May 16 at 7:30 AM. 330-722-9364 Terrain: about 1.5 miles and can be muddy

Don’t miss the migration!
Cosponsored by Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Blackbrook Audubon Society, Black River Audubon Society, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Gates Mills Birders, Geauga Park District, Hiram College, Holden Arboretum, Lake Metroparks, Lorain County Metro Parks, Medina County Park District, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society.
PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS WHILE ATTENDING THE BIRDWALLKS!
