Leaf Cruncher Field Trip
2017-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Have you walked the “other side” of the Novak Sanctuary? We frequently explore the west side (Aurora side) of the Novak Sanctuary but rarely go into the east side (Mantua side). There is a flock of Wild Turkey that make this section their home and much of it is a mature forest. There are several large fields to provide grassland habitat encouraging open country wildlife. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile North of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Almost Winter Solstice Field Trip
2017-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Have you experienced the soft, quietness of a pine forest on a winter night? If we are lucky enough to enjoy a light snow cover it enhances the feeling of solitude. Celebrate some of the shortest days and longest nights of the year with us for this evening which is the closest we could schedule to the first day of winter. Meet at the Bretschnieder Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2018-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join the fun of this international event where all levels of birding experience can participate either on this winter bird survey or in your own backyard. The idea is to identify and record as many species as you can recognize in as little time as 15 minutes or for as long as you desire beginning Friday, February 16th through Monday, February 19th. Then you report the list of species on an “on-line” checklist at www.birdcount.org and watch a real time map as reports from all over the world come in. This citizen science information is collected by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Meet at the Bretschineder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2018-03-18 09:00 - 11:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
I am constantly astounded by the blazing colors reflected in the resplendent breeding plumage of the drakes as they head north to their breeding 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. Have a full tank of gas and bring some lunch money as we will end with a stop at a restaurant to tally, compare notes and share stories. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Timberdoodles! Field Trip
2018-04-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
These shorebirds are a long way from the shore but they seem to love our wet fields for their courtship dance and flight display. In mild winters they start this activity as early as late February and crescendo to a peak in late March/early April. Come on out for a night display of song and dance that is like no other in our area! Please wear water-proof shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd a little less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Spring Wild Flowers Field Trip
2018-04-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
We will hike the trails in quest of spring ephemeral wildflowers. There will be at least 9 or 10 species to dazzle your senses! Will we find a Trillium? With the heavy deer browsing it is unlikely. But, we know where there have been a few that in the past were missed by those hungry chow hounds. Bring your camera for some fantastic shots of springtime at its best. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Frog Fugue Field Trip
2018-05-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
As we approach the pond a silence settles in as if no souls were there. Then first one voice followed by another voice and another join in. Soon a full chorus of the entire symphony booms out its arrangement to delight our ears. I wonder how many species we will hear this year. One? Three? Five? Help us keep track of the songsters in and near our ponds desperately calling for company! Meet at the Bretschnieder Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Call to Roost Field Trip
2018-06-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Molnar Sanctuary
Many birds have a song they sing before roosting for the night. Most of you have heard American Robins singing at twilight. One of the most beautiful is the Wood Thrush. Let’s see if we will be treated to his wonderful performance. There is a chance that we will hear the ethereal, downward spiraling call of the Veery. Meet at the Molnar Sanctuary parking lot on the west side of Page Road just a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

Bank Swallows! Field Trip
2018-07-14 08:30 - 10:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Have you seen a large Bank Swallow colony? These birds tunnel into a steep bank to build their nest, incubate their eggs and fledge their chicks. We are fortunate to have one of these colonies right in our Hach-Otis Sanctuary. Interestingly this is a view down on the colony instead of the usual wry- neck, up-gaze! Bring your camera for some unusual photo angles. Meet at the Hach-Otis Parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive heading east off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Summer Saunter Field Trip
2018-08-11 07:00 - 09:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
A summer morning walk is in order when the heat of the season is upon us. Most creatures are active before the heat of the day induces a siesta! Join us for an early morning walk to see and hear the activity as the wildlife fulfills its daily needs. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a little less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2018-09-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The rare Fringed Gentian is among our most stunning of the native wildflowers. They are also among the last to bloom for the season. We are fortunate to have a patch located in the Aurora Sanctuary and on a sunny September day they open their beautiful blue blossom dazzling all who view them. Join us to see these and other autumn wildflowers in full bloom. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2018-09-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Explore Audubon’s Aurora Sanctuary after dark for a chance to add a few night-flyers to your Bird Quest list. It is now safe to go owling as the owlets are out of the nest and learning to forage on their own under supervision of their parents. We may hear and see barred owls, great-horned owls, and Eastern screech owls. Meet at the Bretschnieder/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Jackson Field Field Trip
2018-09-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Jackson Field, Chagrin River Road, Moreland Hills
South Chagrin Reservation. This location is great because Forest/Field/Wetland/River all come together to offer a wide diversity of birds. It is easy walking on established dirt trails and we will always be within ¼ mile of the parking lot. Meet in the parking lot located on Chagrin River Road in Moreland Hills – 0.7 miles north of Miles Road or 0.7 miles south of Chagrin Blvd.

Fall Leaf Colors Field Trip
2018-10-20 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Often our palette of autumn color will give the New England forests a run for title of the best hues! With the mix of species and depending on our weather leading up to the leaf color change we can have spectacular vistas of wonderful beauty. Join us for a walk at peak color change if mother nature agrees with our timing. Meet at the Bretschineder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2018-11-03 09:30 - 11:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Each year we go on a quest to spot Wild Turkeys before Thanksgiving. They know how to play the game of Hide and Seek extremely well. These large but wily birds are experts in blending in. Help me find the flock as they roam the sanctuary in search of food. 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 Solstice Field Trip
2018-12-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Help us celebrate the longest night of the year under the almost (one day early) full moon known as the Cold Moon. If we are lucky enough to have clear skies, we will not even need a flashlight. A night hike this time of year reveals secrets of the forest and field because the leaves are down increasing our viewing while the crisp air allows sounds to travel farther. Hiking after dark seems to heighten the acuity of our senses. Join us to see what the night-time forest unveils. Meet at Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd a little less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Winter Hike Field Trip
2019-01-26 09:30 - 11:30 | Molnar Sanctuary
The winter woods divulge secrets that are not noticed in the summer. Without leaves on the trees, the forest floor and topography can be appreciated in finer detail. Snow cover will allow us to see signs of the creatures that use our trails as we do. Often a complete story can be put together from the tracks in the snow. We will gather at the Dog Park parking lot on the east side of Page Road a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

Late Winter Bird Count Field Trip
2019-02-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Help us do our annual winter bird survey at this wonderful sanctuary where there is an excellent diversity of habitats. If you are new to birding or have had thoughts about beginning, winter is an excellent time to get started because there are no obscuring leaves, and the number of species are limited to our winter residents. Biting insects are dormant and the poison ivy has died back. It is a fun way to hold cabin fever at bay! Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2019-03-30 09:00 - 12:00 | OH
Get ready to be dazzled by the amazing breeding plumage of the many species of migrating ducks as they head to their breeding grounds. The drakes are in their finest dress in order to impress the hens and strengthen their pair bond. This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Have a full tank of gas and bring some lunch money as we will end with a stop at a restaurant to tally, compare notes and share stories. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Waltz Field Trip
2019-04-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
The springtime courtship dance and flight of the Woodcock is an annual must see. Join us for a twilight performance of the local Timberdoodles competing for the limelight trying to win their heart’s desire. If the weather and mother nature is on our side, we should have a grand display with multiple performers. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd about a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Mantua/Aurora border.

Spring Bird Walks Begin Field Trip
2019-04-14 07:30 - 09:00 | OH
This is a great opportunity to begin birding or share your passion for birding with others. We will be watching the fascinating phenomenon of migration as each week more and different species arrive on their way to summer nesting grounds either here or further north. This is the 86th year for this event where parks and sanctuaries all over the Cleveland and Akron area will lead walks recording all species seen and heard in order to submit the data to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This data is shared with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via their Ebird.org website allowing researchers all over the world to analyze the information for their projects.
Audubon and Novak Sanctuaries simultaneously. Click here for complete list of locations.
Continues Sundays through May 19 at 7:30am.

Nature Hike Field Trip
2019-06-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Lake Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, OH, 44094, United States
Join us for a nature hike at Lake Farm Park in Geauga County prior to our Annual Meeting (you will either need to purchase an admission ticket or be registered for our annual meeting). Consider staying with us for a social hour followed by dinner and a keynote speaker (registration is required for the dinner and speaker presentation). This will be a 1-hour, easy hike to see what natural wonders the summer season turns up for us.

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2019-07-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
This evening we will listen to the field and forest “changing of the guard”. The daytime creatures will be settling in for the night and the nocturnal creatures will be stirring into action. We will witness the overlap of activity during twilight. There is much more activity at this time of day. We sometimes are treated to an owl proclaiming territory or a fox instructing her pups or a coyote singing to the moon. Interesting insect sounds will surely surround us. Come on out to see what we discover. 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.

Summer Sounds Field Trip
2019-08-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
We will begin this evening hike listening to the Annual Cicadas and finish by hearing the Katydids. As it begins to darken, we’ll watch bats patrol the open space above the trail and in the openings of the woods. Join us in cheering them on as they catch their insect dinner while on the wing. Meet at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2019-09-13 20:00 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Explore Audubon’s Aurora Sanctuary after dark for a chance to add a few night-flyers to your list. It is now safe to go owling as the owlets are out of the nest and learning to forage on their own under supervision of their parents. We may hear and see barred owls, great-horned owls, and Eastern screech owls. Meet at the Bretschnieder/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko

Dazzling Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2019-09-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The unusual Fringed Gentian are among the last native wildflowers to bloom and give a boost to our spirits as we prepare for the cloud-cover and shortening days of what’s to come. If you have not enjoyed the intricate detail of the flower or soaked in the amazing blue of an open Fringed Gentian, then join us to see these and other autumn wildflowers in full bloom. If we have a sunny afternoon, you are sure to be dazzled! Meet at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Fall Leaf Colors Field Trip
2019-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Mid-October in Northeastern Ohio is a spectacular time to soak up the beauty of nature. John Lillich’s stories and style will keep you entertained with the natural and human history in this gem of a wildlife preserve. John hiked and worked these ridges and ravines ever since he was a child and intimately knows the moods and denizens of this woods. Join us and the Burrough’s Nature Club for a walk at peak color change (if mother nature agrees with our timing). John will also be making an indoor presentation on the Hach-Otis Preserve Friday night October 18th at 7:00 P.M.to the Burrough’s Nature Club at the Willoughby United Methodist Church in downtown Willoughby. All are welcome members or not. For the field trip on Saturday, meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive heading east off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Leaf Crunching Field Trip
2019-11-16 14:30 - 16:00 | Molnar Sanctuary
The leaves of brown are on the ground! If we have a dry day we can crunch and kick through the many leaves blanketing the trail and forest floor! I love a November walk because without the leaves on the trees we are better able to see the wildlife and the lay of the land. Often on these walks we remark, “I didn’t know that was there!” referring to a tree or boulder or wetland that had been obscured by summer leaf cover. Help us see what is new or newly discovered in this sanctuary with its varied habitats. Meet at the Aurora Dog Park parking lot on the east side of Page Road few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

Winter Solstice Field Trip
2019-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join us for a night hike celebrating the winter solstice (1 day early) marking the longest night of the year. Have you heard the wondrous silence of the winter woods after dark? It is an amazing aura! The quiet is occasionally interrupted by wind in the branches of the pines, the call of an owl, the howl of a coyote, or the scrabbling sound of a flying squirrel darting up a tree trunk. Meet at Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2020-01-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Winter is an excellent time to discover what wildlife resides in our woods which remain invisible behind the summer leaves of green. It is also a great way to see the lay of the land discovering ravines, ponds, and vernal pools that were hidden by summer vegetation. Join us to read tracks in the snow or catch a glimpse of a cottontail bounding away. 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.
