Jackson Field Field Trip
2018-09-15 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2020-02-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Help us complete our winter bird survey while participating in the international Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by National Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This walk is especially satisfying because we can see almost all the birds we hear as opposed to the summer season where they can be obscured in the canopy. It is also a great time for those just getting started in birding to learn about our winter resident species and techniques of finding our quarry all while contributing important citizen science information to ornithologists anywhere in the world. Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Canceled
2020-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
This field trip has been canceled.
Join us for a “caravan style” field trip to witness the awesome breeding plumage of the wonderful waterfowl that move through our area on their way to northern breeding grounds. The drakes are in their showiest, fancy plumage to impress the females and at the same time astound us! Early spring brings more than 20 species of waterfowl to rest and refuel during their migration. Join us with a full tank of gas and some lunch money as we gather at a restaurant to share our checklists and stories of the morning’s birding. Meet at the Ladue Reservoir boat ramp at the end of Washington Street in Auburn Township (Geauga County).

Fringed Gentian Hike Field Trip
2021-09-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join us to see this exquisite native wildflower. These rare flowers are losing ground due to housing developments, loss of wet soils, excess mowing and the use of herbicides. Fringed Gentians are biennials which flower in the second year. The amazing and delicate blue blossoms are something to behold. In addition to the Fringed Gentian, we also will see Closed or Bottle Gentian in bloom. Stop and absorb some of the last flowers to bloom for the season. Meet at the Brettschneider Park/Audubon Parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Autumn Colors Hike Field Trip
2021-10-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Lillich Meadows, 2685 Dodd Road, Willoughby Hills, OH, United States
Hach-Otis has the right mix of tree species and the right micro-climate to dazzle you with the full palette of autumn colors. Views over the Chagrin River Valley are spectacular! John Lillich will guide us on a wonderful tour of this special place. Since John grew up in and around this woodland, he can give interesting history and a wealth of natural history information.
Meet at the Audubon’s “Brown Barn” on the Carol and John Lillich Meadows at 2685 Dodd Road in Willoughby Hills.
Registration is not required.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2021-11-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Maybe this year we will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of our local wild turkey flock. As all wild turkey hunters know, they are an exceedingly alert and elusive species even though they are quite common. In addition, they may know how close Thanksgiving is! I can guarantee a visit to our new and amazing observation deck overlooking the Beaver Pond built by Audubon volunteers. Meet at the parking lot about one mile north of State Route 82 on the east side of Townline Road on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Winter Solstice Hike Field Trip
2021-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Come and celebrate the closest Friday night to the Winter Solstice without interfering with Christmas Eve activities. These are among the longest nights of the year and we can enjoy the peace and quiet of the winter woods one night short of the full moon. Owls may call, coyotes may howl, beaver may announce us but these natural sounds are good for the soul. Meet at the parking lot about 1 mile north of State Route 82 on the east side of Townline Road on the Aurora/Mantua Border.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2022-01-29 09:30 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Winter Track Walk – Aurora Sanctuary
Let’s see who else uses our trails when we are not there. A number of mammals and some birds leave distinctive tracks and “calling cards.” Sometimes there is a real-life story to tell from the imprints left in the snow. This is a 2 mile walk so dress for the weather with proper footwear. We will hope for a fresh light snowfall to show the details of the tracks registering in the snow. Meet at the Brettschneider Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2022-02-20 09:30 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Great Backyard Bird Count – Aurora Sanctuary
Join in on this international bird count that occurs this weekend throughout the world. We will count every bird we see and hear on this 2-mile walk following a path that has been surveyed this particular weekend of the year for many years. You will be contributing to our knowledge of what species use our sanctuary in the winter and this information will be submitted to e-bird which will then be shared with interested parties throughout the world. Dress for the weather including proper footwear for snow or mud. Meet at the Brettschneider Parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2022-03-26 09:00 - 11:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
This is our annual “caravan style” field trip to witness the awesome breeding plumage of the wonderful waterfowl that move through our area on their way to northern breeding grounds. The drakes are in their resplendent plumage to impress the females while at the same time astounding us! Early spring brings more than 20 species of waterfowl to rest and refuel during their rapid northward migration. Please join us with a full tank of gas. We will meet at the Ladue Reservoir boat ramp at the end of Washington Street in Auburn Township (Geauga County).

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2022-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Just as dusk turns to night the male Woodcocks put on their “dancin’ shoes” to woo the females with impressive flight displays. The wet fields at the Novak sanctuary are ideal breeding grounds for these upland shore birds. They begin with a ground dance and then rocket up into the night sky to circle and fly for a few moments before twittering and zipping back to earth. If the hen is sufficiently impressed, she will fly in to express her amazement. You will be amazed at the show these feather fluffs can put on! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. about a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border. Please wear mud proof boots as the trails will be muddy on this 2-mile, 2-hour walk.

Woodland Symphony Field Trip
2022-04-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Let us hear how many “instruments” are in our “natural orchestra” and who is accompanying! Often it is a 6- or 7-piece ensemble with many many chairs. First chair is the winner of the contest as they croon for the gals’ attention! Learn the calls of spring peepers, wood frogs, western chorus frogs, leopard frogs, green frogs and American toads. Frequently the local barred owls are critiquing the performance while the coyotes may be heckling from the shadows. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. about a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border. Please wear mud proof footwear as the trails will be muddy on this 2-mile, 2-hour walk.

Thrush Virtuosos Field Trip
2022-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Those amazing natural flautists that haunt the forest with their ethereal songs at roosting time will astound your sense of hearing. Up to 4 species are likely with the maestro being the veery who actually has a syrinx that can create a duet with itself. Wear boots suitable for mud as the trails will have some muddy sections. Prepare for mosquitoes on this 2-mile walk. Meet at the Brettschneider Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.
