Waterfowl Wander Canceled
2020-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Birding Workshop
2022-08-27 09:00 - 11:30 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Update your skills or learn new ones in preparation for the Chagrin River Bird Quest (September 9 — 10). A one hour presentation (in person at the Novak Education Center) will be followed by a guided walk through the Novak Sanctuary to practice what you learned! Beginners and experienced birders are all welcome!
Please register for the Workshop HERE.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2022-09-09 16:00 - 2022-09-10 18:30 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Chagrin River Bird Quest!
What is Bird Quest? It’s our annual, 24-hour, team birding challenge in support of the Chagrin River Important Bird Area.
Get your team together and Check in on Friday, Sept 9, from 4pm to 6pm, at the West Woods Nature Center to pick up your checklist, maps and FREE T-SHIRTS.
Then head out birding for 1 hour or all 24, north to the Lake Erie shoreline or south to the Audubon sanctuaries in Aurora. Bird on your own or join a guided hike (there will be at least 1 night-time Owl Prowl!).
Then join the Celebration! at the West Woods Nature Center for food, fun and awards. Prizes for the most birds overall, the most warblers, the most creative team name, and more! There’s also door prizes and raffles for spectacular nature-themed artwork!
All Bird Quest activities are free and open to the public but registration is required. Please register HERE.

Chagrin River Bird Quest 2023
2022-09-09 16:00 - 2022-09-10 18:30 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Chagrin River Bird Quest!
What is Bird Quest? It’s our annual, 24-hour, team birding challenge in support of the Chagrin River Important Bird Area.
Get your team together and Check in on Friday, Sept 8, from 4pm to 6pm, at the West Woods Nature Center to pick up your checklist, maps and FREE T-SHIRTS.
Then head out birding for 1 hour or all 24, north to the Lake Erie shoreline or south to the Audubon sanctuaries in Aurora. Bird on your own or join a guided hike (there will be at least 1 night-time Owl Prowl!).
Then join the Celebration! at the West Woods Nature Center for food, fun and awards at what time. Prizes for the most birds overall, the most warblers, the most creative team name, and more! There’s also door prizes and raffles for spectacular nature-themed artwork!
All Bird Quest activities are free and open to the public but registration is required. Please register HERE.

Fringed Gentian Field Trip
2022-09-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The gorgeous fringed gentian is among the most stunning of our 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 purplish-blue blossoms to the sun 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. Registration is not required.

Fall Colors Field Trip
2022-10-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Often our palette of autumn color will give the New England forests a run for title of the most stunning hues! With the mix of tree 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 Hach-Otis Parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off of River Road in Willoughby Hills. Registration is not required.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2022-11-05 09:30 - 11:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Will we be successful in our 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 on the less traveled Mantua side of the sanctuary. 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
2022-12-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Help us celebrate the longest night of the year a few days early so as not to conflict with holiday celebrations. If we are lucky enough to have clear skies, the stars will light our way. 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 non-visual senses. Join us to discover 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 Track Walk Field Trip
2023-01-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Last fall a bobcat was seen in the area! I wonder if it uses our Novak Sanctuary for food or shelter. Winter is a great time to discover what other creatures use our trails as we search for tracks and other signs of their presence. 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 Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Route 82 on the Mantua/Aurora border.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2023-02-19 09:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
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
2023-03-11 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 they head north to their breeding grounds. It is amazing to me at the number of species with the possibilities of grebes, loons, and both diving and dabbling ducks. 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. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Waterfowl at Grand Valley Ranch Field Trip
2023-03-31 08:30 - 11:30 | Grand Valley Ranch, Orwell, OH, 44076, United States
Some say the American Robin is the harbinger of spring, but the swans, ducks, geese, and shorebirds might disagree. The Land Conservancy has partnered with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland to host a morning of birding just as waterfowl are making their strongest push north through Ohio and shorebirds are beginning to pass our way. If conditions are right, we could see up to 29 species of waterfowl, including three swans.
The Land Conservancy’s Grand Valley Ranch protects 1,200 acres of ideal habitat for waterfowl and various waterbirds. Permanently conserved in 2015, the Land Conservancy has restored the site from historical high impact uses (agriculture, mining, aquaculture, etc) to a natural, 3-mile long, flow-through wetland complex. Utilizing funds from Clean Ohio, USFWS, and the Ohio EPA, $3.5M was invested in the property to restore this ancient Tamarack Swamp!
Advanced registration is required.
Event details:
Friday, March 31 at 8:30 am to 11:30 am (Rain Date: April 14)
Leaders: Members of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and Renee Boronka, Manager of Education at the Land Conservancy
Fee: Free
Limit: 25 people
Location: Directions will be sent to registrants. Grand Valley Ranch is in Orwell, OH.
Register HERE

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2023-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
If you have not had the chance to witness the amazing breeding display, then you are missing a fascinating romance of our local wildlife! At this time of year male woodcocks woo the females with a basic “soft shoe” and a simple nasal call and then take off in a wonderful flight display that must be seen to believe! Each year there are several males proclaiming to be the “best in their field”! Join us for a sunset performance that you will talk about for weeks! 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.

Frogs, frogs, frogs and toads! Field Trip
2023-04-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This is a most amazing symphony directed by Mother Nature herself! Hear the banjo plucks of the Green Frogs, the piccolo pipes of the Spring Peepers, snores of the Leopard Frogs, trills of the American Toads with a chorus by the Chorus Frogs all accompanied by the percussion provided by the beaver. If we are lucky the local Barred Owls will call out their critiques of the performance! It is a most amazing night of “music”! Meet at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail (896 East Pioneer trail) a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Rush for Thrush! Field Trip
2023-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Did you know that there are seven species of Thrush in our area in May? We hope to set a record for the most species of Thrush seen in one of our sanctuaries in one session. The possibilities are Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, American Robin, and Bluebird. We will meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2023-07-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Because it is a cooler time of day with the fading light and lengthening shadows that allow more concealment many creatures move about more freely. Often we hear owls, coyote, fox, raccoon, and deer. Many birds will be singing their call to roost song. 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)

High Summer Hike Field Trip
2023-08-19 13:30 - 15:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
We are excited to investigate how the fields are recovering from invasive buckthorn eradication early this past spring. We will also pass through the forest to a wildlife viewing blind to see if the beaver have successfully restored their marsh 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.

Fringed Gentian Field Trip
2023-09-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Would you like to be dazzled by our treasured Fringed Gentian patch? Fringed Gentian are an uncommon native plant with an astounding color of blue in their delicately toothed petals. Fringed Gentian are one of the last flowers to bloom in our area. We will also see the more common Closed or Bottle Gentian. If conditions are right, Ladies Tresses, which belong to the orchid family, will be in bloom. Pray for sunshine and you will have an unforgettable display! Meet at the Brettschneider/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Fall Color Walk Field Trip
2023-10-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
If you have not had the opportunity to see the fall colors from the Hach-Otis Sanctuary, here is your chance. There is a spectacular view to the east overlooking the Chagrin River valley with trees showing off their unique colors. We have the right mix of species to rival the leaf color change anywhere in the world! Join us to take in the beauty of the changing of the seasons. Meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the east end of Skyline drive (off River Road) in Willoughby Hills.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2023-11-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Molnar Sanctuary
This walk, over the years, has consistently failed to produce a single Wild Turkey! It is likely because they all know Thanksgiving is close at hand. Would you consider helping me find one or a flock of these wily, elusive birds which were once extirpated from Ohio but are now found in every county. Even if the Wild Turkeys do not show up, it will still be an enjoyable walk in our less traveled sanctuary where many of you have not had the pleasure to explore. Meet at the Aurora Dog Park parking lot on the east side of Page Road just a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Rd. in Aurora.
