Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Winter Solstice Field Trip
2022-12-16 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

eBird 101: Getting Started via Zoom
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Getting Started in the New Year
Presented by Matt Valencic
A live presentation demonstrating how to get started and how to navigate the most popular features of eBird. We answer the questions “What’s in it for me?” and “What’s in it for bird conservation?” Registration required.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcOispzgsGNdyaAt87UyyVbDEcy-PYY2q
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

What a Plant Knows
2023-02-05 14:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Short, cold days don’t have to interfere with your study of natural history! The ASGC Education Committee invites you to join us in reading What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses (2017) by Daniel Chamovitz this winter. We’ll gather over coffee and tea in the warmth of the Novak Education Center to discuss the natural history of plants as revealed in this exciting little book.
RSVP at info@clevelandaudubon.org

The Buzz on Bumblebees via Zoom
2023-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Bumblebees- Essential Pollinators
Presented by Dr. Chris Pappas
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuCtqTIiHNbx_ps0dRv6y-QpU6BXjZYz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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.

Amphibians of NE Ohio via Zoom
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Presented by Dr. Jim Tomko
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucuqvqT0qHtxa8mWmmvNtJ-Jn7bM5snOG
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Native Plants for Birds
2023-03-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH, United States
Sponsored by Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland, presented by Matt Valencic.
Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH

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.

Warbler Warm-up via Zoom
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 | OH
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 AND preferred habitat. See all the warblers with eye rings on one slide. Learn about behaviors like tail wagging, skulking on the ground and walking along branches to help narrow down choices. You will learn to appreciate trilling, buzzy and high-pitched songs to narrow down birds you hear but cant see. We even send you home with a list of mnemonics like zay zay zay zoo zee (Black-throated Green Warbler). Approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours in length.
Presented by Matt Valencic and Kelly Stanek
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcuGvrjIqHdwMUNsoMB-tTPsL7qS-qyFT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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.

Lakeside Chautauqua
2023-05-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Lakeside Chautauqua, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, OH, 43440
Haven’t had enough birding programs? Join ASGC speakers Matt Valencic and Jim Tomko for “Owls of Ohio” (May 9) and “Warbler Warm-Up” (May 10) at Lakeside Chautauqua. Click HERE for admission and parking information.
Still need more? Matt Valencic will be delivering programs on “Summer Birds of NE Ohio” (May 30), “Wetland Birds of Eastern US” (May 31), and “Raptors” (also May 31). Click HERE for more information.

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.

Native Plants for Birds & Insects Rescheduled!
2023-05-25 19:00 - 20:00 | 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. Presented by Matt Valencic. At the end of the program, Matt will introduce a new PILOT program where members of ASGC and Shaker Lakes will offer consultation to homeowners wishing to make changes to their landscapes using native plants to attract more birds and insects. About 1-hour in length.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc-2gpjwpGdZ65_FWba0JS_-bU2Eac-Th
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Centennial Celebration!
2023-06-03 15:00 - 20:00 | Lake Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, OH, 44094, United States
Our first Annual Meeting and Dinner since 2019 just happens to be our 100th Birthday year! Held at the beautiful Lake Farmpark, our Centennial Celebration includes a nature walk, social hour, and catered dinner. Our keynote speaker is Al Batt, nationally known speaker, author, storyteller, humorist and birdwatcher. You may recognize his name from Birdwatchers Digest or his book, A Life Gone to the Birds. Please help us celebrate 100 years! Click HERE for the complete schedule and reservation information.

Pop-Up Garden Tour Self-guided
2023-07-16 13:00 - 16:00 | OH
A cooperative afternoon brought to you by the Nature in my Backyard Program of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Shaker Lakes Garden Club.
Four gardens in a closely defined area in Cleveland Heights, Beachwood, and Shaker Heights will be open to our membership and members’ guests. These gardens all exemplify various different means of bringing biodiversity to residential gardens by introducing native plants. Gardeners will be present to discuss how they are adjusting their gardens, in stages, to support birds, butterflies, bees, bunnies, and all sorts of native life in their gardens.
Sign up with name(s) of attendee(s) at natureinmybackyard@clevelandaudubon.org and the addresses of these gardens will be sent to you. Please do not pass on this invitation to anyone but your own personal guests.

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)

Birding Workshop Program
2023-08-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Our annual pre-event Birding Workshop will help you renew your skills or learn new ones in preparation for Bird Quest on September 8-9! (See separate listing. You do NOT have to register for Bird Quest to attend the Birding Workshop.)
Classroom work 9:00 – 10:15am
Bird walk in the Novak Sanctuary 10:30 – noon
Bring binoculars (if you have them), a hat and comfortable shoes for walking flat trails.
Light refreshments will be served.
The workshop is free, but please register so we know how many people to expect!

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.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2023-09-08 16:00 - 2023-09-09 18:30 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Our 9th Annual Team Birding Challenge
in support of the Chagrin River Corridor IBA
Get your team together and join us for 24-hours of birding fun! For experienced and brand-new birders! Share the day with family,
friends, co-workers or classmates! Explore the Chagrin River Valley from Lake Erie south to Audubon’s bird sanctuaries in Aurora.
Prizes for the most warblers, most species overall, most creative team name and more! Send pictures of your team birding throughout the day! Free t-shirts!
Join the Celebration on September 9th for awards, great food and great company!
Bird Quest is free but registration is required. The complete schedule and registration information is HERE.

Migrating Waterfowl Program
2023-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Orange Branch Library, 31975 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH, 44124, United States
Once the pretty summer songbirds have departed for points south, what do birders do? They put on another layer of cloths and go looking for waterfowl – Ducks, Geese, Swans, Loons, Grebes & Gulls. This presentation showcases these hardy visitors along with Hawks, Owls and smaller birds like Snow Buntings, Larkspurs and Kinglets. If you don’t like cold weather, ask about ‘car birding’, a favorite alternative to walking when wind chills plummet! About 1 hour in length.

Raptors of NE Ohio Program
2023-09-13 19:00 - 20:00 | North Royalton Public Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH, 44133, United States
Raptors are birds that get their food by hunting other birds or mammals. We know them as Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Owls. Some live here year-round while others visit only during the winter. Enjoy pictures and natural history of the 19 species typically found in NE Ohio throughout the year. About 1 hour in length.

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.

Migrating Waterfowl Program
2023-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Brookpark Library, 6155 Engle Road, Brook Park, OH, 44142-2198

Garden Walk
2023-10-06 | OH
Did you miss the Garden Walk in July? The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County have invited ASGC members to join them for a self guided Garden Walk October 6, the day before their October 7 Fall Seminar “Flowers, Trees, Backyards and Bees.”
The featured gardens on the tour include those which demonstrate their owners’ commitment to biodiversity and to fostering habitats that nurture our songbirds and other wildlife.
For the self-guided garden tour only, please RSVP to receive the addresses. natureinmybackyard@clevelandaudubon.org

Migrating Waterfowl & Winter Birds Programs
2023-10-17 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Once the pretty summer songbirds have departed for points south, what do birders do? They put on another layer of clothes and go looking for waterfowl – Ducks, Geese, Swans, Loons, Grebes & Gulls. This presentation showcases these hardy visitors along with Hawks, Owls and smaller birds like Snow Buntings, Larkspurs and Kinglets. If you don’t like cold weather, ask about ‘car birding’, a favorite alternative to walking when wind chills plummet! About 1 hour in length.
Four October dates and four locations!
10/17 Parma Heights Library @7pm
10/21 Gates Mills Library @ 2pm
10/23 Brecksville Library @ 7 pm
10/28 North Olmstead Library @ 10am

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.
