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.

Warbler Warm-up Various
2025-04-11 13:00 - 14:00 | OH
Warbler Warm Up
Gates Mills Library April 11 @ 1:00pm
West Wood Nature Center April 13 @ 2:00pm
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, behaviors and preferred habitat. About 1 ¼ hours in length.
(Gates Mills Library, 1491 Chagrin River Road, Gates Mills, OH)
(West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87), Novelty, OH)

Native Plants for Birds, Insects & Biodiversity Program
2025-04-11 13:00 - 14:00 | The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, OH, 44689
April 11, 2025 @ 1:00pm
Native Plants for Birds, Insects and Biodiversity
The Wilderness Center, Wilmot, 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. About 1-hour in length.

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.

Birds of NE Ohio Various
2025-04-14 18:30 - 19:30 | OH
Birds of NE Ohio
Mentor Public Library April 14 @ 6:30pm
North Royalton Library April 15 @ 7:00pm
Over 230 species of birds can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are year-round residents and others just pass through on their way to the Boreal Forests of Canada. Others fly across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop to have their babies in our back yards! Get a close look at 100 of the most common residents, migrants and breeding birds of NE Ohio and learn where and when to find them. Approximately 1 hour in length.
(Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH)
(North Royalton Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH)

Warbler Warm-up via Zoom
2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
The prettiest birds on the planet will be arriving in Ohio during April and May. Whether you are a new birder or a veteran, join us to polish your I.D. skills or to just enjoy the beautiful pictures. Many tips on separating similar species. Handouts on our website after the program.
REGISTRATION LINK:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/54k2GQNRSGm8zc_hygwCNQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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.

Save the World! via Zoom
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
If you’ve ever felt there is nothing you can do to help solve some of our world’s environmental realities, this talk is for you. Harvey Webster shows us how beautifying our personal landscapes with more native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants helps restore habitat for the multitude of creatures that live there and contribute to increasing biological biodiversity in our communities and ultimately the world.
REGISTRATION LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m8Itca5ERp2aZBB1YopdEg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

A conversation with... via Zoom
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
A Conversation with Ginger Woolridge and Harvey Webster
Ginger and Harvey will engage in a wide-ranging conversation about native trees and shrubs and their importance, sustainability, conservation at home and how to support native biodiversity in your yards and communities. You won’t want to miss it.
Ginger Woolridge is an author, speaker and landscape consultant with a long-held focus on the health of our environment. In 2018, she and Tony Dove, a retired Smithsonian Institution horticulturist, published Essential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States. The book provides a useful guide to many of the native woody plants that support our diminishing insect and bird populations.
Ms. Woolridge earned a BS in Landscape Architecture from the Penn State University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a Master Naturalist and served for 10 years on the board of a Maryland-based Smart Growth Advocacy group. A current focus is the protection of native flora, especially our canopy trees. These plants are threatened by out of balance deer populations and an epidemic of invasive plants, some of which continue to be sold in garden centers. To this end, in 2023, she cofounded the Annapolis based non-profit, Save Our Trees. www.saveourtreestogether.org Through action, education and advocacy, the group helps our city, county, communities and individuals save our woodlands from fatal vine infestations.
Nature in my Backyard is a program of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, the Shaker Lakes Garden Club and the Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Annual Dinner & Meeting Program
2025-06-14 15:00 - 19:00 | Veterans Legacy Woods, 14085 Ravenna Rd, Newbury Township, OH, 44065, United States
On June 14th, we will celebrate our members and volunteers at our Annual Dinner and Meeting at the beautiful Veteran’s Legacy Woods in Geauga County
(14085 Ravenna Road in Newbury).
We will enjoy a wonderful walk in the woods starting at 3pm, followed by fellowship and a short business meeting.
Dinner will be served at about 5:30pm.
T h e evening will be topped off with renowned naturalist and fabulous speaker, Judy Semroc! She will entertain us with tales of the amazing chimney swifts and other fascinating
observations through an expert naturalist’s eye.
Please make your reservations today! $35 per person.
Mail a check and the names of everyone
in your party to:
ASGC Annual Dinner P.O. Box 391037, Solon, OH 44139
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Good Bug - Bad Bug via Zoom
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Learn about increasing biodiversity in our landscapes to attract more beneficial insects and help control insect pests. We achieve these goals by removing non-native invasive plants, and adding a variety of native flowers, shrubs and trees that beautify our yards throughout the growing season. More native plants will also attract more butterflies and birds for you to enjoy.
You decide what you want it to look like and what plants you prefer. A list of resources will be provided, or you can invite the team at Nature in My Backyard to help.
Matt Valencic is a Master Gardener of Geauga County and Chair of the Education Committee of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

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)

Gardening for a Concert via Zoom
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
From bird songs in the spring and summer to an evening chorus of
crickets and katydids in late summer into fall, we can invite and
welcome nature’s chorus into our yards and gardens. A large park may
have a full-sized orchestra, but the intimacy of a chamber ensemble
singing close to our homes is also very rewarding. If we know what
the performers need to create their music, we can begin to provide a
setting in which they will thrive.
Lisa Rainsong holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from
the Cleveland Institute of Music and is a member of CIM’s music
theory faculty. A soprano as well as a teacher and composer, she also
earned a Naturalist Certificate from the Cleveland Museum of Natural
History, where her study focused on field experience. She now teaches
birdsong, amphibian song, and insect song classes across the state
and does field recording of bird songs and insect songs. In addition,
she does field research on crickets and katydids – research work that
is done primarily by ear. Her recordings and photos can be found on her
blog, Listening in Nature at http://listeninginnature.blogspot.com
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

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)

Bird Quest 2025
2025-09-05 16:00 - 2025-09-06 19:00 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
Save the date for this year’s Bird Quest, coming September 5 – 6! Our base of operations will be at The Rookery in Geauga County, same as last year. Please plan on joining us.
Registration now open!

Rooted for Success via Zoom
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Rooted for Success:
Tree Planting Best Practices
Tune in for Chad’s advice about proper tree-planting. Chad will walk you through best practices for selecting the right tree for your spot, choosing the healthiest nursery stock, and using proper planting techniques. You’ll also learn key tips for transplanting and how to give young trees the early care they need to thrive. Join us to grow your tree-planting know-how from the ground up!
Chad is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist. He is also a Municipal Specialist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified with the ISA, and an Ohio Licensed Commercial Applicator. Chad is passionate about providing high quality tree and shrub care with a goal towards preservation. He enjoys putting his expertise to use advising his clients about maintaining their landscapes.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Confusing Fall Warblers via Zoom
2025-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Many of our ‘Summer Birds’ molt before starting the long journey to their winter territories in Central and South America. Some of them look quite different in their ‘basic plumage’ while others look surprisingly similar. The young-of-the-year can also be confusing, often appearing like adult females. This talk will explore some of the differences with clues for recognizing birds that you might mistake for new species. Presented by Matt Valencic. About 1-hour in length.
Register in advance for this meeting.
When: Sep 18, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ifaqfYaCTQWEghyNhx4wzQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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)

Raptors of NE Ohio Program
2025-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Gates Mills Library, 1491 Chagrin River Road, Gates Mills, OH, 44040, 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.

Migrating Waterfowl Program
2025-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Sandy Ridge Park, 6195 Otten Road, North Ridgeville, OH, 44039, United States
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.

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.

Birds of NE Ohio Program
2025-10-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Rock Creek Library, 2988 High Street, Rock Creek, OH, 44084, United States
Over 200 species of birds can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are year-round residents and others just pass through on their way to the Boreal Forests of Canada. Others fly across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop to have their babies in our backyards! Get a close-up look at 100 of the most common residents, migrants and breeding birds of NE Ohio and learn where and when to find them. Approximately 1 hour in length.

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.

At Home with Native Nut Trees via Zoom
2025-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Hickories, oaks, hazelnuts — these are some of your favorite things — if you happen to be a native lepidopteran, bird, or mammal. But also, the human relationship and history with these native nut-bearing megaflora runs deep as well. For many good reasons.
Join Nathan Johnson on a multi-layered exploration of some of the best native nut trees a backyard could have. We’ll look into unique species characteristics, ecological benefits, growing and care tips, and even some cultural-historical background. Last, but not least, we’ll touch on some recommended species and
individual specimens for home orchard set-ups. Ohio-native pecans, anyone?
As the Ohio Environmental Council’s licensed Senior Attorney for Land and Water, Nathan focuses on administrative agency actions that impact our public lands and waterways. He advocates and litigates for the protection of special places, increased access to public lands, and clean water for people and wildlife. Nathan resides in the Columbus area with his wife, two children,
and numerous pets. He enjoys gardening, the aquarium hobby, and going on outdoor adventures with his family.
To join the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is a program of the
Audubon Society of Greater Clevelandand the Shaker Lakes Garden Club,
together with the Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County.

Wild About Winter via Zoom
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
As we approach the winter solstice and prepare for the festive holidays of December, it is interesting to ponder the wild goings-on in in our yards, our gardens and our neighborhoods. No, not those wild goings-on! Rather what is happening in nature. True, many organisms are now dormant, but many are not.
Harvey Webster will explore the lives of select animals and plants in winter, their adaptations and strategies for survival, and focus on the importance of the winter solstice as the key signal and lead-in to spring. We will also explore how we can observe the vibrant life of winter.
There is always much to explore in our own habitats and ‘hoods, regardless of season.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is a program of the
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Shaker Lakes Garden Club,
together with the Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County.

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.

Ecoregions of Ohio via Zoom
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Ever wonder why some plants do better in some parts of the state than others? Ecoregions are geographically distinct areas of land, characterized by distinctive climates, ecological features, and plant and animal communities. Five broad ecoregions are identified in Ohio and most of these are further subdivided. Each has its own distinctive characteristics, in the soil and the
plant communities that grow there.
Former Ohio First Lady Hope Taft will share what she has learned about Ohio in the last 25 years. We’ll take a look at geology and how it relates to gardening, both in the Heritage Garden at the Governors Residence and elsewhere and how it lead to the establishment of Ohio Native Plant Month.
Learn about the formation of the land we call Ohio and the influence on plants we can grow. Take a quick look at the state’s 5 major physiographic regions and what plants make them special and how they got to Ohio. We’ll explore the use of native plants by gardeners around the state.
Hope Taft was Ohio’s First Lady from 1999 to 2007. She is an honorary Master Gardener and an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. As First Lady, Hope transformed the Governor’s Mansion grounds into a stunning showcase of Ohio’s native plants and recreations of Ohio’s diverse ecological areas.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

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)
