Summer Birds of NE Ohio Event
2024-06-23 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | North Chagrin Nature Center, Off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Willoughby Hills, 44094, United States
Did you know that more than 50 species of birds travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles each spring just to raise a family in NE Ohio? One species, the Bobolink, flies 4,500 miles one-way from Paraguay/Uruguay to the hay fields of Geauga and Portage Counties. This one-hour presentation showcases 50 species of “Summer Visitors” through 180 photographs of adult birds, babies, nests and habitats. You will hear songs and calls, some sweet and musical like the Yellow Warbler and others harsh like the Green Heron and learn many interesting anecdotes about individual species.

Soft Landings via Zoom
2024-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Have you ever wondered where the pollinators in your garden come from? Do you wonder where they go? And do you wonder how we, as gardeners, can make their lifecycles happy and productive?
Take a lunch break from weeding and watering and join the team from Nature in My Backyard on a Zoom presentation celebrating the ways in which we can improve the lives of our pollinators, and thereby increase the biodiversity in our own backyards.
Dave Tomashefski, the Director of Education for Meadow City Native Plant Nursery, will speak on the importance of Soft Landings to the life of a butterfly or moth – and so much more! How to prepare the beds, how to plant them, recommended plants to use, and most importantly WHY we should do this. Maximize the value of your tree cover while you beautify your garden!
For the link to the Zoom presentation, email natureinmybackyard@clevelandaudubon.org

Raptors of NE Ohio Event
2024-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Jefferson Branch Cle Pub Library, 850 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44113
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.

Summer Birds of NE Ohio Event
2024-07-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Gates Mills Library, 1491 Chagrin River Road, Gates Mills, OH, 44040, United States

New Birders Workshop Event
2024-08-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Designed for newer birder’s before Chagrin River Bird Quest. Classroom session discusses bird field marks (using bird photographs), how to use your field guide and binoculars, and birding etiquette. Then take a walk in the sanctuary with seasoned birders to find some birds and practice what you just learned, see different habitats and learn how to ‘get on the bird’.

Chagrin River Bird Quest Event
2024-09-06 16:00 - 2024-09-07 18:30 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
This year celebrates 10 years of Chagrin River Bird Quest (CRBQ), the FREE 24-hour team birding challenge for families and birders of all skill levels. Birding begins on Friday September 6th at 4:00pm and concludes with a celebration and prizes on Saturday September 7th at 4:00pm.
This year CRBQ will be headquartered at The Rookery, 11100 Cedar Road in Chesterland, where you can pick up your FREE T-shirt, commemorative pen, checklist and other materials on Friday from 4:00 – 6:00pm. Guided bird walks are scheduled Friday and Saturday and open to all (see separate article).
This FREE family-friendly event is an opportunity to get outside and enjoy all of nature during the fall bird migration. CRBQ also serves as an annual snapshot of the birds present in the Chagrin River Corridor IBA (Important Bird Area) which includes all the Chagrin River watershed. Birders are asked to stay within the IBA for all their sightings.
See you at Bird Quest!
Online registration is required! Click HERE to register.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2024-09-06 20:30 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
Owl Prowl, Audubon Aurora Sancuary, on Friday Sept. 6 @ 8:30pm. Meet at 8:15pm in the Brettschneider Park parking lot, 881 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH. Primitive trail with some hills and stairs.

Chagrin River Park Field Trip
2024-09-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Chagrin River Park, 1000 Rural Road, Eastlake, OH, 44095, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
Chagrin River Park on Saturday Sept. 7 @ 8:00am. Meet at 7:45am in the parking lot at 1000 Rural Road, Eastlake, OH. Smooth, flat trails.

The Rookery Field Trip
2024-09-07 08:00 - 10:00 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
Three guided walks are open to everyone during this year’s Chagrin River Bird Quest. No registration required – just show up before the start time.
The Rookery on Saturday Sept. 7 @ 8:00am. Meet at 7:45am in the parking lot at 10110 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH. Smooth, flat trails.

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2024-09-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
These beauties are among the last wildflowers to bloom of the season but well worth the wait. There are several species of Gentians in our area but the Fringed Gentian is an unusual and fabulous one. Also in bloom will be Closed or Bottle Gentian, Ladies Tresses, Great Lobelia, Wingstem, Goldenrod and Aster. Join us for a fall wildflower hike and you will be amazed at the color and bounty of autumn! Meet at the Bretschnieder parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Brown Bagging It via Zoom
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Let’s get this done….The worst invasives and how to put an end to them.
Matt Valencic has always appreciated habitat. As a hunter and fisherman in his youth, he knew where to look for game based on the animal’s needs at that time of year. After studying Forest Biology and Botany in college, he learned how to enhance animal populations by managing the habitat. Upon retirement he attended Master Gardener training and learned a great deal more about plants and insects. Today he is helping manage habitat in the sanctuaries of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland where he and other volunteers battle invasive plants that compete with natives, all this in the name of increasing biodiversity.
Today he will share some of the methods used in that battle. Sometimes they dig … sometimes they cut and treat stumps … and sometimes the only solution is chemical. He is going to share when each is appropriate and why.
To join the Zoom presentation:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71706567628?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 816 1167 4725
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Extraordinary Adaptations via Zoom
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Extraordinary Adaptations: The Science and Wonder of Migration with Dr. Sarah Mabey
The migratory life is more than just an easy trip to the sunny tropics. Migration is a demanding and dangerous endeavor. Learn how migratory birds meet the challenges of life on the move and how scientists are uncovering their extraordinary adaptations.
Registration required. Use this is the link for registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvduChpj8vHdDsVQ4-ovLGfa_I7cU8F_pW

Autumn Leaf Color Hike Field Trip
2024-10-19 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
We are very fortunate to have the spectacular view of the palette of autumn leaf colors spreading out as far as the eye can see over the beautiful Chagrin River Valley in our own Hach-Otis Sanctuary. The mix of tree species is just right to give a dazzling fall view. Meet at the Hach-Otis parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Leaf Kicking Hike Field Trip
2024-11-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Remember the sound and feeling of wading through a carpet of leaves as a kid? Consider joining us for a walk through the fallen leaves. We will have a chance to see a turkey flock but we are not announcing that because when we do, they all take cover and remain out of sight. Meet at the Aurora Sanctuary parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Where do they go? via Zoom
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Back by popular demand! Zoom in to hear Dave Tomashefski speak:
Where Do They Go?
We love to watch pollinators visiting our flowers, but as the growing season ends, we may wonder about the pollinators’ lives away from the flowers. Where do they go to find shelter, and how can we modify our gardens to give these insects a home? This presentation explores the garden as though it were a city of pollinators with habitat features that we, the gardeners, can provide. Special emphasis will be given to winter shelter.
Dave Tomashefski, the Director of Education for Meadow City Native Plant Nursery, will speak on the importance of leaving the leaves, to the lives of butterflies, bees and moths – and so much more! By treating fall leaves and stems gently, we can improve the overwintering success of the pollinators we work so hard to attract.
Join the Zoom Presentation
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81271573092?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 812 7157 3092
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Owls of Ohio via Zoom
2024-11-21 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
12 species of owls have been spotted in Ohio. Several are residents, some are migrants, and a few are accidental visitors. Interesting owl trivia will be revealed. Some tips on how, when and where to spot owls will be shared. Presented by Jim Tomko.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErcO2orT0qHN1qr97C6sA8wDZTB6H-aMey
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Wetland Birds of the Eastern U.S. via Zoom
2024-12-19 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support aquatic AND terrestrial plants and animals. They provide nesting habitat for many species in the summer and resting/feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl and passerines in spring and fall. This presentation showcases iconic wetland species like egrets, herons, ibis and rails along with raptors, waterfowl, warblers and more. There is even a bonus section presenting insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that make their homes in wetlands.
Presented by Matt Valencic
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcOugpzojG9a74F2Wi4WsweXbTh6AXvFt
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Winter Solstice Hike Field Trip
2024-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Have you ever taken a night walk in the winter field and forest? The winter woods are quiet and peaceful if the weather is calm. It will restore and reset your inner peace. We will be celebrating one of the longest nights of the year with this winter night hike. Let us hope that the stars and moon will shine brightly through the cool clear atmosphere and know that we have a chance at hearing an owl or a coyote singing to the moon. 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 in Aurora.

Winter Sowing via Zoom
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Winter sowing is a germination method starting seeds outdoors in an enclosed container in winter. Sowing native seeds in January is a fantastic way to kickstart your spring garden! Winter sowing offers the unique advantage of giving your plants a head start, allowing them to grow and develop faster than those sown in the spring. By planting seeds in an enclosed container, you can place them outdoors where they will benefit from a cozy micro-environment that helps accelerate both germination and growth. This seed sowing presentation will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to sow seeds effectively and successfully. Presented by the Natural Resources team at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes.
Join the Zoom Presentation:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82474073716?pwd=
[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 824 7407 3716
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Nature in My Backyard is a program of the
Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and the Shaker Lakes Garden Club.

Sparrows & Finches of NE Ohio via Zoom
2025-01-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, this program has been changed to: “LBJs: Sparrows & Finches of NE Ohio.”
Little Brown Jobs! That’s how many of us identify sparrows and finches, mostly because they are LBJs! But each of the 28 species we find in NE Ohio has one or more features to help lead to its identity. Through lots of photographs this program introduces you to these small birds, where to find them, when to expect to see them, and how to separate them from similar species. It’s time to put a name to the face! About 1-hour. Presented by Matt Valencic.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIof-2vqjMvHdCOTdNohYmMrHl767MgbzgW
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2025-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Our resident wildlife use our trails too! Due to their nocturnal nature or their skittish wariness, we rarely see them but they do leave evidence behind. You may help me discover “who” walked the trail ahead of us. Let’s hope for a thin coating of new fallen snow for them to register their marks on the path. 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. Please wear waterproof footwear.

Will it be beautiful? via Zoom
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Steve Cagan lives in Cleveland Heights, and shares birding, native plants and vegetable gardening with his wife, Beth. His avian photography and the images from his garden are by-products of a long-standing love of nature and birding. He will present a look through the year at the engaging beauty of his native garden.
Steve has exhibited and published photography on four continents and has published reviews and critical writings in variety of professional journals and books. Major awards include two Fulbright Fellowships, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and several Ohio Arts Council Fellowships and New Jersey Arts Council Fellowships. Steve taught photography at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, 1985-1993.
Register HERE.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2025-02-16 08:30 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This fun international bird count also helps us achieve our annual winter bird survey and contributes to the statistics managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaberation with National Audubon and Birds Canada. All participants are welcomed regardless of experience. We need young acute hearing ability to discover the Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Cedar Waxwings. Please dress for the weather with proper footwear for a 2-mile saunter that lasts about 2.5 hours. Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

A Bird's Eye View via Zoom
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
A Birds Eye View: The Sensory World of Birds
Did you know that a bird’s eyesight is more than seven times keener than yours? Birds experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the world in a radically different way than we do. Learn about some of the amazing ways birds make sense of their environment.
Presented by Dr. Sarah Mabey.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EFxS25tMRSS0Ev4bP8zJ2w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Planting for the Planet 101 via Zoom
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Don’t miss our next Brown Bagging it in My Backyard Zoom talk on Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Zoom in to hear Citizen Scientist John Barber’s talk Planting for the Planet 101. As the climate emergency brings awareness that nature exists in our own yards, not only in parks, people are looking for a new way to garden. John Barber will present practical ideas about how to begin, or continue, to increase habitat and reduce lawn in your own green space.
Visit our website at https:natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org to register.

Insects in the Forest Canopy via Zoom
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
Insect interactions high in the canopy of a forest have largely remained a mystery. To understand what’s happening in and above the canopy, one must visit it. Here, I focus on how accessing, quantifying, and inferring ecological interactions in and above the forest canopy alters our understanding of forest insect ecology and end with a participatory discussion on a novel project design.
REGISTRATION LINK:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vrbQnxE7RumQBq_A2iCU2w
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2025-03-22 08:30 - 12:00 | 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.
