Good Bug - Bad Bug via Zoom
2025-07-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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)

Birds of NE Ohio Program
2026-02-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Bay Village Library, 27400 Wolf Road, Bay Village, OH, 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 back yards! 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. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Ephemeral Excitement via Zoom
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Ephemeral Excitement: The Spring Rush For Sunlight, Nectar, Pollen & Love
Judy Semroc, Conservation Specialist
Our natural world has a tight schedule for completing many important feeding mating and survival tasks before the trees fully leaf out and many of our spring wildflowers and insects take on a different look to their existence. Join in to learn about why these fleeting performances are so very important.
Conservation specialist, field biologist and naturalist Judy Semroc has 25+ years of experience offering hands-on exploration based learning programs. As a former Petroleum Geologist and science teacher, Judy loves to learn about and share her passion for the natural world through hikes, interpretive programs, and photography. Judy is the founder of Chrysalis in Time‚ the first Ohio chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Judy also serves on the board of the Ohio Bluebird Society & Ohio Ornithological Society (Conservation Committee). She has co-authored two natural history guides, “Dragonflies & Damselflies of Northeast Ohio” in 2008, and “Goldenrods of Northeast Ohio: A Field Guide to Identification & Natural History” in 2017.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.clevelandaudubon.org/programs

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2026-02-15 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This annual, international event was developed and promoted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology in collaboration with National Audubon Society in 1998. To participate you can join us on our winter bird survey hike. Help us make Ohio a top contributor this year! 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)

Owls of Ohio Program
2026-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Middleburg Hts Library, 16659 Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts, Ohio
Twelve 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. (This is a power point presentation and no live owls will be exhibited).

LBJs (Sparrows & Finches) Program
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Brecksville Library, 9089 Brecksville Rd, Brecksville, OH
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.

Using Native Plants via Zoom
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Using Native Plants on Our Home Grounds by Debra Knapke
What are native plants and what are their ecological contexts? If we can answer those question, we know whether or not they will be able to grow and thrive in our gardens… or not. Engage in the discussion about native plants and how they can be successively incorporated into our gardens. Debra will offer many examples of native plants in their habitats and in gardens.
In 1992, after two other careers, Debra turned her avocation of plant study and gardening into her full-time career. Known as “The Garden Sage”, Debra is passionate about gardening, sustainable garden design and the natural world, and enjoys sharing knowledge through her writing, public speaking, and garden consulting in the private and public sectors. She has served on various local and national committees and boards that focus on education, the environment, and sustainability. She has championed those passions during her two-year term (2014-2016) as Honorary President of the Herb Society of America and as the Co-Chair of the Sustainability Committee of GardenComm. In addition, she mentored the future of the landscape industry at Columbus State Community College for 24 years. She loves being a gardener and has packed an amazing variety of perennials, trees, shrubs, and edible plants onto the 2/3-acre lot surrounding her home.
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.

Raptors of NE Ohio Program
2026-03-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Dunham Tavern Museum, 6709 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44103
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. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2026-03-28 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 the waterfowl wing north to their nesting grounds. This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. We will finish our trip with lunch at Freddies in Streetsboro to share stories and our tallies. 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.

A Bird's Eye View Program
2026-04-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, OH, 44050
A Bird’s 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 Sarah Mabey.

Every Yard Counts via Zoom
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | OH
Despite global conservation efforts and successes, many bird species have continued to decline over the past century. These declines received significant attention recently with the published paper in Science, detailing the loss of 3 billion birds in North America, as well as Audubon’s report on the impacts from climate change. Many of the species detailed in these reports are Neotropical migrants and cover vast amounts of land annually. Join us to learn about how you can make your yards and homes bird-friendly and support populations of migratory birds.
Matthew Shumar is based in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University where he is Program Coordinator of the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative. He was the Project Coordinator and co-editor for The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio and is Co-Director for the upcoming Ohio Bird Atlas 3. Matthew also runs a private research station with a year-round bird banding program in southeastern Ohio with his wife, Molly, and is currently serving as President of the Association of Field Ornithologists.
Visit https://natureinmybackyard.ohionativeplants.org/programs/ to register for this program.
