Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Woodcock Field Trip
2017-04-15 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
The male woodcocks will be doing their courtship dance and flight display attempting to convince the females to choose them as a mate. If you have not witnessed this twilight ritual then here is your chance! As darkness falls we will hear the male begin his calling and then suddenly he will rocket upward in his flight display over the field. He will return to earth landing on his own little patch of dancing ground resuming his singing and dancing. The fields are wet this time of year so be prepared footwear wise! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 on the Mantua/Aurora line.
Woodcock photo by Matt Valencic.

Warbler Warm-up Backyard Naturalist
2017-04-09 14:00 - 15:00 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
A 1-hour program for beginners & novices. Learn (or recall!) how to identify spring Warblers by sight, habitat, behavior and song. Over 125 photographs. Handouts.
Matt Valencic and Kelly Kozlowski. Light refreshments.
This Backyard Naturalist presentation is FREE and open to the public.
Photo: Tennessee warbler at West Geauga Commons by Matt Valencic.

2016 Photo Winners Open House--Solon
2017-03-26 13:30 - 15:30 | Solon Library, 34125 Portz Pkwy, Solon, OH, 44139, United States
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see our 2016 Photo Contest winners on display! Grand prize and first place winners in all categories will be featured at the Solon Library from March 26 through April 16.
Open House on March 26 includes refreshments!
Photo: 2016 Grand Prize winner, Cole Soldo

Waterfowl Field Trip
2017-03-25 09:30 - 12:30 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Fill up your gas tank for this “caravan” style field trip where we travel to some favorite watery spots in southern Geauga County and Northern Portage County. We will be amazed at the fantastic breeding plumage of migrating waterfowl. The drakes can be breathtaking in their spiffy new duds. Bring some lunch money as we will end the trip at a local restaurant to tally our results and share our stories. Meet at the Boat ramp of Ladue Reservoir at the end of East Washington St. just north of 422 in Auburn Corners.

Call for entries! 2017 Photo Contest
2017-03-15 - 2017-04-14 | OH
The contest is now closed to entries. Who will the winners be? They will be announced at the annual dinner.
Photo: Madisyn Weaver, 2016 Winner, 1st place Youth category.

60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland
2017-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Orange Branch Library, 31975 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH, 44124, United States
Get inspired to get hiking! Join Diane Stresing, author of “60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Cleveland” and hiking enthusiast to learn about local nature-bound treks, the difference between a walk and a hike and how to find the perfect hike to fit specific needs. There’s a trail for everyone in Cleveland: from great hikes for young children to history hikes— you’ll find out the best places to take your out-of-town guests and how to walk in every kind of weather. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by the Friends of the Orange Branch Library. For more information and to register, visit cuyahogalibrary.org, or call the Orange Branch at 216-831-4282.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival Enviro Fair
2017-03-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Cleveland Natural History Museum, 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH, 44106, United States
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is making a stop at the Museum as it tours the United States! Watch environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet, and the work communities around the world are doing to protect the environment.
Be sure to stop at the ASGC table while you’re there!
For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.cmnh.org/wsff

GBBC Field Trip
2017-02-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Each year during the 3rd weekend of February National Audubon holds the Great Backyard Bird Count where each of us can count the birds right out our window for as little as 15 minutes or for as long a you desire. When you are done you submit the count on line at gbbc.org to be recorded and tabulated and shared with all. Help us participate in this event by joining us on our annual winter bird survey. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Scout Day
2017-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Education Center, 382 Townline Rd, Aurora,, OH, 44202, United States
2 Sessions: 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm
Have a Scout in the family? This is a great opportunity for Scouts age K – 3rd grade to learn a little bit about birds and have a lot of fun in the process. Stations in our Novak Center are filled with information and activities about feathers, nests, beaks and more. Scouts will dissect an owl pellet and make a Bird Mask during this fun-filled 2 hours and there’s lots of stuff to take home!
Troops or individuals, boys and girls, are welcome. A $5 donation per Scout is requested. Space is filling up quickly, so reserve your child’s slot now!
Contact info@clevelandaudubon.org.

Winter Tracks Field Trip
2017-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Molnar Sanctuary
So often we hike the woods and don’t realize what other creatures share it with us due to their secretive, nocturnal habits. Snow cover can reveal all the traffic on our trails from a squirrel racing to a tree with the tracks of a fox in the chase. Let’s see what stories we can read in the snow. Meet at the Molnar Sanctuary on the west side of Page Road a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

Volunteer Open House
2017-01-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
All volunteers!
Past, present and potential:
Join us for a little post-holiday cheer at
our Volunteer Open House.
Come early (2 pm) for a hike in the
Novak Sanctuary led by Jim Tomko and
Matt Valencic.
Enjoy some good eats while hearing
about volunteer opportunities with the
ASGC for the coming year.
Check out the Novak Center—worth the
trip if you’ve never seen it!
RSVP at info@clevelandaudubon.org
Sponsored by the Education Committee.

Winter Solstice Night Hike Field Trip
2016-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The Winter Solstice is just a few days away so come and celebrate some of the longest nights of the year just a few days after the December’s “Cold Moon” with a night hike in the winter woods. The quiet, snow covered forest is a special place and instills a magical feel. If we have a clear night the winter constellations along with the moon beams will light our way. If clouds are covering us then bring a flashlight. Meet at the Bretschneider parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Christmas Bird Count
2016-12-14 - 2017-01-05 | OH
It is Christmas Bird Count season. This is one of the longest citizen science projects in existence. 117 years ago ornithologist Frank Chapman converted folks from a horrendous tradition of the “Side Hunt” (where teams would shoot and collect as many bird and mammal carcasses as they could) to now counting and not disturbing the birds. An interesting history of this census can be found here. This is a National Audubon sanctioned event occurring from December 14 th through Jan 5 th. A group of at least 10 volunteers count all the birds seen or heard in a 15 mile diameter circle by going out in teams on specified routes and at the end of the 24-hour period tally and compile the data which is sent to National Audubon. It is great fun and you can participate as much or as little as you like. Look for one near you or go to the National Audubon website to find one.

Wild Turkey Trek Field Trip
2016-11-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Wild Turkeys are among the largest of our local native birds. Help us search for these alert and secretive birds earning their living while hiding in our forests. Once extirpated from Ohio they are now found in every county in the state. It is hard to believe that these 16 pound, 46 inch long creatures with a 64 inch wingspan can blend in so well that we rarely see them. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Autumn Leaf Walk Field Trip
2016-10-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
This may be the peak weekend for local fall color depending on moisture and temperature of the season. Hach-Otis offers spectacular panoramic views of the Chagrin River Valley with just the right combination of tree species to give a wonderful palette of color to the forest. Join us for a walk to absorb and appreciate the beauty of the season. Meet at the Hach-Otis Sanctuary parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Fringed Gentian in Bloom Field Trip
2016-09-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The last dazzling blossoms of the season are in full bloom with an amazing color of blue opening to the beautiful autumn sun. The unusual Fringed Gentian and the more common Bottle Gentian have a good foothold in our sanctuary. Join us for a view of these and other fall wildflowers as the plant life winds down and becomes dormant for the winter. Meet at the Bretschnider parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

North Chagrin Reservation Field Trip
2016-09-17 14:00 - 16:00 | North Chagrin Nature Center, Off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Willoughby Hills, 44094, United States
Leave from the North Chagrin Nature Center discovering birds along the way–67 species of birds have been seen in September over the last 10 years! Stop to look at the owls at the Nature Education Building. Then you’re right there for the Quest Celebration at 4:00 pm! Leader: Jeff Riebe
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

The Holden Arboretum Field Trip (Registration required)
2016-09-17 09:00 - 11:00 | The Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH, 44094, United States
Travel a loop through woodland and field habitat that will investigate Foster Pond, Blueberry Pond, Buttonbush Bog, Heath Pond, Hourglass Pond and Corning Lake. Expect to see a wide variety of birdlife – possibly ducks, herons, birds of prey, swallows, vireos, warblers, thrushes and finches. Leader: Stan Plante
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest. Note: THIS walk (and only this one!) requires registration in order to get free admission to The Holden Arboretum.

West Geauga Commons Field Trip
2016-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | West Geauga Commons, 14070 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
West Geauga Commons is in the south-central part of the IBA (near Fairmont Blvd and Rt. 306). IT’S ALL ABOUT EDGE! A fall migrant hotspot, the Commons has abundant ‘edge’ habitat which attracts Warblers, Vireos, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Wrens and occasionally shorebirds and ducks during September. We will cover less than ¾ mile on groomed, gravel paths during this two hour walk. Binoculars, hat and comfortable walking shoes suggested. Leader: Matt Valencic
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.
(Photo: Northern Parula by Matt Valencic)

Aurora Sanctuary Field Trip
2016-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Start your checklist off with a variety of species in the varied habitats of the Aurora Audubon Sanctuary. There is a good chance for waterfowl, raptors, migratory and resident songbirds. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2016-09-16 20:30 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Would you like to add an owl species or two to your list? Join us for a night hike at the Aurora Audubon Sanctuary. Bring a flashlight as the trail is dark under the leaf canopy even with the full Harvest Moon. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2016-09-16 16:00 - 2016-09-17 18:30 | North Chagrin Nature Center, Off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Willoughby Hills, 44094, United States
2nd Annual Team Birding Challenge
in support of the Chagrin River Corridor IBA
Get your team together and explore the Chagrin River Valley from Lake Erie south to Audubon’s bird sanctuaries in Aurora in search of fall residents and migrants. Start in your own backyard, bird on your own, or join naturalists for a guided bird walk. How many species can your team check off in 24 hours?
Teams
Share the day with family, friends, co-workers and classmates! Teams can be two or more, young or old, experienced birders or never birded before! One team member must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license. Win a prize for the most unusual team name!
Schedule of Events
September 16th
Team Check-in and final registration. Pick up maps, checklists, t-shirts, and talk strategy with teammates and naturalists.
Two locations!
North: 4-6 pm North Chagrin Nature Center.
South: 4-6 pm Novak Education Center
September 17th
Quest Celebration!
Checklist turn-in and awards. Hearty refreshments served!
4-6:30 pm North Chagrin Nature Center
Registration
Registration required! Register by September 9th and attend our free Birding Workshop! Register here.

Birding Workshop South
2016-09-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Are you a new birder or want to refresh your skills? Do you want to get tips and advice from experts? Register for the Chagrin River Bird Quest and attend our FREE introductory Birding Workshop!
Register here.

Birding Workshop North
2016-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | The Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH, 44094, United States

Prairie Hike Field Trip
2016-08-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge, OH, United States
Photo by Laura Gooch.
Join us to see how prescribed burns can help to maintain a prairie. Frohring Meadow has a 100 acre tall grass prairie and wet sedge meadow habitat where grassland birds and migrating shorebirds can be found. Grassland habitat is unusual in our region, therefore, it attracts species not normally encountered. In early spring part of this prairie was burned to naturally maintain this herbaceous acreage. Over 40 species of prairie plants are encouraged and there is a demonstration garden plot showing examples of each one. Meet at the Frohring Meadow Park parking lot at 16780 Savage Road in Bainbridge Township 44023

Moth Night at Hiram College
2016-07-27 21:00 - 23:00 | Hiram College Field Station, 11305 Wheeler Road, Hiram, OH, United States
Come explore the nighttime world as we try to attract moths at the James H. Barrow Field Station!
Rain Date: Thursday, July 28th, 9pm.
We suggest bringing a flashlight and camera. This is a free event! No registration required.

60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland
2016-07-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Orange Branch Library, 31975 Chagrin Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH, 44124, United States
Get inspired to get hiking! Join Diane Stresing, author of “60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Cleveland” and hiking enthusiast to learn about local nature-bound treks, the difference between a walk and a hike and how to find the perfect hike to fit specific needs. There’s a trail for everyone in Cleveland: from great hikes for young children to history hikes— you’ll find out the best places to take your out-of-town guests and how to walk in every kind of weather. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by the Friends of the Orange Branch Library.

Metroparks Nature Walk
2016-07-17 08:30 - 10:00 | Lakefront Nature Preserve, 8701 Lakeshore Boulevard NE, Cleveland, OH, 44108, United States
Join Audubon and Cleveland Metroparks for a bird walk on July 17, giving visitors and residents an opportunity to explore Cleveland’s most unique nature preserve. While the national spotlight is on Cleveland, Audubon is putting the spotlight on birds. Registration is free and the walk will be led by an expert guide.
What: Summer Bird and Nature Walk
Free and open to the public
Families welcome
When: Sunday, July 17
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Where:
The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
8701 Lakeshore Boulevard NE
Cleveland, OH 44108
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them (not required).
Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the preserve is an important staging area for migrating birds, with more than 290 different species recorded. Other wildlife in the preserve include, deer, fox, raccoons, coyotes, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians.
Directions: The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is located directly behind the Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront office at 8701 Lakeshore Boulevard NE, Cleveland, OH 44108. When traveling north on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, follow the road to the right as it becomes Lakeshore Boulevard heading east and make the first left into the Cleveland Metroparks parking lot.
Register Here
Scarlet Tanager. Photo: Bill Lynch

Twilight Hike Field Trip
2016-07-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Twilight is a special time for wildlife when roosting activity is occurring for the diurnal (day-time) creatures and wakening activity is occurring for the nocturnal creatures. Of course the crepuscular (twilight) creatures are at their ideal time of day. It is a cooler time of day and the fading light and lengthening shadows allow more concealment so that animals 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 Novak Sanctuary parking lot located on the east side of Townline Rd. less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Breeding Bird Survey Field Trip
2016-06-19 05:45 - 09:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Help us count every bird we see and hear on this early morning survey. This event has been organized and compiled by trustee Mary Salomon for over 10 years. She has shown us trends in the number and kinds of species using our sanctuaries. The data has been added and will continue to advance our study of the Chagrin River Corridor Important Bird Area (I.B.A.). We are trying to show how important our I.B.A. is and why it needs to be preserved.
