Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Busting Buckthorn Volunteering
2025-10-11 08:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2026-04-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
If you have not had a chance to view and hear the courtship song, dance, and flight display of our local Timberdoodles, then you should see this “show”! These upland “shore birds” do not live near the shore; they thrive in our moist woodlands bordering wet fields. We usually have several displaying at the same time. It is a short walk to their singing grounds, but dress for the weather and wear waterproof footgear. You may use a flashlight on the walk out. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Spring Bird Walk Series Field Trip
2026-04-12 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-19 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-04-26 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-03 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-10 07:30 - 09:30, 2026-05-17 07:30 - 09:30
Spring Bird Walk Series 2026
The Series of Spring Bird Walks is one of the oldest community science partnerships between Northeast Ohio park systems, Audubon chapters, and other organizations now in its 93rd year. It is also a celebration of migratory birds. Walks are led by experienced birders and will be held on Sundays, April 12, 19, and 26, and May 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30 AM unless otherwise noted. The following locations are participating in the Series:
Aurora Sanctuary – Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland Sanctuary, parking lot east of Page Rd. on E. Pioneer Trail, east of routes 306 and 43, Aurora. 216-337-2202. Terrain: 2.5 miles, packed soil with some hills and MUD! Boots highly suggested.
Bedford Reservation – Hemlock Creek Picnic Area, off Button Rd., Bedford. 330-715-6300 Terrain: natural surface, may be muddy and uneven footing. 2 miles with an additional (optional) 3 mile spur.
Big Creek Reservation – Lake Isaac, southern terminus of the Lake-to-Lake Trail, Cleveland Metroparks Big Creek Parkway, Middleburg Heights. Contact: info@wcaudubon.org Terrain: natural surface, some off trail, short boardwalks, footing can be rough, muddy, and slippery. 2 miles.
Brecksville Reservation – Parking area at Station Rd. Bridge Trailhead, off Riverview Rd. south of Route 82, Brecksville. 330-467-3664. Terrain: varies, 3 or more routes.
Gates Mills – Various locations. Takes place rain or shine, footwear and clothing for the weather. Children with adults are welcome. May 3, May 10 and May 17 are TBA (contact Buster 216.316.1621 for details)
April 12 – Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve – the End of Skyline Drive (Off of River Rd.), Willoughby Hills, OH and continue at Hach-Otis John & Carol Lillich Meadows, 2685 Dodd Road, Willoughby Hills, OH
April 19 – Orchard Hills Park –11340 Caves Road, Chester Township, (north of Mulberry)
April 26 – Frohring Meadows – 16780 Savage Road, Bainbridge Township
Geauga Park District – Various locations in Geauga County, see list below. 7:30am to 9:30am at all locations. Contact info@geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516 for details.
April 12 – Burton Wetlands – 15681 Old Rider Rd, Burton OH 44021
April 19 – Frohring Meadows – 16780 Savage Rd, Chagrin Falls OH 44023
April 26 – The Rookery – 10110 Cedar Rd, Chesterland OH 44026
May 3 – Eldon Russell Park – 16315 Rapids Rd, Troy Township, OH 44021
May 10 – Big Creek Park – 9160 Robinson Rd, Chardon, OH 44024
May 17 – Swine Creek Reservation – 16004 Hayes Rd, Middlefield OH 44062
Hiram – James H. Barrow Field Station (Hiram College), 11305 Wheeler Road, Hiram use the south driveway not the employee/delivery driveway please. 330-569-5787. Terrain: natural surface, may be muddy. 2.5 miles.
Lake Metroparks – Lake Erie Bluffs, 3301 Lane Rd., Perry Township. Meeting time is 8:00 AM. For information contact 440-256-1404, ext. 2118. Terrain: 2 miles. Sunday Morning Bird Walks sign-up page: WebTrac Activity Search – Lake Metroparks

Lorain County Metro Parks
Vermilion River Reservation – Bacon Woods https://birdinghotspots.org/hotspot/L274600
Note: Walks begin at 8:30 AM! Drive to the back of the park to meet at the trailhead at the far northern lot. Walk includes the beginning sections of the parking lot and the red and blue trails. Terrain: crushed gravel, short boardwalks, and sometimes mud on the grass trail. Approx 2 miles. Contact: 440-787-7736
Mentor Marsh – parking at Shipman Pond parking lot, 9600 Headlands Rd., Mentor. 440-257-0777. Terrain: Approx. 3 miles. Details at Calendar | Cleveland Museum of Natural History
North Chagrin Reservation – North Chagrin Nature Center parking lot, 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield Village. 440-473-3370. Terrain varies: all purpose and natural surface trails and boardwalk 2.5 miles. Walks are from 7:30 -10:30am.
Novak Sanctuary – Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland Sanctuary, parking lot at 382 Townline Rd, Aurora, 44202 (north of Rt. 82). Text or call 216-374-6292 or email caslonsvcs@gmail.com. Terrain: 1.5 miles with modest hills and wet and muddy areas. Please wear/have mudproof footwear.
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation – CanalWay Center, 4524 E. 49th Street, Cuyahoga Hts. 216-206-1000. Terrain: 2.3 miles primarily on all purpose trail.
Rocky River Reservation – Rocky River Nature Center parking lot, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted. Contact: info@wcaudubon.org. Easy to moderate terrain; some paved, crushed gravel, boardwalks, and potential mud: Approximately 2 miles.
Shaker Lakes – The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes parking lot, 2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights. 216-321-5935. Terrain: Mix of all purpose trail, asphalt and dirt, 2 miles. Registration is appreciated but not required www.shakerlakes.org – Events/Programs, Programs, Birding Programs

River Styx Park – Medina County Park District, 8200 River Styx Rd., Guilford Twp., Wadsworth. Will have walks on Saturdays, April 11 through May 16 at 7:30 AM. 330-722-9364 Terrain: about 1.5 miles and can be muddy

Don’t miss the migration!
Cosponsored by Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Blackbrook Audubon Society, Black River Audubon Society, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Gates Mills Birders, Geauga Park District, Hiram College, Holden Arboretum, Lake Metroparks, Lorain County Metro Parks, Medina County Park District, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, and Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society.
PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS WHILE ATTENDING THE BIRDWALLKS!

Warbler Warm-up Program
2026-04-12 14:00 - 15:00 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Some of the prettiest birds on the planet are in NE Ohio from April through October. Learn how to identify them by their field marks and songs. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Summer Birds of NE Ohio Program
2026-04-15 19:00 - 20:00 | North Royalton Public Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH, 44133, 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? This one-hour presentation showcases 50 species of “Summer Visitors” through 180 photographs of adult birds, babies, nests and habitats. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Lighting Up the Night via Zoom
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00
Lighting Up the Night: Gardening for Fireflies
Elijah Crabtree will begin with an introduction on the fascinating natural history of fireflies across the globe, and here at home — where our eastern temperate forests host high levels of firefly biodiversity. Following this discussion on the fascinating nature of our flashy summer companions, Elijah will explain the current threats facing Ohio’s fireflies and how each of us can take action in our own backyard to not only protect them but even bring them back!
Elijah is an Education Specialist and Naturalist for the Arc of Appalachia. He was born and raised in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he acquired a passion and insatiable interest for the natural and cultural history of Appalachia and the Western Allegheny Plateau. This led him to his former on-site residency at the Tremper Mound – a newly-protected, major Hopewell Earthwork – overseeing its development as a protected cultural and natural preserve, and as a management and educational hub for the region. In 2025, he joined the administrative team as an Education Specialist to organize, coordinate and lead many of the Arc’s Naturalist Programs. Elijah is an avid student of natural sciences and particularly loves spending his time studying Ohio’s geology and botany.
To register for the Zoom presentation please visit
www.natureinmybackyard.ohionativeplants.org/programs
Nature in My Backyard is a program administered by Ohio Native Plants with support from
the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, Shaker Lakes Garden Club,
and Master Gardener Volunteers of Cuyahoga County.

ASGC Annual Dinner Event
2026-06-06 15:00 - 19:30 | Veterans Legacy Woods, 14085 Ravenna Rd, Newbury Township, OH, 44065, United States
ASGC Annual Meeting and Dinner
June 6, 2026
Veterans Legacy Woods, 14085 Ravenna Rd., Newbury Township, OH
Schedule of events:
Nature Walk…………………………3:00pm
Social Hour………………………….4:00pm
Meeting & Awards………………..5:00pm
Dinner…………………………………5:30pm
Guest Speaker…………………….. Jamey Emmert, Avian Education Coordinator with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, presents The Lake Erie Birding Trail.
Caterer: “Vinny’s Italian Kitchen”
Cost: $35 per person.
To RSVP, make check out to Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and mail to:
ASGC Annual Dinner
P.O. Box 391037
Solon, OH 44139
