Asian Lantern Festival Returns - Experience the Zoo at night - Cleveland Metroparks
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VIDEO CLIPS FEATURE!
Click this icon appearing in articles
to view videos on the subject.
®
JULY 2021
Asian Lantern
Festival Returns
Experience
the Zoo at night
July is for
Mothing
Celebrate
National Moth Week
Water
Excursions
Explore parks
in a new way
Opening of Red Line Greenway
trail in downtown Cleveland
A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN
Re-Connecting with Trails, Nature & Special Events
CONTENTS Happy July! What a summer it’s been so far. In many ways, it’s a
return to normal in our parks, on our trails, and at our marinas, golf
2 Letter from Brian & Pathfinder courses and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. As you Find Your Path across
our 24,000 acres, including our newest trails and amenities, please
do your part by packing in and packing out. With the high volume
3 National Moth Week of guests in recent months, taking home your disposable items
helps keep our park areas clean for all to enjoy.
4 Naturalist’s Almanac & In case you missed the news — the Re-Connecting Cleveland project is now complete!
Annual Cicadas Five trail projects totaling over four miles, including the new Wendy Park Bridge, are now
open for exploration thanks to strong partnerships. These trails break down transportation
5 Honey Bees and Pollen barriers that have existed for decades and improve access to and from downtown and
Drought & Nature Centers
our lakefront. I hope you use the Cleveland Metroparks mobile app to explore our newest
urban trails this summer!
6 Asian Carp & Hawthorn
• Red Line Greenway links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to two
RTA Red Line Rapid Transit stations, and provides a primary active transportation corridor
7 What’s Happening from West 65th Street to downtown Cleveland.
• Whiskey Island Connector links the Wendy Park Bridge to Edgewater Park and the
8 Nature Shop & Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway.
Dining Spots
• Wendy Park Bridge links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Wendy
9 Golf Courses & Park.
Swimming Areas
Our July Emerald Necklace offers plenty of more ways to celebrate the summertime in
Cleveland Metroparks – from the Lake Erie Water Trail to National Moth Week! July also
10 In Your Backyards marks the highly anticipated return of Asian Lantern Festival! Now in its fourth year,
the festival has become a summer staple in Cleveland. This year’s show includes all
new lanterns as well as a chance to experience a night-time ride on the new Eagle Zip
11 Outdoor Recreation
Adventure over Waterfowl Lake.
I’ll see you out there!
12 Directory & Map
VIDEO FEATURE! Click this
icon appearing in articles to
view videos on the subject. Brian Zimmerman
Cleveland Metroparks CEO
Click or touch a section above to access
it directly. Click on the home button
(shown here) at the top corner of each
page to return you here.
Below: Wendy Park Bridge in the
background with new all purpose
trail at Wendy Park.
Above: Red Line Greenway trail connecting Above: Whiskey Island Connector
to downtown Cleveland along the RTA Trail which links Edgewater Park
Rapid Transit lines from W. 65th. to Wendy Park.
2 Emerald Necklace July 2021 | Vol. 70 #7
INSIDE OUR PARKS
National Moth Week
July 17–25, 2021
M
oths, the less-acclaimed the bright orange and white colorations The rosy maple moth should be called
cousin of the butterfly, get the can help in identifying this amazing and the bubblegum moth due to its bright
attention they deserve during small (only .75 - 1.25 inches) moth. Native pink and yellow coloration. These true
National Moth Week. The third week summer and early fall blooms are essential nocturnal fliers are only adults for a short
of July (17-25), moths are celebrated to this moth’s survival and vice versa. Look time, and they do not eat. The fat from the
throughout the country for their diversity for them sucking nectar and pollinating caterpillar stage keeps the adult alive long
and benefits to the natural world. Moths flowers this month. enough to mate and lay eggs. Deep forests
come in all sizes and colors; they can be are wonderful locations to spot these
Hummingbird clearwing moths are some of
as small as a pin head or as large as the beautiful insects clinging to a tree during
the most sought-after moths in Cleveland
size of an adult’s hand. Ohio has 3,000 the day. Even though they are not essential
Metroparks. With their hummingbird like
different moth species that can be found for pollination, they are important food
agility and appearance, they are hard to
in every habitat, and we will highlight sources for many animals including blue
capture on camera. These daytime nectar
five of them. jays and tufted titmice.
eaters are also essential for a diverse and
The ailanthus webworm moth is unique healthy ecosystem. Flitting from bloom Can you see why the pearly wood nymph
in two ways; they hold their wings tight to bloom, they transport pollen for vital moth is also known as the bird poop
against their body when not in flight pollination. Gardens and small meadows moth? Camouflage is extremely important
and they are active during the day. are phenomenal locations to look for these for many small insects as a deterrent to
These distinctive adaptations along with charming moths. predators. Having no mouth parts, the
adult moth lives off the fat resources
collected as a caterpillar. Like the rosy
Identifying MOTHS of Cleveland Metroparks maple moth, its only purpose is to mate
and reproduce.
Cecropia moths are the largest moths in
North America, with a wingspan reaching
almost six inches. Bright maroon colors
and eye spots deter predators, giving
the appearance of a larger animal. These
adults need to avoid predators because
they are only adults for about a week, lack
Hummingbird clearwing moth Rosy maple moth
mouthparts and do not feed. They too live
off the fat resources they accumulated
as a caterpillar. To find these amazingly
Photo (left) by
beautiful creatures, turn on a light and
Jen Goelnitz,
brew some coffee because they tend to fly
Fairview Park
after 11 p.m. and prefer deeper forests.
Moths are a fascinating and complex
Ailanthus webworm moth
group of lepidopterans that are as
essential to our world as their butterfly
kin. Look for ways you can celebrate these
creatures during National Moth
Week; explore your
parks to see them in
action.
Natalie Schroder, Naturalist
CanalWay Center
Pearly wood nymph moth Cecropia moths
Photo by Jen Goelnitz, Fairview Park
clevelandmetroparks.com 3
NATURALIST’S ALMANAC
Month of July
~ a Flurry of Wings & Wildflowers Milkweed
The hot summer days have arrived already fledged — young, brilliant black- Wildflowers
and the forests that were once and-gold American goldfinches and
The stunning colors of large
filled with bird songs now ornately colored cedar waxwings only
rosemallow and pickerelweed flowers
give way to droning insect now begin to gather nesting material.
adorn the edges of wetlands and
orchestras. During the Bird songs still dominate the sounds of
ponds. Milkweed — the host plant
day, annual cicadas start early morning in the deep woodlands, but
of the monarch butterfly — begins
to sing as soon as the as the month ends, warblers, tanagers,
to explode its crown of pink flowers.
temperature reaches 70 thrushes and other resident species go
Large fields hold stands of purple
degrees, and meadows quiet as the nesting season winds down.
coneflower and blazing star: important
are filled with raspy calls of Young red-shouldered and broad-winged
plants for nectaring insects. Jewelweed
crickets and grasshoppers. hawks are now patrolling the woodland
is flourishing in vast clumps in sunlit
After the sun sets, the edges.
Skimmer patches of woodlands and woodland
chorus intensifies as katydids
dragonfly join the serenade, singing Insects edges.
from high in the tree canopy. The July is high time to find a cornucopia of
sheer abundance of insects provides butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
a bounty of protein-packed food for birds Flashy swallowtails, sulphurs, azures, and
and mammals. Fields and forest edges fritillaries adorn the heads of grassland
are bursting with late summer wildflower wildflowers. The airspace above wetlands,
diversity, with deep purple and pink of the ponds and lakes is a flurry of wings with
season’s first ironweed and Joe-pye weed. skimmers, dashers, darners, forktails,
and pondhawk dragonflies and
Birds damselflies mating and catching
While most resident breeding birds have small insect prey. Cedar waxwing
What’s the buzzZ Z About Cicadas?
Like a scene from a sci-fi movie, the
BU locusts, periodical cicadas emerge every
year. While they are not often seen, they
emergence of the 17-year cicadas can be heard on summer days from high
is something most people won’t 17 (or 13) years depending on species. in the trees. The males produce sound
forget. Millions of big creepy As adults, they are short lived, living using special organs on their abdomen
insects seem to appear from only a few weeks. Their main goal is to called tymbals. While their life cycle is
nowhere and they are often reproduce. Once the female is ready to similar to the periodical cicadas, they
unwanted visitors at lay eggs, she will make a slit in a small only spend a few years underground
outdoor barbeques and tree branch with her ovipositor and as nymphs. Also, their emergence is
celebrations. Fortunately, deposit the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, staggered, so we see, or hear, them
they don’t bite or sting. small (ant-sized) nymphs drop to the every year. A great website reference to
While part of Ohio is ground and bury in the dirt. They spend the different species and their songs is
due for an emergence the next 13 or 17 years underground songsofinsects.com. While each species
of “periodical” cicadas eating the sap from the roots of trees, has a different song, the songs are often
this year, Northeast Ohio until it is time to make their debut. Once overlooked or mistaken for another type
should not expect them they are ready, they will climb out of the of insect. While you are out enjoying a
Periodical until summer of 2033. ground and emerge from their exuvia nice summer day, listen for the buzzing
cicada (exoskeleton) as a winged adult. sound of the annual cicadas.
There are several different
species of periodical cicadas. There are several species of annual Kelly McGinnis, Naturalist
While they are often wrongly called cicadas that can be found on any given Brecksville Nature Center
4 Emerald Necklace July 2021
INSIDE OUR PARKS
Honey Bees
and Pollen Drought
M
ost people are familiar with foraging and making honey. We can help them in their search for life-
honey bees collecting pollen Warm temperatures wake the bees and sustaining resources by:
and nectar from flower blooms. support the activity of a busy hive, but • Planting late summer and fall blooming
The nectar is transferred to the hive unfortunately their efforts to forage for flowers like Joe-pye weed, black-eyed
where it is passed from bee to bee in a pollen and nectar are often unsuccessful Susan, butterfly weed, New England aster,
process that changes nectar into honey. during the searing heat of July and purple coneflower and common boneset.
However, the makers of this deliciously August. At this time of year, many areas
sticky sweetener require more than of vegetation have become dry and are • Planting flowers of the same species in
honey for the health and survival of the no longer blooming. These unfavorable a large group to compliment how honey
hive. The pollen is also essential. conditions are referred to as pollen bees prefer to forage.
Pollen has a high protein content. The droughts. • Reducing the use of pesticides. This will
protein-rich pollen is consumed to As honey bees do not hibernate, a pollen help keep the hive as healthy as possible as
ensure that the honey bees and their drought can be devastating. Without a honey bees prepare to survive the winter
brood, or larvae, are fed a diet that allows strong supply of blooms, honey bees season.
them to grow successfully and begin may not produce enough food to feed LaDonna Sifford, Naturalist
their work. Some of their jobs include the hive throughout the winter months. Mobile Outreach
being a guard bee, caring for the brood,
Nature Centers: Fun and Cool Ways to Get Out This Summer!
the center to discover the connection River. Go backwards through time and
between nature and history. learn about the early inhabitants of the
Rocky River Valley.
Brecksville Nature Center ▲
Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Opened in 1939 and is the last of Cleveland North Chagrin Nature Center ▲
Metroparks original trailside museums. Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Watershed Stewardship Center ▲
Take in the beauty of the historical center Centered between Sunset Pond and Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
while enjoying close encounters with native Sanctuary Marsh, this center features The first facility in Cleveland Metroparks
wildlife on exhibit. native animal exhibits, children’s play area, dedicated to scientific research
and multiple wildlife viewing areas. and promoting sustainable action.
. Interactive exhibits are centered around
the protection of Northeast Ohio’s
watersheds.
Find your nature center this summer!
Plan a long bike ride along the towpath
CanalWay Center ▲ trail or a short hike around Sunset Pond.
Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Rocky River Nature Center ▲ Cleveland Metroparks Nature Centers
Positioned along the Ohio and Erie Canal Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. have so much to offer!
Towpath Trail, this center features a canal Enjoy views of a 360-million-year-old shale * Addresses and contact information for Nature
boat play area and bird viewing room. Visit cliff from the deck overhanging the Rocky Centers listed on page 12.
clevelandmetroparks.com 5
NATURAL RESOURCES
Carp Species Pose Diverse Bighead carp
Threats to Ohio and Lake Erie
Black carp
F
our species of carp pose a big stomach, which requires them to eat
threat to Ohio’s economy, aquatic almost constantly. They can reach 110
Photos
ecosystems and human health. pounds! Silver carp become startled by courtesy of
Bighead, silver, black, and grass carp are all passing boat motors and leap up to 8 USGS or Asian
Grass carp Carp Regional
native to Asia; together they are known as feet out of the water, which has injured
Research
Asian carps. people. Bighead and silver carp are in
Coordinating
the Ohio River and may swim upstream, Committee.
Ohio is most concerned about grass,
close to the Lake Erie watershed. During
bighead, and silver carps. Grass carp
heavy rains and flooding these two
gobble up aquatic plants and transform Silver carp
watersheds may connect and unwanted
underwater forests into deserts. Sterile grass
carp will have a route to Lake Erie. To 34% of the total fish weight in Lake Erie.
carp are used in ponds to control aquatic
close these entry points, biologists and Asian carp would shift the balance of fish
plants. But grass carp that can reproduce
engineers in Ohio have installed wire and plant communities, affect boating
have entered Lake Erie and spawned in
barriers between Long Lake and the and sport fishing, and would be costly
the Sandusky and Maumee rivers. Ohio is
Ohio & Erie Canal in Summit County. to control and contain. Ohio has taken
working hard to confine breeding grass
The other connection in Ohio is at Little preventative and monitoring measures to
carp to the western basin and to keep
Killbuck Creek, near Lodi. An earthen reduce the risk of invasive carps and the
Ohio’s aquatic habitats diverse and healthy.
berm to keep carps from crossing will be changes they would bring to our Great
Bighead and silver carp devour plankton completed in 2022. Lake.
and small invertebrates, competing with Mark Warman,
If bighead and silver carp become
native fish for food. Bighead carp lack a true Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
established, they may account for up to
The Diverse, Prickly but Essential …Hawthorns
E
ach spring, a important plants in our region. Their observe healthy populations of common
profusion of thorny thickets provide an abundance species like eastern hawthorn (Crataegus
white flowers of well-protected nesting sites for birds. macrosperma), frosted hawthorn (C.
adorn the branches Mammals and reptiles also find plenty of pruinosa), scarlet hawthorn (C. coccinea),
of trees and protection and, during peak flowering and white haw (C. punctata). With a bit
shrubs throughout time, hawthorn thickets are buzzing with more attention to detail, some observers
Northeast Ohio. pollinator activity. may be able to spot the beautiful plumleaf
This floral display hawthorn (C. persimilis) or the globally-
Equal to the conservation benefits they
can largely be rare and state endangered Pennsylvania
provide is the frustration that hawthorns
attributed to plants in the Rose Family hawthorn (C. pennsylvanica).
cause for botanists. The
(Rosaceae), which includes well-known
bewildering number of described Regardless of whether you
trees and shrubs, both native and non-
species presents quite a challenge want to challenge yourself
native, such as serviceberry, crab apple,
for applying a correct species with trying to identify a
cherry, plum, and pear. One group of
name to any hawthorn plant. hawthorn species or just
plants that probably contributes more to
Fortunately, Cleveland Metroparks admire the attractive flowers
this impressive display than all others is
is working to understand and fruits from a distance, be
the hawthorns (Crataegus).
hawthorn diversity in the park sure to give hawthorns a little
Many people are wary of hawthorns and system through natural resource extra attention during your
their long, stout thorns. But hawthorns are inventory and monitoring next hike!
John Reinier,
among the most diverse and ecologically- activities. Park users can easily
Wetland Ecologist
6 Emerald Necklace July 2021
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The Noshery and Sunset Picnic Plaza
Open at Huntington Beach
S
ummer is better than ever at made-to-order fare such as the braided Westlake-based design firm. The Sunset
Huntington Beach with the soft pretzel, nosh salad and crispy Picnic Plaza offers the perfect spot to
opening of The Noshery, an all-new walleye sandwich as well as Honey take in breathtaking views of Lake Erie.
expanded concessions building as well Hut ice cream. The Noshery also offers With a fire pit, picnic tables, arbor and
as the adjoining Sunset Picnic Plaza that cocktails and craft beer from several Adirondack chairs, the 4,200-square-foot
overlooks Lake Erie. The new amenities Ohio-based breweries for guests to plaza provides a perfect place to enjoy the
are part of the now complete Huntington enjoy in the Sunset Picnic Plaza. The sunset with a meal, ice cream or beverage
Reservation Enhancement Project that also Noshery is open Wednesdays through from The Noshery.
included restoration of the historic Water Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. The $1.6 million Huntington Reservation
Tower and a new ADA accessible restroom Enhancement Project was made possible
The Sunset Picnic Plaza was constructed
and changing facility. through the generous support of families
by project partner Ground Works
The Noshery brings back the historic feel of Land Design, the award-winning and individuals as well as the Emerald
the pagoda-style building that first served Necklace Endowment Fund.
visitors at Huntington many decades ago.
The new concession building features
Presented by
Asian
Lantern Festival presented by Meijer returns for
its fourth year!
The Noshery is the new concession building in Huntington Reservation. Experience all new lantern displays, wall-
Asian Lantern Festival
through and drive-through opportunities and
presented by Meijer
much more!
Begins July 14
returns for its fourth year!
futureforwildlife.org/lanterns
Experience new lantern displays,
walk-through and drive-through
opportunities and much more!
Begins July 14
FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns
New 4,200-square-foot Sunset Picnic Plaza overlooking Lake Erie.
clevelandmetroparks.com 7
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
Offer valid 8/1/21 – 8/31/21.
Offer valid 7/1/21 – 7/31/21.
Offer valid 6/1/21 – 6/30/21.
Cleveland Metroparks
While supplies last.
While supplies last.
While supplies last.
AUGUST SPECIAL
Shop online at
Shop online at
Shop online at
JUNE SPECIAL
JULY SPECIAL
I Heart Cap
Americana
Bandana
50% Off
Hat $20
Tee $22
Sale $5
$20 ea.
Visit our Nature Shops for an expanded
selection of merchandise. For hours and
locations visit clevelandmetroparks.com/shop.
Edgewater Beach
JUNE SPECIAL JULY SPECIAL AUGUST SPECIAL Nature Shop
Cleveland
216-954-3408 ext 3.
Open Daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Hinckley Lake
Boathouse & Store
Hinckley Township
330-278-2160
Monday – Friday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
50% Off
Weekends & Holidays
Americana 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
I Heart Cap North Chagrin
Hat $20 Cleveland Metroparks
20 ea.
$ Nature Shop
Tee $22
Bandana Mayfield Village
440-449-0511
Sale $5 Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.*
Offer valid 6/1/21 – 6/30/21. Offer valid 7/1/21 – 7/31/21. Offer valid 8/1/21 – 8/31/21.
While supplies last. While supplies last. While supplies last. Rocky River
Shop online at Shop online at Shop online at Nature Shop
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop North Olmsted
440-734-7576
Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
Select rentals available this summer at Watershed Stewardship
Center Nature Shop
Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store Parma
440-253-2170
Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.*
* Check the website for the latest
hours of operation
Find Your Path Sunflower
Ohio Tee Seed Wreath
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/WaterRentals for
information on rates, reservations and more!
$
22 ea. $
22 ea.
Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
Use the Cleveland Metroparks mobile
app to Find Your Patio this summer. Take
in amazing views of Lake Erie at e55
on the Lake or soak in the sunshine at
Edgewater Beach House.
For up-to-date information on Cleveland
Metroparks restaurants and concessions
Download Cleveland Metroparks mobile app
visit clevelandmetroparks.com/dining. Visit the patio at e55 on the Lake for a snack or beverage.
8 Emerald Necklace July 2021
Golf
courses
Book your Cleveland Metroparks Course Championships,
tee time Greater Cleveland Amateur Qualifier
today! Saturday, July 10 – Manakiki Scratch event open to all players; Cleveland Metroparks
Sunday, July 11 – Shawnee Hills Player of the Year Tournament Series. Event is a qualifier
for the Greater Cleveland Amateur Championship (GCAC)
Saturday, July 17 – Sleepy Hollow played at Manakiki Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday,
Big Met Sunday, July 18 – Seneca August 14 and 15. The format for the GCAC is a 36-hole
440-331-1070 | Fairview Park Ages: adult stroke play tournament, contested at scratch, and is open
Fee: $85 for qualifying to amateur golfers of any age, gender, or
Little Met Register online residence.
216-941-9672 | Cleveland
FootGolf Four Player Adult/Junior Scramble (All Parent/Child 18+
Manakiki Scramble Age Divisions) Sunday, July 25
440-942-2500 | Willoughby Hills Saturday, July 17 Saturday, July 17 Parents, team up with
Come out and kick a Enjoy this friendly, competitive your 18+ year old child to
Mastick Woods round in the FootGolf event. Play 9 holes of golf with one play in this competitive
216-267-5626 | Cleveland Four Player Scramble. player over the age of 18, and one tournament.
Bring three friends, under the age of 18. 10 a.m.
Meet at Manakiki
Seneca and see who the 10 a.m.
Clubhouse
champions of this 18-hole Meet at Seneca Clubhouse
440-526-0043 | Broadview Hts. event are. Ages: All Ages: 18 and over
10 a.m. Fee: $60 per team Fee: $140 per team
Shawnee Hills Meet at Mastick Woods
Moonlight Golf
440-232-7184 | Bedford Clubhouse Fourth of July
Ages: All Friday, July 23
Sleepy Hollow Fee: $80 per team Play 9 holes of golf under the stars July 2 – 5
440-526-4285 | Brecksville with special glow in the dark golf
balls and accessories.
20% OFF
8:45 p.m. Any red, white or blue
Washington Meet at Mastick Woods Clubhouse men’s or women’s gear
216-641-1864 | Newburgh Hts. Ages: 10 and over
Fee: $30
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/golf for a complete list of events and to register.
Swimming at Cleveland Metroparks
Hinckley Lake Spillway Wallace Lake
Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea
Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8
Huntington Beach Edgewater Beach
Huntington Reservation, Bay Village Lakefront Reservation, Cleveland
Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8
Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6 Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6
Ledge Pool & Recreation Area Villa Angela Beach
Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township Euclid Creek Reservation, Cleveland
(daily pool admission fee or season pass access) Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Open Daily: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. weather permitting Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8
Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 15 Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6
clevelandmetroparks.com 9
IN YOUR BACKYARD
The American Goldfinch
Uncovering this Brilliant Bird Photo by Jen Goelnitz, Fairview Park
O
ne of the most spectacular and sunflower, thistle, asters and birch trees. strategies of this brilliant songbird is
abundant birds in Cleveland At feeders, they crowd to sunflower and quite different than the rest of our
Metroparks, the American thistle, acrobatically clinging to mesh breeding birds! By July, most birds have
goldfinch, is a fan favorite. A common cylinders, tubes and trays. fully finished nesting and raising young.
sight at backyard bird feeders year-round, Many are already preparing to migrate.
During spring and summer, males
these resident nesting species are readily Goldfinches, however, are just ramping
are handsomely sporty in striking
found in fields, forest edges, and wetland up as they prepare to nest in August.
yellow and black, but females must be
habitats. Brilliantly coated in black and This incredible strategy is perfectly timed
camouflaged for incubating eggs and
sunbeam yellow, goldfinches are at times to collect the soft, fluffy seed heads of
raising young. Their plumage is quite
called “canaries” because of their eye- thistle for nest material. Nesting so late
subdued and subtle, with warm golden-
catching plumage. Highly social and often in the summer provides heavy leaf cover,
brown tones and a dusting of smooth
traveling in flocks of a dozen or more, the perfect material for weaving a soft
yellow. Incredibly, during the winter,
these sharp-billed finches seek seeds of cup nest, and plenty of insect prey and
BOTH males and females look nearly
wildflowers and trees, often descending seeds for their young.
identical, as males molt their summer
low to the ground to forage at or below
feathers for a more camouflaged Jen Brumfield, Naturalist
eye-level. Loud and chatty, their shrill call
appearance as well. Rocky River Nature Center
notes are used to stay in contact with the
flock as they swarm patches of coneflower, One of the most fascinating life
Backyard Bird Feeding
N
ext to gardening, birding is the Baltimore orioles, and sugar water (NO
most popular hobby and pastime red dye) for hummingbirds!
in the United States. The sheer joy Baltimore oriole
The best feeders are those that can be
of watching the remarkable lives of birds
cleaned at least once a month. Tray a pole system. Squirrels and raccoons
is a passion for a lifetime; a hobby, or even
feeders and tube feeders can easily be will of course be interested, so a baffle
a lifestyle that birders can enjoy anywhere.
brushed out. Tube feeders vary from may be required depending on how
Backyard bird feeding goes hand-in-
plastic to entirely made of tough metal your feeder system works. Remember,
hand with observation of our local avian
mesh – a personal favorite, as more as a responsible birder, to clean feeders
neighbors. Attracting chickadees, titmice,
birds can cling to a mesh style feeder. AND rake up seed shells on the ground in
woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals, and
A classic favorite is a “hopper” feeder: order to stop bacteria, mold, and disease.
more to close view, is a deeply relaxing
shaped as a wooden or metal box with
and fascinating experience. In Northeast Lastly, don’t forget water and wildflowers.
clear pane sides, a roof and a tray. Suet
Ohio alone, over 50 species of birds can be In addition to the core bird seeds and
feeders are typically made of wide-hole
attracted to feeders year-round and with suet, offering a clean water supply
metal mesh to contain suet blocks from
various types of seed and feeder styles. will attract more birds to your yard.
the grocery store. An incredible variety
Choices abound when choosing a feeder, And the top recommendation for the
of hummingbird feeders are available
but the core seeds of choice for local birds best backyard habitat includes native
to choose from, and very specifically
are black oil sunflower, peanuts out of wildflowers and trees. Providing native
designed oriole feeders can be made or
the shell, thistle, and suet. These four core plant species offers safe cover, nesting
purchased.
foods will attract a full variety. In addition habitat, and natural foods!
to the “four core” foods, you may decide Feeders can be hung from branches,
Jen Brumfield, Naturalist
to offer grape jelly and orange slices for attached to a tree itself, or mounted on
Rocky River Nature Center
10
10 Emerald
Emerald Necklace
Necklace July
July 2021
2021OUTDOOR RECREATION
Summer Trails Make Summer Memories
J
uly is a great month to get outside shorter distance close to picnic areas and As you get outside this summer, try
and enjoy Cleveland Metroparks. enjoy your walk. When they, or you, have something new. Explore the all purpose
While there are numerous ways had enough, venture into the grass or trails for a refreshing time in your
to enjoy the parks, like picnicking, find the corner of an empty parking lot Cleveland Metroparks.
swimming, and just relaxing, enjoying to allow them to bike around without
Dan Sahli, Recreation Specialist
the beautiful paved all purpose trails the worry of others nearby. Snacks,
Outdoor Recreation
are another great way to get outside water, and simple nature hunt activities
and experience Cleveland Metroparks. can be a way to refresh before heading
If you haven’t ventured onto the all back.
purpose trails, consider these following
■ If older children are coming along
suggestions to make it a memorable
that can ride their own bike, scooter, or
experience for everyone in your family
rollerblades — make sure to teach them
group:
to stay right and to announce when
■ Bring the little one’s stroller, scooter, passing on the left or buy them a fun
push bike, or wagon. If wandering along bell to use! Kids love using the bell! It
with small children is your goal, think gives them something to focus on when
about finding an all purpose trail that isn’t passing, and it teaches them to move
directly adjacent to the parkway. Pick a and stay to the right when not passing.
Cleveland Metroparks by Water
P
aused from the exertion of Water trails offer unique experiences short paddle away from shore to take
activity, eyes closed against as an engagement with nature in the city skyline. When the inevitable
the red heat of the day, a sense gliding quietly through the glass wind returns, Wendy Park can offer a
of peace builds with immersion into surface of Hinckley Lake, or a wind- respite behind its sheltering breakwall.
leafed canopies and uninterrupted tossed adventure on Lake Erie.
Nearshore, paddlers can watch
nature. A cooling breeze on a hot Sheltered, inland Hinckley Lake
freighters pass by the Historic Coast
cheek is a welcome relief from the offers serene paddling experiences,
Guard Station on their journey out
growing humidity that accompanies great for first time paddlers renting
of the Cuyahoga River (give them
a maturing Cleveland summer. An a kayak or for family water play on
plenty of room). Take a break from
explosion of sound draws attention to a stand up paddleboard. Paddlers
the hard-packed trails this summer.
the water, as a sleek head emerges next seeking adventure can explore
Explore Cleveland Metroparks by
to the kayak's hull with a flash of yellow the Lake Erie Water Trail spanning
water whether on your own vessel,
and a moment to notice the hooked 20+ miles of our resident Great
renting (clevelandmetroparks.com/
bill before it disappears into the water. Lake’s shoreline. On rare windless
waterrentals), or through guided
Double-crested cormorants can be days, Cleveland Metroparks sandy
experiences with Outdoor Recreation
seen along the shores of Hinckley Lake, beaches are good starting points
(clevelandmetroparks.com/or).
wings spread drying in preparation for with endless water views stretching
flight. Summer is a great time to step across the horizon, allowing short Ashley Rossetti, Recreation Specialist
off the hard packed trails and explore paddles along rocky clifflines or a Outdoor Recreation
Cleveland Metroparks by water.
clevelandmetroparks.com 114101 Fulton Parkway PRSRT STD
Cleveland, Ohio 44144-1923 U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Cleveland, Ohio
Permit No. 2911
printed on recycled paper
Emerald Necklace® Directory
Published monthly by: Board of Park Commissioners Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Experiences and
Cleveland Metroparks Dan T. Moore Bruce G. Rinker Administration Offices Education
216-635-3200 President Vice President
clevelandmetroparks.com 216-635-3200/24-hour info 216-881-8141
Debra K. Berry Brian M. Zimmerman
Vice President Chief Executive Officer 4101 Fulton Parkway clevelandmetroparks.com/
Cleveland, OH 44144 education
clevelandmetroparks.com
Nature Centers:
Cleveland Metroparks Police
Accidents or Emergencies Brecksville Nature Center
440-333-4911 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive
Brecksville, OH 44141
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Brecksville Reservation
The RainForest 440-526-1012
216-661-6500/24-hour info
3900 Wildlife Way CanalWay Center
Cleveland, OH 44109 4524 E. 49th Street
FutureForWildlife.org Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks Golf 216-206-1000
Golf Services/440-232-7247
(course info & inquiries) North Chagrin Nature Center
clevelandmetroparks.com/golf 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway
Mayfield Village, OH 44094
The Chalet Recreation Area North Chagrin Reservation
16200 Valley Parkway 440-473-3370
Strongsville, OH 44136
Mill Stream Run Reservation Rocky River Nature Center
440-572-9990 24000 Valley Parkway
North Olmsted, OH 44070
Volunteer Services Rocky River Reservation
volinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com 440-734-6660
clevelandmetroparks.com/
Watershed Stewardship Center
volunteer
2277 W. Ridgewood Drive
Rental Facilities Parma, OH 44134
216-635-3304 West Creek Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks app available for download for iPhone® and Android®. 440-887-1968
iPhone®and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android® is a trademark of Google LLC
Cleveland Metroparks does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age or disability in employment, services or access to programs or
activities.
Cover photo: Red Line Greenway near downtown Cleveland
Emerald Necklace is also available online at clevelandmetroparks.com
Additional photos courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks photo archive, unless
© Registered trademarks of Cleveland Metroparks. otherwise noted.You can also read
