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VIDEO CLIPS FEATURE!
Click this icon appearing in articles
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®
AUGUST 2021
Reconnected
New lakefront
connections now open
Take Flight
at the Zoo
Eagle Zip Adventure
now open
Summer
Microadventures
Five great day trips to take this month
Eagle Zip Adventure at
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN
New Ways to Connect with Nature
CONTENTS
Happy August! This summer has been packed with adventure. 2 Letter from Brian &
We’ve opened several new trails including the Red Line Greenway, Naturalist-Led Programs
Whiskey Island Trail, Wendy Park Bridge and the Lake Erie Water
Trail, The Noshery at Huntington Reservation, Brighton Park at 3 Hellbenders
Brookside Reservation, The Lindsey Family Play Space at Edgewater
Park and the Eagle Zip Adventure at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!
While new trails are improving access and opportunities to 4 Naturalist’s Almanac &
Peering at the Perseids
experience our Emerald Necklace, we’re also adding new ways for people to connect
with nature once they arrive. 5 Lady Bugs or Lady Beetles &
Wolf Spiders
August is abuzz with opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the final weeks of
summer. Sleep outdoors under the stars at the Squire’s Castle Family Campout in North
Chagrin or enjoy the family-friendly Backyard Nature Bash at West Creek. 6 Capital Improvement
Wendy Park & Whiskey Island
This month’s Emerald Necklace outlines all of the new adventures you can experience
within Cleveland Metroparks. It’s also a field guide for the natural phenomena you can 7 Zoo News
witness during your next visit including birds, insects, reptiles, wildflowers and even the
Perseid meteor shower.
8 Nature Shop &
If you haven’t yet made it out to this year’s Asian Lantern Festival, there’s only a few Upcoming Eventss
weeks left to do so! Through our partnership with Meijer, this year’s festival is an all-
new show, with over 1,000 unique large-scale lanterns, live performances on the Fifth 9 Golf & Swimming
Third Bank Stage and culturally-inspired cuisine.
Finally, as you head out to explore our more than 24,000 acres, take advantage of our 10 Top 5 Microadventuress
free mobile app. We continue to roll out new features to make exploration easier than
ever. And now you can access golf tee time bookings using the app!
11 Vibrant Vines &
I’ll see you out there! Puffball Mushrooms
12 Directory & Map
Brian Zimmerman Click or touch a section above to access
Cleveland Metroparks CEO it directly. Click on the home button
(example shown here) at the top corner
of each page to return here.
VIDEO FEATURE! Click this
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Thursdays – Sundays
Through Sunday, September 5
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
• New lantern displays Buy your tickets in advance
• Live performances and save!
• Authentic cuisine FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns
2 Emerald Necklace August 2021 | Vol. 70 #8
FEATURE ARTICLE
Hellbenders, Snot Otters
or Allegheny Alligators
H
idden under large rocks in clean, While hellbenders cannot be found within
cool, fast-moving rivers and streams Cleveland Metroparks, they are in Ohio,
in the eastern United States lurks our with the largest population found in Little
largest amphibian. Known by many aliases Beaver Creek in Columbiana County.
– snot otter, Allegheny alligator, grampus,
lasagna lizard – our largest salamander, Sizable Salamanders
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, is perhaps Growing up to two feet in length and
known best by its most common name: weighing up to five and a half pounds, the skin, hellbenders are able to produce and
the hellbender. This reclusive relative of hellbender is the third largest salamander secrete a slime through their skin coating
our more commonly seen salamanders in the world, behind only its cousins the their entire body. This slime makes the
(redback, spotted, two-lined, etc.) requires Chinese giant salamander (which can grow hellbender difficult to grasp, and has a
a very specific habitat to survive. Fully to almost six feet in length and weigh foul taste, allowing the hellbender to
aquatic, it is sensitive to pollution and low over 60 pounds) and the Japanese giant escape potential predation.
oxygen conditions, and thus is only found salamander (which can grow to five feet in
in clean, cool, and fast-moving waters, with length and weigh over 50 pounds). Being Helping Hellbenders
very little sedimentation. They can be found dorsoventrally flattened (“squished” from Though the range of the hellbender
from New York to Georgia, mostly along the the top and bottom), hellbenders squirm expands across much of the Eastern
Appalachian Mountain range, but can be their stout, soft bodies under large rocks to United States, increased urbanization has
found as far west as Oklahoma. hide from predators. A nocturnal species, led to habitat degradation and has caused
hellbenders emerge from underneath their a sharp decline in hellbender populations.
rocks to hunt crayfish, other invertebrates, Thankfully, there are multiple organi
and small fish. Mottled browns and tans, zations around the country, and a few
with wavy folds of skin along its sides here in Ohio that are working to help.
allow it to camouflage against the rocky The Ohio Hellbender Partnership is a
substrates of streams and rivers. The wavy collection of organizations (the U.S. Fish
folds of skin on the hellbender give it a and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of
greater surface area, allowing for more Wildlife, the Ohio EPA, multiple colleges
oxygen exchange with the surrounding and universities, multiple zoos and more),
Underwater view of hellbender
water. Besides breathing through their that are working to conserve land, and
raise and reintroduce hellbenders into
streams. You too can help the hellbender
and the overall quality of our streams
by reducing the amount of stormwater
coming from your property by
implementing stormwater management
features like rain barrels, rain gardens
and bioswales. All of these features can
be observed outdoors at the Watershed
Stewardship Center in Cleveland
Metroparks West Creek Reservation.
Matt Knittel, Naturalist
Hellbender – the largest salamander in the U.S. Watershed Stewardship Center
clevelandmetroparks.com 3
NATURALIST’S ALMANAC
August is alive with anticipation
D
eep summer has arrived as August Bird Migration is Underway
begins the turning point towards Late summer marks the end of breeding
fall. Daylight shortens, insti- season for most birds, except for cedar
gating flocks of migrating blackbirds to waxwings and American goldfinches, which
congregate in large numbers. Bats begin are hard at work preparing nests and raising
to disperse from maternity colonies and Common buckeye young in the heat of the year. The dawn chorus
the first southerly migration of shore- of songbirds such as warblers, flycatchers,
birds, warblers and orioles begins. Insect tanagers and grosbeaks has quieted, except
diversity explodes with butterflies, moths, for red-eyed vireos singing high in the canopy
dragonflies and damselflies leading the of lush forests. While it seems early, fall
colorful parade in field and forest. August migration is already underway, as blackbird
evenings provide a peek at the Perseid Black saddlebag flocks gather in fields and shorebirds return to
meteor shower, particularly during the first wetlands and marshes.
two weeks of the month. The opportunity
to witness shooting stars while listening to Pollinating & Serenading Insects
a concert of katydids, crickets and grass- The fields and wetlands are alive with the
hoppers is a show not to be missed. buzzing and fluttering of fantastic pollinating
American
insects: bees and butterflies. Skimmers,
goldfinch Eastern milksnake
darners, bluets, spreadwings, baskettails,
saddlebags and other unique odonates are
busy foraging on the wing and laying eggs in
ponds and lakes. Common buckeyes, one of
the most brilliant of butterflies, can be found
Peering at the Perseids on sunny paths through meadows. Cicadas,
grasshoppers, crickets and katydids fill the
afternoons, evenings and starlit nights with
Summer is an amazing time to get out at night, when the
loud serenades.
temperatures are cooler, and the sky is filled with stars. Mid-August
nights are especially magical because of the annual Perseid meteor
shower, which is undoubtedly the best meteor shower of the year. The
Tall Towering Wildflowers
Perseid meteor is named after Perseus, the constellation and Greek The rich soil nutrients found in floodplain
mythological hero. Meteors have been seen around this northern forests allow some of the tallest wildflowers
constellation for over 2,000 years. in Cleveland Metroparks to thrive. Yellows of
wingstem, green-headed coneflower and cup
The swift and vivid meteors frequently leave long lines of light and plant can grow over ten feet tall, which are
color behind them as they pass through Earth’s atmosphere. The highlighted with the lavenders of the shorter
Perseids are one of the most productive meteor showers with 50- wild bergamot and wood sage. These insect-
100 meteors seen per hour. This summer light show is also known pollinated plants are great places to search
for its fireballs, which are made of larger particles and create larger for predators, such as assassin bugs and crab
explosions of light and color that last longer than an average meteor. spiders waiting patiently for their next meal.
Where are the best places to view this spectacle? Dark skies with
little light are not a necessity, but highly encouraged. South Chagrin, Warm Up To Reptiles
North Chagrin, Brecksville, Bradley Woods, Hinckley and Huntington On cool mornings, native non-venomous
reservations are wonderful locations to view the Perseids and their snakes can be seen on rock and log piles
fireballs. Cleveland Metroparks reservations are open daily until 11 basking in the sun’s warming rays. There are
p.m. and nighttime hikes and meteor watching is encouraged. The no harmful snakes in Cleveland Metroparks.
next time you are looking for a new family experience in August, Brilliantly patterned milksnakes, gartersnakes
check out the Perseids! and watersnakes are the most often found
residents. Musk and painted turtles can be
Natalie Schroder, Naturalist
seen basking on floating logs in wetlands as
Watershed Stewardship Center
they soak up the morning’s sunshine.
Photo by Jen Goellnitz, Fairview Park
4 Emerald Necklace August 2021
INSIDE OUR PARKS
Ladybugs or
Lady Beetles:
What’s in a Name?
D
Photos by Jen Goellnitz, Fairview Park
id you know lady bugs are
actually not bugs, but beetles? • Asian lady beetles can provide
The difference in name may seem some benefit to gardens, but they are
insignificant, but when you examine how fashion...while they are still alive.
invasive and compete against or often
these insects catch and consume their There are several types of lady beetles to kill native lady beetles. Additionally,
prey, true bugs (order: Hemiptera) and search for. Many are native, and a few have they can become a creature to dread
beetles (order: Coleoptera) are worlds been introduced: once large numbers find their way into
apart. While not all bugs and lady beetles your home, searching for their winter
are predatory, the hunting individuals • Convergent lady beetles are among the hideaways in carpets and firewood. Lady
of these two insect groups are both most common across the United States,
beetles can be challenging to identify at
very skilled at what they do. devouring any aphid or mite that crosses
first glance. A good insect guide and a
their path.
Predatory bugs use piercing mouth hand lens is a great way to get started,
parts to inject a digestive saliva • Pink spotted lady beetles are an but if you find you need help with an
that breaks down the innards of excellent predator of aphids and other identification, be sure to ask a naturalist
their prey, which is then sucked out. garden pests, but they also forage for for guidance.
Predatory lady beetles catch and pollen, making them a notable pollinator Jake Kudrna, Naturalist
chew their soft-bodied prey in brutal for your garden. CanalWay Center
Wolf Spiders:
to take them outside. First, get a cup
and piece of paper. Then, place the
cup upside down over the spider.
Small Creature, Next, slowly slide the paper under
the cup so that the spider is trapped
Big Impact
s summer winds down and we transition into
inside. After that, pick up the cup with
the paper pressed over the opening.
A
Finally, carry outside and release the
fall, some of our smallest animal building a web and waiting patiently, spider close to the ground.
friends may accidentally wander wolf spiders track down their prey. Wolf
into our homes in search of spiders hunt a wide variety of things If you ever have questions about a
warmer temperatures. A common including ants and mosquitoes. In spider you find indoors or outdoors,
wanderer that may alarm some are Ohio, there are over 600 known species please reach out to a Cleveland
wolf spiders. Do not fear! While some of spiders, 57 of those are types of Metroparks naturalist and we will do
may be quite large, they do not pose a wolf spiders. Despite their small size, our best to help you!
threat to humans. When you encounter spiders are an extremely important Emma Strick, Naturalist
a wolf spider on the trail or in your predator. Spiders are also important as Rocky River Nature Center
home, take a deep breathe, then food for larger species like birds and
consider their importance before you amphibians.
decide how to respond.
Hopefully after learning more about
Wolf spiders are in the biological these small eight-legged friends, you
family Lycosidae, which comes from can look upon them more fondly and
the Latin word “lycosa,” meaning wolf. understand their importance in our
They get their name from the method ecosystem. If you find one in your
in which they hunt. Rather than home, consider using the cup method Wolf spider
clevelandmetroparks.com 5
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Wendy Park Bridge
& Whiskey Island Trail
Transform Access to Lakefront Parks
C
leveland Metroparks officially Whiskey Island Trail Bridges Gap Trail to Canal Basin Park, Rivergate Park,
opened the Wendy Park Bridge and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit
The Whiskey Island Trail completes a
Whiskey Island Trail in late June, the Authority (RTA) Waterfront Line Rapid
missing link between Edgewater Park to
two final pieces in the transformational Transit, eLCee2 Water Taxi and downtown
Wendy Park on Whiskey Island with 1.2
$16.45 million “Re-Connecting Cleveland” Cleveland.
miles of all purpose trail. The trail provides
federal Transportation Investment Gener- a safe, off-road connection with great Cleveland Metroparks, in partnership
ating Economic Recovery (TIGER) trails views of the active Port of Cleveland’s Bulk with The Trust for Public Land and LAND
project. The now complete transportation Terminal as well as several interpretive studio, applied for and secured a TIGER
network of 4+ miles of interconnected spaces that share the rich history of grant in 2016 from the U.S. Department
bike and pedestrian trails along with Cleveland’s lakefront. Prior to the new of Transportation that supported $7.95
the signature Wendy Park Bridge links trail, walkers, joggers and cyclists traveling million of the project’s overall cost. In
more than 66,000 Cleveland residents to between Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island addition to the TIGER grant, funds for
centers of employment, schools, parks, and Wendy Park were required to share a the overall $16.45 million Re-Connecting
and commerce and provides a new link narrow stretch of roadway with blind turns, Cleveland project were secured from
between downtown Cleveland and its cars, buses, trucks, boat trailers and more. the Wendy Park Foundation, The Trust
lakefront. for Public Land, Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds facilitated
Wendy Park Bridge Connection through Northeast Ohio Areawide
The Wendy Park Bridge links the Cleveland Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Clean
Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Ohio Trails Fund, State of Ohio, LAND
Wendy Park on Whiskey Island and Lake studio and Cleveland Metroparks funds.
Erie. The 500-foot-long bridge extends
over the Norfolk-Southern railroad National Recognition
tracks and provides a new link between The project has already been recognized
downtown Cleveland and Cleveland nationally by the National Parks and
Metroparks lakefront parks. The bridge Whiskey Island Trail Recreation Association (NRPA) for its
features a 12-foot-wide deck providing a impact in breaking down transportation
new trail connection for both pedestrians Red Line Greenway barriers and connecting residents to
and bicyclists and improved access to The Re-Connecting Cleveland project parks. Cleveland Metroparks is due to
Wendy Park, Whiskey Island, the former also included the recently opened Red accept the Innovation in Social Equity
historic coast guard station and Edgewater Line Greenway, a nearly two-mile paved Award at the NRPA National Conference
Park. all-purpose trail that links the Cleveland in September.
Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail
to two RTA Red Line Rapid Transit
stations, and provides six neighborhood
connections from West 65th Street to
downtown Cleveland. It also included the
completed Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
Connector that links the Cleveland
Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to
the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway and the
Canal Basin Park Connector that links the
Ribbon cutting at Wendy Park Bridge Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link New educational displays at Wendy Park
6 Emerald Necklace August 2021
ZOO NEWS
platform, reaching speeds up to 35 miles
H
ave you ever wondered what it feels per hour. Guests will feel like an eagle
Soar about the zoo like to fly like an eagle? The Eagle Zip soaring through the air on this exhilarating
Adventure ride takes guests to new ride.
on the Eagle Zip Adventure heights above Cleveland Metroparks Zoo This family-friendly experience accom
and Waterfowl Lake. modates two riders per car. Minimum rider
On this tandem zip ride, guests board on height is 42” with a paying adult or 48”
the ride platform next to the historic Wade taller to ride alone. For information, visit
Hall. Once seated and strapped in, they are FutureForWildlife.org/EagleZipAdventure.
pulled backwards over Waterfowl Lake and
up 150 feet above the Zoo, offering views
all the way to downtown Cleveland!
After pausing at the top for a moment,
riders are released for a thrilling 700-
Tandem zip ride now at the Zoo foot zip ride back down to the starting
Asian Lantern Festival is Back!
C
leveland Metroparks Zoo’s can look forward to an entirely new
record-breaking Asian Lantern experience this year with more than
Festival presented by Meijer 70 large-scale illuminated displays
is back for its fourth year! Guests featuring over 1,000 individual
lanterns.
This year’s festival also includes
live acrobatic performances on the
Fifth Third Bank Stage including
foot juggling, contortion and more.
Guests can also shop at the Asian
craft market, and taste a robust Playful panda bears lighted exhibit
variety of culturally-inspired cuisine,
including local favorites Li Wah, King through Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to
Wah and more. The limited time, 10:30 p.m. through September 5.
New Taj Mahal display after-hours event will run Thursday Visit FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns.
Use the Cleveland Metroparks mobile
app to Find Your Patio this summer. Take
in views of Lake Erie at The Noshery and
Sunset Picnic Plaza at Huntington Beach,
or e55 on the Lake and at Edgewater
Beach House in Lakefront Reservation.
For up-to-date information on Cleveland
Metroparks restaurants and concessions
Download Cleveland Metroparks mobile app visit clevelandmetroparks.com/dining. The Noshery and Sunset Picnic Plaza at Huntington
clevelandmetroparks.com 7
Visit our Nature Shops for an expanded
selection of merchandise.
For hours and locations visit
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop.
Edgewater Beach
JULY SPECIAL AUGUST SPECIAL SEPTEMBER 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
Weekends & Holidays
Americana % Off Find Your Path 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hat $20 Cleveland Metroparks Bike Tees North Chagrin
Nature Shop
Tee $22 Bandana $
22 ea. Mayfield Village
440-449-0511
Sale 5 $
Offer valid 9/1/21 – 9/30/21.
Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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. Shop online at
Rocky River
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.
Stay up-to-date with our Watershed Stewardship
summer water rentals. Visit Center Nature Shop
our website for locations, Parma
rates, reservations, and more! 440-253-2170
Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/WaterRentals for the latest rental information
Shop online for park apparel and monthly specials at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
Squire’s Castle Backyard
Family Campout Nature Bash
Saturday, August 7, 6 p.m. – Saturday, August 14
Sunday, August 8, 11 a.m. Noon – 4 p.m.
Squire’s Castle Area • North Chagrin Reservation
Join us for an overnight adventure and sleep outdoors Watershed Stewardship Center
under the stars! Your family camping experience will create West Creek Reservation’s backyard is a great place for a family-
memories of a campfire with s’mores, hikes, and tips for friendly outdoor fest! Learn how to improve your backyard
your next camping adventure. Visit the website for more habitat for wildlife while enjoying nature-blitz activity stations,
our popular “Go-Native” plant sale, free wagon rides, live music
information and to register.
by the Swamp Rattlers & local food carts.
All ages with registered & participating adult Free admission and parking.
$10 per person (includes breakfast) Sponsored by ACME
Fresh Food Market.
In Partnership with
Northeast Ohio
Regional Sewer
District and West
Creek Conservancy.
8 Emerald Necklace August 2021
Golf Courses
Book Your Tee Time Today! Upcoming Golf Events
Big Met Little Met/Mastick Woods Stableford Novice Learn-N-Play
440-331-1070 | Fairview Park 18 Hole Championship Competition August 18 – Sept. 22
Sunday, August 8 Saturday, August 21 Novice Learn –N- Play is
Little Met See if you are the best golfer at This may be the only event designed for golfers with
Little Met & Mastick Woods Golf a basic golf swing but
216-941-9672 | Cleveland where bigger numbers
in need of golf course
Courses; this event is open all are better. This event is a
players! Come out and play! Enjoy Point Quota competition. experience. Class meets on
Manakiki this friendly, competitive event. The course is ready if you Wednesdays for six weeks.
440-942-2500 | Willoughby Hills 2 p.m. are; this event is part of 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Meet at Little Met Clubhouse the Player of the Year Meet at Washington
Ages: All Clubhouse
Mastick Woods Fee: $35 per team
Tournament Series.
12 p.m. Ages: Adult
216-267-5626 | Cleveland Register online Meet at Seneca Clubhouse Fee: $160
Ages: All Register online
Seneca Moonlight Golf Fee: $60
440-526-0043 | Broadview Hts. Friday, August 20 Register online
Play 9 holes of golf under the
Shawnee Hills stars with special glow in the dark
golf balls and accessories!
440-232-7184 | Bedford 8:00 p.m.
Meet at Mastick Woods
Sleepy Hollow Clubhouse Guarded Swimming Areas
440-526-4285 | Brecksville Ages: All ages, juniors
Cleveland Metroparks offers a wide variety of water recreation
must be accompanied
Washington by an adult including swimming, boating, fishing and more throughout
Fee: $30 the Park District. Lifeguards are on duty during posted dates
216-641-1864 | Newburgh Hts. Register online and times at these guarded swimming areas.
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/golf for a Hinckley Lake Spillway
Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township
complete list of events and to register. Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 8
SAVE THE DATE! Huntington Beach
Huntington Reservation, Bay Village
Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 8
Weekends only: Saturday, August 14 – Monday Sept. 6
Ledge Pool & Recreation Area
18th Century Festival Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township
(daily pool admission fee or season pass access)
Sunday, September 26 Open Daily: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. weather permitting
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 15
Meadows Picnic Area Wallace Lake
Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea
Brecksville Reservation Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Celebrate the return of the annual Cleveland Metroparks Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 8
“FallFest: 18th Century Festival.” Enjoy a variety of old-time,
Edgewater Beach
pioneer life skills, such as candle Lakefront Reservation, Cleveland
dipping. See an American Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Revolution encampment Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 8
with formation drills and Weekends only: Saturday, August 14 – Monday Sept. 6
other demonstrations by
the Brigade of the American Villa Angela Beach
Revolution. Full details listed on Euclid Creek Reservation, Cleveland
clevelandmetroparks.com. Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Free admission and parking. Saturday, June 5 – Sun., August 8
clevelandmetroparks.com 9
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Top Microadventures
5 in Cleveland Metroparks
A
microadventure is a short adventure and ending at Deer Lick Cave in Brecksville
close to home that is relatively Reservation. Despite its name, the Little
simple and low cost, yet provides Loop is still 250+ miles. It could be the Kayaker and stand up paddleboarder
the fun, thrill and excitement of a bigger source of a checklist of microadventures
adventure. It can be accomplished done in sections. Map out your Buckeye 1.8 miles of APT adjacent to the mountain
before or after work, or perhaps over a Trail microadventures using the Guthook bike trails. Make it a family adventure.
long weekend. This summer, Cleveland app or Buckeye Trail paper maps. Even if the kids aren’t quite ready for
Metroparks is the perfect place to create natural surface trails, take turns looping
2
memorable microadventures, either by Paddling for Ice Cream the APT with the kids, while the other
yourself or with family and friends. The Nothing beats the summer heat person hits the singletrack. Enjoy a picnic
depth of a microadventure is up to the like ice cream before, during, afterwards!
individual pursuing it. Here are our top five or after a paddling trip. For a flatwater
4 The 2021 Trail Challenge
recommendations. adventure best suited for beginners or
those seeking a calm, serene adventure, presented by Cigna
1 The Buckeye Trail
Over 1,440 miles long, the
Buckeye Trail circles Ohio
check out Hinckley Lake. Paddle a lap
around the lake, and then stop in the
Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store for an
For a list of additional
microadventures, look no further
than the 2021 Trail Challenge. 30 trails
passing through five Cleveland Metroparks ice cream dessert. Rentals are available at throughout all 18 reservations have
reservations along the way. Follow the 2” clevelandmetroparks.com/waterrentals. been chosen for your next adventure.
x 6” baby-blue blazes to create an exciting For paddlers who are comfortable in It’s up to you to choose the type of
microadventure that is the right length for various wind and wave conditions, check trail (natural surface, paved, or water),
you. For a short excursion, pick a section of out the Lake Erie Water Trail. Starting at distance (.3-11.8 miles), and activity. Find
the Buckeye Trail (labeled on the Cleveland Wendy Park, paddle east to E. 55th Marina out more at clevelandmetroparks.com/
Metroparks maps), and then use other or west to Edgewater Beach for some ice trailchallenge.
trails to create a fun loop. For a longer cream before paddling back. Let the wind
adventure, follow the blue blazes through determine your direction! Remember, start Create Your Own or Join us for
each of the five reservations: Hinckley,
Brecksville, Bedford, South Chagrin, and
North Chagrin. Consider an overnight
your trip into the wind for an easier return.
5 a Program
With over 24,000 acres and 300+
adventure along the Buckeye Trail at the miles of trails, the perfect microadventure
Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites in is waiting for you. Look for ways to
Brecksville Reservation. For an extended combine your favorite activity with
microadventure, consider completing the fun stops along the way. If you need
Little Loop of the Buckeye Trail starting help getting started, use the Cleveland
Metroparks free mobile app or website to
find naturalist led and Outdoor Recreation
programs designed to teach you skills
necessary for your next microadventure!
Mountain biking
Rachel Nagle, Manager
3
Riding your Bike Outdoor Recreation
From mountain bike trails to over
100 miles of paved all purpose
trails (APT), the possibilities are
endless. Check out the Bedford Singletrack
and West Creek Mountain Bike trails for
Buckeye Trail marker beginner-friendly routes. West Creek has
10 Emerald Necklace August 2021INSIDE OUR PARKS
Vibrant Vines: Wild Cucumber and Virgin’s Bower
V
ines are often called upon when a trellis, tree, or fence, so their placement in
gardener wants to cover a trellis or a yard should be carefully considered. Both
arbor with vibrant flowers. Often are well adapted to our Northeast Ohio
non-native plant s are selected for this task, climate and are hardy once established.
but pollinators such as bees and butterflies These native vines are not commonly seen
usually prefer native plant species. Two at local garden centers, so searching native
great native vine options to try instead are plant nurseries and online sources will be
wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata) and more productive.
virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana). While
not as showy as non-native clematis, our Important Role in Nature
native virgin’s bower has abundant flowers These rambling vines bloom in mid- Wild cucumber
that are extremely attractive to humans, summer to fall when insect pollinators
native bees and other pollinators. Wild are abundant. Wild cucumber and virgin’s
cucumber has maple-like leaves and spiny, bower will attract a variety of native wasps,
inedible pods that form after its star-like, bees, butterflies, moths and beetles that
whitish flowers have bloomed. An annual will visit the abundant flowers for nectar.
plant, it self-seeds prolifically. Virgin’s bower is a host plant for the
caterpillars of a clearwing moth species
Vigorous Growers (Alcathoe caudata). Planting one of these
Sunny woodland edges, fence rows, and native vines in your garden will ensure
stream banks are favored habitats of these abundant nectar for tiny pollinators and
two vines in nature. The sweet fragrance add natural beauty to your landscape.
of wild cucumber blossoms may alert
Jeff Riebe, Naturalist
passersby to its presence. These vines can
be aggressive and quick to clamber up a
North Chagrin Nature Center Virgin’s bower
Puffballs and Their Smokey Trick
Animal traffic, rain or even a slight body of a puffball won’t hurt the fungus
breeze can produce this visible poof. As organism itself but in fact aides in spore
spores float off, they hopefully land in a dispersal.
O
n a late summer or early autumn suitable place to grow such as the forest
There are many kinds of puffballs including
stroll after a rain, you may spot floor or on a rotten stump. The spores
the star-shaped earthstar, the bumpy
something quite special. Scattered will grow into the bulk of what most
brown pigskin, the clustered stump
on the forest floor lay mushrooms of many fungi really are: an underground, root-
puffballs, or even the volleyball-like giant
shapes and sizes. One unusual, yet easily like structure called mycelium. Think of a
puffballs. Although most puffballs are
identified specimen is the puffball. Puffballs fungus like an apple tree: the mycelium
harmless, some are poisonous for humans
are fascinating mushrooms that appear in is like the tree, and the mushrooms are
to eat. For both safety and conservation
a variety of species but share a telltale trait. like the apples. So poking the fruiting
reasons, leave puffballs and other fungi
Nudge or poke these round, fleshy orbs you find in Cleveland Metroparks where
and if the mushroom is mature, poof! -- you found them. They are important food
what looks like a cloud of smoke emerges. for slugs, turtles, deer, and perhaps even
What you are witnessing is not smoke, flying squirrels. So, the next time you see a
however, but reproductive spores, the way spherical mushroom, find a stick, give the
mature mushrooms spread their genetics ball a nudge, and enjoy the show.
out into the world. Before maturity, the Carmen Schwab, Naturalist
puffball mushroom will be solid and North Chagrin Nature Center
somewhat hard. Puffball Mushrooms
clevelandmetroparks.com 114101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44144-1923
Emerald Necklace® Directory
Published monthly by: Board of Park Commissioners
Cleveland Metroparks Dan T. Moore Bruce G. Rinker Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Experiences and
216-635-3200 President Vice President Administration Offices Education
clevelandmetroparks.com Debra K. Berry Brian M. Zimmerman 216-635-3200/24-hour info 216-954-3400
Vice President Chief Executive Officer 4101 Fulton Parkway clevelandmetroparks.com/
Cleveland, OH 44144 education
clevelandmetroparks.com
Nature Centers:
Cleveland Metroparks Police Brecksville Nature Center
Accidents or Emergencies 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive
440-333-4911 Brecksville, OH 44141
Brecksville Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & 440-526-1012
The RainForest
216-661-6500/24-hour info CanalWay Center
3900 Wildlife Way 4524 E. 49th Street
Cleveland, OH 44109 Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
FutureForWildlife.org Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
216-206-1000
Cleveland Metroparks Golf
North Chagrin Nature Center
Golf Services/440-232-7247
(course info & inquiries) 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway
Mayfield Village, OH 44094
clevelandmetroparks.com/golf
North Chagrin Reservation
The Chalet Recreation Area 440-473-3370
16200 Valley Parkway Rocky River Nature Center
Strongsville, OH 44136 24000 Valley Parkway
Mill Stream Run Reservation North Olmsted, OH 44070
440-572-9990 Rocky River Reservation
440-734-6660
Volunteer Services
volinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com Watershed Stewardship Center
clevelandmetroparks.com/ 2277 W. Ridgewood Drive
volunteer Parma, OH 44134
West Creek Reservation
Rental Facilities 440-887-1968
216-635-3304
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activities.
Cover photo: Eagle Zip Adventure at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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
