Tobogganing at The Chalet - Exhilarating fun for the entire family
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NEW DIGITAL FEATURE!
Click this icon appearing in articles
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JANUARY 2021
Tobogganing
at The Chalet
Exhilarating fun
for the entire family
Beat Cabin Fever
Winter recreation
adventures
Securing a
Future for Wildlife
Holiday lights
to help lions
Winter fun starts with
snowshoeing in the park
®
®A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN CONTENTS
Resolutions to Enhance Your Life
2 Letter from Brian &
Outdoor Education
Happy New Year! Winter has officially arrived in our Emerald
Necklace and with it are special ways to enjoy nature that only
the snowy season can offer us. Now is the perfect time to join 3 Winter is for the Birds
one of our expert naturalists to witness the wonders of our parks
in winter — from snow-draped trees and frozen waterfalls, to
wintry vistas and glimpses of our most resilient resident animals. 4 Is Anyone Around &
Animal Tracking 101
Adventure is calling, all you need is a few warm layers and a dry
pair of boots!
5 Overflowing with Eagles &
Our first edition in the 2021 Emerald Necklace is filled with ways to enhance your next visit Barred Owls
to Cleveland Metroparks. From animal tracking to astronomy, our naturalists have tips on
how to keep your eyes peeled for surprising sights this winter. If you haven’t yet picked up 6 Invasive Plant Profile &
Our Neighbor: Eastern Coyotes
birdwatching, or “birding”, there’s no better time to spot birds in our parks than wintertime
and our naturalists have gathered great information on winter eagles, owls and more.
And if you’re looking for a “new year, new you” suggestion, our experts suggest planning 7 Holiday Lights for Lions
resolutions that will enhance your life, instead of deprive it. That means more Cleveland
Metroparks!
8 Winter Fun at The Chalet &
While we are wrapping up our holiday season at Wild Winter Lights on January 3rd, you Winter RiverFest
still have a chance to visit us at Winter RiverFest until January 18. The all-new holiday
event at Rivergate Park in The Flats features a synthetic ice rink, festive light displays, an 9 Nature Shops
igloo village and more. Of course, you can get your icy thrills at The Chalet toboggan
chutes until early March. No snow is required!
2021 promises to be an historic year for Cleveland Metroparks. We recently surpassed 10 The Gift of Recreation &
Keep Biking this Winter
24,000 acres across 48 communities and we will continue to look for ways to protect and
preserve park land for future generations. Later this spring we will open the Red Line
Greenway, Whiskey Island Connector and Wendy Park Bridge — reconnecting Lake Erie 11 Five Ways Kids Enjoy Winter &
Faithful Friends in the Sky
with downtown communities in a transformative, accessible way. And throughout the
year ahead we will continue to look for ways to safely connect with you and with nature
12 Directory & Map
through this pandemic and beyond.
Bundle up and I’ll see you out there! Click or touch a section above to
access it directly. The home button
at the top corner of each page will
return you here.
Brian M. Zimmerman NEWEST FEATURE! Click this
Cleveland Metroparks CEO icon appearing in articles to
Edgewater Pier at Lakefront Reservation view videos on the subject.
Outdoor education and recreation programs have returned!
Park naturalists are now leading a variety of • Group size per program will be limited
free outdoor programs including birding, to less than 10 people following CDC
history, night hikes as well as family-friendly guidelines.
hikes as a way to stay active and explore the • Advance registration online is required. No
Emerald Necklace. in-person or phone registrations at this time.
Outdoor Recreation specialists will also • Facial coverings must be worn by all
offer weekend “try-it” sessions where guests participants six years of age and older.
can learn a new outdoor recreation skill.
Programs will be available for registration two
Outdoor Recreation events will require a $5
weeks in advance and all updates will be available
equipment fee, such as bicycles or
at clevelandmetroparks.com/calendar.
watercraft.
2 Emerald Necklace January 2021 | Vol. 70 #1FEATURE ARTICLE
WINTER
is for the BIRDS
T
he winter blues are real, but so are sparrows, doves, wrens, and juncos There are
the winter reds, olives, and tans. are common feeder birds that can be many field
Blue jays, Northern cardinals, and seen from the warmth of your guides that
winter wrens are some of the own home. can help with
beautiful birds that can be identification. For
Putting out a few feeders
seen throughout the winter beginner birders, make
in your yard and
in Northeast Ohio. During sure the guide has good large pictures
watching the visitors
the winter, birds can be and shows males and females. Also,
is the easiest way to
seen everywhere from narrow the guide down to your area as
start learning about the
backyard feeders to city much as possible. Field guides for the
various bird species.
parks to large wooded Eastern U.S. are good for more advanced
The types of bird food
expanses. Learning how birders, so try a guide for just Ohio
offered plays a large part
to identify these birds and birds. Cleveland Metroparks Fascinated
in the variety of species you
enjoy them in a whole new way Naturalist Guide on birds is perfect for
attract. Northern cardinals, blue
can bring so much joy to your life. This beginners because it focuses on the
jays, tufted titmice, chickadees,
may be why bird watching, or birding, most common birds found in and
and nuthatches feed on
has become one of the fastest growing around our parks.
black oil sunflower seed.
hobbies in North America.
Sparrows, mourning Once winter is over and the
Birding may seem overwhelming for doves and juncos will weather has warmed, you
many reasons — there are so many eat millet from the will be amazed at how many
different sounds, males and females ground or a ground bird species you know just by
look different, and birds move very fast. feeder. Woodpeckers enjoying them at your feeder.
However, winter is a fantastic time to and wrens are insect Hit the trails with a naturalist
start this lifelong hobby. During the fall, eaters and will devour a and keep learning!
many birds have migrated out of Ohio block of suet or a peanut
leaving fewer species. Woodpeckers, covered pinecone. Goldfinches Natalie Schroder, Naturalist
cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, titmice, and rare winter migrants like redpolls CanalWay Center
prefer to eat thistle seed.
JANUARY NATURALIST’S ALMANAC
W
ith snow squeaking under our feet, January is best taken
on the trail with a good pair of boots, snowshoes, or a set
of cross-country skis.
Animals have now endured the longest nights of the year as
the sun is now beginning its annual transect north. Crisp cold is
no match for wintering finches, owls, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Flocks of American robins and cedar waxwings brighten gray
skies as they descend upon fruiting trees and shrubs, gobbling
up calories for long, cold nights. Great horned owls are very Pictured from top to bottom:
active in January, searching for a mate, building a nest, or Northern cardinal, blue jay
white-breasted nuthatch and
incubating eggs. Listen for their deep, booming calls at night.
hairy woodpecker.
Great horned owl
clevelandmetroparks.com 3INSIDE OUR PARKS
Is Anyone Around?
M
igration, hibernation, brumation, in winter. To conserve energy, they will
torpor and diapause…words often hunker down, looking for food only
you may not be familiar with… during warmer daylight hours. You may
words that describe how the local wildlife cross paths while hiking through the
survive the cold Ohio winters. Everything forest.
from a light sleep to a sleep so deep that
BEAVER: Spending most hours in their
it drops vitals to all-time lows, to just
lodge is not an issue for this animal.
straight up leaving the area for warmer
Before winter, beaver store fresh branches
weather, many animals have adapted
underwater, giving them access all winter
over time. But is there wildlife that stays
long, even after the pond is frozen.
local and active during these months?
Lodges with snow melted on top may
Although it is cold and snowy, there indicate someone is home.
are quite a few animals that are less MINK: Actively hunting year-round, look
affected by the extremes. Many of our for mink along river and pond banks. As
warm-blooded species, those that can their winter diet shifts to aquatic prey,
maintain a body temperature higher you may also notice tracks going across
than their surroundings, seem to thrive. the frozen water.
Primarily mammals and birds, some will
be noticeable; out and about as they
PILEATED WOODPECKER: A large black and
white bird with a bright red mohawk-like
explore the park system. Others will
crest is quite noticeable against a snowy
more readily take shelter, only leaving
backdrop. High up in dead trees are great
their tracks behind for you to find. Keep
places to look. Listen for the laughing
your eyes open…you may be lucky
call (“cuk-cuk-cuk”) or the echoing
enough to see some of the following:
drumming.
WHITE-TAILED DEER: Stored body fat Valerie Fetzer, Manager
and a winter coat help keep deer warm Rocky River Nature Center
Animal Tracking 101
W
inter can be a quiet time for example, rabbits usually make a clean,
nature lovers. Between the 45-degree angle bite when nibbling on
beauty of fall and the mad dash the branch of a shrub, while deer leave
of spring, it feels as though there are the tips somewhat ragged and torn.
no animals about and not much to see. And don’t forget that what goes in must
However, learning what to look for can come out. Every animal’s scat looks a
increase your enjoyment of this season. little different due to its diet, body size
and shape, and can be very useful for types of weather once you start paying
Animals leave many clues behind. The attention.
identification.
most obvious animal sign is footprints.
There are many animal track guides in A great time to look for animal signs is on Following the trails of wildlife in your yard
virtual and print format. Reading these a mild winter morning, after a light snow. is a great activity for people of all ages.
can help you learn about which animals If it’s too cold or snowy, the animals Winter may be the time you discover a
would be active during the winter, what will be huddled up at home, leaving no raccoon family nearby or mouse tunnels in
habitat they prefer, and how they move signs for you to find. As the day goes on, the snow. Keep your eyes peeled and your
through their terrain. human footprints can muddle the scene mind curious!
and make it hard to pick out who went Selby Majewski Bean, Naturalist
Signs of animals eating can help you
where. You’ll begin to notice clues in all North Chagrin Nature Center
identify what wildlife are in the area. For
4 Emerald Necklace January 2021INSIDE OUR PARKS
Winter
Overflowing with Eagles at OECR
B
ald eagles are considered an species list in 1996. Today, a short trip to of eagles often form near
American icon; however, they Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation can give the Southerly Wastewater
were once listed as an endangered you a glimpse into the ongoing successes Treatment Plant outflow
species. Years of persecution from farmers, of these conservation efforts. where the fresh, warm
degradation of habitat, and the devas- waters, invite
Each year, from late November to early
tation from a now outlawed pesticide, countless fish
February, Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
referred to as DDT, led to a massive and waterfowl, as
sees double-digit densities of bald
decline in population numbers. Thank- well as along a scenic stretch
eagles clustering along the Cuyahoga
fully, conservationists worked of river affectionately referred
River in search of food and courtship.
tirelessly to reestablish to as Bald Eagle Bend, which
Juvenile and young adult eagles seek
bald eagles throughout encompasses the site of the first bald
out the Cuyahoga to take advantage
the United States and eagle nest in Cleveland in over a century.
of the plentiful fish and waterfowl that
successfully earned Even though there are hotspots, you are
they intend to make their next meal,
their removal from the likely to spot individuals in the skies or
while a nesting pair capitalizes on the
endangered overlooking the river along any length
long stretches of river that provide
of the trail, so stay sharp! Maps of Ohio
unimpeded sight lines and protection
& Erie Canal Reservation can be found
from human disturbance.
on clevelandmetroparks.com. Email
So, what do you need to do to see these jfk1@clevelandmetroparks.com for
eagles en masse? Take a walk, run, or more details or questions.
bike on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Jake Kudrna, Naturalist
Trail along the Cuyahoga River! Clusters CanalWay Center
Eagle photos by Jen Goellnitz, Fairview Park
Barred Owls: The Silent Stalker
B BARRED AND BEAUTIFUL
eech-maple forests, wetlands, and hooting call is said to resemble the
cool, hemlock-lined ravines are Stocky, grayish-brown and round- phrase, “who cooks for you, who cooks
home and hunting ground for one headed, these owls lack the conspicuous for you all?” Mostly active at night, barred
of Ohio’s most common nocturnal birds feather tufts or “horns” found on our owls are also known to hunt during
of prey, the barred owl. Any wooded two other common year-round resident daytime. Barred owls have a varied diet
habitat with large, hollow trees for owl species, the Eastern screech owl of fish, frogs, snakes, birds (including
roosting and nesting and ample prey can and great horned owl. Barred owls are smaller owls), mice, flying squirrels and
be home for these mid-sized owls. Often named for the intricate barred markings more. Their velvety-soft, rounded wings
thought of as the nocturnal equivalent on their upper chest. Their creamy-white allow them to fly silently beneath the
of the red-shouldered hawk, barred owls belly feathers are marked with dark forest canopy as they make their twilight
tend to occupy similar habitats and these brown streaks. From a distance, their hunting excursions, unheard and unseen.
two raptor species may even share a enormous, dark brown eyes can appear Jeff Riebe, Naturalist
territory. to be almost black. This gives them a North Chagrin Nature Center
somewhat “friendly” appearance that is
quite different from the fierce, yellow-
eyed glare of their larger cousin, the
great horned owl.
VOCAL VIRTUOSO
Barred owls are often heard before
they are seen. They have a raucous
and expressive vocabulary of maniacal
cackles, plaintive wails and hair-raising
shrieks, and their classic, signature
clevelandmetroparks.com 5CONSERVATION & SCIENCE
Invasive Plant Profile: Eurasian Watermilfoil
T
hink of a plant that is evergreen. A pine grow explosively
tree flecked with January snow. A holly in the spring
bush with sharp leaves and red berries. and make a mess
Eurasian watermilfoil with green leaves like a of thick weeds in a
bird’s feather, delicate and defined, growing marina. It can take years
slowly under the ice of Lake Erie. and cost thousands of dollars
to remove Eurasian watermilfoil from a augers to prevent the spread of aquatic
It is true. Our invasive plant profile in invasive plants. When winter freezes
January is a water weed that stays green lake.
Ohio’s waterbodies, the threat of the
and growing even during winter and Humans have unknowingly helped spread of aquatic invasive species does
spreads even more quickly come spring. spread Eurasian watermilfoil to new not go away.
Researchers suggest Eurasian watermilfoil waterbodies because it can grow new Mark Warman
(Myriophyllum spicatum) was introduced to populations from just an inch-long Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator
the United States over 100 years ago — as fragment of stem, as well as from seeds.
early as 1888. It is native to Europe, Asia, Boats, trailers, and other watercraft
and northern Africa. Over the century it has play the largest role in introducing
spread across most of North America, even fragments to new waterbodies, but it
up to Alaska! can also hitch a ride on fishing poles
or even the tread of boots and waders.
Eurasian watermilfoil has thick stems that Careful inspection is needed to find all
can jam boat propellers and snag fishing the seeds and fragments trying to hitch
line, making water recreation difficult. This a ride to a waterbody.
winter-hardy aquatic invader has dozens of
varieties — some blend in with the native Even in January, it is crucial to inspect
Eurasian watermilfoil
aquatic plant community, while others can and clean lines, hooks, scoops, and ice
Our Neighbor: Eastern Coyotes
M
any preconceived notions exist and compost. Additionally, some to remember a few key facts and follow
about our region’s top predator — people intentionally feed wildlife. park guidelines.
the coyote. Most concerns can be Typically, coyotes are very wary of
1. Coyotes are good parents and protect
alleviated when we understand facts about people and would prefer not to be
their young just as humans do. Respect
this species and their natural role in our near us. However, these abundant food
their space by staying on trails.
ecosystem. resources can attract coyotes (and many
other animals) right to our backyards. 2. Coyotes can view dogs off leash as
Eastern coyotes are common across Ohio a threat and view cats roaming freely in
and North America. In our area, adults Cleveland Metroparks has a public
our parks as competition for prey. Please
average between 32-37 pounds. Their reporting system to gather information
protect your pets and our wildlife by
smaller stature means they can survive on about coyote sightings. Visit
keeping cats indoors and dogs on-leash.
other food besides natural prey. Humans clevelandmetroparks.com and type
unintentionally provide food via garbage, “coyote report” into the search bar. 3. Avoid potential conflict by not
pet food, bird feeders, fruit trees, gardens, We also use motion sensor cameras feeding wildlife. Avoid competition
to monitor activity patterns. This with pets by not leaving pet food out
information helps us understand how overnight and consider other food
coyotes use our parks and interact sources you may have in your yard.
with other animals. Park staff have also
When we understand facts and how we
tracked coyote movement using GPS
can prevent conflict it helps people and
collars. Our monitoring and research
wildlife co-exist in Cleveland Metroparks.
show that coyotes will change their
activity to avoid humans as much as Jon Cepek, Wildlife Ecologist
possible. However, we ask park users
6 Emerald Necklace January 2021ZOO NEWS
Recycle Your Holiday
Lights For Lions
M
y family them to support our lion conservation them when they visit throughout the
likes to partner, Ruaha Carnivore Project in winter season. Lights will be collected
light up Tanzania. Not only is there a sustainable through January 31. We’re also partner
the holidays. I mean business portion of this effort, there ing with the Cuyahoga County Solid
literally light them is a real conservation impact through Waste District and the lights that get
up. Instead of using one of our closest and most trusted recycled there will be part of this
harsh overhead conservation partners. While our program as well!
lights, we illuminate program is really just getting started,
Conservation doesn’t have to always be
our evenings with last year alone we were able to generate
about what you can’t do. Sometimes it’s
strings of LED lights that are the color of over $500 for lion conservation AND
finding the opportunity that you can do.
the closest holiday. Valentine’s Day red, keep 1.7 TONS of holiday lights and
Visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Make a
St. Patrick’s Day green, Halloween yellow, electrical cords out of the landfill, all
Difference webpage at FutureForWildlife.
Thanksgiving orange… even white lights because the people of Northeast Ohio
org/makeadifference to find out how
all summer long. care about the environment.
you can help secure a future for wildlife.
I really like the subtle lights at night, but it I’ve already recycled a string of orange Christopher W. Kuhar, Ph.D.
bugs me that these lights have a limited lights that we’ve been using each Executive Director
lifespan. In a world where so much of Halloween for years. I’d replaced bulbs Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
what we purchase is manufactured with and fuses over the seasons, but the
“planned obsolescence” in mind, these string finally just stopped working. The
lights only last for a few years. Once recycling was a simple process. I took Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is continuing
upon a time, you had to just throw the them to the Zoo and put them in the to follow guidelines and best practices
lights away and start again. At Cleveland Lights for Lions container at the main from the state and CDC to help prevent
Metroparks Zoo we wanted to offer a entrance. That string by itself is not the spread of COVID-19. Guests are
new, more environmentally-friendly way worth a lot of money, but it’s good to required to wear facial coverings during
to dispose holiday lights. keep it out of the waste stream and their visit.* Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
there’s strength in numbers. I’m hopeful hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
For the last two years, we have conducted
that people will bring their lights with
a program called Lights for Lions. From
November through January, we offer the
opportunity for you to bring your old
or broken light strings to the Zoo. We Meet Kendi!
take those strings and turn them over to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo named its
our recycling partner, Demilta Iron and new giraffe calf “Kendi” following a
Recycling Company in Willoughby, OH.
successful donation drive to support
Demilta provides us cash in exchange for
those lights and they then recycle the
wildlife conservation. Kendi was born
lights to earn revenue which means the on October 13 to mom Jhasmin, and
light strings do not end up in the landfill dad Bo. Thank you to everyone who
and a local business is supported. made a donation to help secure a future
But that’s not the best part! We then for wildlife.
take those funds from Demilta and use
* Facial coverings are not required for children under 6 years of age, or any individual who cannot wear a face covering because of a physical or mental condition.
clevelandmetroparks.com 7at
Cleveland Metroparks
Tobogganing at The Chalet Sledding hills Snowshoe rentals‡
Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing! The BIG CREEK RESERVATION ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION
twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes operate Engle Road Sledding Hill Big Met Golf Course • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
with or without snow through early March, Memphis Picnic Area Last rental 4 p.m. • 440-331-1070
weather permitting. All riders must be 42” or HINCKLEY RESERVATION
BRECKSVILLE RESERVATION
taller to ride. Chutes open under 50°; snow not Sleepy Hollow Golf Course Hinckley Lake Boathouse and Store
needed. Children, ages 14 and under must be Call for reservations • 330-278-2160
accompanied by an adult. All riders must wear EUCLID CREEK RESERVATION
Kelley Picnic Area Prices vary by location, call for details.
gloves or mittens. Facial coverings are required
for guests 6 years and older. HINCKLEY RESERVATION
Sledding hill off State Road (night lighting) Cross-country ski rentals‡
2021 Toboggan Hours – ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION
MILL STREAM RUN RESERVATION
Reservations Required: Pawpaw Picnic Area (night lighting) Big Met Golf Course • 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Fridays: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Last rental 4 p.m. • 440-331-1070
• Saturdays: Noon – 9 p.m. NORTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION
Weekday Rates
Old River Farm Picnic Area (night lighting)
• Sundays: Noon – 5 p.m. Adults – $10 first hour – $5 each additional hour
ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION Juniors (12 & Under) – $7 first hour – $3 each
Rates:
Sledding hill north of Barrett Road additional hour
Adults – $12 all-day ticket
Big Met, Little Met and Mastick Woods Weekend Rates
Children (11 & under) – $10 all-day ticket
Golf Courses Adults – $12 first hour – $5 each additional hour
One-ride ticket – $6 Juniors (12 & Under) – $8 first hour – $3 each
SOUTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION additional hour
Reserve your spot for toboggan fun! Sledding hill at corner of Sulphur
Reservations are required. Springs Dr. and Chagrin River Road ‡ Hours of operation are weather dependent of
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/tchutes Sledding hill off Hawthorne Parkway
at least four inches of compacted snow.
or call 440-572-9990 for more information. south of Solon Road
16200 Valley Parkway
Mill Stream Run Reservation
Between Rts. 42 & 82 in Strongsville
A new way to enjoy winter fun
in Cleveland Metroparks
• Ice skating • Festive light displays
• Igloo village • Food & beverages
Through January 18
Merwins Wharf | 1785 Merwin Avenue | Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/WinterRiverFest for dates and times
8 Emerald Necklace January 2021Visit our website for a great
selection of park apparel and
general merchandise!
Shop online at
Winter Wonderland Specials! clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
ONLINE SPECIAL ONLINE SPECIAL
DECEMBER JANUARY
DEAL OF THE MONTH DEAL OF THE MONTH
FREE Mask 5 For $5 ea.
or Bandanna Mix or Match
With any $50 online merchandise purchase.
Offer Valid 12/1/20 – 12/31/20. Offer not valid with purchase of gift cards. Enjoy some of our best sellers for $5.00 each.
Some exclusions apply. While supplies last. Discount varies by item.
Enter Code FREEMASK or FREEBANDANNA at checkout. Offer valid 1/1/2021 —1/31/2021 while supplies last.
Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
Visit our holiday shop Visit our Hinckley Lake
this winter season at Boathouse & Store.
Merwin’s Wharf. Snowshoe rentals available with 4+
inches of compacted snow. Please call
The shop will be located in the Lock ahead for reservations and weather
44 Room during Winter RiverFest. conditions 330-278-2160.
For hours visit clevelandmetroparks.
Cleveland com/WinterRiverFest.
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Metroparks
Gift Cards
Now
Available!
Redeemable for Zoo, golf,
tobogganing, merchandise
and more. Available at our
online store.
clevelandmetroparks.com 9OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Gift of Recreation
New Year’s Resolution Endeavors to Set Your Sights
W
hile you might feel bogged same trail and recreate in the same ways.
down by the chilly trails and Challenge yourself to experience more by
cloudy skies of the long winter touring the trails of the Emerald Necklace,
months, the new year is actually a great switching up reservations or ditching the
time to set your sights on your 2021 hiking boots in favor of wheels on the
outdoor adventure to-do list. All Purpose Trail. If you decide to stick
with your favorite reservation, consider Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/or
The path forward may be paved with
scouring a trail map to visit different for inspiration.
good intentions; however, choosing
routes. Simplistic resolutions can include
a lasting resolution can be easier said
than done. This year, ditch resolutions
a pledge to get out more days each 3. Undertake an adventure
week, or for families to experience new Plan a year-long adventure such
requiring deprivation to achieve a
sledding hills. as section-hiking the Buckeye Trail,
healthier lifestyle and consider a
resolution geared towards enhancement. paddling the Lake Erie Water Trail, biking
2. Embrace the “New” in New Year’s the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Make this year about getting outdoors
and choose nature as a prescription for
Resolution from Akron to Lake Erie, or simply taking
an achievable resolution. Consider one of Experience your favorite trails in a new on the Cleveland Metroparks 2021 Trail
these adventure-centric ideas to get your way. Explore them on snowshoes or Challenge presented by Cigna.
New Year’s resolution juices flowing: cross-country skis, or try a different
time of day by way of moonlight. Join No matter what undertaking you choose,
a year in nature is its own reward.
1. Explore more a program and check off a bucket list
Ashley Rossetti
item to learn a thrilling new activity like
As creatures of habit, we often hike the Outdoor Recreation Specialist
mountain biking or rock climbing.
Keep Biking this Winter!
Y
es! You read that correctly — keep items like warm bike gloves and bike
biking this winter! You only have shoe covers are good additions for
two options to bike in the winter. fun, successful winter riding as nobody
Either inside or outside; let’s start with likes riding with cold fingers and toes!
biking outside. Bikes can be adapted for Cleveland’s
winter conditions by adding fenders, inside can be made more appealing.
If you ride outside this winter, you’ll most
which help keep you dry and your bike First, riding inside requires a bike trainer
likely need to ride during the day or
cleaner. If you are mountain biking, or bike rollers, which turns your bike
invest in bike lights. As daylight dwindles,
wait until the trails are open, which into a new stationary bike! Many people
having a light to see, and be seen, is a
typically means the ground freezes. If use computer apps to stay connected
good idea. In addition to lights, layers
you are really into riding this winter, and motivated with a screen in front of
of warm clothes are needed. Specialty
grab a snow bike with fat tires that them allowing them to challenge other
helps you float over the snow. riders in a video game-like environment.
If riding in place isn’t your thing, check
If all this talk about snow and cold
out Ray’s Indoor Bike Park. This indoor
has dissuaded you, keep biking this
mecca for riding is located by Cleveland
winter by staying inside! This might
Metroparks Zoo. No matter how you do
initially sound less appealing as some
it, keep riding this winter!
elements are lost — no wind in your
Dan Sahli
face, no beautiful scenery, no sense
Outdoor Recreation Specialist
of freedom and adventure. But, riding
10 Emerald Necklace January 2021OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Five Ways Kids Enjoy Winter Outside
M
any times during the winter, I while hiking. Examples are pinecones, by the Ohio Division of Wildlife
hear parents talk about how pine needles, animal tracks, old bird is free and downloadable.
challenging it can be to get nests, and birds.
IDENTIFY ANIMAL TRACKS – Many
4.
outside with their kids. However, with
DECORATE A TREE FOR WILDLIFE – animals are active in the winter.
the right clothes, plan, and attitude
everyone can have a great experience
outside. Waterproof mittens or gloves,
2. Learning to appreciate wildlife
can lead to a lifelong commitment
Foxes, beaver, songbirds, mice,
and deer can be found throughout
of conservation. A fun way to learn the entire season. Grab a field guide
boots, snow pants, hats, coats and scarves
about wildlife is to decorate a tree in and a hula hoop before going on your
are must-haves for healthy and safe
your yard for them. For ornaments, adventure. The hula hoop is to place
winter play. When children are dressed
cover pinecones in peanut butter and over the track, so no one steps on it.
appropriately, they can play outside for
dried mealworms; also buy or make suet
hours even in cold weather. Outdoor play BLOW FROZEN BUBBLES – Blowing
and use cookie cutters to make pretty
bubbles is not just for warm
5.
enables children to enjoy the natural
shapes. For garland, string dried fruit on
world while developing age appropriate months. When the temperature is
yarn or twine.
social and emotional skills. around 10° F bubbles will freeze.
3.
IDENTIFY EVERGREEN TREES – Trees It is an amazing way to talk about
WINTER SCAVENGER HUNT – It
1. can be hard to keep young
children engaged when going
are fascinating and there are an
incredible number of species right
in Cleveland Metroparks. It is a great
solids and liquids. Make sure to have
plenty of solution on hand. To make this
activity even more fun, add a little bit of
on a winter hike. To make it
time to learn about these trees since food coloring to the bubble solution.
fun for the whole family, turn it into a
they retained their needles throughout Natalie Schroder, Naturalist
scavenger hunt! Print out a list (with
the winter. The Trees of Ohio field guide CanalWay Center
pictures) of items for the children to find
Photo by Chris Mentrek, Naturalist
Our Faithful Friends in the Winter Sky Geauga Park District
Spending time admiring the night sky adventure. Early astronomers such as
has become a fading practice in the Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton
last few generations. It is somewhat made scientific discoveries that are
understandable, due to light pollution foundational to our understanding
and so many evening activities vying today.
for our attention. But the enduring Orion’s Belt
January is a perfect time to identify a
appeal of the night sky is that it has not
few reliable winter constellation friends:
changed much since the first humans Orion (Hunter) — One of the easiest
walked this earth. Canis Major (Greater Dog) — To constellations to find, look to the southeast
find Orion’s dog, draw a straight line horizon in early evening for three bright
The predictability of constellations
through his belt to the left to locate the stars in a straight row. This is Orion’s belt.
and planets over the seasons and
brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. Look for a reddish star up from the belt. That
years has kept cultures for millennia
Sirius helps constitute the constellation is Betelgeuse. Just lower from the belt is a
astonished, centered, perplexed and
Canis Major, Orion’s legendary hunting bright star called Rigel. It has a blue tint that
curious. Mayans, Babylonians, Chinese,
companion. indicates it is very hot.
Greeks, Arabs and East Indian cultures
created rich connections with the Taurus (Bull) — To find the bull that These faithful friends will always be there,
night sky. Like a faithful friend, the Orion is hunting, draw a line through just as they were for our ancestors and
night sky has also guided our ancestors his belt to the right to find the bull’s early astronomers. They are still waiting for
in navigation, planting, harvesting left eye. Look for the ‘V’ that makes us to peer upward, admiring their reliable
and has even provided cosmic up the bull’s face/horns. Aldebaran is positions in the winter sky.
entertainment through storytelling the brightest star in the constellation
Foster Brown, Naturalist
to make sense of our grand earthly Taurus.
North Chagrin Nature Center
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Nature Center Cleveland Metroparks Police
Accidents or Emergencies Nature Centers:
Golf
440-333-4911 Brecksville Nature Center
Zoo
9000 Chippewa Creek Drive
Swim Area Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Brecksville, OH 44141
The RainForest Brecksville Reservation
216-661-6500/24-hour info 440-526-1012
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109 CanalWay Center
FutureForWildlife.org 4524 E. 49th Street
RIVERGATE Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Cleveland Metroparks Golf Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Golf Services/440-232-7247 216-206-1000
(course info & inquiries)
clevelandmetroparks.com/golf North Chagrin Nature Center
401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway
The Chalet Recreation Area Mayfield Village, OH 44094
16200 Valley Parkway North Chagrin Reservation
Strongsville, OH 44136 440-473-3370
Mill Stream Run Reservation
440-572-9990 Rocky River Nature Center
24000 Valley Parkway
Lakefront Reservation North Olmsted, OH 44070
Administration Building Rocky River Reservation
8701 Lakeshore Blvd. 440-734-6660
Cleveland, OH 44108
216-881-8141 Watershed Stewardship Center
2277 W. Ridgewood Drive
Volunteer Services Parma, OH 44134
440-331-8237 West Creek Reservation
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