Wild about Wildflowers - Identifying spring perennials - Cleveland Metroparks
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VIDEO CLIPS FEATURE!
Click this icon appearing in articles
to view videos on the subject.
®
MAY 2021
Wild about Wildflowers
Identifying
spring perennials
Find Your Path
Download Cleveland Metroparks
new mobile app
Mother Nature
Motherhood in the
animal kingdom
Boardwalk trail in
Rocky River Reservation
A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN CONTENTS
Get Energized with New Trails, Animals and Adventures
2 Letter from Brian & Pathfinder
There’s a special energy in Cleveland Metroparks every May. With
warmer temperatures, a plethora of sights and sounds can be seen
and heard around every bend: songbirds drop-by on their migration 3 Find Your Path
northward, amphibians call from the ponds and marshes, and
4 Naturalist’s Almanac &
wildflowers blanket our trails. Of course, warmer temperatures also
bring more of all of you! Mothers of the Animal Kingdom
In this issue, our experts have tips for your next visit to the Emerald Necklace including an
extensive list on how to identify spring perennials on the forest floor, safety tips during a 5 Painting the Forest Floor
busy day, how to paddle smart when exploring lakes and rivers and much, much more.
Beyond the natural phenomena May has to offer, over the next few weeks and months 6 100th Anniversary Park Police
there will be several new amenities to experience in Cleveland Metroparks including the
long-awaited trails and connections: Red Line Greenway, Whiskey Island Connector, and
Wendy Park Bridge. These trails will offer new ways to explore and connect with Cleveland 7 It’s Spring! Paddle Smart
and our lakefront. As we near completion of these major projects, please stay tuned to our
website clevelandmetroparks.com for the latest updates.
8 Golf Courses
While there’s so much to see and explore as spring fully blossoms, signing up for one of
our naturalist-led programs can help take you somewhere new. Our experts can teach you
an outdoor skill or help you find your next favorite hidden gem in the Emerald Necklace. 9 Nature Shops &
Job Opportunities
If you’re looking to tap into your wild side, May is also a great time to visit Cleveland
Metroparks Zoo as many of the warm weather inclined animals return to their outdoor 10 Foraging & Fungi
habitats. Feed a Masai giraffe at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter and meet our new
tiger cub trio at Rosebrough Tiger Passage!
As you get outdoors this spring, please remember to practice social distancing during 11 Find Your Wildside &
Swimming Events
your exploration in Cleveland Metroparks and follow all of the latest guidelines from state
and local health officials and the CDC. While the warmer months are typically the busiest 12 Directory & Map
months in Cleveland Metroparks, there’s more than 24,000 acres to explore and Find Your
Path. Click or touch a section above to access
See you out there! it directly. Click on the home button
(shown here) at the top corner of each
page to return you here.
VIDEO FEATURE! Click this
Brian Zimmerman icon appearing in articles to
Cleveland Metroparks CEO view videos on the subject.
Summer Safety While Visiting Cleveland Metroparks
As the weather warms up, Cleveland Metroparks • Always lock vehicles and keep
18 park reservations will be increasingly popular valuables out of plain view.
destinations for families and individuals to enjoy the • Be aware of your surroundings and if you see
outdoors. Cleveland Metroparks has some tips to something suspicious, say something to parks
ensure you enjoy the parks safely all season long. staff or contact Cleveland Metroparks Police.
• All park visitors are required to follow the latest CDC Cleveland Metroparks Police will be present
safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of on foot, bikes, in patrol cruisers and on
COVID-19, including practicing safe social distancing. horseback to assist in parking and safety. In
• Practice good trail etiquette and warn other park case of emergency, please notify Cleveland
users when passing. Metroparks Police Headquarters immediately
• Be on the lookout for cyclists traveling on the by calling 440-333-4911 or 911. Non-life-
roadways and allow at least 3 feet distance when threatening situations should be reported to
passing in your vehicle. Cleveland Metroparks Police at 440-331-5530.
2 Emerald Necklace May 2021 | Vol. 70 #5
FEATURE ARTICLE
Cleveland Metroparks
Launches a
New Campaign
and Mobile App
C
leveland Metroparks announced Emerald Necklace, whether guests are
the launch of Find Your Path, a seeking a peaceful retreat to nature, a
new campaign to encourage new trail adventure, an opportunity to
exploration and inclusivity across learn from one of our expert naturalists
the park district’s more than 24,000 or find time and space to connect with
acres through a new mobile app. The friends and family.”
Cleveland Metroparks mobile app is now
App users will immediately have
available for download on all Apple and
access to new maps of all 18 park
Android devices.
reservations to find trails, attractions “There is truly something for everyone
The launch of the new campaign and and hidden gems, as well as upcoming and we invite our guests to Find Your Path,
app come on the heels of record- programming and events across Find Your Course, Find Your Wildside and
breaking visitation in 2020 with more Cleveland Metroparks reservations, golf more.”
than 19.7 million recreational visitors. courses, restaurants, retail locations, and
The new record drew more than 1.2 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Guests can purchase a limited-edition
million more recreational visitors than Cleveland Metroparks Find Your Path
Additional app features available this t-shirt online and in person at the Hinckley
the previous record set in Cleveland
summer will allow guests to establish Lake Boathouse & Store.
Metroparks centennial year in 2017,
user accounts, register for events
despite the significant impacts of Download the NEW mobile app today at
and notifications, earn badges by
COVID-19. clevelandmetroparks.com/app.
participating in challenges, and be
“With more visitors than ever across eligible for special promotions.
Cleveland Metroparks, we are always
“Find Your Path is not only rooted in
reminded that everyone’s connection to
the personal connection our guests
the Park District is personal and unique,”
have with the park system but speaks
said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian
to the vast array of amenities Cleveland
Zimmerman. “We’re excited to offer this
Metroparks has to offer,” said Chief
new way for guests to interact with the
Marketing Officer Kelly Manderfield.
Find Your Path Find
Find Your Your Course
Course Find
Find Your
Your Wildside
Wildside
clevelandmetroparks.com 3
NATURALIST’S ALMANAC
Month of May: Bursting with Flora and Fauna
O Wildflowers
ne of the greatest shows on earth,
the month of May bursts with
Blankets of Virginia bluebells Trillium
surging action and immense
Blackburnian intermixed with yellows of
diversity of flora and fauna. As leaves and
warbler golden alexanders coat river bottoms and
flowers sprout and swell from the ground
stream sides of riparian floodplains. Steep
to the canopies of towering oaks, warm Birds hillsides and cool valleys rich in loamy leaf
air and increasing sunlight urge pollinators Songbird migration peaks the first two litter are cloaked in jack-in-the-pulpits,
— bees, flies, butterflies, moths, beetles weeks of May as wave after wave of birds trilliums, spring beauties, waterleaf, rue
— to emerge to feast on nectar and fresh arrive from their southern wintering anemone, and mayapples. These perennial
foliage. Spring wildflowers peak in full grounds. Some, like blackburnian botanical gems come and go quickly,
bloom, carpeting the ground in a canvas warblers, began their journey in South blooming for short time periods only to
of brilliant white, yellow, blue and pink. America and stop only briefly to rest and die back within weeks in order to store
Millions of migrating songbirds descend refuel before heading north to spruce energy underground in roots and tubers.
upon wetlands, fields and forests, having forests in the Canadian wilderness.
arrived in the dark of night from Central Others, like the wood thrush, arrive Amphibians and Reptiles
and South American wintering grounds. from the rainforests of Panama to stake On warm, sunny afternoons, eastern
Filling the treetops in frenzy, Neotropical out a territory in beech-maple forests, garter snakes and northern watersnakes
songbirds acrobatically search for insects serenading hikers with their flute-like bask along the edges of wetlands and
to fuel their incredible journeys north to songs through summer. While millions zip across trails as they search for fish and
the boreal forest. of migrant birds pause temporarily to frog prey. Ponds and marshes swell from
Wood May’s natural frequent rain, and the chorus of green
use Cleveland Metroparks vital resources
thrush wonders shift for only days at a time, other species, frogs, bullfrogs, spring peepers, and gray
and stir quickly, such as eastern bluebirds and pileated treefrogs continues from dawn till dusk.
and new sights and woodpeckers, are already nest-building, Watch the trail ahead of you for American
sounds appear daily. incubating eggs or rearing their fledged toads patrolling for insects while hopping
young. across paths.
Bird photos by Jen Goellintz, Fairview Park
Mothers of the Animal Kingdom
M
other’s Day is a holiday when we female beaver gestates her young for
honor the maternal figures in our about three and a half months, but the
lives for their role of motherhood, whole family works together to build a
Virginia opossum
strong bonds, and contributions to dam, maintain their lodge, and protect it
society. While we celebrate these from predators. bean-sized joeys per litter (sometimes
incredible people, let’s acknowledge more), each weighing a tenth of a gram.
While some mammals such as foxes
some wild mammal moms too. Opossum joeys latch on and grow in
and coyotes produce multiple young
their mother’s pouch for two months
Like most modern American families, in a litter, others invest their care in a
before climbing onto their mother’s back
everyone takes part in caring for singleton. The little brown bat usually
for a three-month long piggyback ride.
the home in a beaver colony. North has one pup per year that weighs just
Opossums can have one to three litters
American beavers work together to two grams, accounting for 30% of the
per season, and that is a full den!
build a comfortable lodge on the water, mother’s weight. After birth, a female bat
complete with skylights, woodchip will dutifully carry its bulky baby around Animals remind us that motherhood
carpeting, and underwater entrances. A for a month, teaching it valuable skills of comes in many shapes and sizes and is
lodge provides a safe place of residence survival until the pup is able to fly and always worth celebrating. This Mother’s
for a mated pair, their litter of one to hunt on its own. Day take time to appreciate mother
four kits, and even the juvenile beavers nature with the amazing maternal
The size difference between a bat pup
from previous years. Beaver kits nurse for figures in your life.
and its mother is drastic, but it’s nothing
two weeks before moving on to plants Peter Frank, Naturalist
compared to the Virginia opossum. This
provided by their family members. A Watershed Stewardship Center
marsupial can give birth to a dozen jelly-
4 Emerald Necklace May 2021
PLACES TO EXPLORE
Painting the Forest Floor
Virginia bluebells along the Bridal Trail at Mill Stream Run Reservation
S
pring is a series of brushstrokes If you have been out and about during parts of the park. Look for a single stemless
in our forests. The first splashes of the months of March and April, you maroon flower sitting flush on top of
color to emerge since winter. Every may have already witnessed phenology mottled leaves.
week something different, something at its finest. Very early on, sometimes
Virginia Bluebells – Nodding
beautiful, but yet expected. with snow still on the ground, skunk
with bell-shaped flowers, these petals can
cabbage will first emerge. It is always
You may not notice it unless you are be found in blue, pink, purple and on a
followed by a flowering harbinger of
especially observant, but all things rare occasion, even white. Bumble bees
spring, hepatica, and spring beauty. But
in nature run on a calendar…our are well-suited to pollinate this shape of
rest assured, some of the best displays of
wildflowers included. We may not know flower.
color are yet to come between late April
the exact date of occurrence as that is
and mid-May. Small and dainty, keep Wild Geranium – Adding a
heavily determined by temperature,
your eyes low to the ground for some of touch of lavender to the forest floor,
but phenology, the study of the timing
the next spring perennials: combined with its deeply lobed leaves,
of life cycle events, helps us prepare for
wild geranium is a common sight. Watch
what is next to come. The emergence of Yellow Trout Lily – One of the for flowers with five petals, sometimes
leaves, hatching of insects, blooming of most common flowers found on the
overlapping one another.
flowers, and return of migratory birds are deciduous forest floor, this plant receives
all related in terms of phenology. When its name from the mottled leaves which Golden Ragwort – Different than
it comes to the month of May, it allows resemble the colors in a brown trout. ragweed (and won’t cause you to sneeze),
us to enjoy as many spring blooms as This plant grows for seven years before this bright yellow flower adds the final
possible! producing a yellow hanging flower with touches to our forest painting. Small daisy-
backward curving petals. like petals surround a large yellow center.
Our spring wildflowers are ephemeral,
lasting only a very brief time. Their work, Dutchman’s Breeches – Spring wildflowers are a sight not to be
blooming and becoming pollinated, Alongside its feathery leaves, this bloom missed. Find your path and visit it often
must be completed before the leaves looks like a pair of white upside-down during this season. If you are new to
are fully out on the trees – blocking the pants (as if hanging from a clothesline). wildflower discovery, be sure to check out:
sunlight from the forest floor. Dropping
Trillium – Species ranging in color • Hemlock Picnic Area in Bedford
their petals after pollination to become Reservation
from white to red, the most noticeable
seed, means that those spectacular • Johnson’s Picnic Area in Hinckley
is the large white trillium (also the State
colors are short-lived, with some species Reservation
Wildflower of Ohio). Although bright
in bloom for only a few days. With such
white, the flowers will turn a rosy pink • Scenic Loop Trail in North Chagrin
a small window, it makes it even more
with age. What each species has in Reservation
important to visit your favorite Cleveland
common is the three petals, against • Spring Wildflower Garden at Rocky
Metroparks locations frequently…maybe
three sepals, on a plant with three leaves. River Nature Center
even weekly for a different wildflower
The toadshade trillium is more common
view. Val Fetzer, Manager
in Rocky River Reservation than other
Rocky River Nature Center
Trout lily Dutchman’s breeches Great white trillium Wild geranium Golden ragwort
clevelandmetroparks.com 5
POLICE CENTENNIAL
100th Anniversary Park Police • 1921 – 2021
National Night Out Euclid Beach, August 2019 Chief Dolan swearing in Sgt. Shearn on March 3, 2019 Mounted Beach Ride at Edgewater
F
rom the early days of the Park District, four more officers joined the ranks of Turnpike exit 10 in Strongsville. The next
its leaders recognized the need to the department at a salary of $100 per decades brought continued growth both
not only protect the environment, month. The department received its to the Park District and the department.
but also those who would visit its highest-ranking officer in 1924, when Harry In 2004, the department moved one final
pristine surroundings. This led to the Billington was named captain. In 1933, time into a new headquarters facility in the
formation of the Cleveland Metroparks the department had 15 members using a Rocky River Reservation, where the police
Police Department. The creation of the stable of horses, one motorcycle, and three department still operates out of today.
Park District’s law enforcement branch vehicles to patrol what had grown by that
In 2019, the department returned to its
was made possible on June 14, 1920 time to a 10,000 acre park district. In 1947,
original title of “police” and a new patch
when the Board of Park Commissioners Captain James Hoy was appointed as the
was designed which reflects the shape and
passed resolution #315 which called for department’s first chief.
heritage of the original police patch worn
maintaining “…general peace and good Police Change to Rangers by the department’s earliest officers.
order of the park.” On May 5, 1921, Charles
L. Fox was hired to be the Park District’s
In 1967, Lou E. Tsipis became the new chief. Fast Forward to Today
Shortly thereafter a significant change
first patrolman. One hundred years later, under the
was made when the name “police” was
direction of Chief Katherine Dolan, the
First Park District Police dropped, and the name “ranger” was
Cleveland Metroparks Police Department
In 1922, the Park District purchased a officially adopted. The department moved
is a nationally accredited law enforcement
three-room cottage on Lorain Avenue from a police headquarters located at the
agency comprised of highly trained officers
to be used as police headquarters and Standard Building in downtown Cleveland,
dedicated to protecting and serving the
to a former tollgate building at the Ohio
visitors of the Park District.
H.R. Zeiger & James K. Hoy Car # 5, 1939
Cleveland Metroparks Police at the Standard Building in 1963.
Officer Chao riding Cleveland
Metroparks first electric
motorcycle April 2020
Police and Ranger badges dating from 1921-2021 Officer Biggs ready to head out on patrol
6 Emerald Necklace May 2021
OUTDOOR RECREATION
It’s Spring! Paddle Smart
N
ortheast Ohio has an impressive Cuyahoga River Water Trail should ideally get out of the water and
array of paddling opportunities. watch freighters pass from shore or get
The newly designated Cuyahoga River
Make this paddling season to one of the designated passing zones.
Water Trail is another accessible option. Its
one of local exploration. Inland lakes, NEVER stay in the middle of the river when
wild and scenic upper section with slow
such as Hinckley and Wallace Lakes, a freighter is approaching.
moving currents is much like paddling
afford easygoing experiences for
families, newer paddlers, and those
an inland lake in which no shuttles are Lake Erie Water Trail
necessary. River flow increases near Kent On calm days, paddlers can connect to the
looking for some on-water relaxation.
and Monroe Falls, requiring shuttles that Lake Erie Water Trail where the Cuyahoga
If you’ve taken up this year’s Trail
can be available through rental companies. River meets Lake Erie. The Lake Erie Water
Challenge (clevelandmetroparks.com/
Only highly experienced whitewater Trail runs the shoreline of Cuyahoga
trailchallenge), you can check off a trail
paddlers should run the intense rapids County spanning from Huntington Beach
while dipping your paddle in Hinckley
and waterfalls of the Gorge section in
Lake.
downtown Cuyahoga Falls. The Cuyahoga
Launching at Emerald Necklace Marina River continues through the beautiful
If you’d like to try something faster- Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Spring
paced, try one of Northeast Ohio’s rivers can be a wild place. Scouting the
rivers. Hop onto the Rocky River at intended section of river, monitoring
Emerald Necklace Marina, where you websites like American Whitewater for
will paddle with sailboats and other current river flow levels and being alert to
power boaters heading into Lake Erie. strainers (newly deposited trees that can
As a slow-moving craft, paddle on the become entrapment hazards) are highly
periphery of the river staying to the encouraged before launching.
right whenever possible. If the lake is Paddling Safely through Cleveland Freighter vs. kayak is depicted in this new
sculpture at Merwin’s Wharf
Paddling the lower Cuyahoga River
through downtown Cleveland offers
captivating views of the Cleveland skyline. in Bay Village to Sims Park in Euclid. Newer
As paddlers marvel at the impressive paddlers can seek shelter behind the
Terminal Tower, imagine turning it on breakwall by launching from Wendy Park.
its side and floating it down More experienced paddlers can plan day
the Cuyahoga River. It is nearly Warm water Cold water trips launching from any of
equivalent in size to the large the trail’s many access points
freighters that frequently to paddle along rocky cliff
Park staff practice a kayak rescue traverse this section of river. lines with an almost never-
A new sculpture at Rivergate ending view of downtown.
calm, head on out before returning to No matter which Northeast
Park models the actual size of AIR
Emerald Necklace Marina for some ice + Ohio venue paddlers prefer,
a freighter’s thruster, helping WATER
cream. As spring paddlers move away =
always paddle smart and
paddlers understand the 120
from the easy shore access of inland wear a life jacket.
dangers of these thrusters
lakes, dressing for water temperatures
especially when engaged in Ashley Rossetti,
and knowing how to quickly get back
turning freighters. Monitor Outdoor Recreation Specialist
into your boat is crucial. Wear a wetsuit
freighter location using a
when water temperatures remain
handheld VHF radio and/
under 70 degrees and a dry suit/heavy
or a marine app such as Dress for spring’s cold water temperatures, especially when
wetsuit in early spring’s cold water
marinetraffic.com. Paddlers air + water temperatures = less than 120 degrees. .
temperatures.
clevelandmetroparks.com 7
Featured May & June Events
1 – 4 p.m.
Book Your Spring Kickoff Clinic The Spring Kickoff Clinic gives golfers Meet at Washington
Tee Time Today! Saturday, May 1
a chance to receive instruction from Clubhouse
Cleveland Metroparks staff of golf Ages: Adults
professionals. Register online.
Big Met Fee: $20 per person
440-331-1070 | Fairview Park
Scratch event open to all players; 10 a.m.
Little Met Two Player Scramble Cleveland Metroparks Player of the Meet at Manakiki
216-941-9672 | Cleveland Year Tournament Series. Register Clubhouse
Saturday, May 15 online. Ages: Adults
Fee: $160 per team
Manakiki
440-942-2500 | Willoughby Hills 8:45 – 10:45pm RR
Tee off after the sun goes down at
Moonlight Golf! Cost includes greens Meet at Little Met
Mastick Woods fees and one moonlight golf ball. Clubhouse
216-267-5626 | Cleveland Moonlight Golf There are seven Moonlight events Ages: All ages, juniors
Saturday, May 15 throughout the summer at different must be accompanied by
Seneca courses, check online for a full listing. an adult
440-526-0043 | Broadview Hts. Register online. Fee: $30 per player
Shawnee Hills
Join us for FootGolf Kickoff Day at 2 – 6 p.m.
440-232-7184 | Bedford Meet at Mastick Woods
Mastick Woods. See how much fun this
Footgolf Kickoff Day game can be for people of all ages! Clubhouse
Sleepy Hollow Sunday, May 16 Register online. Ages: All ages
440-526-4285 | Brecksville Fee: $5 per person
Washington
216-641-1864 | Newburgh Hts. 8 a.m.
Scratch event open to all players;
Two Player (Jr./Sr.) Cleveland Metroparks Player of Meet Sleepy Hollow
Better Ball the Year Tournament Series. Teams Clubhouse
comprised of 1 player under the age Ages: Adults
Saturday, June 26
of 50 and 1 player over the age of 50. Fee: $160 per team
Register online.
Mother’s Day Sale
May 1 - 9 • 20% OFF
All Women’s Wear including Shoes
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/golf for a complete list of events and to register.
8 Emerald Necklace May 2021
Visit our website for a great selection of
park apparel and general merchandise!
APRIL SPECIAL MAY SPECIAL JUNE SPECIAL
30 % OFF
Gardening Sets
3 Pc Gift Set
Reg. $22 Great
Gift
Find Your Path
for
Premium Tees $22
Dad!
Shears &
Adventure Case I Heart Cap
Skills Guides Reg. $17
$
20 ea.
$
9.95 ea. Offer valid 5/1/21 – 5/31/21. Offer valid 6/1/21 – 6/30/21.
While supplies last. Shop online at
Find Your Path
Stickers $3 ea.
Offer valid 4/1/21 – 4/30/21. Use code MOM21 at checkout.
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop
While supplies last. Shop online at While supplies last. Shop online at
clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Edgewater
Nature Shop
216-954-3408 ext 3.
Opening Fri. May 28
Open Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hinckley Lake
All Nature Shops are currently Boathouse & Store
330-278-2160
closed. Visit our website for a great
Stay up-to-date with selection of park apparel and
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. -- 5 p.m.
our summer water rentals. general merchandise! Summer hours begin May 28:
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/WaterRentals for information on locations, rates, reservations and more! Mon. - Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Weekends & Holidays
Shop
Shop online for monthly at clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/shop
online specials at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop 9 a.m. –6 p.m.
F ind your passion
with dynamic career
opportunities now available
Seasonal positions are
available for ages 16 and up
and most positions offer a
Interested applicants can scan
the QR code shown here or
visit clevelandmetroparks.com/
for the 2021 spring and 40-hour workweek with employment to learn more
summer season across park dates ranging from spring about available positions.
reservations, golf courses, through mid-October.
Now Hiring dining, retail, marinas and
nationally-acclaimed Zoo.
In addition to seasonal
employment, Cleveland
Over 1,000 Cleveland Metroparks is
a 14-time winner of the
Metroparks is also offering
full-time positions across
Seasonal NorthCoast 99 award for
the top 99 workplaces in
its park reservations, golf
courses, restaurants, police
Employees Northeast Ohio. department, marketing
department and zoo.
Cleveland Metroparks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment with respect to age, class, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, race, national
origin, mental and physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, Cleveland Metroparks respects diversity of thought and practice,
including, but not exclusive to education, socio-economic background and work experience.
clevelandmetroparks.com 9
NATURAL RESOURCES
Inky caps (Coprinellus)
Foraging Fungi
F
oraging and eating wild harvested and mushrooms is prohibited within Picking Plants Limits Future Growth
foods has become an increasingly Cleveland Metroparks. Most of these native plants are also slow
popular activity over the past couple growing perennials that are susceptible
of years. It certainly is appealing to think No Mushroom Picking in Our Parks
to overharvesting and do not quickly
that you can walk out your back door Why would the Metroparks have this rule?
reproduce like vegetables in the garden.
and find a fresh, local, and free meal right In May, the carpets of wildflowers along
American ginseng is an example of a once
at your fingertips! Foraging is not only the trails seem so abundant and endless.
common plant that is now rare due to
a way to feed yourself, but oftentimes What harm could it possibly cause to pick
overharvesting. Also keep in mind that
has cultural significance to indigenous some ramps or find a few of those elusive
every flower you pick along the trail is
peoples and to people who have morel mushrooms to bring home to enjoy?
one less flower that the next hiker will get
emigrated from other countries where Unfortunately, if every park visitor were to
to enjoy. The only reason we have such
subsistence off the land is a way of life. have this philosophy and pick a few plants
spectacular spring wildflowers in the parks
or mushrooms there would be little left
Most local parks have special rules or is because of the continued protection and
for the wildlife who depend on them for
require permits for the collection of plants responsible land management over the
survival. Deer, turkey, and other wildlife
and animals to ensure their protection, past one hundred years.
can’t go to the grocery store or grow a
so be sure to check the rules before
garden like you or I to feed themselves. Where or When to Harvest?
collecting. Foraging and removal of plants
So where can you go to forage or pick
mushrooms? Foraging is allowed on certain
public lands such as some state parks and
forests, and also on private land. Where
it is permitted, please be responsible and
be sure to not over harvest and save some
for wildlife. A good general rule of thumb
is to never harvest greater than 10% of a
healthy population. Always be sure to call
the park office ahead of your visit to verify
Inky caps Chicken of the Woods Artist’s Conk the rules, obtain the proper permits from
(Coprinopsis) (Laetiporus sulphureus) (Ganoderma applanatum) ODNR, and never pick or eat unfamiliar
plants or mushrooms unless you are 100%
certain of the identification. You can learn
Collecting of any kind is more about the multitudes of native edible
plants and fungi by attending naturalist led
NOT PERMITTED in programs and hikes, or by joining groups
Cleveland Metroparks. such as the Ohio Mushroom Society.
Many delicious edible native plants such
as blueberry, serviceberry, and pawpaw
This includes but is not limited to: can also be purchased at local nurseries or
• artifacts, wildflowers, garden centers so you can bring the forest
mushrooms, nuts, back home to your garden!
• fossils, rocks, wood, plants, Josh Philipps, Natural Resources
Area Manager - East
• snakes, turtles, salamanders
and frogs. Story photos by Jen Goellnitz, Fairview Park
10 Emerald Necklace May 2021ZOO NEWS
Swimming Find Your Wild Side
at Cleveland Metroparks at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
T
here is no better time than spring The RainForest at Cleveland
to visit Cleveland Metroparks Metroparks Zoo is also open 7 days a
Ledge Pool & Recreation Area Zoo. Watch the Zoo’s trio of week after undergoing improvements
Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township
(daily pool admission fee or season pass access) tiger cubs explore and grow when to its iconic geodesic dome. Visit fan
Open Daily: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. weather permitting they are introduced to the habitat at favorites like the orangutans or new
Saturday, June 5 – Sunday, August 15 Rosebrough Tiger Passage this spring. friends like the binturong, also known
as a bearcat!
Ledge Pool Learn to Swim Classes Many of the Zoo’s popular attractions
Ledge Pool and Recreation Area are now open for the season. The Circle
Hinckley Reservation
Register online beginning May 1 of Wildlife Carousel, Boomerang Line
Registration will be online only. Waivers and Train and 4-D Theater are open daily
medical forms are available online. from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The tram to
the Primary, Cats & Aquatics Building is
American Red Cross Pool/Waterfront also running daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lifeguard Course
Enjoy get close encounters with
May 17 – May 28 the Zoo’s giraffe herd at the Ben
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4 – 8 p.m.
Ledge Pool and Recreation Area
Gogolick Giraffe Encounter. Experience
Hinckley Reservation handfeeding giraffes as tall as 17 feet
The Blended Learning class teaches the knowledge out of your hand when temperatures
and skills to recognize and respond to aquatic are above 50 degrees and conditions in
emergencies, prevent drowning and injuries the African Savanna are dry enough for
through online and on-site training. Must be 16
years old on or before the last day of the course. the herd to safely explore.
Prerequisites include a swimming skills test. Guests are asked to maintain social
Ages: 16 years or older distancing and facial coverings are
Fee: $215
Register online or by phone by May 13 required for those 6 years of age
440-331-8111 and older. For more information visit
FutureForWildlife.org.
American Red Cross Pool/Waterfront
Lifeguard Course Zoo Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
May 24 – May 28 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo location:
Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way
Ledge Pool and Recreation Area Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Hinckley Reservation 216-661-6500
(See May 17 – 28 for details) The Zoo is located just 5 minutes from
Ages: 16 years or older downtown and easily accessible from
Fee: $215 Interstates 71, 77, 90 and 480
Register online or by phone by May 20 and SR 176 Jennings Freeway.
440-331-8111
Parking is Free.
Emerald Necklace
Marina
Cleveland Metroparks facilities re-opening
Emerald Necklace Marina 1500 Cleveland Metro Park Dr, Lakewood, OH 44107
Weekdays
216-226-3030
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
E. 55th Marina 5555 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114
216-431-334 Sat. & Sun.
Wildwood Marina 16975 Wildwood Lane, Cleveland, OH 44119 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
216-481-5771
For up-to-date information on Cleveland Metroparks restaurants and concessions visit clevelandmetroparks.com/dining
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
440-331-8237 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: Boardwalk trail in Rocky River Reservation
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
