The Emerald Necklace, Cleveland’s Jewel
Did you know The Cleveland Metroparks contains more than 21,000 acres in sixteen reservations plus the Zoo? Did you know it was established in 1917 to preserve the natural assets of the area and continues to be one of the most popular places for Clevelanders to spend their free time? Did you know there are more than 80 picnic areas and shelters situated near play areas and restrooms?
All around us, from Bentleyville to Hinckley to Rocky River, the “Emerald Necklace” flows like a green oasis for weary travelers, a place where we can re-charge and become real again after running crazily through our busy lives. If you’re missing out on getting to the Metroparks, you may want to put one of the upcoming events on your calendar. Most events and programs are free.
For a great overview of the park system, enjoy a half-day, self-led audio tour of the Emerald Necklace by turning your radio to 1620 AM for tour of Big Creek Reservation spots including Lake Abram and Pre-historic Play Bit, Hickox Cemetery, Fowles Marsh Trailhead, and Lake Isaac. The tour takes place in Middleburg Heights.
On Sat 8/28, the film “Insects in the Air” will be shown at the Watson Auditorium at the Rocky River Nature Center as part of the 4th Saturday Cinema Nights program. Plan ahead and take in the 11/27 showing of “Yellowstone National Park.”
On Sun 8/29, also in the Rocky River Valley, learn about Devonian Fossil Fishes that lived in the seas of the Rocky River Valley 360 million years ago. The program begins at 2PM with naturalist Dave Dvorak.
On Sat 9/11, Monarch Magic promises to be a memory-filled event for the whole family. From 12-4PM at the North Chagrin Nature Center, kids of all ages can learn about monarch butterfly migrations through hikes, netting, tagging, crafts, and exhibits.
From now through Sun 9/12, experience one of two special exhibits at the Zoo. The popular DINOSAURS! Exhibit features eighteen life-sized dinosaurs that the kids might believe are real because they move and sound like the prehistoric and now-extinct animals they were. During the same day, check out The Scoop on Poop! At the Zoo’s Administration Building where visitors can learn what animals leave behind and what can be gleaned from them.On Sat 9/18, the ever-popular Cedar Valley Settlers Celebration and Music Festival will entertain with quilt making, honey sampling, and wood toy playing. Fold music, food, storytelling, and all kinds of crafts can be explored at this annual event at Frostville Museum, the 19th century village maintained by the Olmsted Historical Society.
FallFest at Meadows Picnic Area in Brecksville Reservation takes place on Sun 9/26 this year. This American Revolution event features cannons being shot off at the re-enactment and an encampment and the opportunity to experience colonial life, including candle dipping, stenciling, clay thumb pots, wool dying, and apple head dolls. Samples of cider, popcorn, and cornbread can be enjoyed.
Through the Institute of the Great Outdoors, you can join naturalists on a trip to Cape May to watch hawks (10/3-7) or spend a weekend at Oak Openings where blue butterflies and badgers are among the 180 species of wildlife to be found (9/10-12). Pre-trip meetings are required, as is registration. The Cape May trip costs $495 and the Oak Openings trip costs $125.
You may just want to put Sunday afternoons in the Metroparks on your calendar from now through the end of the year. It’s a great place to just get out and walk. Find out more about the Cleveland Metroparks through its monthly Emerald Necklace newsletter or on-line at http://clevelandmetroparks.com..
From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia Taller, whose passion for words has led to creation of the Lakeside Word Lover’s Retreats, an outgrowth of her work with Skyline Writers.
Her favorite foods are red wine, salmon, ice cream, and chocolate. She loves to read, write, tour wineries, ride her bike, ease into yoga, and cook gourmet meals for friends. Find her at http://www.claudiatallermusings.blogspot.com.