May 4 – “Bobolink Watch” 2 pm
Early May is the time to watch for the spectacular male bobolinks as they return from what is said to be the longest migration of any songbird. Amazingly, they will return from Argentina, to Twinsburg, as they have for nearly 100 years, as documented by the late Marion Wall Peterson. This bird is one of the best springtime indicators, colorful and easy to observe. Meet at the stone house, 9207 Liberty Rd. 90 min.
May 11-"Early Bird Outing" 9am
Explore the Multipurpose Trail of Liberty park during prime bird migration time. Binoculars and field guides recommended, no experience necessary. Meet at the Liberty Park ball field parking area. 2 hrs.
May 12-"Late day Bird Walk" 6pm We'll explore the Sugarbush Trail for migrating bird activity as they feed on insects at the day's end. Binoculars and field guides recommended, no experience necessary. Meet at the Liberty Park ball field parking area. 90 min.
May 15-"Meadow Bird Walk" 6pm May is the time for nest construction in the meadow. Male birds will be singing with zest as they establish their territories. Binoculars and field guides recommended, no experience necessary. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 90 min.
May 23-"Hopping with Frogs" 6pm After dark, the frog species will be singing in the wetlands along the bike path. We'll listen for the numerous species that inhabit Center Valley Park by taking a walk along the path. Meet at E. Idlewood parking area. 90 min.
June 1-"Introduction to Liberty Park” 6pm
For those that haven’t seen the ledges of Liberty Park, this is an opportunity to be guided into the park to see a fine example of one of these rock formations. Sturdy shoes recommended, walking will often be off trail. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. You might want to bring your camera. 2 hrs.
June 10 – “Late Afternoon on the Multipurpose Trail” 6pm
We’ll stretch our legs and see some of the sights along Liberty Road as we hike the Multipurpose Trail in Liberty Park. We’ll be passing through a pileated woodpecker feeding area, so the oportunity to see one of our largest woodpeckers is good. Historic house foundations and a mature
Beech maple woods can be seen along the way. Water, and sturdy shoes recommended. Meet at Liberty Park Ball field parking area. 3 hrs.
June 19 – “Evening Along Tinker’s Creek” 9pm
As evening drifts along the floodplain of Tinker’s Creek, We’ll stroll along the creek, watching and listening for the wild creatures, which become active at this time. An easy walk, binoculars suggested, flashlights optional. Meet at Dodge School parking area. 90 min.
June 23 – “Introduction to Liberty Park” 4pm
For those who haven’t see the ledges of Liberty Park, this is an opportunity to be guided into the park to see one of the best examples of these rock formations. Sturdy shoes recommended, walking will often be off trail. You’ll want to bring your camera. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 2 hrs.
July 13 – “Marsh Madness” 4pm
We’ll explore a challenging area of Liberty Park by trekking through swamp woods to the Pond Brook marsh edge. Surprises in nature are sure to greet us as we visit a site less commonly viewed. Muddy, wet conditions, dress accordingly. Water and a snack suggested. Predicted storms will cancel this outing. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 3-4 hrs.
July 19 – “Insect Prowl” 4pm
A lazy summer day is perfect for locating the insects of the season. We’ll be looking for the beautiful and fierce of the bug world. Water recommended, as we will be in the direct sunlight of the meadow trail. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 90 min.
July 27 – “End of Day Streamside Walk” 8pm
We’ll walk along Tinker’s Creek on this midsummer’s day, observing nature as evening approaches. East walk, mostly in the shade. Meet a Dodge School parking area. 90 min.
August 15 – “Bobolink Count” 6pm
Traveling further than other songbirds, the bobolink will be leaving Twinsburg, sometime in August. With this count, we will ascertain just how many birds the Stone House meadows are sending to Argentina. Last year’s count was 30 adults and juveniles. This is also a grand opportunity to see meadowlarks and the different swallow species. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Road. 90 min.
August 17 – “Singing Insects I” 6pm
Singing insect experts, Lisa Rainsong and Wendy Partridge, will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the songsters of the meadow and woods’ edge on this outing. Learn how to identify cricket, katydid and cicada songs as we walk the meadow trail in search of a Green-Grass Band. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 90 min.
August 30 – “Bat Matters” 8pm
Our annual bat-netting event will be held at the ledges of Liberty Park this season. The Metro Parks, serving Summit County’s biologist will net bats for your viewing pleasure. We hope to see more than one species and offer those attending, a chance to observe what makes a bat such an intriguing animal. This event requires a moderate hike; sturday shoes and flashlight recommended. Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 2 hrs.
(Rain date August 31)
September 6-"Singing Insects II" 6pm
Singing insect experts, Lisa Rainsong and Wendy Partridge will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the songsters of the meadowand wood's edge on this outing. Learn to identify cricket, katydid and cicada songs as we walk on the meadow trail in search of a Green-Grass band! Meet at the Stone House, 9207 Liberty Rd. 2 hrs.
