VIDEO CLIPS FEATURE! Click this icon appearing in articles to view videos on the subject.

®

JULY 2021

Asian Lantern Festival Returns Experience the Zoo at night

July is for Mothing Celebrate National Moth Week

Water Excursions Explore parks in a new way

Opening of Red Line Greenway trail in downtown A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN Re-Connecting with Trails, Nature & Special Events CONTENTS Happy July! What a summer it’s been so far. In many ways, it’s a return to normal in our parks, on our trails, and at our marinas, golf 2 Letter from Brian & Pathfinder courses and . As you Find Your Path across our 24,000 acres, including our newest trails and amenities, please do your part by packing in and packing out. With the high volume 3 National Moth Week of guests in recent months, taking home your disposable items helps keep our park areas clean for all to enjoy. 4 Naturalist’s Almanac & In case you missed the news — the Re-Connecting Cleveland project is now complete! Annual Cicadas Five trail projects totaling over four miles, including the new Wendy Park Bridge, are now open for exploration thanks to strong partnerships. These trails break down transportation 5 Honey Bees and Pollen Drought & Nature Centers barriers that have existed for decades and improve access to and from downtown and our lakefront. I hope you use the Cleveland Metroparks mobile app to explore our newest urban trails this summer! 6 Asian Carp & Hawthorn • Red Line Greenway links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to two RTA Red Line Rapid Transit stations, and provides a primary active transportation corridor 7 What’s Happening from West 65th Street to . • Whiskey Island Connector links the Wendy Park Bridge to Edgewater Park and the 8 Nature Shop & Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway. Dining Spots • Wendy Park Bridge links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Wendy 9 Golf Courses & Park. Swimming Areas Our July Emerald Necklace offers plenty of more ways to celebrate the summertime in Cleveland Metroparks – from the Water Trail to National Moth Week! July also 10 In Your Backyards marks the highly anticipated return of Asian Lantern Festival! Now in its fourth year, the festival has become a summer staple in Cleveland. This year’s show includes all 11 Outdoor Recreation new lanterns as well as a chance to experience a night-time ride on the new Eagle Zip Adventure over Waterfowl Lake. I’ll see you out there! 12 Directory & Map

VIDEO FEATURE! Click this icon appearing in articles to view videos on the subject. Brian Zimmerman Cleveland Metroparks CEO Click or touch a section above to access it directly. Click on the home button (shown here) at the top corner of each page to return you here. Below: Wendy Park Bridge in the background with new all purpose trail at Wendy Park.

Above: Red Line Greenway trail connecting Above: Whiskey Island Connector to downtown Cleveland along the RTA Trail which links Edgewater Park Rapid Transit lines from W. 65th. to Wendy Park.

2 Emerald Necklace July 2021 | Vol. 70 #7 INSIDE OUR PARKS National Moth Week July 17–25, 2021 oths, the less-acclaimed the bright orange and white colorations The rosy maple moth should be called cousin of the butterfly, get the can help in identifying this amazing and the bubblegum moth due to its bright Mattention they deserve during small (only .75 - 1.25 inches) moth. Native pink and yellow coloration. These true National Moth Week. The third week summer and early fall blooms are essential nocturnal fliers are only adults for a short of July (17-25), moths are celebrated to this moth’s survival and vice versa. Look time, and they do not eat. The fat from the throughout the country for their diversity for them sucking nectar and pollinating caterpillar stage keeps the adult alive long and benefits to the natural world. Moths flowers this month. enough to mate and lay eggs. Deep forests come in all sizes and colors; they can be are wonderful locations to spot these Hummingbird clearwing moths are some of as small as a pin head or as large as the beautiful insects clinging to a tree during the most sought-after moths in Cleveland size of an adult’s hand. has 3,000 the day. Even though they are not essential Metroparks. With their hummingbird like different moth species that can be found for pollination, they are important food agility and appearance, they are hard to in every habitat, and we will highlight sources for many animals including blue capture on camera. These daytime nectar five of them. jays and tufted titmice. eaters are also essential for a diverse and The ailanthus webworm moth is unique healthy ecosystem. Flitting from bloom Can you see why the pearly wood nymph in two ways; they hold their wings tight to bloom, they transport pollen for vital moth is also known as the bird poop against their body when not in flight pollination. Gardens and small meadows moth? Camouflage is extremely important and they are active during the day. are phenomenal locations to look for these for many small insects as a deterrent to These distinctive adaptations along with charming moths. predators. Having no mouth parts, the adult moth lives off the fat resources collected as a caterpillar. Like the rosy maple moth, its only purpose is to mate Identifying MOTHS of Cleveland Metroparks and reproduce. Cecropia moths are the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan reaching almost six inches. Bright maroon colors and eye spots deter predators, giving the appearance of a larger animal. These adults need to avoid predators because they are only adults for about a week, lack Hummingbird clearwing moth Rosy maple moth mouthparts and do not feed. They too live off the fat resources they accumulated as a caterpillar. To find these amazingly Photo (left) by beautiful creatures, turn on a light and Jen Goelnitz, brew some coffee because they tend to fly Fairview Park after 11 p.m. and prefer deeper forests. Moths are a fascinating and complex Ailanthus webworm moth group of lepidopterans that are as essential to our world as their butterfly kin. Look for ways you can celebrate these creatures during National Moth Week; explore your parks to see them in action. Natalie Schroder, Naturalist CanalWay Center Pearly wood nymph moth Cecropia moths

Photo by Jen Goelnitz, Fairview Park

clevelandmetroparks.com 3 NATURALIST’S ALMANAC Month of July ~ a Flurry of Wings & Wildflowers Milkweed The hot summer days have arrived already fledged — young, brilliant black- Wildflowers and the forests that were once and-gold American goldfinches and The stunning colors of large filled with bird songs now ornately colored cedar waxwings only rosemallow and pickerelweed flowers give way to droning insect now begin to gather nesting material. adorn the edges of wetlands and orchestras. During the Bird songs still dominate the sounds of ponds. Milkweed — the host plant day, annual cicadas start early morning in the deep woodlands, but of the monarch butterfly — begins to sing as soon as the as the month ends, warblers, tanagers, to explode its crown of pink flowers. temperature reaches 70 thrushes and other resident species go Large fields hold stands of purple degrees, and meadows quiet as the nesting season winds down. coneflower and blazing star: important are filled with raspy calls of Young red-shouldered and broad-winged plants for nectaring insects. Jewelweed crickets and grasshoppers. hawks are now patrolling the woodland is flourishing in vast clumps in sunlit After the sun sets, the edges. patches of woodlands and woodland Skimmer chorus intensifies as katydids edges. dragonfly join the serenade, singing Insects from high in the tree canopy. The July is high time to find a cornucopia of sheer abundance of insects provides butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. a bounty of protein-packed food for birds Flashy swallowtails, sulphurs, azures, and and mammals. Fields and forest edges fritillaries adorn the heads of grassland are bursting with late summer wildflower wildflowers. The airspace above wetlands, diversity, with deep purple and pink of the ponds and lakes is a flurry of wings with season’s first ironweed and Joe-pye weed. skimmers, dashers, darners, forktails, and pondhawk dragonflies and Birds damselflies mating and catching While most resident breeding birds have small insect prey. Cedar waxwing

What’s the B buzzUZ Z About Cicadas? Like a scene from a sci-fi movie, the U year. While they are not often seen, they emergence of the 17-year cicadas locusts, periodical cicadas emerge every can be heard on summer days from high is something most people won’t 17 (or 13) years depending on species. in the trees. The males produce sound forget. Millions of big creepy As adults, they are short lived, living using special organs on their abdomen insects seem to appear from only a few weeks. Their main goal is to called tymbals. While their life cycle is nowhere and they are often reproduce. Once the female is ready to similar to the periodical cicadas, they unwanted visitors at lay eggs, she will make a slit in a small only spend a few years underground outdoor barbeques and tree branch with her ovipositor and as nymphs. Also, their emergence is celebrations. Fortunately, deposit the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, staggered, so we see, or hear, them they don’t bite or sting. small (ant-sized) nymphs drop to the every year. A great website reference to While part of Ohio is ground and bury in the dirt. They spend the different species and their songs is due for an emergence the next 13 or 17 years underground songsofinsects.com. While each species of “periodical” cicadas eating the sap from the roots of trees, has a different song, the songs are often this year, until it is time to make their debut. Once overlooked or mistaken for another type should not expect them they are ready, they will climb out of the of insect. While you are out enjoying a Periodical until summer of 2033. ground and emerge from their exuvia nice summer day, listen for the buzzing cicada (exoskeleton) as a winged adult. sound of the annual cicadas. There are several different species of periodical cicadas. There are several species of annual Kelly McGinnis, Naturalist While they are often wrongly called cicadas that can be found on any given Brecksville Nature Center

4 Emerald Necklace July 2021 INSIDE OUR PARKS Honey Bees and Pollen Drought

ost people are familiar with foraging and making honey. We can help them in their search for life- honey bees collecting pollen Warm temperatures wake the bees and sustaining resources by: and nectar from flower blooms. M support the activity of a busy hive, but • Planting late summer and fall blooming The nectar is transferred to the hive unfortunately their efforts to forage for flowers like Joe-pye weed, black-eyed where it is passed from bee to bee in a pollen and nectar are often unsuccessful Susan, butterfly weed, New England aster, process that changes nectar into honey. during the searing heat of July and purple coneflower and common boneset. However, the makers of this deliciously August. At this time of year, many areas sticky sweetener require more than of vegetation have become dry and are • Planting flowers of the same species in honey for the health and survival of the no longer blooming. These unfavorable a large group to compliment how honey hive. The pollen is also essential. conditions are referred to as pollen bees prefer to forage. Pollen has a high protein content. The droughts. • Reducing the use of pesticides. This will protein-rich pollen is consumed to As honey bees do not hibernate, a pollen help keep the hive as healthy as possible as ensure that the honey bees and their drought can be devastating. Without a honey bees prepare to survive the winter brood, or larvae, are fed a diet that allows strong supply of blooms, honey bees season. them to grow successfully and begin may not produce enough food to feed LaDonna Sifford, Naturalist their work. Some of their jobs include the hive throughout the winter months. Mobile Outreach being a guard bee, caring for the brood, Nature Centers: Fun and Cool Ways to Get Out This Summer!

the center to discover the connection River. Go backwards through time and between nature and history. learn about the early inhabitants of the Valley.

Brecksville Nature Center ▲ Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Opened in 1939 and is the last of Cleveland North Chagrin Nature Center ▲ Metroparks original trailside museums. Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Watershed Stewardship Center ▲ Take in the beauty of the historical center Centered between Sunset Pond and Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. while enjoying close encounters with native Sanctuary Marsh, this center features The first facility in Cleveland Metroparks wildlife on exhibit. native animal exhibits, children’s play area, dedicated to scientific research and multiple wildlife viewing areas. and promoting sustainable action. Interactive exhibits are centered around . the protection of Northeast Ohio’s watersheds. Find your nature center this summer! Plan a long bike ride along the towpath CanalWay Center ▲ trail or a short hike around Sunset Pond. Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Rocky River Nature Center ▲ Cleveland Metroparks Nature Centers Positioned along the Friday – Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. have so much to offer! Towpath Trail, this center features a canal Enjoy views of a 360-million-year-old shale * Addresses and contact information for Nature boat play area and bird viewing room. Visit cliff from the deck overhanging the Rocky Centers listed on page 12.

clevelandmetroparks.com 5 NATURAL RESOURCES

Carp Species Pose Diverse Bighead carp Threats to Ohio and Lake Erie

Black carp our species of carp pose a big stomach, which requires them to eat threat to Ohio’s economy, aquatic almost constantly. They can reach 110 Photos Fecosystems and human health. pounds! Silver carp become startled by courtesy of Bighead, silver, black, and grass carp are all passing boat motors and leap up to 8 USGS or Asian native to Asia; together they are known as feet out of the water, which has injured Grass carp Carp Regional Asian carps. people. Bighead and silver carp are in Research Coordinating the Ohio River and may swim upstream, Ohio is most concerned about grass, Committee. close to the Lake Erie watershed. During bighead, and silver carps. Grass carp heavy rains and flooding these two gobble up aquatic plants and transform Silver carp watersheds may connect and unwanted underwater forests into deserts. Sterile grass carp will have a route to Lake Erie. To carp are used in ponds to control aquatic 34% of the total fish weight in Lake Erie. close these entry points, biologists and plants. But grass carp that can reproduce Asian carp would shift the balance of fish engineers in Ohio have installed wire have entered Lake Erie and spawned in and plant communities, affect boating barriers between Long Lake and the the Sandusky and Maumee rivers. Ohio is and sport fishing, and would be costly Ohio & Erie Canal in Summit County. working hard to confine breeding grass to control and contain. Ohio has taken The other connection in Ohio is at Little carp to the western basin and to keep preventative and monitoring measures to Killbuck Creek, near Lodi. An earthen Ohio’s aquatic habitats diverse and healthy. reduce the risk of invasive carps and the berm to keep carps from crossing will be changes they would bring to our Great Bighead and silver carp devour plankton completed in 2022. Lake. and small invertebrates, competing with If bighead and silver carp become Mark Warman, native fish for food. Bighead carp lack a true established, they may account for up to Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator The Diverse, Prickly but Essential …Hawthorns ach spring, a important plants in our region. Their observe healthy populations of common profusion of thorny thickets provide an abundance species like eastern hawthorn (Crataegus Ewhite flowers of well-protected nesting sites for birds. macrosperma), frosted hawthorn (C. adorn the branches Mammals and reptiles also find plenty of pruinosa), scarlet hawthorn (C. coccinea), of trees and protection and, during peak flowering and white haw (C. punctata). With a bit shrubs throughout time, hawthorn thickets are buzzing with more attention to detail, some observers Northeast Ohio. pollinator activity. may be able to spot the beautiful plumleaf This floral display hawthorn (C. persimilis) or the globally- Equal to the conservation benefits they can largely be rare and state endangered Pennsylvania provide is the frustration that hawthorns attributed to plants in the Rose Family hawthorn (C. pennsylvanica). cause for botanists. The (Rosaceae), which includes well-known bewildering number of described Regardless of whether you trees and shrubs, both native and non- species presents quite a challenge want to challenge yourself native, such as serviceberry, crab apple, for applying a correct species with trying to identify a cherry, plum, and pear. One group of name to any hawthorn plant. hawthorn species or just plants that probably contributes more to Fortunately, Cleveland Metroparks admire the attractive flowers this impressive display than all others is is working to understand and fruits from a distance, be the hawthorns (Crataegus). hawthorn diversity in the park sure to give hawthorns a little Many people are wary of hawthorns and system through natural resource extra attention during your their long, stout thorns. But hawthorns are inventory and monitoring next hike! John Reinier, among the most diverse and ecologically- activities. Park users can easily Wetland Ecologist

6 Emerald Necklace July 2021 WHAT’S HAPPENING The Noshery and Sunset Picnic Plaza Open at Huntington Beach

ummer is better than ever at made-to-order fare such as the braided Westlake-based design firm. The Sunset Huntington Beach with the soft pretzel, nosh salad and crispy Picnic Plaza offers the perfect spot to Sopening of The Noshery, an all-new walleye sandwich as well as Honey take in breathtaking views of Lake Erie. expanded concessions building as well Hut ice cream. The Noshery also offers With a fire pit, picnic tables, arbor and as the adjoining Sunset Picnic Plaza that cocktails and craft beer from several Adirondack chairs, the 4,200-square-foot overlooks Lake Erie. The new amenities Ohio-based breweries for guests to plaza provides a perfect place to enjoy the are part of the now complete Huntington enjoy in the Sunset Picnic Plaza. The sunset with a meal, ice cream or beverage Reservation Enhancement Project that also Noshery is open Wednesdays through from The Noshery. included restoration of the historic Water Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. The $1.6 million Huntington Reservation Tower and a new ADA accessible restroom The Sunset Picnic Plaza was constructed Enhancement Project was made possible and changing facility. by project partner Ground Works through the generous support of families The Noshery brings back the historic feel of Land Design, the award-winning and individuals as well as the Emerald the pagoda-style building that first served Necklace Endowment Fund. visitors at Huntington many decades ago. The new concession building features

Presented by

Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer returns for its fourth year! The Noshery is the new concession building in Huntington Reservation. Experience all new lantern displays, wall- throughAsian and drive-through Lantern opportunities Festival and muchpresented more! by Meijer Begins July 14

returnsfutureforwildlife.org/lanterns for its fourth year! Experience new lantern displays, walk-through and drive-through opportunities and much more! Begins July 14 FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns

New 4,200-square-foot Sunset Picnic Plaza overlooking Lake Erie.

clevelandmetroparks.com 7 clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Offer valid 6/1/21 – 6/30/21. valid Offer 6/1/21 – 6/30/21. Offer valid 8/1/21 – 8/31/21. validOffer 8/1/21 – 8/31/21. validOffer 7/1/21 – 7/31/21. Cleveland Metroparks While supplies last. While supplies last. While supplies last. While supplies last. AUGUST SPECIAL Shop online at Shop online at Shop online at Shop online at JUNE SPECIAL JULY SPECIAL I Heart Cap I Heart Americana Bandana 50% Off Hat $20 Tee $22 $20 ea. Sale $5 Sale Visit our Nature Shops for an expanded

selection of merchandise. For hours and locations visit clevelandmetroparks.com/shop.

Edgewater Beach JUNE SPECIAL JULY SPECIAL AUGUST 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. Weekends & Holidays Americana 50% Off 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. I Heart Cap $ Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin $ Hat 20 Nature Shop 20 ea. $ Bandana Mayfield Village Tee 22 $ 440-449-0511 Sale 5 Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.* Offer valid 6/1/21 – 6/30/21. 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. Rocky River Shop online at 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.* Select rentals available this summer at Watershed Stewardship Center Nature Shop Parma Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store 440-253-2170 Open Fri. – Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.* * Check the website for the latest hours of operation

Find Your Path Sunflower Ohio Tee Seed Wreath Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/WaterRentals for $ $ information on rates, reservations and more! 22 ea. 22 ea. Shop online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop

Use the Cleveland Metroparks mobile app to Find Your Patio this summer. Take in amazing views of Lake Erie at e55 on the Lake or soak in the sunshine at Edgewater Beach House. For up-to-date information on Cleveland Metroparks restaurants and concessions Download Cleveland Metroparks mobile app visit clevelandmetroparks.com/dining. Visit the patio at e55 on the Lake for a snack or beverage. 8 Emerald Necklace July 2021 Golf courses

Book your Cleveland Metroparks Course Championships, tee time Amateur Qualifier today! Saturday, July 10 – Manakiki Scratch event open to all players; Cleveland Metroparks Sunday, July 11 – Shawnee Hills Player of the Year Tournament Series. Event is a qualifier for the Greater Cleveland Amateur Championship (GCAC) Saturday, July 17 – Sleepy Hollow played at Manakiki Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday, Big Met Sunday, July 18 – Seneca August 14 and 15. The format for the GCAC is a 36-hole 440-331-1070 | Fairview Park Ages: adult stroke play tournament, contested at scratch, and is open Fee: $85 for qualifying to amateur golfers of any age, gender, or Little Met Register online residence. 216-941-9672 | Cleveland FootGolf Four Player Adult/Junior Scramble (All Parent/Child 18+ Manakiki Scramble Age Divisions) Sunday, July 25 440-942-2500 | Willoughby Hills Saturday, July 17 Saturday, July 17 Parents, team up with Come out and kick a Enjoy this friendly, competitive your 18+ year old child to Mastick Woods round in the FootGolf event. Play 9 holes of golf with one play in this competitive 216-267-5626 | Cleveland Four Player Scramble. player over the age of 18, and one tournament. Bring three friends, under the age of 18. 10 a.m. Seneca and see who the 10 a.m. Meet at Manakiki champions of this 18-hole Meet at Seneca Clubhouse Clubhouse 440-526-0043 | Broadview Hts. event are. Ages: All Ages: 18 and over 10 a.m. Fee: $60 per team Fee: $140 per team Shawnee Hills Meet at Mastick Woods 440-232-7184 | Bedford Clubhouse Moonlight Golf Fourth of July Ages: All Friday, July 23 Sleepy Hollow Fee: $80 per team Play 9 holes of golf under the stars July 2 – 5 440-526-4285 | Brecksville with special glow in the dark golf 20% OFF balls and accessories. 8:45 p.m. Any red, white or blue Washington Meet at Mastick Woods Clubhouse men’s or women’s gear 216-641-1864 | Newburgh Hts. Ages: 10 and over Fee: $30

Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/golf for a complete list of events and to register. Swimming at Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Lake Spillway Wallace Lake Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guarded Fri. – Sun.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Huntington Beach Edgewater Beach Huntington Reservation, Bay Village Lakefront Reservation, Cleveland Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6 Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6

Ledge Pool & Recreation Area Villa Angela Beach Hinckley Reservation, Hinckley Township Reservation, Cleveland (daily pool admission fee or season pass access) Guarded Daily: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Open Daily: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. weather permitting Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 8 Sat., June 5 – Sun., August 15 Weekends only: Sat., August 14 – Monday Sept. 6

clevelandmetroparks.com 9 IN YOUR BACKYARD

The American Goldfinch Uncovering this Brilliant Bird Photo by Jen Goelnitz, Fairview Park

ne of the most spectacular and sunflower, thistle, asters and birch trees. strategies of this brilliant songbird is abundant birds in Cleveland At feeders, they crowd to sunflower and quite different than the rest of our OMetroparks, the American thistle, acrobatically clinging to mesh breeding birds! By July, most birds have goldfinch, is a fan favorite. A common cylinders, tubes and trays. fully finished nesting and raising young. sight at backyard bird feeders year-round, Many are already preparing to migrate. During spring and summer, males these resident nesting species are readily Goldfinches, however, are just ramping are handsomely sporty in striking found in fields, forest edges, and wetland up as they prepare to nest in August. yellow and black, but females must be habitats. Brilliantly coated in black and This incredible strategy is perfectly timed camouflaged for incubating eggs and sunbeam yellow, goldfinches are at times to collect the soft, fluffy seed heads of raising young. Their plumage is quite called “canaries” because of their eye- thistle for nest material. Nesting so late subdued and subtle, with warm golden- catching plumage. Highly social and often in the summer provides heavy leaf cover, brown tones and a dusting of smooth traveling in flocks of a dozen or more, the perfect material for weaving a soft yellow. Incredibly, during the winter, these sharp-billed finches seek seeds of cup nest, and plenty of insect prey and BOTH males and females look nearly wildflowers and trees, often descending seeds for their young. identical, as males molt their summer low to the ground to forage at or below feathers for a more camouflaged Jen Brumfield, Naturalist eye-level. Loud and chatty, their shrill call appearance as well. Rocky River Nature Center notes are used to stay in contact with the flock as they swarm patches of coneflower, One of the most fascinating life Backyard Bird Feeding

ext to gardening, birding is the Baltimore orioles, and sugar water (NO most popular hobby and pastime red dye) for hummingbirds! in the United States. The sheer joy Baltimore oriole N The best feeders are those that can be of watching the remarkable lives of birds cleaned at least once a month. Tray a pole system. Squirrels and raccoons is a passion for a lifetime; a hobby, or even feeders and tube feeders can easily be will of course be interested, so a baffle a lifestyle that birders can enjoy anywhere. brushed out. Tube feeders vary from may be required depending on how Backyard bird feeding goes hand-in- plastic to entirely made of tough metal your feeder system works. Remember, hand with observation of our local avian mesh – a personal favorite, as more as a responsible birder, to clean feeders neighbors. Attracting chickadees, titmice, birds can cling to a mesh style feeder. AND rake up seed shells on the ground in woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals, and A classic favorite is a “hopper” feeder: order to stop bacteria, mold, and disease. more to close view, is a deeply relaxing shaped as a wooden or metal box with and fascinating experience. In Northeast Lastly, don’t forget water and wildflowers. clear pane sides, a roof and a tray. Suet Ohio alone, over 50 species of birds can be In addition to the core bird seeds and feeders are typically made of wide-hole attracted to feeders year-round and with suet, offering a clean water supply metal mesh to contain suet blocks from various types of seed and feeder styles. will attract more birds to your yard. the grocery store. An incredible variety Choices abound when choosing a feeder, And the top recommendation for the of hummingbird feeders are available but the core seeds of choice for local birds best backyard habitat includes native to choose from, and very specifically are black oil sunflower, peanuts out of wildflowers and trees. Providing native designed oriole feeders can be made or the shell, thistle, and suet. These four core plant species offers safe cover, nesting purchased. foods will attract a full variety. In addition habitat, and natural foods! to the “four core” foods, you may decide Feeders can be hung from branches, Jen Brumfield, Naturalist to offer grape jelly and orange slices for attached to a tree itself, or mounted on Rocky River Nature Center

1010 Emerald Emerald NecklaceNecklace JulyJuly 20212021 OUTDOOR RECREATION Summer Trails Make Summer Memories uly is a great month to get outside shorter distance close to picnic areas and As you get outside this summer, try and enjoy Cleveland Metroparks. enjoy your walk. When they, or you, have something new. Explore the all purpose JWhile there are numerous ways had enough, venture into the grass or trails for a refreshing time in your to enjoy the parks, like picnicking, find the corner of an empty parking lot Cleveland Metroparks. swimming, and just relaxing, enjoying to allow them to bike around without Dan Sahli, Recreation Specialist the beautiful paved all purpose trails the worry of others nearby. Snacks, Outdoor Recreation are another great way to get outside water, and simple nature hunt activities and experience Cleveland Metroparks. can be a way to refresh before heading If you haven’t ventured onto the all back. purpose trails, consider these following ■ If older children are coming along suggestions to make it a memorable that can ride their own bike, scooter, or experience for everyone in your family rollerblades — make sure to teach them group: to stay right and to announce when ■ Bring the little one’s stroller, scooter, passing on the left or buy them a fun push bike, or wagon. If wandering along bell to use! Kids love using the bell! It with small children is your goal, think gives them something to focus on when about finding an all purpose trail that isn’t passing, and it teaches them to move directly adjacent to the parkway. Pick a and stay to the right when not passing.

Cleveland Metroparks by Water

aused from the exertion of Water trails offer unique experiences short paddle away from shore to take activity, eyes closed against as an engagement with nature in the city skyline. When the inevitable Pthe red heat of the day, a sense gliding quietly through the glass wind returns, Wendy Park can offer a of peace builds with immersion into surface of Hinckley Lake, or a wind- respite behind its sheltering breakwall. leafed canopies and uninterrupted tossed adventure on Lake Erie. Nearshore, paddlers can watch nature. A cooling breeze on a hot Sheltered, inland Hinckley Lake freighters pass by the Historic Coast cheek is a welcome relief from the offers serene paddling experiences, Guard Station on their journey out growing humidity that accompanies great for first time paddlers renting of the (give them a maturing Cleveland summer. An a kayak or for family water play on plenty of room). Take a break from explosion of sound draws attention to a stand up paddleboard. Paddlers the hard-packed trails this summer. the water, as a sleek head emerges next seeking adventure can explore Explore Cleveland Metroparks by to the kayak's hull with a flash of yellow the Lake Erie Water Trail spanning water whether on your own vessel, and a moment to notice the hooked 20+ miles of our resident Great renting (clevelandmetroparks.com/ bill before it disappears into the water. Lake’s shoreline. On rare windless waterrentals), or through guided Double-crested cormorants can be days, Cleveland Metroparks sandy experiences with Outdoor Recreation seen along the shores of Hinckley Lake, beaches are good starting points (clevelandmetroparks.com/or). wings spread drying in preparation for with endless water views stretching flight. Summer is a great time to step across the horizon, allowing short Ashley Rossetti, Recreation Specialist off the hard packed trails and explore paddles along rocky clifflines or a Outdoor Recreation Cleveland Metroparks by water.

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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 216-635-3200/24-hour info 216-881-8141 clevelandmetroparks.com 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 [email protected] 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: Red Line Greenway near downtown Cleveland 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.