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SEPTEMBER 2021

Sled Riding at Don’tBig Met miss Golf the Course Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival A LETTER FROM BRIAN ZIMMERMAN CONTENTS

Fall Favorites 2 Letter from Brian & Asian Lantern Festival Happy September! As you’re soaking up the last days of summer, I encourage you to get outdoors and catch a glimpse of this 3 Monarch Mania month’s spectacular bird and butterfly migrations that occur in Cleveland Metroparks each September. And—as the cooler weather approaches—look closely for the first hints of fall colors emerging in 4 Naturalist’s Almanac & the forests across our reservations. Jagged Ambush Bugs In this issue of our Emerald Necklace, park naturalists offer exciting ways for you and your 5 Ragweed Revelation & family to connect with nature. Some of our most anticipated fall programming is back Chimney Swiftss including FallFest, Fall Family Fishing Fest and Nature at Night. We’re also offering tips on how to keep summer activities like paddling going through autumn. 6 Wetland Habitats of Cleveland Metroparks Natural phenomena is abundant as cooler temperatures bring change to our region. If you can’t join us for a nature program this month, please continue to explore the parks 7 Fall & Winter Bus Trips & on your own. September is one of the best times for birding as the diversity of species in Pawpaw Fruit our parks reaches yearly highs and over 100 species can be seen in a single day. 8 Nature Shop & As Asian Lantern Festival winds down at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, we’re preparing to Fall Eventss transition to our next seasonal events for you and your families to enjoy. During your fall visit, I encourage you to take flight on our Eagle Zip Adventure above the zoo to enjoy a 9 Zoo News & Fall Events bird’s eye view of our region’s changing colors. While it’s been a busy and exciting summer, the transition to fall is one of the most 10 Extending Paddle Season & beautiful times of the year to enjoy our Emerald Necklace. I hope you Find Your Path and Trail Challenge Update take in all that our natural world has to offer. See you out there! 11 Play Space & Outdoor Recreation

12 Directory & Map

Brian Zimmerman Click or touch a section above Cleveland Metroparks CEO to access it directly. Click on the home button (example shown here) at the top corner of each page to return here

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Thursdays – Sundays Through Sunday, September 5 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. Asian Lantern Festival thursdays - sundays Through Sunday, September 5 6:30-10:30 pm • New lantern displays Buy your tickets in advance • Live performances and save! • Authentic cuisine FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns Thanks to our sponsors: Meijer, MetroHealth and Fifth Third Bank. 2 Emerald Necklace September 2021 | Vol. 70 #9 FEATURE ARTICLE Monarch Mania: Rest stop in Metroparks on journey to Mexico

ne of the greatest migration winds to propel themselves over large visitors along the lakefront witnessed phenomena on earth is the extraor- bodies of water and large tracts of land. an awe-inspiring event when over 4,000 Odinary flight of monarch butter- The sun’s warmth powers their flights, butterflies hunkered down on the south flies from Canada and the northeastern and their antennae have incredibly side of Wendy Park’s woodlots, taking United States to central Mexico. Visitors to complicated biological clocks used to refuge from the would-be perilous Cleveland Metroparks happen to be right navigate their flights. After crossing over storm. Sometimes, the sheer size of the in the middle of the monarchs’ record- 50 miles of open Lake Erie, hundreds overnight roosts is reminiscent of their breaking road trips. Cleveland Metroparks of thousands of the dazzling butterflies enormous, dense wintering masses in reservations play a vital role in the entire life arrive on Ohio shores and immediately Mexico’s mountain forests. Vital to their cycle of these magnificent pollinators, from begin to seek nectar from native plants survival, lakefront woodlots offer shelter egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to newly flying and rest in thick grasses and heavily for not only exhausted monarchs, but adult butterflies. Native milkweeds are the vegetated tree branches. birds, bats, and dragonflies in the midst core of their success, as they are the critical of their phenomenal fall passages. host plant for monarch eggs and cater- Lakefront Offers Shelter When monarchs arrive in the protected, pillars. Conservation of fields, forest and Few things can stop the progress of rare Oyemel Fir forests of mountainous wetland edges ensures the survival of these these delicate but hardy butterflies, as central Mexico, their numbers surge astonishing winged beings. they’re impressively resilient to tough into the millions. Here they’ll spend weather. However, deep cold and heavy the entire winter awaiting spring. While most species of insects are quite rain will temporarily disrupt their flights. This massive migrant population localized in range and movement, If a powerful cold front pushes in along of monarchs is critically threatened actively moving around within relatively the lakefront during peak migration, because of their highly specialized small patches of prime habitat, some the high winds and rain can force an wintering sites and host plants for dragonfly and butterfly species require extraordinary number of monarchs caterpillars. Come spring, these over- impressive migrations for their survival. to seek shelter from the inclement wintering butterflies will pour to the Common green darners, black saddlebags weather. Forming massive “roosts” in north to lay their eggs in the southern and wandering gliders stage lengthy, trees, the butterflies will hunker down United States, restarting the remarkable weeks-long flights to the south where until fair weather allows for optimal life history of these delicate but rugged they’ll continue their life cycle in warmer conditions for resuming their great winged miracles. climates through the winter months. migrations south. In September of 2015, Painted ladies, red admirals, and some To see a current map sulphurs and skippers wing their way of monarch reports north and south during spring and fall, throughout the United but none can match the monarch in States visit: www.learner. sheer astounding feats of survival in long- org/jnorth/maps/monarch. distance migration. html. Colossal Journey Southward How can you help monarchs? During late August and September, Get involved. remarkable numbers of monarch Visit website butterflies migrate through the Cleveland monarchjointventure.org region and the Great Lakes, pushing their way south on a colossal journey to spend Jen Brumfield, Naturalist the winter in the high mountain forests Rocky River Nature Center of Mexico. The butterflies utilize north Monarchs at Wendy Park during migration.

clevelandmetroparks.com 3 NATURALISTS ALMANANC September: Cooler Weather Creates Change eptember’s cooler night tempera- Scarlet On a warm day with north winds, visit tures instigate the first fall colors to tanager Wendy Park, Edgewater Park, Huntington, Semerge on the forest edge as hints of swallows Euclid Creek or Wildwood to witness reds begin to appear. Tupelos are the first and hawks now hundreds to thousands of monarchs as to begin to change with sassafras and red push through on they depart Canada and arrive on U.S. maple soon to follow. Meadows explode north winds and ground. Roosts can form at night as with the vibrant yellows of goldenrods; towards the end of the hundreds of butterflies join each other in highlighted by the whites and rich purples month, sparrows invade densely packed clumps for protection. of asters. This is also the month for bird grasslands and wetlands. Wildflowers: and monarch butterfly migration! Millions The muddy edges of The yellow of goldenrods begins to of songbirds and tens of thousands of wetlands offer stopping highlight meadows and as the month monarch butterflies are actively in the grounds for shorebirds and waders progresses, they are joined by asters, midst of their epic journeys south. Birders feasting on abundant invertebrates found including the rich purples of New England and butterfly enthusiasts visit the lakefront in the mud. A visit to Huntington or other aster and tall ironweed. This is perfect parks daily to witness the spectacle. lakefront reservations during strong timing as their nectar fuels the southward northern gales offers a chance to observe journey of monarch butterflies and Birds: the initial large movements of waterfowl, the pollen is utilized by beetles This is one of the most exciting months terns, gulls, and on a red-letter day, a and bees as a high energy meal. for birding in Cleveland Metroparks as fall jaeger. September’s migration mayhem These insect pollinated plants migration swings into full gear. Woodlands can offer birders the chance to see over are often accused of once again burst 100 species in one day. Yellow into motion causing fall hay fevers, warbler as scores of Insects: but that belongs warblers, vireos, The big news in the “bug” world is to ragweed and flycatchers, tanagers monarch migration. These large, rich other wind and thrushes work orange and black butterflies make an pollinated plants. their way south. Waves of astounding migration south to Mexico. Monarch on milkweed Photos by Jen Goellnitz, Fairview Park Patient Predators: The Jagged Ambush Bug

nimals around the globe have stalking prey in a variety of wildflower adapted seemingly endless ways species. Due to their varying shades Ato capture their prey, but no of color, including hues of yellow, technique is more sinister than an ambush. brown, white, and green, they can Patiently waiting and concealed by their camouflage almost anywhere. Lying surroundings, ambush predators queue among the petals of a beautiful bloom, up the perfect moment to strike. These they ambush unsuspecting pollinators, predators do not wait just anywhere, some of which are often twice the size they often pick the perfect spot to take of an ambush bug or more! Utilizing Jagged ambush bugs may utilize brutal advantage of the resource their prey cannot their elongated forearms – similar to a techniques for survival, but they play survive without – food. Ambush bugs are praying mantis – they grasp onto their a vital role in local ecosystems. By particularly menacing. They lie motionless, prey and pierce into the exoskeleton controlling parasitic fly populations camouflaged by the beauty of a flower with a long, slender proboscis (mouth). and other potential pests, they provide and are determined to capture the next This highly specialized mouthpart benefits that make even the most potential pollinator in search of a nectar. injects a concoction of digestive squeamish of us appreciate their enzymes to quickly decompose the Common throughout Cleveland predatory nature. entrails of their prey, priming them to Metroparks, the jagged ambush bug Jake Kudrna, Naturalist be consumed. (Phymata pennsylvanica) can be found CanalWay Center 4 Emerald Necklace September 2021 INSIDE OUR PARKS Ragweed Revelation: Manna for Wildlife alph Waldo Emerson aptly questioned, rich in oils and proteins that have proven to “What is a weed? A plant whose be an essential staple for winter calories and Rvirtues have not yet been discovered.” fuel for the fall migration. Mice and voles who Emerson may not have suffered from the forage in the fields, meadows, and disturbed fall ragweed allergen, but over 25% of U.S. areas find ragweed beneficial for their citizens do today. survival and, in turn, provide nourishment Not everyone agrees along the food chain. Those who combat the spine-covered Multi-purpose plant pollen grains that lodge in the nasal The leaves of the common ragweed and passages suffer incessantly with a great ragweed provide valued sustenance running drippy nose, watery eyes, and for white-tailed deer and rabbits in the fall. headaches. The money spent globally on The foliage of ragweed provides protective antihistamines each year could support cover for wildlife throughout the summer, a developing country. Because of this, especially for young poults and other ground sufferers of ragweed may disagree with feeders and nesters. Ragweed pollen is one Emerson’s sentiments when it comes to of the many protein-rich foods of the late ragweed. However, from a naturalist’s summer and fall for pollinators. viewpoint, we have discovered that It is certainly understandable why millions ragweed does indeed have certain virtues. of people disdain common ragweed. But for Fuel for fall migration the wildlife who depend on its nutritional All plants have worth, but some are harder value, its manna-like provisional qualities to recognize and accept than others. are a virtue worth discovering! No wonder Wildlife biologists throughout the United ragweed is ranked by wildlife biologists States have identified ragweed seed as as a top provider of wildlife food in North a prominent food source for songbirds, America. Not bad for a weed. bobwhite quail, wild turkey, pheasants Foster Brown, Naturalist and mourning doves. The tiny seeds are Brecksville Nature Center

CHIMNEY SWIFTS Little Birds with a Big Migration

icture it: early to mid-September, nest. Once nesting season is over, it is Many old structures, 10,000 cigar shaped birds swirling in time to return to their winter like churches, school Pa tornado like funnel, spiraling down grounds. This is when we buildings, and nature into a chimney at dusk. This amazing sight can start seeing the amazing centers are amazing roosting is the fall roosting behavior of the chimney dusk-time display. locations for these birds. However, swift during migration. Each bird goes in Migrating from South America in the some may roost and even nest with its wings held high, as if freefalling spring, and back in the fall, these in household chimneys. Surprising inside to catch onto the rough chimney small birds fly an extensive path. and extraordinary, hearing these birds bowels, where it will hang until morning. Aerial feeding is not only an in summer and fall can create much Incapable of perching, their specially adaptation, but a necessity excitement throughout the household as designed feet allow them to cling to for these energy expellers. they grow their family and roost. vertical surfaces. Catching mosquitoes, termites, flies, The next time you are out at dusk and pass Chimney swifts have another special and ants on the wing allows them to an old church or school building, look up! adaptation that make chimneys a perfect migrate without stopping. Throughout You may be able to catch the ephemeral nesting site — their glue-like saliva. The migration, chimney swifts can be seen in roosting tornado of the chimney swift. flocks of 10,000 or more and it’s a sight saliva is used to glue collected sticks to Natalie Schroder, Naturalist not to be missed. the vertical surface, creating a cup-like CanalWay Center

clevelandmetroparks.com 5 NATURAL RESOURCES

Wetland Habitats of Cleveland Metroparks Lake WetlandErie’s Natural Purifier Habitats of Cleveland Metroparks Wetland examples of Lake Erie’s Natural Purifier Cleveland Metroparks • Bradley Woods Reservation – he sight of cattails and the sound of Reservation includes the largest high- hummocky swamp forest frogs calling in spring are just a few quality wetland complex in the upper • Hinckley Reservation – high quality Treminders that wetlands abound East Branch Rocky River valley, which wetland complex throughout the Emerald Necklace. While is critical to the health of downstream • Lake-to-Lake Trail at Big Creek most park visitors avoid the mucky, areas. And although heavily affected by Reservation – remnants of boreal bogs ankle-deep wetland soils, it’s hard to not urban development, remnants of the appreciate the support they provide to a boreal bogs that dotted Northeast Ohio • Bonnie Park at Mill Stream Run great variety of plants and animals. Also hundreds of years ago can be found Reservation – recent restoration difficult to ignore is the extent to which on the Lake-to-Lake Trail through Big project wetlands help maintain healthy waterways. Creek Reservation. Even the seemingly • Jackson Property at South Chagrin They are truly filters that capture, hold ubiquitous young, wet woods and Reservation – high quality headwater and purify water on its way to our streams shrubby thickets developing on old wetlands and ultimately, Lake Erie. Unfortunately, agricultural land in just about every Ohio has lost more than 90 percent of the reservation are a testament to a natural 17% of the total park system acreage, a wetland area that was present prior to healing process occurring across our number that will grow as land protection European settlement and, as a result, they region. and restoration efforts continue. Projects are a conservation priority both locally and like the stream and wetland restoration at nationally. Bonnie Park in Mill Stream Run Reservation The long history of wetlands in Cleveland demonstrate how Cleveland Metroparks Metroparks began with the powerful actively works to address impairments to movement of ice and water that shaped healthy, functioning habitats. the landscape in our region, creating The takeaway from years of monitoring diverse wetland types with special is that a great majority of wetlands in characteristics. From cattail marshes, wet Cleveland Metroparks are in fair to good meadows and flooded forests along major condition with plenty of high-quality rivers to tiny seeps and springs on nearly Jackson Property, South Chagrin Reservation examples scattered throughout the Park vertical slopes, each wetland contributes District. This is a direct consequence of in a unique way to the ecological health While many wetlands in Cleveland conservation and stewardship activities and identity of our region. Bradley Woods Metroparks have been impacted by performed by dedicated staff. Through Reservation is one of the best remaining human activities over time, there conservation, park users and our region examples of hummocky swamp forest remain hidden gems throughout the and waterways can enjoy the benefits of that was common near the Lake Erie shore park system. Inventory and monitoring critical habitats like wetlands for decades across Ohio and into Pennsylvania and activities by the Natural Resources to come. New York before settlers arrived. Hinckley Division continue to produce exciting John Reinier, Wetland Ecologist plant and animal discoveries that Natural Resources highlight the impressive biodiversity of our region. From hard-to-detect but globally-vulnerable plant species to newly rediscovered charismatic critters, knowledge about how our wetlands support biodiversity is improving on a daily basis. Detailed wetland investigations in the park documented more than 3,400 individual wetlands totaling nearly 4,000 acres. That’s almost Bonnie Park restoration at Mill Stream Run Wetlands at Bradley Woods Reservation

6 Emerald Necklace September 2021 FALL/WINTER 2021 BUS TOURS

THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 9 SATURDAY • OCTOBER 2 THURSDAY • OCTOBER 14 FRIDAY • OCTOBER 29 Warblers and Waterbirds The Covered Bridges of Sparrow Workshop Remains To Be Seen: Mills Bus Trip Ashtabula County Bus Trip Join Historian Judy MacKeigan, Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield to Ashtabula County’s rolling hills Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield on a tour of mill remains within seek some of the first migrant and beautiful fall color provide the to sort through sparrow Cleveland Metroparks to learn warblers, flycatchers, and other perfect backdrop for this tour of identification while we about these places and their impact songbirds of the fall. Shorebirds covered bridges. Join Naturalist Beth seek some of the rare and on the communities they served. and waterbirds will also be on the Joyave to explore the engineering uncommon migrant species Then we head out east for a tour of agenda today as we visit some of and history of these unique that move through northern Lanterman’s Mill, a working mill in the early Fall season hot spots. crossings. Our tour will include short Ohio. Mill Creek Metroparks, with a chance 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. RRNC walks at scenic spots and an al fresco 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. RRNC to purchase stone-ground products. Terrain: mostly flat, natural and pizza lunch at a covered bridge. Terrain: mostly flat, natural and 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CWC paved surfaces, 3 miles 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. NCNC paved surfaces, 3 miles Fee: $65 (includes lunch, snacks and Age: adults Terrain: mostly flat, natural and Age: adults Mill entrance fee) Fee: $65 (includes lunch and paved surfaces, 2 miles total Fee: $65 (includes lunch and Register online by October 10 snacks) Age: Adults snacks) Register online by August 30 Fee: $65 (includes lunch and snacks) Register online by September 1 WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 29 Register online by September 24 Gull Workshop Bus Trip FRIDAY • OCTOBER 1 SUNDAY • OCTOBER 24 SATURDAY • OCTOBER 9 Join Naturalist Jen Brumfield to Helping Hands (CCC/WPA) East-Side Vistas search for gulls and waterfowl along Bus Tour Cleveland Metroparks Join Naturalist Jake Kudrna on the Lake Erie coastline. Cleveland Metroparks is rich Waterfall Bus Tour a tour of the best views on the 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. RRNC with vestiges from the Great Join Naturalist Matt Knittel on a tour east side, just in time to catch Terrain: mostly flat, natural and Depression era. Join Naturalist of Cleveland Metroparks largest fall color! We’ll take short hikes paved surfaces, possibly icy, 1 mile Foster Brown as we tour the waterfalls, as fall colors splash these to off-trail locations and hidden Age: adults remnants of the CCC/WPA lasting scenic and celebrated cataracts. This views, while also stopping at Fee: $60 (includes lunch and snacks) works throughout the Emerald tour will be punctuated with short popular spots just a few steps Register online by November 1 Necklace. Songs and stories will walks. from the roadway. bring to life their efforts and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. CWC 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ABBREVIATIONS: sacrifices. WSC parking lot Terrain: natural surfaces, hills, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. BNC Terrain: hard trail surfaces, stairs, shallow stream crossing, 3 total BNC Brecksville Nature Center Fee: $60 (includes lunch and 2 miles total miles CWC CanalWay Center snacks) Age: adults Fee: $55 (includes lunch) NCNC North Chagrin Nature Center Register online by September 10 Fee: $60 (includes lunch and snacks) Register online by October 1 RRNC Rocky River Nature Center Register online by September 13 WSC Watershed Stewardship Center

PAWPAW Ohio’s State Native Fruit

alking through the forests of inches. Large, oval, simple leaves, that are be George Washington’s favorite dessert! Ohio, you may have come 10-12 inches long, grow alternately and are Typically eaten raw, the fruit is also used Wacross a tree with almost spirally arranged, emerging from the ends to make ice cream, baked goods and tropical-looking leaves. If by chance you of twigs and branches. The leaves also beverages. Today, it can be difficult to find passed these trees in the late summer contain a natural insecticide acetogenin. pawpaw fruit, as it is not readily stocked in grocery stores. One option is to grow to early autumn, you may have noticed Flavorful Fruit small, squat, green, almost banana-looking your own pawpaw trees—a task made fruit hanging from these trees. This is the Many of our woodland creatures enjoy the somewhat easier by the fact that deer American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and fruit of the pawpaw, including squirrels, tend to avoid them—perhaps due to the it is Ohio’s state native fruit tree. While opossums, raccoon and black bears. acetogenin in the leaves and bark. Humans, historically, have consumed the many Ohioans are familiar with our state The next time you’re exploring the forests fruit, which is described as a custard-like tree, the buckeye, fewer are familiar with of Ohio, keep your eyes open for the large flavor with a mixture of banana, mango the pawpaw which can be found in either leaves—and if hiking in early autumn— and pineapple. Native tribes would upland hills, or fertile floodplains in Ohio. the greenish, squat banana-like fruit of the harvest and consume pawpaw fruits, and The pawpaw is a smaller, understory tree, pawpaw tree. European settlers learned to enjoy it as reaching maximum heights of about Matt Knittel, Naturalist well. In fact, the pawpaw fruit is said to 35 feet, with a trunk diameter of 8 to 12 Watershed Stewardship Center

clevelandmetroparks.com 7 Nature shops Visit our Nature Shops for an expanded selection of merchandise. For hours and locations visit clevelandmetroparks.com/shop.

AUGUST SPECIAL SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OCTOBER SPECIAL Edgewater Beach Nature Shop Cleveland 216-954-3408 ext 3 Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store Hinckley Township 330-278-2160 North Chagrin % Nature Shop % Off Mayfield Village 50 Off Find Your Path 20 440-449-0511 Cleveland Metroparks Bamboo Bike Tees Rocky River Bandana Hiking Socks Nature Shop $ $ North Olmsted Sale 5 22 ea. No promo code needed 440-734-7576 Offer valid 8/1/21 – 8/31/21. Offer valid 9/1/21 – 9/30/21. Offer valid 10/1/21 – 10/31/21. While supplies last. While supplies last. While supplies last. Watershed Stewardship Shop online at Shop online at Shop online at Center Nature Shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop clevelandmetroparks.com/shop Parma 440-253-2170

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Nature at Night September 18, 6 – 10 p.m. North Chagrin Nature Center See nocturnal animals up-close, 18th Century Festival explore the forest at night, and enjoy Sunday, September 26 a roaring bonfire during this FREE family 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. event. Details at clevelandmetroparks.com. Meadows Picnic Area Brecksville Reservation Enjoy a taste of pioneer life with live folk music, blacksmith demonstrations and reenactments by the Brigade of the American Revolution. Dip your own candle and play with pioneer toys as well. Meadows Drive is located off Chippewa Creek Drive near Route 82 in Brecksville. Full details listed on clevelandmetroparks.com. Free admission and parking.

8 Emerald Necklace September 2021 ZOO NEWS Night view from Eagle Zip Exploring Cleveland Metroparks Zoo After Dark Adventure

arkness brings a new light to back of their eyes helps reflect individual many of the animals at Cleveland light back into their eyes, allowing lanterns. Metroparks Zoo. Visiting the zoo D them to track and hunt in the dark This year’s festival after dark has become a new tradition and also causes their eyes to give off a also includes live through special events like Asian special glow at night. acrobatic performances on the Fifth Lantern Festival, offering hundreds Other animals like the Eastern black Third Bank Stage and a robust variety of thousands of guests the chance rhinoceros are known to be both diurnal of culturally-inspired cuisine at the to experience zoo grounds after the and nocturnal in some cases. Rhinos in MetroHealth Asian Food Market, including sun goes down. While it can be an all the wild tend to be nocturnal to take local favorites Li Wah, King Wah and new adventure at night for guests, it’s advantage of cooler weather or in areas of more. For updated dates and times, visit also when some of the animals at the heavy poaching and human disturbance. FutureForWildlife.org/lanterns. zoo take advantage of their unique Rhinos at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are nocturnal adaptations. Fly Through the Night given a choice at night whether they Amazing Adaptations prefer to be outside or inside to regulate Don’t miss your chance to experience the new Eagle Zip Adventure after dark during Guests experiencing the zoo after dark their temperature preferences. They can Asian Lantern Festival. Fly through the may find that many of their favorite often be seen at night during special night on this thrilling 35 mile-an-hour zip animals behave differently after dark events at the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve. ride across Waterfowl Lake! thanks to special adaptations. Cat Must see: Asian Lantern Festival species like lions, tigers and leopards presented by Meijer are nocturnal and become Fun Fact: more active at night. These Don’t miss Asian Lantern cats have eyes that can Festiva presented by adapt to both low Meijer! Explore the zoo and high light level after dark and take-in an conditions, allowing entirely new experience them to see several this year with more than Although giraffe and elephants can times better than 70 large-scale illuminated and do lie down to sleep, they more humans at night. A displays featuring over 1,000 commonly sleep and rest while unique structure in the Display at Asian Lantern Festival standing!

Pollinator Power Exhibit Fall Family Fishing Fest Through September 2021 FREE! Watershed Stewardship Center Saturday, October 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit the center to learn about the fascinating world Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Fishing Area of pollinators through a novel inter­active exhibit. Help bees move pollen, climb a goldenrod solider Save the date for family fishing fun! beetle and learn what scents attract different Children under age insects! Open Tues. thru Sun. 9:30 am – 4 p.m. 16 can catch trout Closed Monday. Visit clevelandmetroparks.com. and catfish while competing for prizes. Explore nature and Fall Cart Tours fishing skills at CanalWay Center activity stations. Explore the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath and other Great for first time new trails on a guided tour in a seven passenger and seasoned trolley cart. Ride on paved all purpose trails anglers. Bait and while learning the history and nature of this loaner rods available area from a Cleveland Metroparks educator. Visit at no cost. No clevelandmetroparks.com for dates and times. pre-registration. Registration required. Fee $5-10, depending on See clevelandmetroparks.com for more information. length of program. 216-206-1010

clevelandmetroparks.com 9 OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES EXTENDING Your Paddle Season Paddling Into Fall cold water occurs. If water temperatures back in your boat/on a board quickly. September marks the change of seasons are above 60°F, dress for the weather Check the weather and water conditions from summer to fall, but it does not using non-cotton, synthetic layers. For before heading out to help you choose need to signify an end to the paddling water temperatures between 54°-59°F, appropriate paddling venues. Hinckley season. Try these tips to help you safely wetsuits and splash jackets help block the Lake’s readily accessible shore makes it extend the paddling season, allowing wind. Wetsuits allow water to be heated great for cooler water paddles. As summer you to view Hinckley Lake’s fall foliage next to your skin, keeping you warmer. turns a corner, keep paddling, but make or witness migrations near the shores of Once water temperatures fall below sure to paddle safe! Lake Erie. the mid-50’s, the risk of hypothermia Ashley Rossetti, Recreation Specialist becomes significant, requiring a thick Outdoor Recreation Back to the Basics wetsuit or a drysuit. As the saying goes, “all paddlers are just Knowledge is Key Warm water Cold water in between swims.” Even if it’s never happened to you, capsizing is inevitable! Always paddle with a partner in cold As cooler temperatures prevail, basic water conditions. Know and regularly safety equipment becomes more practice rescue techniques to get critical, especially wearing a life jacket. In addition, bring all the other basics, including a bilge pump (sit-in kayaks), leash (standup paddleboards), whistle, first aid kit, and waterproof phone. Add to your lineup a dry bag with a change of clothes, snacks, water or even better, a thermos full of hot cider! Dress for Water Temperatures Dressing for air temperatures rather than water temperatures can rapidly get a Dress for fall’s cold water temperatures, paddler into danger when a capsize into especially when air + water temperatures = less than 120 combined degrees. Reward Yourself with the Trail Challenge 2021

alking, hiking, biking and excite all of your senses, which can help for a complete list paddling are great ways to reduce stress. of trails, directions get out and enjoy Cleveland to trailheads, and a W In addition to these physical and mental Metroparks. In addition to outdoor fun, tracking form you can these activities provide both physical health benefits, Cleveland Metroparks complete digitally or on and mental benefits. The simple act 2021 Trail Challenge presented by Cigna paper. The best part is the trails range of moving at your own pace will get rewards you with prizes for exploring a from 0.3 – 11.8 miles and consist of paved, your heart pumping. With a regular variety of parks in your backyard. If you natural surface, and water trails so you commitment to these activities, you are complete at least 10 of the 30 identified can choose the mileage and activity each sure to improve your physical health. trails, you earn a 2021 Trail Challenge time. You have until December 31, 2021, Stopping to take a deep breath and sticker that you can proudly display to complete the challenge. Naturalist and letting in all nature has to offer is great on your water bottle or favorite folder. outdoor recreation staff-led programs are for mental health too. From the fresh Complete at least 20 and earn a Trail also available. What are you waiting for? smells of the last remaining milkweed Challenge stainless steel pint glass (limit Plan your next trail excursion today, and blooms of the season, to listening to the to first 250). reward yourself with all of the benefits birds singing, to feeling the trail under- To participate in Cleveland nature has to offer! neath your feet while watching animals Metroparks Trail Challenge, log onto Rachel Nagle, Manager gather food for the winter, nature can clevelandmetroparks.com/trailchallenge Outdoor Recreation

10 Emerald Necklace September 2021 NEW ADVENTURES Exploring The Lindsey Family Play Space at Edgewater Park

he Lindsey Family Play Space is the largest of its kind in the Emerald Necklace and has been an exciting addition along TCleveland’s lakefront since it opened this past July. Located near the Upper Edgewater Picnic Shelter at Edgewater Park, the play and family gathering area features a wide range of nature play opportunities that align with the natural character and beauty of the park system. Made possible through a generous gift by Brett and Teresa Lindsey and the support of additional donors, the play space has unique features to serve children of a variety of ages and abilities. Boulders, water and sand play, nature play, tunnels, climbing structures, slides and shaded areas offer ample opportunities for exploration. The nearly one-acre play space is surrounded by open play fields, a new paved loop trail, and is easily accessible from Edgewater Dress for fall’s cold water temperatures, Beach and surrounding neighborhoods. The use of natural especially when air + water temperatures = less than 120 combined degrees. materials for many of the custom built elements of The Lindsey Family Play Space were influenced by natural features within Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace. The Lindsey Family Play Space was designed by Cleveland Metroparks following community support and feedback for a new play area along the lakefront. Edgewater Park, Whiskey Island and Wendy Park collectively had more than 2.3 million recreational visitors last year. With the recent opening of the Whiskey Island Trail and Wendy Park Bridge, Cleveland’s lakefront parks are more accessible than ever.

Bedford XC Mountain Bike Race Ledges to Lake Adventure Race Saturday, September 11, 8 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 7:30 a.m. Egbert Picnic Area, Bedford Reservation Spillway Picnic Area, Hinckley Reservation 6 years & over 6 years & over Fee: Individual: $30, Youth (9-11): $15, Kids Fee: Individual: $55, Team: $80, Relay: $100, Youth (9-11): $15, (6-8): Free Kids (6-8): Free Gather at Bedford for a fast, closed course Combine your passion for running, paddling, and cycling in race choosing from multiple distances the 9th annual Ledges to Lake Adventure Race. The course including a youth race. Visit the website is perfect for both beginners and advanced racers. Visit the for more information and to register. website for more information and to register.

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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: Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks zoo 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.