2013 Summer Forest Explorations

Admission is free with non-member class registration

Weather and trail conditions are always changing and unpredictable. We encourage everyone attending hikes or field classes to wear long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, shoes and a hat to help protect skin from the sun, insect bites, scratches and poison ivy. During colder, wetter months dress in warm layers, paying particular attention to hands, head and feet with waterproof protection so you will be comfortable outside during the duration of the program. During programs marked Off-Trail you may encounter tall grass, poison ivy and slippery, muddy trails.

Please feel free to call the Education Department at 440.602.3833 with questions on any program we offer.

Magnificence on the Mountain

Discover the rich natural and social history of Little Mountain. Unique geological formations, diversity of plant life and its historic use as a resort make this a spectacular natural site in any season. No children under the age of 12.

Stebbins Gulch: A Hike Through Geologic History

Sunday, May 26

1 - 4pm

Corning Visitor Center

Holden guides

$5 members, $10 nonmembers

Follow the streambed as it cuts through bedrock dating back millions of years and explore the plant communities resulting from this special geological feature. This is a rigorous hike requiring a good degree of physical fitness and balance. Proper footwear is imperative and should be appropriate for climbing, walking through mud, snow, ice and high water conditions. We strongly suggest high waterproof boots. No children under 12. Rugged - three miles 

HIK101

Forests and Forest Edge Birdsongs

These sessions explore several different wooded habitats to compare the bird composition of each. Special attention will be paid to sorting out similar songs of the birds residing in these areas. Session three will concentrate on early woodland migrants and birdsong in the hemlock ravines. Session four will concentrate on the explosion of song of the returning neo tropical migrants. 

Birding A La Cart for Folks With Limited Mobility

The Holden Arboretum is famous for excellent birding and has earned an Important Bird Area rating by the National Audubon Society. For birders with limited mobility, the quiet five passenger electric trams at Holden are the perfect way to enjoy the spring migration. These naturalist led, 90-minute excursions will put you at the best viewing areas with a very minimum of walking and ease of viewing.

Off the Beaten Path: Forest Community Adventures

Lakeshore Birds, Plants and Lunch

Visit three Lake County preserves and a state park along the shores of Lake Erie during the height of spring bird migration. Not only will northward flying songbirds be gathering along the shore prior to their dash across the lake but birds of prey and vultures will be sweeping eastward along the shoreline in a one-of-a-kind spring migration. We will start at the newly opened Erie Bluffs Preserve then travel east to Lakeshore Park, Arcola Creek Estuary and Geneva State Park. At each location we will take a look at the lakeshore plant communities that distinguish each site. At Geneva we will walk near an eagles nest and then lunch (on your own) at the park lodge. Easy with short level walks and stairs to the beach at two parks. Limited enrollment of 15. 

North Kingsville Sand Barrens - Hawk Watch and Walk

The Sand Barrens is one of the most unique sites in Ohio.  These fossil sand ridges support a population of native lupine and other rare plants. We will explore the plant life along the trails and spend time watching the sky for birds of prey. It is an excellent site for observing the unusual spring migration of raptors that travel east along the shore of Lake Erie. Easy, Length one mile on flat sandy and perhaps wet trails. Bring a lawn chair for the hawk watch. Limited enrollment of 15.

Grand River Wilds

Explore a new Nature Conservancy Preserve along the wild and scenic Grand River near Rock Creek. The sprawling preserve along the Grand River totals hundreds of acres and is the home many rare plants and plant communities. We will explore these interesting plant communities which support black bears, bobcats, river otters, snow shoe hares, and a wealth of common and uncommon animals. Easy. Length 2 miles, level, and could be muddy. Limited enrollment of 15.

Invasive Worms

This class will introduce basic earthworm biology and ecology and will explore earthworm diversity across the upper Midwest and in Ohio. There will be a short introduction to some of the species found at in Northeast Ohio and the earthworm surveys being conducted at Holden. Most of the class will focus on the positive and negative impact that earthworms can have on native habitats and on human activities. We will head outside to look for evidence of these impacts and sample for worms in one of Holden’s natural areas.

A Musical Approach to Birdsong: Music in the Meadow

Using an approach derived from teaching music appreciation and ear training classes, Rainsong will develop your ability to recognize, identify and remember the singers and their songs. The final session of our resident/summer nester series will take us to Holden's extensive grassland/meadow areas with visits to edge habitats along the way. We will practice song recognition of habitat specific singers such as eastern meadowlark and bobolink, and learn to sort out the other voices of summer that surround them. Special attention will be given to birds with similar songs, such as the song sparrow and savannah sparrow. This three-hour class will consist of an indoor bird song presentation followed by a meadow hike.

Canoe and Lunch - The Cuyahoga River and the Welshfield Inn

Paddle on the serene upper Cuyahoga River near Burton. The shallow, slow moving state scenic river winds through extensive wetlands and bottomland forests. Wildlife of the area includes river otters, beaver, mink, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, prothonotary warblers and more. Previous canoe experience is recommended. Limited to 12 participants age 8 and older. The canoes hold two adults and up two children in the middle. The pace is slow. Price includes naturalist guide, canoe rental, life jackets and paddles.

Off The Beaten Path: Forest Community Adventures

Lunch on the Rocks - Secret Trails of Little Mountain

Explore the secret trails on the private side of Little Mountain. Wander through old growth forests and explore the nooks, crannies and hidden habitats of the rock ledges of the other side of Little Mountain. This is the perfect setting for a walk through one of the most interesting landscapes in Ohio. Bring a bag lunch to carry on the trail. We will have a quiet meal in a unique setting.  Length: 2 miles. Moderate.

Lost Canyon and the Forgotten Forest

Explore a very private preserve on the edge of Little Mountain that contains a rugged and beautiful canyon system. This hidden forested canyonland contains waterfalls, rock outcrops and crystal clear streams. This area is a smaller version of Stebbins Gulch. Also explore a spectacular forest grove of ancient trees that are a part of the Little Mountain/East Branch biological “hot spot.”  Very Difficult. Two miles with steep, long hills, some parts off-trail.

Magnificence on the Mountain

Discover the rich natural and social history of Little Mountain. Unique geological formations, diversity of plant life and its historic use as a resort make this a spectacular natural site in any season.

Stebbins Gulch: A Hike Through Geologic History

Sunday, June 23 and Aug. 18; Saturday, July 27

1 - 4pm

Corning Visitor Center

Holden Guides

$5 members, $10 nonmembers

Follow the streambed as it cuts through bedrock dating back millions of years and explore the plant communities resulting from this special geological feature. This is a rigorous hike requiring a good degree of physical fitness and balance. Proper footwear is imperative and should be appropriate for climbing, walking through mud and high water conditions. We strongly suggest high waterproof boots. No children under 12. Rugged - 3 miles 

HIK101

The Nature of Pierson Creek Valley

An often overlooked natural wonder lies only a quarter of a mile from the Corning Visitor Center. The Pierson Creek Valley is a remarkably pristine ravine, deeply incised in glacial till, with a unique story to tell about our natural history. This hike along the Old Valley Trail and Pierson Creek Loop will highlight the diversity of magnificent native trees , under story plants and the geology of the valley formation. We will then proceed upstream along and in the creek bed to explore stream features, glacial till, glacial erratics, and iron bacteria. Pierson Creek is a remarkably clean, cool, highly oxygenated stream. Participants will be able to catch and release stream organisms and learn about those that can only survive in these clean conditions. The stream portion of the hike is very rugged and requires very good physical condition. Please wear good hiking shoes that can get wet and bring water and a snack. Rugged - 2.5 plus miles.

Forest Farming Two-Day Workshop

Forest farming is a component of sustainable forest management that involves cultivation of foods, medicinals and ornamentals beneath the canopy of an existing forest. This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about productive conservation through forest farming. From Ken Mudge you will learn about cultivation of shiitake and other gourmet mushrooms. Other non timber forest products from ramps to fruit and nut trees will be covered, as well as the propagation of nut trees by grafting. Bob Beyfuss, known far and wide as Mr. Ginseng, will teach you how to grow American ginseng and other medicinal forest crops, and he will lead you on a wild mushroom foray in the woods. Both instructors will explore through indoor presentations the important elements of site considerations (infrastructure, resource management) and site assessment and design followed by on-site assessments of a woodland on Holden property to help you determine if your site is suitable for growing certain forest crops. Each participant will inoculate their own shitake log on the first day of the workshop. On day two, participants will graft an apple tree and receive a potted gingseng plant to take home. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Register early as space is limited. See a detailed agenda for the class.

Mudge, an associate professor of horticulture at Cornell University, conducts workshops, on-line education programs and extensive research in the field of agroforestry in order to enhance rural economic development. Much of his work takes place at MacDaniels Nut Grove an agroforestry research and education/demonstration center to the Cornell campus, developed in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Cornell Plantations.    

Beyfuss recently retired from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County where he served as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and also as the New York State specialist for American Ginseng Production for Cornell University Cooperative Extension. He is the author of American Ginseng Production in NY State; The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng, a 65 page grower’s guide; Ginseng Production in Woodlots and The Economics of Woodland Ginseng Production, which were both published by the USDA National Agroforestry Center; Growing Gourmet Mushrooms from A to Z and Companion Planting.

Crickets and Katydids: The Insect Percussion Ensemble

As the avian chorus becomes silent in late summer, the insect percussion ensemble begins to take center stage. Have you ever wondered who is making all those different sounds in the late afternoon and evenings of August and September? A Cleveland Institute of Music professor and naturalist, Rainsong will introduce the basic types of insect singers – crickets and katydids – and how to identify their songs and habitats. This class will begin with an indoor presentation on these attractive insects, their songs, and how you can encourage these fine musicians to perform where you live. The second hour of the class will be outdoors in Holden’s gardens as we listen to their music and perhaps actually see them “sing.” Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.