Summer Forest Explorations

Admission is free with non-member class registration

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.

Native Shrubs of Ohio

Saturday, July 23

9-noon

Corning Classroom

Marian Williams

$members, $ nonmembers

Ohio has its fair share of beautiful and interesting shrubs. This course will start out in the field to view selected shrubs in Holden's woodlands and gardens. Key identification features, seasonal highlights and habitat requirements will be covered for each species. We will conclude the class by taking a close-up look at twig and leaf characteristics as we key out some of the shrubs we saw outdoors. Familiarity with how to use a taxonomic key will be helpful although not required. Participants will learn between 15 and 20 species of native shrubs.

NAT131

Stebbins Gulch: A Hike Through Geologic History

Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, Aug. 28

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

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? Cleveland Institute of Music professor and naturalist Dr. Lisa 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.

The Other Side of the Mountain: A Sunset Trek on a Very Private Preserve.

Explore the seldom seen back trails through old growth forests, along dashing brooks and waterfalls and into the fading light of day. The backdrop of this site is Little Mountain and the tributary gorges of the East Branch of the Chagrin River. The varied landforms and earth process result in a great variety of forest communities. This is the perfect setting for a quiet evening walk through one of the most interesting and private landscapes in Ohio. Length: 3 miles. Moderate