Admission is free with nonmember class registration

Please Note: 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/rainier 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 for further clarification on the physical conditions of any program we offer.

Become an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist

This class has been filled.

Fridays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7; 9:30am - 4:30pm

Saturdays, Sept. 10 and 17: 8:30am - 4pm

The Holden Arboretum

$195

The OCVN program is a science-based natural resource education program coupled with community- based volunteer service. The program is administered by the Ohio State University Extension in conjunction with local partners such as The Holden Arboretum. Trainees receive classroom and in-the-field training from local experts covering a wide range of natural resource topics.

To become an OCVN, the trainee must be accepted into the program, complete the training component, pass the required exam and volunteer for 40 hours. The volunteer commitment may be fulfilled in a number of ways, either at Holden or with other nature-related organizations. After the completion of the initial volunteer time, volunteers are encouraged to continue to assist with natural resource program delivery as Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists.

For more information and application materials call Marian Williams, public programs manager, at 440.602.3811.

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

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, three miles 

HIK101

Blazing Paddles: Canoeing through the Amish Hills

Saturday, Oct. 15

The woodlands surrounding the East Branch Reservoir of the upper Cuyahoga River will be ablaze with fall colors. This quiet refuge is the home of bald eagles, osprey, river otters, mink, beaver and a variety of other wildlife. The numerous coves, islands and the uninhabited shoreline is the perfect setting for an easy going fall color canoe trip. Moderate: 3 miles.  Previous canoe experience necessary. Fee includes all canoeing equipment and naturalist guide. Limited to 12 participants, ages 12 and older.

Off The Beaten Path: Forest Community Adventures

Hidden Lakes and Lost Wetlands of the Grand River

Sunday, Sept. 25

The 7,400 acre Grand River Wildlife Area, near West Farmington, is one of the largest wild areas in Ohio. It is the haunt of black bears, bobcats, river otters, eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, and other wildlife species. We will explore and learn about these extensive lowland forest communities as we travel along unimproved, but elevated trails that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.  Moderate hike, a total of 4 miles on flat terrain.

Fall Woodlands of Carver's Pond

The Hidden Preserves of Chagrin Falls and the Chagrin Valley

Saturday, Nov. 5

The Forest Ridge Preserve is a newly opened woodland property on the western edge of the Chagrin Valley in Moreland Hills. The trails wind through a mature upland forest bordering the Chagrin River. The Whitesburg Preserve along the Chagrin River is near downtown Chagrin Falls. This is a landscape that is closely tied to the early history of Chagrin Falls and is now being reclaimed by the natural ecosystems. Moderate: both walks for a total of 3 miles on rolling hills on trails.

Loon Lake and Apple Pie