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.

Call the Education Department at 440.602.3833 for further clarification on the physical conditions of any program we offer.

Ohio Trees Under Threat Tour

View six Ohio native trees threatened by past, present or future diseases and pests. Learn how to identify these trees and discover why they are valuable components of our forests and economy. Learn what researchers are doing to re-establish American chestnuts and American elms, and why you should be concerned about the future of eastern hemlock, butternut, American beech and white ash trees. Tour appropriate for adults and children over the age of 14.

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

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.

Canoe with Eagles - A Restricted Access Preserve.

Sunday, Oct. 14

Fall colors will be at their best as we canoe on Bass Lake, a natural glacial lake near Chardon. Bass Lake is a new preserve of the Geauga Parks and is the headwaters of the Chagrin River. It is closed to the general public and is the home of several rare species including nesting bald eagles and native brook trout. The shoreline edge includes a variety of marshland and swamp forest supporting a diverse wildlife community. Limited to 12 participants age 12 and older. The fee includes all canoeing equipment and naturalist guides. Previous canoe experience required. Length 2 miles. Easy.

Off The Beaten Path: Forest Community Adventures

Architecture/Natural Treasures of the Chagrin Valley

Sunday, Sept. 16

Discover two treasures of the lower Chagrin River Valley: the Louis Penfield House and Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve. Hach-Otis is an upland preserve with bluff top vistas overlooking the Chagrin River Valley with trails winding through an old growth forest. After the hike we will travel a short distance to the Penfield House. The one-of-a-kind home, is one of the last houses built by Frank Lloyd Wright and is closed to the general public. You will have a chance to explore the house, the surrounding woods and the Chagrin River and enjoy a brown bag snack that you bring on the patio.

Fall Woodlands of Carver's Pond

Lost River  

Saturday, Nov. 10

Discover the unique biology and geography of one of Holden's most remote areas. Very unusual landforms including, a unique perched bluff-top beaver dam and pond, ancient hanging dry valleys and other ice age landforms, hogback ridges, and the beautiful modern Chagrin River are part of the seldom seen scenery of this thickly forested valley.  Proper footwear is essential and should be appropriate for climbing and walking in sometimes steep and wet conditions. Difficult, 3 miles with hills.