Admission is free with non-member 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.

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 12. Rugged/Off Trail

Stebbins Gulch: A Hike Through Geologic History

Sunday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Feb. 11

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/Off Trail

HIK101

Understanding Geology Basics

Did you ever wonder about those big shale cliffs on I-90, or that rock-choked streambed near your home, or those giant erratic boulders? This course is designed for people who have never taken a geology class, but have always been curious about what they see around them. We'll start by discussing basic geologic concepts:  What is a rock?  What is a mineral?  What is a fossil?  How do they form?  What types are we likely to find in our region, how did they get here, and what do they tell us about the history of this area?  We'll take time to examine, scratch and sniff lots of rocks and minerals and we'll also discuss geologic time, the rock cycle, erosion and deposition, glaciation, and how all these factors combined over geologic time to produce the landforms and outcrops in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties.

Birding for Beginners - Winter Residents

This program is ideal for beginning birders since winter is a good time to learn the basics of birdwatching, before the flurry of spring migration begins. The first part of the class will be held indoors where we will learn how to look at birds, what equipment is needed and then begin to identify some of the common year round and winter resident species. We will put our new found skills to the test outside during the second part of the class as we explore a few nearby forests and garden areas. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.

Off the Beaten Path

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.

All Terrain Walk

Ice Caves

Explore the hidden trails and secret passageways of Nelson Ledges State Park near Garrettsville. Discover a variety if ice formations including frozen waterfalls, temporary stalactites and stalagmites, and unusual needle ice. Be prepared to squeeze through narrow passageways and slither into a shelter behind a frozen waterfall. Walking surface may be icy with numerous small hills and some scrambling on boulders. Difficult/Off Trail.

The Blue Wall

Thursday, Feb. 23

Discover the amazing giant ice wall of Warner Hollow near Windsor. This frozen monument of blue, white and tan ice is one of the most spectacular sites in Ohio. This walk also includes a visit to a frozen waterfall, a covered bridge and remnants of an ancient Erie Indian fortification. Warner Hollow has a variety of forest communities that reflect a variety of exposures, elevation and moisture. From a dry hilltop to floodplain and floodplain terraces the diversity of trees species reflect ancient and recent geologic processes. The trail is one mile with very steep hills, which maybe wet depending on weather and creek conditions. Waterproof boots are recommended. Difficult/Off Trail.