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 and Public Programs 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

Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 24

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

This class is designed for people with little or no background in geology, but who have always wondered about the landscapes, rock outcrops and stream deposit is that surround us in northeast Ohio. We will cover the basic principles of geology needed to understand the occurrence and geological history of Ohio's sedimentary rocks and mineral resources, with emphasis on those in our local area. As a souvenir of the course, each participant will receive a small rock collection of 10 specimens representing the most common and economically important rocks of Ohio.

Science in Action: The Importance of Dead Things

Organic matter decomposition and the recycling of dead plants is one of the most important processes on earth and directly controls things such as soil fertility and climate. Nevertheless, the process of decomposition and how it occurs is not a common topic of discussion.  This course will focus on the basics of plant litter decomposition, and the chemical and biological complexities involved with the process. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with Holden scientists in the lab, classroom and outdoors that are currently studying decomposition and the soil microbes that carry out the process.  Be prepared to get your hands dirty and walk in the woods (minimum difficulty).  Interest in the natural world is the only requirement.

Off the Beaten Path

Cranes and Eagles of the Burton Wetlands and Lunch at the Welshfield Inn

Thursday, Dec. 13

Explore trails and pathways of the Burton Wetlands, the largest and one of the most important wetlands of the Lake Erie watershed. The area provides habitat for bald eagles, river otters, sandhill cranes, and host of other wildlife. Glacial lakes, bogs, swamp forests, marshland and the old and new Cuyahoga River are all part of this fascinating complex. Following the hike will be an opportunity to enjoy lunch at participant's expense at the historic Welshfield Inn. Easy - 2 miles.

Pete's Pond

Discover the newest preserve of Lake Metroparks.  Tucked into a tributary valley of the lower Chagrin River in Wickliffe, this newly opened preserve has long been known to local naturalists but has not been available to the general pubic. The 19-acre lake; a creek that is the headwaters for Gully Brook; and the large beech, maple and oak trees all combine to make this former Rockefeller property a hidden gem of Lake County.

Easy 2 miles, 1 hill.

Hell Hollow

Please call The Holden Arboretum Visitor Center to register, make payment and receive directions. 440.946.4400 ext 224. Registrations will be taken on Saturday December 28th and Sunday December 29th ONLY!

Ice Caves and Mom's Apple Pie

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 the unusual needle ice. Be prepared to squeeze through narrow passageways and slither into a shelter behind a frozen waterfall. Following the walk we will retreat to a nearby eatery for some lunch and warm apple pie at the participant's expense. Rugged/off trail. Walking surface may be icy with numerous small hills and some scrambling on boulders.