Expedition: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a birder's paradise. The stunning Central American country is the next destination for Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's International Expeditions, led by Center Executive Director and avid birder, Larry Richardson. In addition to a host of birds to spot, the country provides a breathtaking variety of natural landscapes and history to explore. An active volcano adds to the spectacular scenery. This destination proved to be so popular, the trip filled in record time. However, if you're interested in Larry repeating an expedition to this beautiful country, please call the Center at 440-871-2900 and add your name to the list of birder’s calling for an encore!

Say Good-bye To Summer

We'll be transitioning from summer camps into our exciting line-up of Fall classes and programs before you know it. Registration is now underway for members and non-members. If you find your favorite class is already full, consider a Center memberhip. Members enjoy reduced class fees and early sign-up. Members also have the option of signing up for all three sessions--fall, winter and spring-- in advance, at substantial savings over the usual members discount. You can also sign up to receive a pdf file of our Fall Program Guide via e-mail. Stop by the Center or call 440-871-2900 to enroll in a class today.

Icing On the Party Cake

The list of silent auction items for our September 15 benefit is growing and includes some exciting additions. A pair of exclusive floor seats to ‘witness’ the Cleveland Cavaliers play will be on the auction block, along with a Cessna flight lesson, a hot air balloon ride, 4 rounds of golf, ski rentals & lift tickets, and 2 fishing expeditions. Who wouldn’t want to have their home professionally cleaned, laugh it up at a comedy club or indulge in the full spa treatment from massage to make-up? Sports memorabilia and a cool, back-door Zoo tour are also on the long and expanding auction list.

Of course, it's not the "stuff" that really makes the night. Our annual benefit is a fun way for nature lovers to support Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's unique non-profit mission. Gathering around the bonfire, connecting with old and new friends, sharing a drink, a great meal and a dance or two ... those will be the highlights of the evening! On the other hand, if you happen to be the one to win the round-trip, Continental airfare for two or to score those floor seats to the see the Cavs play.... well... that would be icing on the cake, wouldn't it?

Readers Soar In Eagle Adoption Reading Challenge

The final tally is in and the children racked up more than 7,000 hours of summer reading to "adopt" the bald eagle that resides at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. The Friends of the Bay Village Cuyahoga County Library branch promised to pay one month of eagle adoption fees for every 350 hours logged during the “Read, White and Blue” summer reading program.
During a celebration at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Monday night, Bay Children’s Librarian Susan Ballard announced that the kids earned 20 months of support for the eagle! “The children exceeded my expectations,” Ballard said. “Our wonderful Friends group will be making a generous donation on their behalf.” During Monday's wrap-up party, about 50 children and parents also got to see the adopted eagle and learn more about our living national emblem. Wildlife Director, Dave Wolf, also presented the library with a framed adoption certificate. A sign on the eagle exhibit here at the Center will also pay tribute this wonderful group of summer readers!

Kids Read To Adopt Eagle

We owe a big thanks to young Bay Village book lovers and the Friends of the local County Library branch! The "Friends" pledged Adopt An Animal dollars as an incentive for their summer reading program, and -- WOW! -- did the kids rise to the challenge! Young people of all ages racked up hours and hours of reading time to benefit our living national emblem.
The Center is hosting a free program Monday night (8/13/07) at 7 p.m. where the children's librarian will announce just how many adoption dollars were earned. (We hear it totals more than a year's worth of eagle sponsorship!) Kids will also learn more about bald eagles and see the beneficiary of all their hard work.
FYI: The bald eagle was taken off the endangered species list earlier this summer, but this beautiful national bird is still protected by law. In fact, our resident eagle, which can't be released due to permanent wing injury, lives at the Center under state and federal permits.

Save the Date!

September 15. Circle it on your calendar! You don't want to miss the Survivor Africa benefit bash at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Come hungry! Arrabiata's will supply the mouth watering menu. You won't go thirsty either! Beer, wine and a signiture drink will be offered at our open bar. Got your dancin' shoes ready? Oasis will be rockin' the house! Get set to bid higher! Our live auction will feature some must-have items for sports fans, art afficianados, gourmet food lovers and more! Need a vacation? Make sure you buy lots of raffle tickets for 2 round-trip Continental Airlines tickets! What to wear? Start thinking about your safari attire (there'll be a prize for the best!) All this for just $50 a ticket and you're helping support the great, non-profit work at the Center. Come by or call us today at 440-871-2900.

Cute Cockroaches!

Our Wildlife Staff calls them adorable! Maybe you will too, if you come to the Center's next free, Meet An Animal program for a hands-on lesson about Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. These are not your garden variety roaches. They're big-- really big-- and they hail from an island off the coast of Africa. Yes, you'll hear them hiss! Meet An Animal, at 3 p.m. this Saturday (8/4/07) , is a "hands-on" program. That means you can touch these creatures too... (but, only if you want to!)