Student Rainbarrel Project

Lilly Lowther, Danielle Gaudino
and Katherine Knight pose 
with the rain barrel and Center
Executive Director Catherine Timko.

Just in time for Earth Day last week, students in Mrs. Martha Fisher’s third grade class from Westerly Elementary School in Bay Village dropped off a rain barrel, beautifully painted with flowers and insects. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is one of several locations around town displaying the students' handiwork, complete with an educatonal message about the benefits of rain barrels (like reduction of erosion, pollution and flooding).

The class is selling each rain barrel  for $100 with the proceeds going to the Bay Education Foundation. If you're interested in buying a decorated rain barrel you can contact Mrs. Fishers class at 440-617-7578. Nice work students and thanks for sharing your work with our visitors!

Mystery Owl - Who You Gonna Call?

By Brownstone Day School students - Lakewood

A class of students from the Brownstone Day School in Lakewood snapped this terrific photo outside their classroom and wondered if the pint-sized owl was a baby. Luckily, the class had the wildlife staff at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center to give them some insight and information about their backyard discovery.

We loved the photo so much, we asked if we could share it, along with the information our Wildlife Education & Rehabliation Coordinator, Amy LeMonds, had for them:
That is an adult Northern Saw-whet Owl. It is the smallest owl found in this state and in the Eastern U.S. There are a couple of smaller owl species found in the Western U.S.
Saw-whet Owls are found here all year and eat small mammals like mice. When there is tons of snow they will keep a cache of food which freezes and when they are ready to eat it they thaw it by incubating it like an egg. They hunt with their excellent night vision and specialized hearing. The owl's oval face (which creates a disc shape to gather sound waves - like when you see a cat's ears move to “capture” sounds) and asymmetrical ears give them such good hearing.
Below is a link to Ohio Division of Wildlife which has excellent native animal info.
http://dnr.state.oh.us/Home/species_a_to_z/SpeciesGuideIndex/sawwhetowl/tabid/6924/Default.aspx
Thanks and let me know if you ever have wildlife questions in the future. - Amy LeMonds

Wildlife is waking up for spring and increasingly active this time of year. There's a lot to see and discover in your own backyard. Enjoy the show!

A rare opportunity to experience one of Cleveland’s hidden treasures is coming up next month. “Nature in the Neighborhood" --the annnual "Open House" at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (at Dike 14)-- will take place Saturday, September 25 during prime fall migration.

The Preserve, located near the Cleveland Lakefront State Park, will be open for self-guided hikes from 7:30 am to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy birds, butterflies and stunning views of Cleveland’s skyline and Lake Erie along a one-mile trail. You're asked to aarrive 15 minutes before you want to begin your walk to sign a waiver and receive additional information.

Need Directions and help parking? Exit #177 from I-90. Parking is available at Gordon State Park. Entrances from North Marginal at E. 72nd Street, from North Marginal between E. 72nd and MLK, and park office entrance from Lakeshore Boulevard east of MLK. Additional space at E. 55th State Park (Exit SR 2).

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a member of the sponsoring Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative. If you can't make it to Nature in the Neighborhood and/or would like to enjoy a guided experience for families, check out our Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Family Day coming up on October 17. This 2-hour, hands-on experience for families with children ages 5 and up requires pre-registration and a fee. Call 440-871-2900.

The photo above was taken on a past Preserve tour by our Junior Naturalists and families.

Travel Teaches About Nature, Wildlife & More!

This is Naturalist Assistant Matt Grisnik's account of the NA's trip to  Costa Rica, where they learned about much more than the fascinating natural environment....

La Fortuna waterfall

I was given the opportunity to travel with a handful of fellow NAs to Costa Rica, one of the most bio diverse places in the world. This trip provided me with many valuable experiences and lessons, ranging from zip lining through jungle canopies, to learning to be thankful for what I have.

Our trip took us all over the country starting in the capitol, San Jose, and ending in Guanacaste, on the pacific side of the country. During the time spent in San Jose, we got a look at how other people live in less fortunate areas. This led to me realizing how well off we are here in Bay Village.

Traveling around the country we got to expeience many amazing things. One of these was La Fortuna waterfall. The waterfall was around 200 feet tall, and to get to the bottom you had to climb down some 400 steps. All the way down the view of the waterfall was awesome and the descent was well worth it. At the base of the waterfall we were able to get in and swim, although the water was rather cold I had no problem getting in and swimming. It was really a neat thing to be able to swim right next to a 200-foot waterfall in the middle of the rainforest.

Matt with an example of Costa Rica's wildlife

Another amazing experience was the boat ride to our second hotel in Tortuguero. The whole ride seemed unreal; it was like something off of the National Geographic Channel. On the way we saw the basilisk, which is a lizard that can run on water; we saw tons of birds as well, including a rufescent tiger heron and quite a few toucans. Tortuguero was probably my favorite part of the trip mainly due to the presence of all the wildlife surrounding the area. At night, we were able to spot caimans off the dock that we used to get to the hotel, and we saw many other reptiles and amphibians including a young boa.

The abundance of wildlife in Costa Rica was just incredible. It was really cool to be able to see many of the things I have read about in books and learned about in school. I am extremely thankful to have had this incredible opportunity and I know that the experiences that were afforded to me by this trip will, without a doubt, stay with me for the rest of my life.

-Matt Grisnik
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Naturalist Assistant &
2009 Student Volunteer of the Year

Beyond Cleaning Cages – NAs in Costa Rica

We asked Wildlife Specialist and supervisor of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Naturalist Assistant volunteer program, Derek Skapes, to share highlights from the “life-changing trip” that a group of our hard-working NAs enjoyed this summer. Photos by NA Sean Waitkus.

I recently had the very fortunate opportunity of taking some our NAs to Costa Rica for a fun filled, educational, eye-opening, life changing trip. Our international travel endeavor included excursions throughout the entire country of Costa Rica. The idea of the trip was to provide an experience that would not only be educational, but also beneficial to their development as a young adult. A travel experience is always one where an individual can discover themselves and expand their horizons in all aspects of life.

During this trip through Costa Rica, the students were guided by a renowned Costa Rican guide. We explored volcanoes, hot springs, forest canopies, volcanic sulfur springs, tropical forests, canals, rivers, cultural marketplaces, large cities and towns, night hikes (reptiles and amphibians were most prominent during these) and multiple beaches.

The opportunity to see a different, less fortunate country and the people that live there was a also beneficial. To be exposed to another culture and in a different country is a broadening experience that would only give the students a new outlook on their lives.

Of course, the chance to explore, study, and learn about a tropical rainforest in one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet is also something that the students will likely carry on for the rest of their lives. As you might expect, the nature experiences were a highlight for our students because we are a nature/wildlife/science organization. They were able to study and learn from first hand experience in a biological hotspot, with a well-respected guide to educate them as well.

The reactions of the students were incredible and very heart-warming. Multiple students thanked me and our organization for giving them “the time of their lives.” To those of you who supported our fundraising leading up to the trip, we all say a huge thank-you to you as well!
-Derek Skapes, Wildlife Specialist

Naturalist Assistants Rainforest Adventures

Our teen Naturalist Assistants (NAs) work hard caring for our wildlife on the weekends, but it's not all work and no play. This group of  volunteer NAs took a field trip to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo yesterday.
Some of our NAs recently returned from a "field trip" that had them traveling a much greater distance... all the way to Costa Rica. Watch this space for photos and a travelogue on their adventures down south.

Veteran Rocky River Teacher Joins Center Staff

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is fortunate to have excellent, experienced instructors leading our education programming and we'll soon add another respected educator to our staff. Veteran teacher Anne Hart will inspire children in our Log Cabin Kindergarten programs starting this fall. Anne spent 15 years teaching Kindergarten in the Rocky River school system, where she also taught Safety Town and Intramurals and served as an instructor for popular enrichment programs like Family Science and Math Nights.
Anne is enthusiastic about her new role. "My family and I have enjoyed the treasures of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center for years. I am so excited and honored to join this wonderful organization,” she told us.

Anne earned a BS in Education from University of Dayton and a Master of Education from Cleveland State, where she specialized in Early Childhood Education. She and her family reside in Bay Village where she is active as a PTA and classroom volunteer, soccer team manager and member of the Family Advisory Council at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.

Anne takes over Log Cabin Explorers Club and Discoveries from Bev Walborn, who is transitioning to a new role that includes expanding our family and adult programming. Make sure you look for the great new programs Bev is spearheading on pages 5 and 6 of our all new 2010 Fall Program Guide, including a Lake Erie Family Day and a Bay Bicentennial History Hike.

We’re confident both of these experienced, passionate educators will provide the interactive inspiration you’ve come to expect from Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Student Project Receives Habitat Certfication

A group of  Elementary School Students have seen a year of hard work (and fun!) building a wildlife habitat at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center pay off with national certification. The students who participate in the Center’s “After School Adventures Club” program received approval from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) designating their garden project in front of our Center as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Center Executive Director Catherine Timko cut the ribbon at yesterday's celebration of the habitat which is enhanced by a rock-rimmed water feature constructed by the students.

The NWF recognition goes to individuals or groups who follow specific guidelines for creating a garden area that provides food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young in addition to incorporating sustainable gardening practices. The 24 students in the After School Adventures Club are in grades 1 – 4 and hail from a variety of tNE Ohio towns.

The best part of the year-long experience for 4th grader Adam Goyetche of Westlake was, “all the hikes we did collecting items and observing where animals live.” Adam's  said the class has already observed a nest being built high in the trees in the newly certified habitat.

Education Specialists Bev Walborn and Jennifer Lee say they are proud of what the students learned in the hands-on project. “The kids were involved in experiences that created a real awareness and a connection to the wildlife that share our backyards,” said Walborn.

Find more information about the the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat program here.

Sun Shines On Eggstravaganza

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's popular Eggstravaganza program has been a big hit the last two days! The weather allowed us to enjoy outdoor family egg hunts under brilliant, warm sunshine. Trent Gordon from Olmsted Falls gets a little help from his Dad in the photo at left.

Our soft, white and black bunny Gizmo has gotten lots of pats and hugs from loving little hands during indoor craft time, too. Education Specialist Maggie Watson and Alexis Tisler from Rocky River posed for picture with Gizmo here.

By the way the fortunate finders of two shiny golden eggs (like Emily Hackwelder of Avon Lake, pictured here) won an eggscellent reward.

We had such a wonderful response to this program, we added additional times this year and still ran out of spaces. Facebook Fans, Twitter followers and Email subscribers got the fastest notice when we added times, so if you're not following us in one of those three ways, sign up today!

We plan to schedule even more times for this event next year to accomodate demand! Have a wonderful weekend!

Two New Eggstravaganza Time Slots!

This just in! Because of the popularity of our Eggstravaganza programs, we are opening up two new times for ages 1 - 5 WITH an adult on Thursday, April 1 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Update: 10 a.m. is now wait-listing. That was fast!

This special spring program includes a low-key egg hunt (with a special "golden egg" among them) and a visit with one of our resident bunnies. If the weather doesn't cooperate we'll simply move our hunt inside!


Stop in or call the front desk at 440-871-2900 to secure a spot. The fee is $7/child; OR for Center Members $5/child. Pre-register as soon as you can, since space is limited and these will likely fill as fast as our Friday programs.

Thanksgiving Weekend Hours & Programs

A reminder that Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day and will close early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. On all other days throughout the weekend, we will be open normal hours from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Catch a free, family-friendly Meet An Animal program all about Squeezers (Boas and Pythons) on Friday at 3 p.m.... and check out the Schuele Planetarium star show line-up for Saturday. There's something for all ages!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Get In On the Next Two Seasons Of Fun!

From Log Cabin Holidays and Animals A La Mode in December to Eggstravaganza and Rain Barrel Workshop in April, our great Center Members get first crack at our Winter AND Spring programs as Member Registration gets underway at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, November 7).

Both Winter and Spring Session classes and programs will be open for registration, with one notable exception: you may not enroll in Spring Session-only for Frogs and Polliwogs, Nature Nuts, Log Cabin Explorers Club or After School Adventures Club. You may sign up for Winter-only or lock in your spot for the rest of the year by reigstering for BOTH Winter and Spring Sessions in these ongoing school year programs. Any remaining spots in these popular classes will be open during Spring Registration dates. Review our Winter-Spring Program Guide here.
 

Winter-Spring 2009-10 Registration Schedule
Member Registration: Saturday, November 7

Non-member Registration: Tuesday, November 17
Phone-in: Tuesday, November 24

Registration begins promptly at 10 a.m. Please bring your Membership Card and your completed forms (Registration, Health Release - on the back of the Registration Form, new Member Forms) to make registration efficient. Call ahead with any questions about program/class openings at 440-871-2900. See you tomorrow!

It’s NOT too late...

...to take advantage of the BEST savings of the entire year on our preschool programs! Tell your friends and family... You have two more days (until Friday, October 2) to purchase a Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Family Membership ($50) and get the following great savings:

• Save $75 on ALL 3 SEASONS- 30 WEEKS- of Nature Nuts!
• Save $75 on ALL 3 SEASONS- 30 WEEKS- of Log Cabin Explorers Club!
• Save $30 on ALL 3 SEASONS- 30 WEEKS- of Frogs & Polliwogs!

Your tuition will also be prorated for the Fall Session. Even if you've already signed up for the fall session only, you can still take advantage of our special school year savings by extending your child’s registration before October 2.

Don’t forget all the other benefits of that Family Membership either! You’ll receive our seasonal Program Guides, 2 planetarium tickets, discounts AND advanced registration on many more of our programs and classes for all ages — including our Friday Hayride Nights, our brand new Animals a la Mode family program and our Easter Eggstravaganza, free admission to more than 80 other nature centers around the country, plus the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a valued community resource!

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is the best investment you can make for your child, your family, and your planet this year! Give us a call at 440-871-2900. We can register you right over the telephone.

Hayrides, Lasers and Autumn Fun

The chill in the air and the calendar approaching October has us really looking forward to one of the most popular autumn activities at the Center – Fall Family Hayride Nights. There's still time to get in on the fun but you’ll need to pre-register soon!

The first of two Fall Family Hayride Nights takes place on Friday, October 9 and begins with a full pizza dinner. The evening also includes hay wagon rides around Huntington Reservation, kid-friendly seasonal crafts, planetarium star shows and live animals.

Children are encouraged to wear their costumes to the second Family Hayride event on Friday, October 30 when a trick or treat trail through the Center’s backyard Wildlife Gardens provides additional fun. Both of these all-inclusive hayride nights run from 6 – 9 p.m. and require advance registration. Fees are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

By the way, the second Hayride night will also include laser lights because it coincides with a two weekend run of Halloween Laser Light Shows in the planetarium. The animated Skylase laser lights and music take on a Halloween theme during full-dome shows on October 24, 25 and 31 and November 1. Six shows each day begin at 11:30 a.m. with seatings at half past the hour every hour through 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 per person.

Awesome Autumn Nature Experiences Await!

An all-new interactive live animal show for the whole family, topped with a scoop of ice cream, is one of the new programs being offered this autumn season at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. “Animals A La Mode” will feature members of the audience in a fun show centered around our amazing wild animal ambassadors. Ice cream for everyone caps off the September 17 event, which requires pre-registration at $5 per person.

Registration for the Fall Session is now open to members and non-members alike and many programs still have openings, including the popular Frogs & Polliwogs parent and tot classes, Nature Nuts preschool and Log Cabin Explorer’s Club for children in Kindergarten and Pre-K that begin the week the September 14.

We've also added a new “Wild Things!” parent & child (age 1 - 5) program on Friday or Saturday mornings this fall, while After School Adventures Club and Junior Naturalist classes are ready to engage school-age kids in nature and science exploration. Family Workshops to build a rain barrel (September 9) or composting barrel and frame (October 14) are also on our autumn agenda, long with the always-popular Fall Family Hayride nights in October.

For more information on all these classes and programs, head on over to our online education listings, call 440-871-2900 or stop by and see us at 28728 Wolf Road in Bay Village.

Grab Discounts for the Full School Year!

Our full School Year Registration for members gets underway tomorrow, Saturday, July 25 at 10 a.m.

This special, discounted registration for Members-only is available for all three sessions (Fall-Winter-Spring) of Frogs and Polliwogs parent & tot classes, Nature Nuts preschool, Log Cabin Explorers Club for 5 and 6 year olds and After School Adventures Club for grades 1 - 2 and 3 - 4.

If you know a little one who deserves all the magical, natural fun that takes place at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, sign up for the full school year and save! You'll also lock in your child's spot in our popular and often wait-listed classes!

By the way, here's how the math works out for Nature Nuts or Log Cabin Explorers:

• Good Value - Regular Price for each 10-week session:
  $300 x 3 sessions = $900 for the school year
• Better Value - Members Price for each 10-week session:
  $250 x 3 sessions = $750 for the school year
• Best Value - Members advance full School Year registration:
  All 3 sessions = $675 for the school year

Get program details in our Fall 2009 Program Guide (pdf). Download and print a Fall 2009 Registration Form (pdf) here and find Online Membership Information & Registratio at this link.

NASA Explorer School

Representatives from schools across the country who’ve been chosen as NASA Explorer schools paid a visit to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s Schuele Planetarium this month as part of their enrichment activities.
NASA Explorer Schools program is designed to bring engaging mathematics, science and technology learning to a select group of educators each year. Teams of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities across the country work with education specialists from NASA centers, including NASA Glenn, in an effort to encourage innovative science and mathematics instruction for 4th - 9th graders.








Here at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, two-dozen Explorer School participants enjoyed an interactive star show and heard first-hand how hands-on, informal science education can make a difference in bringing complex concepts to life. Schuele Planetarium Director Jay Reynolds, Planetarium Specialist Jessica Mazzola and three NASA representatives led the workshop.
For more on how you can enjoy a planetarium program, visit the Schuele Planetarium online. For more information about the Explorer Schools program visit http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/.

Let's Explore Worms!

In true Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, hands-on style, our Nature Nuts preschoolers hit the Great Outdoors yesterday as part of "Let's Explore Worms" day.

Armed with hand shovels and intense curiosity, our intrepid young explorers turned over the damp soil in search of our friend, the earthworm.

Of course, their teacher, "Miss Teece," had some earthworms on hand and ready to hold for anyone who was not able to find one on their own.

Isn't it great to see kids happily unplugged and connected to the simple joys of nature?

Summer Camp Scholarships Available

Did you know you can apply for a scholarship to help fund summer camp at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center? The Cleveland Clean Air Century Campaign established the Rev. Marvin J. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund for Youth to assist young people, ages 5 to 17 years old, who wish to attend a camp, class or workshop with an emphasis on the environment. Scholarship awards vary, up to $100, and depend on the program cost.

Youth scholarship selection "is not based on financial need but on level of interest shown in environmental topics through schoolwork extracurricular activities, hobbies, or volunteer activities." The applicant is responsible for finding the program for which they want scholarship assistance. You can research a camp or class at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center on our website or download a copy of our Summer Program Guide (pdf) here.

Then, print out the Scholarship Application and Guidelines (pdf) and apply today!

Drop In Today for St. Pat's, Buzzards & Stars

You can add some St. Patty's Day or Buzzards Day flavor to your Lake Erie Nature & Science Center visit today (3/14/09) as we present a pair of programs that require no advance registration.
First up, Amy Leamon and Maggie Watson will have activities for all ages out in the Log Cabin for a St. Patty's Day-themed Drop In & Discover program. Stop by any time between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. but please keep in mind that space in the Log Cabin is limited and we’ll take visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a $3 fee per child.

At 3 p.m., with the help of “Vern,” our live Turkey Vulture, we'll explore this strange bird's behaviors, including vomiting, bed-wetting and even nose-picking. We'll reveal all the misconceptions and fascinating truths about this commonly misunderstood animal, just in time for Sunday's Buzzard Day in Hinckley. Director of Wildlife, Dave Wolf, will also explain how Turkey Vulture's suddenly changed ancestors during this FREE, family friendly, Meet An Animal program.
And, as always, we'll have a full line-up of public planetarium shows starting with Twinkle Tots at 11 a.m. up through Monthly Skyquest at 2 p.m.