Spring into Action with Cleveland Metroparks
Spring in Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace brings warmer weather, the return of golf season and the blooming of spring wildflowers. This spring there’s so much to experience across the Park District including unique indoor and outdoor programming, a celebration to mark 50 years of conservation and the opening of the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
What’s New at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is hosting a conservation celebration on April 18 to mark 50 years of Earth Day and positive action to protect our planet. Party for the Planet offers guests a chance to meet animal keepers, view animal enrichment demonstrations, enjoy a dance party and experience hands-on activities to help connect with the natural world. Come and celebrate Earth Day and conservation on April 18 from 10 am to 2 pm.
In late Spring, the significant expansion of the Zoo’s Eastern black rhinoceros’ habitat will open. The Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve will be twice the size of the previous rhino habitat.
The expansion will consist of an additional indoor rhino barn, as well as several new complexities within the habitat for the rhinos including overhead shade and misting areas, a mud wallow, vegetation and rubbing posts. The expansion also includes a new and significantly larger and fully accessible viewing deck for guests.
Earlier this year, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Zoological Society announced that in honor of Daniel Maltz’s gift, the Reserve will be named after him. Equally generous support from The Walter E. and Jean C. Kalberer Foundation will fund the project’s Walter Kalberer Bull Barn and Jean Kalberer Rhino Yard.
Spring is also a perfect time to visit other highlights in the Zoo’s African Savanna destination. The Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter offers guests a chance to handfeed Masai giraffe. Guests can also see the Zoo’s lion pride and much more.
Spring Bird Walk Series
Each spring Cleveland Metroparks celebrate the oldest Greater Cleveland Area citizen science tradition, Spring Bird Walk. Watch migratory birds return or travel through the area towards their summer breeding grounds during the 87th Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks.
Walks are led by experienced birders and will be held on Sundays, April 12, 2020, through May 17, 2020, from 7:30-10:30 am. Sightings from this series contribute to the understanding of local bird populations. Bird species are counted and recorded, and the data is stored both on eBird, an online database of bird observations, and at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
This is a great way to improve your birding skills as the walks are led by experienced birders and designed to accommodate participants from beginners to advanced. These walks are held in 17 locations throughout the Greater Cleveland area.
World Water Celebration Day
On Saturday, March 21, grab your passport and head to Watershed Stewardship Center to learn how clean water is impacted by climate change worldwide. From noon until 4 pm, try traditional crafts, listen to folk music, and enjoy ethnic food tastings. Free wagon rides and parking shuttle provided. In partnership with Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and West Creek Conservancy.
Experience Maple Sugaring
Maple sugaring season is a sweet sign that spring is on the way. On weekend days at Maple Grove Picnic Area, (Rocky River Reservation) March 1 – March 15, guests can walk through time to see the sap-collecting methods and syrup-making processes used by the American People, settlers and modern sugar farmers.
Watch sap boil into maple syrup and then sample it atop a mini pancake. Guided hikes start at 10 am and leave the sugarhouse every 30 minutes with the last hike at 2:30 pm.
Groups may be accommodated on weekdays by appointment only, call 440-734-6660 for information.
Book Your Tee Time
The golf season is officially in “full swing”. Cleveland Metroparks offers the perfect opportunity for golfers of all ages and skill levels with its eight courses located conveniently throughout Cuyahoga County.
The courses offer golfers a series combination of 144 holes of recreational opportunities from championship layouts at Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow to the sporty par 29 tracts at Washington to Seneca with its 27 scenic holes courses.
In addition to the varied courses across Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Metroparks also offers golf lessons for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Cleveland Metroparks 2020 Academy of Golf program includes a variety of lessons for both adults and juniors including clinics on short games, putting, bunkers and more. Academy of Golf Programs for the 2020 season will begin in April and continue to October.
For all opportunities to explore spring in Cleveland Metroparks visit clevelandmetroparks.com
Cleveland Metroparks Spring
