EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

June, July, August 2017CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

PROGRAM GUIDE

JUNEJULY

AUGUST2019

CLASSESFIELD TRIPS

SPECIAL EVENTSLECTURES

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS, visit CMNH.org

LECTURES AND EVENTS, visit CMNH.orgor call the Box Office at 216.231.1177

MENTOR MARSH programs,call the Nature Center at 440.257.0777

June, July, August 2019

photos by Laura Dempsey

Families Youth Adults

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 To register, visit CMNH.org

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

SPECIAL EVENTS

BIRDS, BEASTS, BRATS, & BEERFriday, July 126 to 10pmEnjoy brats and a cold beer in the company of wildlife! Join us for our annual benefit that supports the feathered, furry, and scaly residents of the Perkins Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank. See our animals up close like you’ve never seen them before; bid in a silent auction on original paintings created by our animal residents; and enjoy music, beer, and brats throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit our Wildlife Division.Advance tickets: Members: $30; nonmembers: $35. Advance ticket sales end at 11:59pm on Friday, July 5. Week of the event: Members: $35; nonmembers: $40. Week-of ticket sales end when event sells out.

THINK & DRINK WITH THE EXTINCTThird Thursday of each month, August through April 6 to 10pmJoin us for the brainiest night out in Cleveland! Enjoy a drink and participate in unique experiences that change each month, ranging in theme from astronomy to zoology. For more information, visit CMNH.org.

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

December 2015, January, February 2016

SHAFRAN PLANETARIUM No registration is required for planetarium shows. Tickets are available online and at the admissions desk. Please visit CMNH.org/planetarium-shows for show times.

ONE WORLD, ONE SKY: BIG BIRD’S ADVENTUREFollow Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Children can interact as they watch, drawing constellations and counting the time it takes the Sun to set.

THE BIG BANG(THROUGH JUNE 30)Cosmologists have determined that the Universe was once infinitesimally small and unimaginably hot. 13.8 billion years ago, the Universe burst into existence, expanding and evolving into the Cosmos we observe today. Join us in the Shafran Planetarium as we explore the evidence that leads us to the big bang theory.

PLUTO AND THE ICE BALLS – CHILDREN’S LIVE SHOW(THROUGH JUNE 30)The New Horizons spacecraft zipped past Pluto in July 2015. In 2019, New Horizons will reach its second destination, a small icy body in the far reaches of the Solar System named Ultima Thule. Join us in the Shafran Planetarium as we explore the surface of Pluto and its moon Charon, and take a look at the first images released of the most distant object ever visited by a spacecraft!

FOSSILS FROM THE RIFT (OPENING JULY 1)The East African Rift Valley is a remarkable, one-of-a-kind planetary feature on Earth’s continental crust. Lucky for us, because its weathered flanks expose ancient human-ancestor fossils such as Lucy. Why does the valley exist, and do other planets have rift valleys? What kind of skies would Lucy have seen over 3 million years ago? Find out in this unique planetarium experience.

ONE GIANT LEAP (OPENING JULY 1)2019 marks the 50th anniversary of one of humankind’s monumental achievements—the first landing of a human on the Moon. The contributions and collaboration of hundreds of thousands of individuals led to the exceptional event. Let’s relive the moment and discover what else the state of Ohio gifted the Apollo space program besides Neil Armstrong.

FLY ME TO THE MOON – CHILDREN’S LIVE SHOW (OPENING JULY 1)Let’s take a close-up look at that beautiful chunk of rock in the sky. What would it be like to walk on the Moon? Is there any air or water there? How did the Moon get to be in the sky in the first place? We’ll answer these questions and many more. 

June, July, August 2019

RALPH MUELLER OBSERVATORYWednesdays, September through May (clear nights only)Visit the Museum’s observatory! View the night sky through our vintage 1899 Warner & Swasey 10½-inch refracting telescope.Included with Museum admission.

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 To register, visit CMNH.org

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

SMEAD DISCOVERY CENTERAll programs in the Smead Discovery Center are included with Museum admission. Due to the programs’ popularity, visitors are now required to reserve their spots at the admissions desk upon arrival at the Museum on the day of the program. All programs are first come, first served. There is no advance or online registration. Program times are listed below. Open hours: Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm; Wednesday, 10am to 8pm (closed from 1:30 to 3:30pm during Show and Tell programs); Sunday, 1 to 4:30pm.

SUMMER SHOW AND TELL Wednesdays1:30, 2:15, and 3pmBring your family and your questions. Each week features a short 15- to 20-minute presentation with a scientist or resource specialist who will make science fun and understandable for visitors of all ages. After the presentation, the scientist will be available to answer questions and explore items from the collection with visitors.

NATURE WOW!Wednesday, June 261:30, 2:15, and 3pmGet your whole family excited about nature with this kid-friendly program. Scientists from the University of Akron will provide a fun presentation on biomimicry—innovations inspired by nature! The presentation will show fascinating plant and animal adaptations and the human inventions they inspire. Afterward, you’ll have a chance to look through “biomimicry boxes” and work on scientific drawings to inspire your own inventions.

WHAT IS A ROCK, ANYWAY?Wednesday, July 101:30, 2:15, and 3pmHave you ever wondered what makes a rock a rock and not a stone? Learn the answer to this and other questions with Museum Mineralogist Dr. David Saja. After the presentation, you’ll have a chance to ask Dr. Saja your questions and see rocks and minerals from the Museum’s collection.

DIGGING FOR DINOSWednesday, July 171:30, 2:15, and 3pmLearn what it takes to dig up dinosaur fossils. Paleontologists Lee Hall and Amanda McGee will show you the tools of the trade and what real fossil-hunters do in the field. Afterward, talk to Lee and Amanda and see real fossils from the Museum collection.

BIRD TALESWednesday, July 241:30, 2:15, and 3pmLearn about a day in the life of a bird scientist. Meet Museum scientists Dr. Andy Jones and Courtney Brennan. Hear stories from their adventures near and far and learn about their scientific research and discoveries. See up close some weird and cool items from the Museum’s Ornithology collection.

INSECTS: SIX-LEGGED SCIENCEWednesday, July 311:30, 2:15, and 3pmWhy are there so many insects? Find out the answer to this and other questions with Museum scientist Dr. Gavin Svenson and CWRU student and Museum intern Louis Nastasi. You’ll learn about the amazing diversity of insects and what they do for us during this short family-friendly presentation. After the presentation, see real insects from the Museum collection.

FOSSILS OLDER THAN DINOSAURSWednesday, August 71:30, 2:15, and 3pmDinosaurs aren’t the only fossils out there. Learn about fossil plants and how scientists use them to understand what life was like on Earth long ago. Meet Museum scientist Dr. Michael Donovan and see real fossils and casts from the Museum collection.

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

MENTOR MARSHThe Mentor Marsh Nature Center is located at 5185 Corduroy Road in Mentor. April through October, the Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from noon to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. November through March, the Mentor Marsh Nature Center is open from 11am to 4pm on the first Sunday of the month.

Free family nature hikes are offered from 2 to 3:30pm every Sunday the Nature Center is open. Please meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise indicated. Our programs are a go in all but severe weather, so please come prepared for the weather conditions. Reservations are requested for all programs and can be made by calling the Nature Center at 440.257.0777, emailing rdonaldson@cmnh.org, or visiting the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

OUT OF PLACE AND OUT OF CONTROL! July 7 Learn how to identify and lend a hand in managing invasive plants at the Marsh, and take these new skills back to your own property! Bring work/garden gloves, and we’ll provide tools.

WILDLIFE DETECTIVES HIKEJuly 14 Let’s focus our senses on finding wildlife in and around the Marsh on this mid-summer hike. How many animals can we find?

NATURE AT NIGHTFriday, July 19 9pm to midnight Join our naturalists and CMNH Natural Areas staff to explore the wonders of nocturnal nature. Explore insect collections and other nocturnal natural history artifacts at the Nature Center. Head outside to field stations to explore moths and other invertebrates attracted to black lights and bait stations, look and listen for bats, and listen for nighttime singing insects. Field dress in long pants, sleeved shirts, and sturdy shoes, and bring flashlights. RSVPs required at rdonaldson@cmnh.org or by messaging the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNTJuly 21 As we hike one of our trails, we will use our senses to discover the plants and animals that make Mentor Marsh their home.

TREASURES AT THE MARSH: BIOBLITZThursday, July 25 Look for biodiversity treasures and try to record all living organisms at the Marsh. Meet at the Mentor Marsh Nature Center at 9am. Bring binoculars, field guides, and a camera/phone to record your observations. No experience necessary.

ALL ABOUT “BUGS” WEEKEND! July 27 and 28Learn about insects, spiders, worms, and more, and dive into the ecology of these spineless critters at hands-on mini-stations. Highlights include an insect safari, netting pollinators, rolling over logs, taking a scavenger-hunt challenge, looking at aquatic insects, and exploring our bug zoo. Help us record our biodiversity in iNaturalist!

CATERPILLAR HUNTJuly 28 Learn about caterpillar life cycles and important plants, and join our hunt for cool cats. Dress for off-trail exploration; long pants and sturdy shoes recommended.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMERAugust 4 Enjoy a hike while learning about the origins of nature- and weather-related phrases.

GETTING TO KNOW OHIO AUGUST WILDFLOWERSAugust 11 Explore the colorful late-summer flowers in our prairie by joining us for a hike at the woods’ edge and in the Marsh.

FOREST ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION —BIG TREES! August 18 Our destination will be a couple of very large trees in woods adjacent to the Marsh, but we’ll be exploring some of the other flora in the forest too, including the understory trees and plants on the forest floor.

WINGED WONDERS! August 24 and 25 Join this weekend-long celebration of butterflies and moths, and learn about the important host plants they require.

MONARCH MANIA!August 25 Visit our Monarch Waystation, view live monarchs, and help us tag them. We’ll explore the endangered migratory phenomena, learn about what we can do to help monarchs in our own yards, and try our hand at catching monarchs to tag.

MUD, MUCK, SEDIMENTS, AND SOILSSeptember 1 Soil is one of the three things that make a wetland a wetland. Come learn about the soils of the Marsh and the upland forest on the Marsh’s rim.

TREE & WILDFLOWER HUNT September 8 A hike through the woods reveals hidden treasures. We will learn to identify a minimum of 20 wildflowers and plants common to the Marsh.

FALL BIRDING AT THE MARSHSeptember 15 Migration will be in full swing as birds use the Marsh as a stopover habitat on their travels to wintering grounds. We’ll observe the migrating birds and learn how to record our observations on eBird as part of this citizen-science project. Bring binoculars, or we’ll have a few pairs to lend. Beginners welcome.

June, July, August 2019

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 To register, visit CMNH.org

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Day TripsPlease use the following rating system to gauge the physical activity level on our field outings.

Easy: Well-established trails.

Moderate: Mostly level, some wet areas and off-trail walking.

Moderately Difficult: No trails, some slopes and wet spots.

Strenuous: Steep slopes and/or unavoidable wet spots.

ADULT

DRAGON HUNTING AT SINGERWednesday, June 59:30am to 3pmInstructors: Judy Semroc and Larry RoscheSinger Lake Bog is a prize jewel of the Museum’s Natural Areas Program for a variety of botanical and zoological reasons. Join us on an excursion to find some of the flying jewels that occur in the area (given sunny skies). There have been 72 dragonfly/damselfly species recorded there, and we will try our best to hit all the habitats they frequent.Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 12.Difficulty Level:

SPRING ON THE ASHTABULA RIVERSunday, June 910am to 2pmInstructors: Stanley Stine and Garrett OrmistonThe Museum’s Carpenter Easement has enough habitat diversity to allow for all manner of discoveries. Open fields, wooded ravines, lakes, and an outstanding floodplain on the Ashtabula River are just some of the habitats we will explore.Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 20.Difficulty Level:

BIKING PORTAGE COUNTY AND WESTTuesday, June 11 (Rain date: Thursday, June 13)9:30am to 2pm Instructors: Judy Semroc and Larry RoscheJoin the happy bikers on a 20±-mile ride starting in western Portage County and traveling to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and back. We will take breaks along the way to view nature and spend some time admiring the splendor at Brandywine Falls. Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 12.Difficulty Level:

BOTANY/NATURE 1 – BASS LAKEThursday, June 2010am to 1pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Trish Fox, Garrett Ormiston, and Larry RoscheJoin us for a hike on one of our newer natural areas in Geauga County. Bass Lake Preserve has numerous wetlands along the shore of the lake and a nice swamp forest next to an old inter-urban line. We will focus on looking for new botanical treasures and all forms of nature.Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 16.Difficulty Level:

NATURE WALK AT SHAKER LAKESWednesday, June 269am to noonInstructors: Judy Semroc, Jeanne Somers, and Larry RoscheJoin us on a birding and nature hike around the Shaker Lakes. This area has a long history of remarkable birding. We will seek out late-spring migrants and look for evidence of nesting, as well as other signs of nature. Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 16.Difficulty Level:

BOTANY/NATURE 2 – STEINER FORESTTuesday, July 1610am to 2pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Trish Fox, Garrett Ormiston, and Larry RoscheOur intrepid naturalists will take you on a tour of the old-growth forest and the Bronson Creek ravine in the Steiner Forest. We will search for unusual flora and fauna in this beautiful preserve.Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 16.Difficulty Level:

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

June, July, August 2019

REVISIT THE “BURNING RIVER”Sunday, July 2110am to 1pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Karen Lakus, Garrett Ormiston, and Larry RoscheThe Cuyahoga River has come a long way in the last 50 years. This adventure will take us along the Centennial Lake and Towpath Trails through the Flats. We will learn about restoration efforts and the area’s historical importance. Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 30.Difficulty Level:

BREAKFAST AND BIKINGWednesday, July 249am to 2pmInstructors: Judy Semroc and Larry RoscheJoin us for breakfast at a local diner and bike a beautiful stretch of trail between Lisbon and Leetonia in Columbiana County. We will enjoy the nature and scenery along the Little Beaver Greenway. This will be a 20±-mile round trip, and an ice cream stop is definitely on our agenda! Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 12.Difficulty Level:

CREEKS & HOLLOWS – VAN TRIPFriday, August 27am to 7pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Charlotte Trolio, and Larry RoscheTake a van trip with CMNH naturalists to unglaciated areas of Columbiana County. We plan to visit the stunning Sheepskin Hollow Preserve and the beautiful Beaver Creek State Park. Terrain can be hilly with rocky streams and corridors. Members: $25; nonmembers: $35. Limit: 10.Difficulty Level:

CONNEAUT CREEK FLOATThursday, August 89:30am to 3pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Matthew Smith, Tim Matson, and Larry RoscheThis will be a ½-mile canoe float on the State Scenic Conneaut Creek and harbor. There is a 40-acre beach area, which is a popular birding area in the harbor. We may be able to seine in the shallow areas of the harbor and in the first riffle. This will primarily be a flat-water float. Members: $45; nonmembers: $60. Limit: 13.Difficulty Level:

BIKING HOLMES COUNTYWednesday, August 149:30am to 2pmInstructors: Judy Semroc and Larry RoscheJoin us as we travel from the town of Millersburg to Killbuck and beyond, if time allows. The trip will be approximately 15± miles round trip and will feature rural settings, wetlands, woodlands, and more.Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 12.Difficulty Level:

BOTANY/NATURE 3 – COVENTRY WETLANDSTuesday, August 2010am to 1pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Trish Fox, Garrett Ormiston, and Larry Rosche.This adventure will take us to one of our newer preserves—Coventry Wetlands, southwest of Akron. The shrub-swamp islands and lake inlets have two outstanding natural areas: fen and aquatic-bed communities. Lake inlets were formerly prime habitat for a variety of species of rare glacial-lake fish. Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 12.Difficulty Level:

HIKING AUSTIN BADGER PARKFriday, September 1310am to 1pmInstructors: Judy Semroc and Larry RoscheThe former Blue Heron Golf Course has become a beautiful Montville Township park. We will walk the trails looking for birds, plants, insects, and whatever nature we can find. With over 250 acres to search, we should be able to find something of interest for everyone. Members: $10; nonmembers: $15. Limit: 16.Difficulty Level:

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 To register, visit CMNH.org

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Overnight TripsMIAMI COUNTY – CANOEING & NATURE – VAN TRIPWednesday, July 10, 8:30amthroughFriday, June 12, 9pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Matthew Smith, and Larry RoscheJump in the van as we head to Miami County, Ohio, for a three-day nature excursion. Our adventure will include canoeing Stillwater Creek with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Crew, seining for fish, and observing nature along the way. We will paddle approximately 6 miles on this Class One stream and plan to visit some exceptional Miami Co. natural areas, including prairies, wetlands, and more.Members: $475 double/$625 single; nonmembers: $525 double/$675 single. Limit: 8.Difficulty Level:

ROSS COUNTY ADVENTURE – VAN TRIPFriday, August 9, 8:30amthroughSunday, August 11, 8pmInstructors: Judy Semroc, Joe Letsche, and Larry RoscheJoin us on a trip to explore the awesome natural areas in Ross County. We will visit sites such as Buzzard’s Roost, Kinnikinnick Fen, and many more. Plan for night hiking, too.Members: $475 double/$625 single; nonmembers: $525 double/$675 single. Limit: 8.Difficulty Level:

ADULT

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

LECTURES AND SOCIETY MEETINGSEXPLORER SERIESStay tuned for a new season of Explorer Series, coming this fall. This distinctive forum features acclaimed scientists, authors, adventurers, and Museum curators addressing topics relating to natural history, the natural sciences, human health, and challenges facing our environment. Sponsored by the Women’s Committee of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

FRONTIERS OF ASTRONOMYThis free lecture series offers those with an interest in astronomy the chance to learn about the latest research in the field. Presentations are held in Murch Auditorium. No tickets or reservations are required. On clear evenings, the Ralph Mueller Observatory will be open afterward. For a complete listing of our lectures, please visit CMNH.org/frontiers.

KIRTLANDIA SOCIETYLectures are held in the Rare Book Room at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30am; lectures begin at 10am. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit CMNH.org.

WHY NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS ARE MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER: A MILLENNIAL CURATOR’S PERSPECTIVE Saturday, June 15Nicole Gunter, Ph.D.Associate Curator of Invertebrate Zoology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE STUDENT RESEARCH INTERN (AAS) PROGRAM Saturday, August 10Summer Intern PresentationsCleveland Museum of Natural History

SQUIRRELS: ASSETS, NUISANCES, AND INDICATORS! Saturday, September 14Karen E. Munroe, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Biology, Baldwin Wallace University

June, July, August 2019

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 To register, visit CMNH.org

CLASSES AND PROGRAMSCLASSES AND PROGRAMS

CLEVELAND GEOLOGICAL SOCIETYMeetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm in a classroom on the lower level of the Museum. Guests are welcome. Anyone may bring fossil, mineral, and/or rock specimens to meetings for identification. For more information and schedule updates, please visit CMNH.org/cgs.

GUILD OF NATURE ARTISTSMeetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9pm. Participants should bring their own drawing materials: paper, graphite pencils, colored pencils, pens, and wax crayons (Crayola). Stools and chairs are provided by the Museum. Upon arrival, attendees should ask Guest Services staff where the group is meeting for that evening. (All charcoal, pastels, chalks, paints, and liquid media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and inks, are prohibited in the Museum.)

TROUT CLUBThe Trout Club of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History was founded in 1978. The group’s mission is to foster and promote the preservation of local cold-water fisheries and habitats, and to work closely with the Museum and other organizations in conservation and stream-ecology projects. Regular meetings and events are held September through May and feature nationally known speakers and presenters. The Trout Club also sponsors classes and activities related to fly fishing and outings to prime angling streams throughout the year. For more information, please visit CMNH.org/tc, or contact Rick Cooper at rcooper@nicola.com or 216.377.1658.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEESince 1940, the Women’s Committee has supported the Cleveland Museum of Natural History through fundraising, event sponsorship, volunteer efforts, and community engagement. The Women’s Committee continues as a co-ed organization of engaged citizens creating a culture of learning, conservation, and support of the Museum. The Women’s Committee hosts three annual meetings and offers additional workshops and activities throughout the year. Women’s Committee membership dues start at $40 in addition to any Museum membership level. To join or renew your Women’s Committee membership, please visit CMNH.org/wc.

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

June, July, August 2019

COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAMSCOMMON GROUNDSunday, June 30Are you curious about Northeast Ohio’s amazing and rich natural history? Eager to discuss the current state of our environment and what Northeast Ohio will look like for future generations? We are hosting a Common Ground conversation focused on the past, present, and future of our environment in light of the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire. Join us for a light breakfast and engaging dialogue. This event is FREE. Register on the Common Ground website at commongroundcle.org.

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

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Opens Saturday, June 1Included with Museum Admission

Where do we come from? The question is simple, but the search for the answer is anything but simple. It’s an answer that Museum Curator of Physical Anthropology Dr. Yohannes Haile-Selassie and his team of researchers work tirelessly to find.

Fossil Hunters: The Search for Our Past transports you to the badlands of Ethiopia and puts you right in the middle of humanity’s most important fossil hunt. Meet the team of researchers whose quest is to fill in our ancestral family tree. Get a glimpse of the unforgiving environment and rugged camp life these scientists brave in their search for our origins, and experience the thrill that comes with discovery.

With interactive, hands-on exhibits, stunning photography, and artifacts from the Ethiopian research site, Fossil Hunters is an immersive blend of science, culture, and adventure that you will not want to miss.