FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
ERIC BARNETT - 216-635-7014
Find the perfect recreational opportunity this fall with courses
and trips through Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great
Outdoors (IGO).
Participants can enjoy the knowledge and expertise of seasoned
instructors with all IGO courses and have fun at the same
time. IGO helps people develop or enhance their outdoor
skills, knowledge and environmental ethics.
IGO is currently offering the following recreation courses:
Digital Camera
Basics
Wednesday, September 5 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. -OR-
Wednesday, October 17� 6:30 - 9:30 p.m
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park Reservation
-OR-
Sunday, October 14 � 1 - 4 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Bring digital SLR or �point & shoot� cameras to learn the
basics of how they work. This class will focus on styles of
photography, technical aspects of shooting, lenses and their uses
and more. Look at the parts of the camera and lenses and discuss
the different adjustments and how they affect photos as
participants progress towards manual shooting. Gain an artistic eye
and think beyond �pointing and clicking.� And, participants can
spend some time practicing with IGO staff and experimenting with
new skills.
Ages: 14 & over
Cost: $10
Mountain Bike
Lessons: Beginner
Saturday, September 8 � 9 - 11 a.m.
Royalview Picnic Area � Mill Stream Run Reservation
Build basic skills to enjoy negotiating beginner level mountain
bike trails with confidence. Discover how to prepare for a ride,
avoid beginner pitfalls and find your limitations while having fun
on the trail. Body position, shifting, braking, trail etiquette and
�hills and holes� are just a few topics that will be covered. All
participants must bring their own mountain bike and ensure that
they are in good/safe working condition prior to the class. It is
strongly recommend that bikes be fully serviced by a competent
person prior to the class. Helmets required and must be worn.
Ages: 14 & over
Cost: $15
Mountain Bike
Lessons: Intermediate
Saturday, September 22 � 9 - 11 a.m.
Royalview Picnic Area � Mill Stream Run Reservation
This class is designed for mountain bike riders with a little
experience who want to continue building skills. Learn techniques
to increase speed and acquire skills for wheel hops, steep grades
and �ride-able drop offs.� Learn to dial in bike set-up, braking
and cornering techniques, and more. All participants must bring
their own mountain bike and ensure that they are in good/safe
working condition prior to the class. It is strongly recommend that
the bike be fully serviced by a skilled person prior to the class.
Helmets required and must be worn.
Pre-requisite: completion of beginner class.
Ages: 14 & over
Cost: $15
Backpacking
Basics
Thursday, October 4 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 17 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Fall is backpacking time. Learn the basics to have a safe and
enjoyable backcountry experience before investing in expensive
gear. IGO staff will cover important topics such as tents,
backpacks and other gear; water treatment; and outdoor ethics
during this relaxing classroom session.
Ages: 14 & over
Cost: $10
Evening GPS
Treasure Hunt
Friday, October 19 � 6 - 8 p.m. -OR-
Friday, October 26 � 6 - 8 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
Reservation
Have fun searching for hidden treasure in Garfield Park
Reservation and try GPS night skills. Participants get a
brief lesson on how to use a GPS and then go out in teams. A
limited number of GPS units are available, so call early to
register.
Ages: Adults
Cost: $5
Steelhead Fly
Fishing Basics
Saturday, October 20 � 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Fishing for steelhead trout can be both, fun and challenging.
Bill Grake teaches basic information on gear, good fishing
locations and casting techniques that make better fishermen. Rods
will be provided.
Ages: Adults
Cost: $40
How to Survive
Just About Anything
Wednesday, October 24 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park Reservation
-OR-
Thursday, October 25 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Natural disasters have been on the minds of many people lately.
With proper planning and the right kit, this class will give a
greater chance of enduring winter storms, tornadoes, floods and
other disasters. Participants get resources to begin making their
own disaster kits for home and on the road and discover how to
reuse old camping gear.
Ages: 14 & over.
Cost: $15
Costumed GPS
Treasure Hunt
Saturday, October 27 � noon - 2 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
-OR-
Sunday, October 28 � noon - 2 p.m. or 3 - 5 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
Reservation
Discover Halloween treasure in Garfield Reservation! Wear
Halloween costumes and have fun searching for hidden Halloween
treasure. Get a brief lesson on how to use a GPS before heading
out. A limited number of GPS units are available, so call early to
register.
Ages: Families
Cost: $5
IGO is currently offering the following recreation trips:
Jackson Bog: An
Ohio Endangered Ecosystem
Saturday, September 15 � 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
Reservation
Join Naturalist Tim Krynak on a tour to Jackson Bog State Nature
Preserve in Stark County. This unique fen (a low and marshy or
frequently flooded area of land) is full of unique plant life and
is a result of natural events that occurred more than a million
years ago. The tour includes a walk through the fen to discover how
the Wisconsinian Glacier created this diverse area, and why many of
the plants are found here and not throughout Ohio.
Ages: Adults
Cost: $55 (includes transportation & lunch)
North Coast
Birding Big Day
Tuesday, September 18 � 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
Reservation
Join avid birder Jen Brumfield on a "big day quest" to
see over 100 species in Cleveland Metroparks reservations and along
the Lake Erie lakefront. September is the month for finding waves
of migrant warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, raptor,
shorebirds and more! During the course of the day, visit over a
dozen different hotspots from lakefront migrant traps such as
Huntington Reservation, Wendy Park and Cleveland Lakefront Nature
Preserve to the inland wetlands of Mill Stream Run, Rocky River and
Brecksville reservations. This is a thrilling, fast-paced "big
day" as participants chase the excitement of bird migration,
learn local hotspots, and pick up tips on fall warbler
identification. Be part of this big day of serious birding (and
serious fun).
Ages: Adults
Cost: $55 (includes transportation & lunch)
Backpacking
Zaleski
Saturday, October 6 thru Monday, October 8 � 9 - 11
a.m.
Located only 4-� hours from Cleveland, Zaleski State Forest
offers thick canopy forests and easy hiking for the perfect
beginner backpacking trip. Learn proper campsite selection,
equipment use, backpacking ethics and more while enjoying a weekend
away. The pre-trip meeting is mandatory.
Ages: adult
Pre-Trip Meeting: September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. �
Garfield Park Nature Center
Cost: $150 (includes equipment & transportation)
Learn the
Lakefront: Birding Hotspots
Tuesday, October 9 � 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park
Reservation
Go birding locally. Fall migration on the Lake Erie coastline is
nationally recognized as a gem for witnessing land and waterbird
migration. This special trip will visit dozens of popular lakefront
hotspots, seeking waterbirds, warblers and other passerines,
raptors, owls and more. October is high time for a multitude of
rare birds to visit the shorelines. From Lorain Impoundment to
Huntington Reservation, Wendy Park, Wildwood and Sim's Parks, and a
few secret spots in-between, get up to speed on the best birding
that the Cleveland region has to offer.
Ages: Adults
Cost: $55 (includes transportation & lunch)
Presque Isle
Mini-Weekend
Saturday, October 20, 8 a.m. thru Sunday, October 21, 6
p.m.
Take a quick trip to camp and kayak atPresque Isle State Park,
Erie, Pennsylvania. Travel together with IGO staff Saturday
morning, set up camp and practice some on water kayaking skills.
Sunday is dedicated to kayaking the lagoons and bays, while
enjoying a guided eco-tour on the water before heading home. Prior
paddling experience is preferred.
Ages: adult
Pre-Trip Meeting: September 30, 4 - 7 p.m. � Hinckley
Reservation
Cost: $90 (includes paddling gear, transportation, some
camping gear & camping fees)
IGO also offers equipment adaptation and assessment
to make outdoor recreation opportunities available to all
individuals, regardless of ability.
For more information, a complete list of IGO courses and trips,
detailed trip fact sheets, and to register, call 216-341-1704 or
online at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Follow the fun through special recreation offerings from the
Institute of the Great Outdoors of Cleveland Metroparks
- part of your life, naturally!
