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Wildlife Sightings

Spot some local wildlife? Tell us about it!

Use the form below – including photos, if you have them – to let us know the date, time and location of your sighting (be it in the parks or in your own backyard), as well as what type of wildlife you spotted and the behavior you observed.

Your regular reports will help populate this page for the enjoyment of your community of fellow Nature lovers and the interests of our Natural Resource Management team. Thanks in advance!

Please note that while this form does collect your name and contact information, those items will not be posted with your sighting, only used in case we need to contact you for additional details.

Report Your Findings

Step 1 of 4 - Sighting Date & Time

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Half/crescent moon

    Date: Dec 31, 1969 at 12:30 am

    Location: Observatory Park

    Wildlife Seen: One Astrophotograph Half/Crescent Moon

    Behavior Observed:

    Naturalists Karie Wheaton and Chris Mentrek led a group study of the night sky and astronomy topics. The Elderberries group was given the opportunity to view the crescent/half moon, the planet Saturn and other very interesting astronomical phenomena through telescopes. Some attendees used the cameras on their phones to take astrophotographs.

  • Honey mushrooms

    Date: Sep 17, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    Location: The West Woods

    Wildlife Seen: Many different types Wild mushrooms

    Behavior Observed:

    Naturalist Renell Roebuck led a group study of mushrooms and fungi. Among the mushrooms studied were Honey Mushrooms (Armillaria melea). Everyone who hikes through The West Woods should know how to identify this mushroom. In addition, the one photo shows the “gills” on the underside of the mushroom, which contained the reproductive spores.

  • Wildflowers at The West Woods

    Date: Sep 17, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Location: The West Woods

    Wildlife Seen: 2 Wildflowers

    Behavior Observed:

    In a personal study wildflowers, I learned about two types that occur at The West Woods: the Asters (Family Asteraceae) and Ostrich Fern (Genus Matteuccia). All those who hike the trails of The West Woods or visit the nature center garden should know how to identify these two wildflowers.

  • Chimney Swifts

    Date: Sep 07, 2023 at 11:50 pm

    Location: Munson Elementary School

    Wildlife Seen: 13 Chimney Swifts

    Behavior Observed:

    Observed going down the chimney at Munson Elementary School on Bass Lake Road.

  • Globular cluster

    Date: Aug 19, 2023 at 2:30 am

    Location: Nassau Astronomical Station

    Wildlife Seen: one Globular cluster

    Behavior Observed:

    The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society, in cooperation with Geauga Park District, led a group study of the night sky using the large telescope at Nassau Astronomical Station. Among the fascinating astronomical objects studied was Messier 13, a globular cluster. A “globular cluster” is a spherical collection of stars held together by gravity. This is just one of the fascinating astronomical objects that were shown the public.

  • Tree species

    Date: Aug 17, 2023 at 4:30 pm

    Location: Big Creek Park

    Wildlife Seen: two Tree species

    Behavior Observed:

    Naturalist Karie Wheaton led a group study of tree biology and identification. She identified many different trees. Among two trees she identified were American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Everyone who frequents Geauga Park District parks should know how to identify these trees. The accompanying photos show the bark of these two tree species.

  • Bald Eagle

    Date: Jul 30, 2023 at 4:48 pm

    Location: Private Property Kile Rd

    Wildlife Seen: 1 Bald Eagle

    Behavior Observed:

  • Butterfly/nectar plant study

    Date: Dec 31, 1969 at 8:00 pm

    Location: Frohring Meadows

    Wildlife Seen: Numerous butterflies & nectar plants Butterfly/nectar plant study

    Behavior Observed:

    Naturalist Renell Roebuck led a group study of butterflies and nectar plant sources for insects. Among the butterflies we caught were male Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae). Among the nectar/plant sources we found were Coneflowers (genus Echinacea). Everyone who explores this park should be aware of these organisms and how to identify them.

  • Botany study at Swine Creek Reservation

    Date: Jul 13, 2023 at 6:30 pm

    Location: Swine Creek Reservation

    Wildlife Seen: Two plants observed at Lodge Pond Botany study at Lodge Pond/Swine Creek

    Behavior Observed:

    While making a brief botany study of Swine Creek Reservation, I came across two plants at Lodge Pond that those who explore the park should know how to identify. I photographed a black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and the leaves of pond lily (order Nymphaeales).

  • Stream ecology & ichthyology at Swine Creek

    Date: Jun 18, 2023 at 7:30 pm

    Location: Swine Creek Reservation

    Wildlife Seen: Two fish and one crayfish Stream ecology and ichthyology at Swine Creek

    Behavior Observed:

    Naturalist Renell Roebuck led a group study of the stream ecology and ichthyology of Swine Creek Reservation. Among the many organisms we found were a Pumkinseed fish (Lepomis gibbosus), a central stoneroller minnow (Campostoma anomalum) and a crayfish (Order Decapoda).