The French Creek Nature Center



	4530 Colorado Avenue Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 (440) 949-5200 Open Daily 10:00 to 4:30

Current Activities \| French Creek Reservation \| Directions


			The French Creek Nature Center offers plenty of things to do and see, including programs and exhibits, bird and wildlife observation areas, an indoor playground and reservable classroom and auditorium. If you decide it's too nice to stay indoors, you can take a walk down a crushed-gravel trail that links up to the other trails in the reservation. In any case, you'll be glad you checked us out!


	The French Creek Nature Center offers programs for people of all ages, from arts and crafts to programs that focus on the natural world. Learn about and meet some of the amazing variety of birds in our area in "Breakfast with the Birds," or find out how animals survive the winter in "Common Animals." Listen to a few "Nature Tales" or take the tykes on a Tyke Hike and introduce them to the wonders of our natural environment. See below for a listing of current offerings.		A muriel and aquarium lines one wall of the classroom
			There's always something going on in the exhibit halls. Art shows include photography and painting, as well as less traditional forms such as quilting and shell-work. There's usually a nature exhibit up as well with a small collection of live animals. In the past, exhibits have included reptile exhibits, quilt shows and Family Fair. A particular favorite is the Butterfly Exhibit which is held on the observation deck and will be on display in 2008.
	The Ravine lines the other wall of the classroom

	What’s a Distance Learning Classroom? Set up in a theater format, this space connects with organizations from around the globe for instant, on-the-spot learning opportunities. Visitors have traveled to Australia, Pearl Harbor, and the Grand Canyon without leaving Lorain County. Movies are also available throughout the year for all ages to provide special family programs and continuing educational opportunities. The French Creek Nature Center has a reservable auditorium and classroom for meetings, programs or workshops. These are free during the week for in-county non-profit organizations and very reasonably priced for private events. Click here for more details.		The Stanley G. Pijor Distance Learning Classroom Sit and relax in the Kiva
	While you’re at the nature center, don’t forget to check out the bird observatory and indoor playground. This is a great place to let the kids play and learn about the environment. Kids can climb, crawl, and explore in this fun room. With two walls of windows you are sure to get a glimpse of the squirrels and birds feeding outside in the feeders. View Photos		The nature center hosts the Nature Nook Gift Shop, run by Friends of Metro Parks. A wide selection of nature gifts are on sale and other toys to help kids learn about nature. Webkinz are now on sale at Nature Nook also! The store is open Wednesday - Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday and Sunday Noon-4pm. To schedule a time other than these, call (440) 949-5200. Reptile exhibits in the hallway at the French Creek Nature Center



	8/29 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 mins. 8/30 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 mins. 8/31 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 mins. 9/1 ERIE SHORES ART LEAGUE SHOW 10 am-4:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center thru 9/27. This local artist league will display their paintings using various mediums. Meet the artist on 9/7. 9/3 PARK PALS: ANIMAL NOSES 10-11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Preschoolers and an adult companion find out about the different kinds of animal noses and how animals use them through activities, story and hike. EASY hike. 9/3 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/5 NIGHT SENSES HIKE 8:30-10 pm French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center Take a night hike and learn about animal senses. STRENUOUS hike. 9/7 ERIE SHORES ART LEAGUE RECEPTION 2-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Meet these local artists while enjoying some refreshments. 9/7 HIKE FOR ICE CREAM 2-3:30 pm French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center After a hike we will use various methods to make homemade ice cream. Pre-Register by 9/4. 9/8 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/9 RUGHOOKING 11 am-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join the local group. Beginners welcome. 9/10 FIRELANDS FLY FISHERS 6-9 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Catch their monthly meeting and enjoy a featured speaker, along with instruction on casting, fly tying, rod building, knot tying, and more. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! Check out www.firelandflyfishers.org for more info. 9/10 ERIE SHORE PHOTO CLUB SPECIAL PRESENTATION 7-8:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center This monthly meeting will feature photography by Tom Jones. His superb photography of the Cuyahoga National Park will be accompanied by classical music. The public is welcome to enjoy this free presentation. 9/11 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/13 HOLIDAY CARDS 10 am-1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Get a jumpstart on the holiday. Make 4 different Christmas Cards and a Tag at this creative workshop taught by Melanie Dougall, a Close to my Heart rep. All papers, stamps, and embellishments will be provided. Please bring your own cutter, scissors, and adhesives. Pre-Register by 9/7 & PAY $10 at door. 9/14 SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEE 2-4 pm FRENCH CREEK NATURE CENTER Free animated movie. 9/17 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/18 HOMESCHOOL: FUN WITH THE SUN 1-2:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Students will learn about the sun through a variety of crafts and indoor/outdoor activities. See related article about this series. EASY hike. 9/21 BASKETS: BOWL BASKET WITH OVERLAYS Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center This bowl shaped basket is woven on a 6" wood base and has color overlaid on natural weave. A slight flare at the top gives it a nice shape. Beginners welcome. Pre-Register by 9/16 & PAY $23 at door. 9/21 OLD FASHIONED HIKE 2-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center We’ll go through the woods and over the creek, look under some logs and look for tracks. STRENUOUS hike. 9/22 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/25 WATERCOLOR: FALL INSPIRATIONS 9:30-11:30 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Get inspirited by the fall colors as you learn to watercolor with Clela Stelnicki in this 4 session class (9/25, 10/3, 10/16, 10/23). Beginners welcome. Pre-Register by 9/20 & PAY $40 at door. 9/26 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 9/27 WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH BOB MOYER 9 am-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join Bob Moyer for a day of great techniques in watercolor painting. Sponsor by Erie Shore Art League. Pre-Register by 9/20 then PAY $25 for members, $30 for non members at door. Bring lunch and supplies. 9/27 HUNTER’S SAFETY COURSE 9 am-2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Hunter safety and related issues discussed in this 2 day session (9/27 & 28). Sponsored by Cuyahoga Sportsman’s Assoc. Under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Ray Peters (440)610-4457 to REGISTER and PAY $5 by 9/24. 9/28 ASTRONOMY: SOLAR VIEWING 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Safe look at the sun. Co-sponsored by Black River Astronomical Society. Clear skies only! 10/1 PARK PALS: BATS 10-11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Preschoolers and an adult companion will find out that bats really aren’t scary through activities, a story and hike. EASY hike. 10/1 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/4 LEAF COLLECTION HIKE 2-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Find out about the leaves and how to identify them for a school project or for fun. EASY hike. 10/7 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/8 FIRELANDS FLY FISHERS 6-9 pm French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center Catch their monthly meeting and enjoy a featured speaker, along with instruction on casting, fly tying, rod building, knot tying, and more. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! Check out www.firelandflyfishers.org for more info. 10/9 HIKE FOR YOUR HEALTH 6pm French Creek Nature Center – Pine Tree Picnic Area Learn how to incorporate basic cross training activities into your routine on this last hike. MODERATE hike. 10/10 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/11 CUB SCOUTS: GEOLOGY 10-11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Use this program to work toward earning the geologist activity badge. We will learn about types of rocks and the geology of our area, and then hike in search of rocks. Pre-Register by 10/8. 10/11 PACK THE PARKS: INTRO TO BACKPACKS 2-3:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Pack the Parks is back with many new topics and locations. The first program will introduce participants to selecting and fitting a backpack. 10/12 DO-IT-YOURSELF BASKETS: FALL MARKET Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center This market basket is accented with fall colors and braided seagrass. A berry sprig and reed bow add a special touch. Pre-Register by 10/7 & PAY $24 at door. Beginners welcome. 10/12 TRACK CASTING 2-3:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center On this hike we search for tracks and then make plaster molds of them to take home. If it rains we will make track molds indoors. 10/13 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/14 RUGHOOKING 11 am-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join the local group. Beginners welcome. 10/15 PARK PALS II: LEAF PRINTING 10-11 am French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center Pre-school children ages 3-5 will hike in search of leaves and then bring a few back to the nature center to make prints. EASY hike. 10/15 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/16 HOMESCHOOL: SEEDS ON THE MOVE 1-2:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Students will learn about seeds through a variety of crafts and indoor/outdoor activities. Please see related article for more information. EASY hike. 10/18 HALLOWEEN PARADE & MORE Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center It’s bigger and better this year. 10/19 AFTERNOON HALLOWEEN MOVIE EVENT 1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center See these classic Halloween movies starting every hour. 10/21 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/23 BUS TRIP TO THE TRAIN 11 am-5 pm French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center We will bus from FCNC to ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway. See Related Article. Pre-Register and PAY $16 by 10/1. 10/24 SPOOKIN’ AND SCRAPPIN’ 4-10 pm French Creek Reservation – French Creek Nature Center Two days of scrapbooking available. See related article. Pre-Register by 10/19. 10/25 HUNTER’S SAFETY 9 am-2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Hunter safety and related issues discussed in this 2 day session (10/25, 26). Sponsored by Cuyahoga Sportsman’s Assoc. Under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Ray Peters (440)610-4457 to register and pay $5 by 10/22. 10/25 SPOOKIN’ AND SCRAPPIN’ 10 am-10 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Two days of scrapbooking available. See related article. Pre-Register by 10/19. 10/29 FREE HALLOWEEN MOVIE PRESENTATION 11 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min. 10/30 WATERCOLOR: TRY SOMETHING NEW 9:30-11:30 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Experiment with watercolor using new techniques taught by Clela Stelnicki in this 4 session class (10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20). Pre-Register by 10/25 & PAY $40 at door. 10/31 FREE HALLOWEEN MOVIE PRESENTATION 1 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Under 60 min.
	BACK TO TOP