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



	7/5 FREE MOVIE PRESENTION: BORN TO BE WILD 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center CNC. 99 minutes of Family Entertainment. 7/6 NAT CAMP 9 amÐNoon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering K-1st grade. PRE-REGISTER by 6/29 & PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/6 NAT CAMP 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering K-1st grade. PRE-REGISTER by 6/29 & PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/7 NAT CAMP 9 amÐNoon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 2nd-3rd grade. PRE-REGISTER by 6/30 & PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/7 NAT CAMP 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 2nd-3rd grade. PRE-REGISTER by 6/30 & PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/8 NAT CAMP 9 amÐ3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 4th-5th grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/1 & PAY $24 for late registration. See related article. EASY hike 7/9 NAT CAMP 9 amÐ3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Two day Nature Camp for those entering 6th-7th grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/2 & PAY $48 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/10 VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP: ENDANGERED SPECIES 9:30-10:30 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Through distance learning technology participants can learn about endangered species through a live and interactive program from the Toledo Zoo. FREE! 7/11 BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Enjoy an afternoon of activities related to butterflies and our butterfly garden. 7/12 DO-IT-YOURSELF BASKETS: SUNFLOWER WALL Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center This flat-backed basket is woven on a 14" high handle. The basket itself is 8" high with a sunflower accent. Hang on a wall or it will sit on a table or countertop. PRE-REGISTER by 7/7 & PAY $22 at door. 7/13 NAT CAMP 9 amÐNoon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering K-1st grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/6 & PAY $12 for late registration. See related article. EASY hike. 7/13 NAT CAMP 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering K-1st grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/6 and PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/14 NAT CAMP 9 amÐNoon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 2nd-3rd grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/7 & PAY $12 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/14 NAT CAMP 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 2nd-3rd grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/7 PAY $12 for late registration. See related article. EASY hike. 7/15 NAT CAMP 9 amÐ3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Nature Camp for those entering 4th-5th grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/8 PAY $24 for late registration. See related article. EASY hike. 7/16 NAT CAMP 9 amÐ3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Two-day Nature Camp for those entering 6th-7th grade. PRE-REGISTER by 7/9 & PAY. $48 for late registration. EASY hike. 7/16 NATURE KNOWLEDGE HIKING SERIES: SPIDERS 10-11:30 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Learn how to I.D. spiders. See related article. MODERATE hike. 7/18 BUTTERFLY CARDS 10 am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join Melanie Dougall as she instructs on making some beautiful butterfly cards for various occasions. Please bring scissors and adhesive; all other supplies furnished. PRE-REGISTER by 7/14 & PAY $2 per card at door. 7/19 OPEN MIKE 7-9pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join us for a fun night of live music, friendship, and sharing 7/20 SCIENCE CAMP 9am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center For those entering K-1st grade. PRE-REGISTER and PAY $12 (late registration) by 7/13. 7/21 SCIENCE CAMP 9am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center For those entering 2nd-3rd grade. PRE-REGISTER 7/21 BOOK WORMS 1-2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center To go along with the play this month we will be discussing To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This classic story takes place in the South during the 1930Õs. The story is told with warmth and humor through the eyes of a child as she sees adult subjects of race, class, courage and compassion. 7/22 SCIENCE CAMP 9am-3pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center For those entering 4th-5th grade. PRE-REGISTER and PAY $24 (late registration) by 7/15. 7/23 SCIENCE CAMP 9am-3pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center For those entering 6th-7th grades. PRE-REGISTER and PAY $24 (late registration) by 7/16. 7/30 WATERCOLOR: BUTTERFLIES AT FREEK CREEK 10 am-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Watercolor artist and teacher, Clela Stelnicki, will demonstrate techniques on painting butterflies that can be found in our Butterfly Garden here at the nature center. Then we will hang them for a showing. Please bring lunch. PRE-REGISTER by 7/25 & PAY $25 at door. 8/1 MINI BEAST HUNT 2-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center We will hike and look for the little animals that live under leaves and logs. EASY hike. 8/2 BUTTERFLY CHAT 1-2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join a naturalist in the butterfly garden to talk about the butterflies and plants during this drop-in format program. 8/6 NATURE KNOWLEDGE HIKING SERIES: DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES 10-11:30 am French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Learn how to I.D. Òdragons and damselsÓ. MODERATE hike. 8/8 BEGINNER BACKPACKER: PART I 10 am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center See related article. PRE-REGISTER by 8/7 and PAY $15 (includes 8/8 program and trip at VRR 8/15-8/16). 8/8 ARTIC BLAST FILM FEST 1-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Chill out by watching a variety of winter and artic themed movies in our state-of-the-art (and air-conditioned) movie theater. Cool refreshments will be provided. See related article for film schedule. 8/8 NIGHT HIKE: NIGHT SENSES 8-9 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Learn how animals use various senses to explore nature at night. MODERATE hike. 8/9 DO-IT-YOURSELF BASKETS: TWILL BOWL Noon-4 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Woven on an 8" wood base, this basket has twill weave, 2 color twining and a matchstick rim. PRE-REGISTER by 8/3 & PAY $24 at door. 8/11 RUGHOOKING 11am-3 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join the local rughooking group for some ideas and some fun. New members welcome 8/15 MAKE AND EAT IT: FRUIT CRITTERS 11 am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center WeÕll make some cute caterpillars and bees from fruit and enjoy them with some lemonade. PRE-REGISTER by 8/12. 8/16 OPEN MIKE 7-9 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Join us for a fun night of live music, friendship, and sharing. 8/20 NATURE KNOWLEDGE HIKING SERIES: QUIZ HIKE AND PICNIC 10 am-Noon French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center This hike will test your nature knowledge. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the hike. See related article. MODERATE hike. 8/22 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION: WALL-E 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center Disney-Pixar 98 minute family movie. 8/23 FREE MOVIE PRESENTATION: SHILOH 2 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center 93 minute family movie. 8/30 HIKE FOR ICE CREAM 2-3:30 pm French Creek Reservation - French Creek Nature Center WeÕll hike and then make homemade ice cream. EASY hike.
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