The West Woods Nature Center will be participating in the 14th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Those who would like to participate are asked to stop by The West Woods -- 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township -- between noon and 4 p.m. Feb. 19 or 20.

According to the Geauga Park District:

The Great Backyard Bird Count engages bird watchers of all ages in creating a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Because bird populations are constantly in flux, scientists use these counts to produce an immense picture of our winter birds. Each year’s data becomes more meaningful and allows scientists to investigate far-reaching questions: How will this winter’s snow and cold influence populations? Where are the irruptive species right now? When will migration happen this year? Are diversity patterns changing? And do any particular species need more conservation efforts? Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts.

Park District naturalists, volunteers and Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists will teach participants how to count birds.

Attendees also will see the list of birds spotted at The West Woods, and learn the most successful types of seeds and feeders to use at home.

Registration is not required for the program, which is intended for all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Details: 440-286-9516 or geaugaparkdistrict.org

Those who want to participate by cannot attend can conduct their own backyard bird counts between Feb. 18 and Feb. 21, then enter data on the project's website, birdsource.org.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com
@nhcheryl

A Geauga Park District program addressing herbal alternatives for pets and livestock will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Swine Creek Reservation Lodge, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield/Parkman townships.

Topics discussed during the program will include homeopath and herbs, as well as Bach Flower Remedies, a liquid created by immersing a flower into water and exposing it to sunlight or heat. BachFlower.com states that this preparation, applied with a small dropper, could help animals when they have negative emotions, just as they help humans who are emotionally out of balance.

"As most residents in Geauga County have either farm animals, pets or both, this program will offer valuable information for comforting/healing animals in a natural way," said Teresa Runion, special events coordinator for the Geauga Park District.

The program for all ages is full wheelchair and stroller accessible. A $7 fee will be charged at the door, and registration is required at geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com
@nhcheryl