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A closeup image of a Brood X cicada shows off its bright red eyes.

Cicada Central: Why These Noisy Insects Are Important

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By now you have heard the buzz about the insects that will soon be taking over the tri-state area. But you may be wondering what are these noisemakers good for? Outreach Manager Sarah shares why this once-in-a-generation event shouldn’t be taken for granted and just how important cicadas are to the environment.

A group of morel mushrooms sit next to a quarter to show how small they are.

How to Find Delicious Morel Mushrooms

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – to go mushroom hunting, that is. After a recent trek of his own into the woods, Nature Interpreter Eric shares tips on how to find elusive morel mushrooms and how to tell the difference between these tasty morsels and their fungi friends.

The white flowers of a Callery pear tree.

Stinky Trees Equal Stinky Neighborhoods

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Spring is finally here! If you’ve been out and about enjoying the warm temperatures, you may have noticed some tall, white-flowering trees – and their atrocious odor. Outreach Manager Sarah shares that while these trees may look beautiful, they actually stink and in more ways than one!

An American beaver sits on a rock in a lake.

A Spring Walk to a Beaver Lodge

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The beaver lodge spotted in Winton Woods last fall was in need of some repair. But when Nature Interpreter Julie recently went out to search for beavers, it was obvious these residents had been hard at work. Read on to see what the epic engineers have been up to.

An individual walks along the Gorge Trail at Sharon Woods in spring.

Trail Etiquette: How to Be Kind on Your Next Park Visit

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Being an informed trail user is key to making sure you have an enjoyable time when hitting up the great outdoors. Read on for the basics of trail etiquette that will help you prepare for your next park visit.

Stars shine over a forest at night.

3 Things You Can Do For The Environment Right Now

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There is no better time to help improve the environment than right now! Check out these three ways you can help improve your energy use at home and take part in Earth Hour on March 27.

Ohio spiderwort

Make Your Yard Wild With Spring Wildflowers

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What better way to get excited about the arrival of spring than by adding vibrant plants to your landscape! With the help of Shaker Trace Nursery Technician Tim, we’re sharing our top five native wildflowers that are perfect for planting in early spring.

A green Antheraea Polyphemus caterpillar clings to a twig

What is a Bioblitz?

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If you haven’t heard of a Bioblitz, it’s a great way to build your outdoor observation skills while helping biologists. Get outside and explore new places this spring by joining Great Parks in the 2021 City Nature Challenge.