from waste comes incredible opportunity, right on our lakefront...... click HERE for more info.

As part of Ohio Coastweeks 2005 goals to celebrate, educate and

participate, and an ongoing process to promote an appreciation and

stewardship for Cleveland's ecological systems and natural resources, the

Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative will sponsor the:

Birds and Butterflies Event

At the Gordon State Park area of Cleveland Lakefront State Park

(located at the North Marginal and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard)

Saturday, September 17, 2005

From 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (last hike begins at 11:00 and ends at noon)

"Birds and Butterflies" is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate

this unique 88-acre former dredge disposal site that has become

naturalized. Everyone is welcome to come and discover the past, present,

and hopes for the future for this hidden treasure located in the heart of

Cleveland's lakefront.

You will have a chance to look for native Ohio plants, trees and animals

and be guided by some of the most talented wildlife interpreters in our

community. Stunning, unique views of the Cleveland skyline as well as a

most unusual opportunity to access the lakefront will be yours. FREE

family fun activities include:

*Guided Bird Walks with the region's top interpreters at 7:30, 8:00 and

8:30. Dike 14 has 283 of Ohio's 431 identified bird species--this is your

chance to explore;

*Guided Plant Walks with talented horticulturists from the Cleveland

Botanical Gardens and the Garden Club of Cleveland at 9:00 and 9:30. A

wealth of plant species has been established on-site. Learn about the

plants that thrive and support an abundance of wildlife;

*Guided Butterfly Walks escorted by the Ohio Lepidopterists at 10:00,

10:30 and 11:00. Early fall migration has begun. Learn about Monarchs and

many other butterflies who use the Dike 14 Nature Preserve.

Plus, live animals and displays. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before

the scheduled walk that you would like to take so you can sign your waiver

and receive additional information.

The hot-off-the-press new field guide, Getting Ready to Visit the Dike 14

Nature Preserve Field Guide, will be available FREE of charge to any

teacher attending the event. This easy-to-use guide has been formatted

with beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations, historical, habitat and natural

history notes, ecology links and additional resources for you to explore.

The guide is designed to supplement curriculum material and comes with a

list of Indicators for Academic Content Standards in Social Studies and

Science in Grades 4-6 that are addressed.