JOIN THE FUN – SOLAR ECLIPSE NATURALIST PROGRAMS

…planned at West Branch State Park and Wingfoot Lake State Park. (Portage County)

 

Grab all your eclipse gear. Fill up the tank. Load the family in the car and head to Portage County. Not only are there local eclipse events happening around the county, West Branch State Park and Wingfoot Lake State Park are hosting their own special eclipse events.

Did you know?
“The last total solar eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1806.
The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will be in the year 2099.” 

WEST BRANCH STATE PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS

Solar Eclipse 2024

All programs are subject to change. Notify the naturalist if special accommodations are needed for your participation. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Friday April 5

Eclipse Scavenger Hunt
· Friday-Monday
· Go on an Eclipse Scavenger Hunt to learn more facts about solar eclipses. Grab an answer sheet from the Camp Store and adventure around the Campground to find laminated fact sheets with the answers on them. Complete your answer sheet and turn it into the Camp Store for a prize. (only during Camp Store hours)

Out Of This World Eclipse Archery
· 4:00pm-5:00pm
· Join the Naturalist in learning the basics of archery.
· Meet at the Amphitheater by the Camp Store.
· All equipment is provided. For adults and children ages 6 and above.
· Kids must be accompanied by an adult and a signed liability waiver is required of participants.

Saturday April 6

Eclipse Program by the USACE
· 2:00pm-3:00pm
· Join the USACE Park Ranger to discover about how the mystery and science of eclipses have shaped history. Find out how eclipses ended wars, created legends of sun eating dragons, and expanded our understanding of the universe. Create your own solar eclipse model, materials provided. Viewing safety will be discussed in the program as well.
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store.

Glow in the Dark Eclipse Tie-Dye
· 4:00pm-5:00pm
· Join the Naturalist in learning the different ways to Tie-Dye our West Branch State Park white shirts with glow in the dark tie dye. You can wear your festive tie-dyed West Branch Shirts for the Solar Eclipse.
· White West Branch State Park shirts can be purchased at the Camp Store and come with a Tie-Dye kit.
· Materials are not provided.
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store

Furs & Tracks of The Eclipse
· 6:00pm-7:00pm
· Join the Naturalist to see if you can match the fur to the track during the “Welcome Back Campers Event.”
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store

Eclipse Night Hike
· 7:30pm-8:30pm
· Join the Naturalist on a night hike around Jay Lake to see what we can hear in the night.
· 0.8mile easy hike
· Meet by the Amphitheater located next to the Camp Store.
· Proper hiking attire and a flashlight are recommended.

Sunday April 7

Chalk Eclipse Art
· 2:00pm-3:00pm
· Join our naturalist in making your own picture of a Solar Eclipse using chalk.
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store.

Out Of This World Eclipse Archery
· 5:00pm-6:00pm
· Join the Naturalist in learning the basics of archery.
· Meet at the Amphitheater by the Camp Store.
· All equipment is provided. For adults and children ages 6 and above.
· Kids must be accompanied by an adult and a signed liability waiver is required of participants.

Monday April 8

Eclipse Fishin’ Fun
· 10:00am-11:00am
· Join our Naturalist for some fishin’ fun and discovering the different kinds of fish that can be caught or seen at West Branch State Park.
· Fishing equipment and bait are provided until supplies run out.
· Meet at West Branch Campground Boat Launch
· Participants over 16 need a current Ohio Fishing license. No dogs please. A signed liability waiver is required of participants.

Pinhole Eclipse Viewer and Crafts
· 1:00pm-2:00pm
· Join our naturalist in learning how to make an eclipse viewer tool and learn about eye safety during the eclipse.
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store.

Eclipse Watch Party: Eyes on the Sky
· 1:45pm-4:30pm
· View the Total Solar Eclipse. Afterward stop by the Friends Group Building and enjoy some additional activities such as games, music, and more.

Partial Eclipse – Eyes on the sky
· 2:00pm-3:00pm
· Naturalist staff outside to engage with visitors/answer questions.
· Meet by the Friends Group Building next to the Camp Store.

BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE….
“West Branch State Park has also been given the opportunity to display a Light sound device for those with vision disabilities/impairments to still be able to experience the eclipse. More details to come..”

ADDRESS: 5570 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, OH 44266
TELE: 330.235.0030

WEBSITE:  West Branch State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

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WINGFOOT LAKE STATE PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMS

Solar Eclipse 2024

Saturday April 6th

Animals during the Eclipse 
· 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come join the naturalist and learn how animals react to the total eclipse! Observing animals during a total eclipse is a unique opportunity to study their behaviors and how they may be affected by the natural phenomenon. Meet at the Nature Center.

What is a Solar Eclipse?  
· 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Topics covered include the science of eclipses, how they can be safely viewed, the mythology and folklore surrounding them, and the cultural impact of eclipses throughout history. Meet at the Nature Center.

Sunday April 7th

Live Animal Feeding 
· 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
This program offers a chance to interact with incredible ambassador animals and participate in their feeding. It’s an educational and enjoyable experience that teaches about their diets and natural behaviors. Meet at the Nature Center.

Eclipse Archery  
· 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Take a shot at the moon! Learn the basics of archery and use a bow and arrow to shoot at targets that are out of this world. This eclipse themed archery will have you shooting for the stars. This is a great activity for beginners or anyone who wants to try something new. Meet at the Pine Tree Shelter house.

Monday April 8th

NASA Soundscapes Citizen Science Introduction for the Total Eclipse
· 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
This is a great opportunity to learn about science and to contribute to important research. By participating in this citizen science project, you can help NASA study solar eclipses and how animals react to these rare events. Make sure to pick up your paper to fill out to return for a souvenir token at our 4:00 recap. One per group. Meet at the Nature Center.

NASA Soundscapes Citizen Science Re-cap of the Total Eclipse
· 4:00pm-5:00 pm
Let’s meet up to discuss our recent findings on the eclipse. The information we gathered will be sent to NASA for their scientist to use for scientific purposes. Meet at the Nature Center.

ADDRESS: 993 Goodyear Park Blvd., Mogadore, OH 44260
TELE: 330.628.4720
WEBSITE: 

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