Celebrate the legacy of the passenger pigeon
The passenger pigeon, a bird found only in eastern North America, was the most numerous bird encountered by America’s first settlers. About the size of a mourning dove, they lived in social colonies and traveled in huge flocks that were said to darken the skies for up to three days. Our uncut forests provided food like beech nuts and acorns, and nesting sites for huge congregations.
This September marks the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the passenger pigeon, when Martha, the last of her kind, died at the Cincinnati Zoo. But before Martha, billions of birds declined over a brief few decades. Nearly every nesting colony was disrupted and market hunting for commerce and sport was relentless.
No one could imagine that such an abundance of life could disappear.
Since the seemingly impossible loss of the passenger pigeon, the concepts of wildlife conservation and land stewardship have become important tools. Protecting all wildlife and diverse landscapes assures that other populations, abundant and rare, remain healthy—that is the legacy of the passenger pigeon.
Join us this Sunday for an
afternoon of free family-friendly activities that celebrate the legacy of this
bird.
Open House activities
Take a little walk to find clues about the story of this once abundant bird
See an actual Passenger Pigeon taxidermy mount
Fold an origami passenger pigeon to add to the Nature Center’s Flock of 200 birds
(or take it home )
Meet our Mystery Guest Time Traveler from the late 1800’s
Check out the 10 display panels tracing the Passenger Pigeon in America
Make and take a kid friendly coloring page
Watch a short presentation “The Passing of the Pigeon”
Meet friends from Blackbrook Audubon society
Enjoy train rides presented by the Lake Shore Live Steamers, 1 – 3 pm weather permitting
Discover the sights and sounds of wildlife at the interactive Nature Calls exhibit.
Watch and listen to birds and other wildlife through the Window on Wildlife.
Enjoy the fall art show: “Nature from Three Perspectives."
Discover the nature of art from a feminine perspective in this multi-media show featuring Jaymi Zents, Britta Franz and Lisa Ruschman; three talented local artists, each with her own unique interpretation of the world around us. From lush floral and Italian Renaissance-inspired figures, to modern mosaics and more, this show is a journey of creative expression you won’t want to miss.
Browse the nature-themed gifts at The Nature Store, a great resource for bird feeders, t-shirts, field guides, toys, children’s books and more.
Visit native Ohio wildlife ambassadors in and around the Wildlife Center.
Hike more than 8.5 miles of scenic trails, discover the beautiful butterfly gardens or enjoy a leisurely picnic on the grounds of Penitentiary Glen Reservation.
Take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right (east) onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right (south) side of the road.
