In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
At the intersection of nature, education and community, Beech Creek Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve is a Stark County hub for hands-on experiences, educational programming and family activities.
With several trails, playgrounds, gardens and upcoming events, the nonprofit has planned a summer season of nature-filled experiences for visitors of all ages.
Located in Washington Township, Beech Creek was started in 1999 and has now turned into an 181-acre operation that still upholds its founders’ vision of being a place that promotes mental and physical well-being, educates about nature and preserving green space and inspires others to be good stewards of the environment.
“Beech Creek is such a happy, peaceful place to be, surrounded by nature and smiling faces,” said Tiffany Stephens, Beech Creek manager. “Seeing families enjoying things we have worked hard on makes it all worthwhile.”
In the coming months, families will have several unique opportunities to explore Beech Creek through new and returning seasonal events:
Beech Creek summer kickoff celebration
Beech Creek welcomes its extended summer hours and the long-awaited opening of the Butterfly House with a community celebration May 30, including food and adoptable dogs from the Stark County Humane Society on-site.
Guests will be able to explore the Butterfly House, where they can interact with, feed and learn about 23 different types of butterflies, moths and skippers native to Northeast Ohio.
“What I enjoy most about working at Beech Creek in the Butterfly House is watching people of all ages and walks of life be immersed in, and learn about, nature — sometimes for the first time,” said Rose Nero, Beech Creek’s Butterfly House manager. “It is very rewarding to teach people about our native species and see their eyes light up in recognition of our natural world.”
Interactive summer camps begin in June
Every Tuesday and Thursday starting June 16 through July 23, children ages 7-12 will create, explore and learn at the preserve during a variety of summer camps. Through interactive science projects, outdoor experiences and wildlife encounters, the camps focus on turning curiosity into adventure.
Beech Creek’s camp themes are developed around unique interest areas, like Pollinator Palooza. Participants in this insect-related camp will explore a thriving milkweed patch, catch and observe beetles and insects and learn why pollinators are so important to our world — all before safely releasing them back into nature.
“One of my favorite moments is watching a child go from being afraid of an insect to completely fascinated by it,” said Jade Tomlinson, Beech Creek education director. “Our insect ambassadors help kids see these animals in a new way — not as something scary, but as something important and worth protecting. Seeing that fear turn into curiosity and excitement is incredibly rewarding.”
This year’s camp themes also include Creek Camp, Critter Camp, Engineering Camp, Mad Science Camp, and Olympics Camp.
Cryptids at the Creek Festival in July
Centered around cryptids and other mysterious creatures, this new, family-friendly outdoor festival and market on July 24-25 encourages wildlife education and serves as an interactive exploration through the campus — even in the dark. The event is inspired by creatures like Bigfoot and Mothman, celebrating nature and all things mysterious.
An Evening in Wonderland Gala
This year’s Evening in Wonderland Gala on July 27 to support the educational and conservation missions of Beech Creek will be an immersive experience throughout the gardens inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.” Guests will be entertained with fire dancers, live music, themed food and drinks, carnival games, raffle baskets and more.
Polli-Palooza in August
Polli-Palooza is a new weekend-long celebration dedicated to pollinators and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Judy Semroc, a renowned naturalist, will host a Moth Night on Aug. 8 that allows guests to explore the grounds after dark and learn about the nighttime pollinators. On Aug. 9, Beech Creek will host engaging presenters and local vendors for a full day of education and family-friendly activities, including a butterfly release in the afternoon.
Beech Creek’s year-round programming is made possible through the support of the community and volunteers who understand the value of connecting Stark County residents with opportunities to appreciate nature.
“As a volunteer, I often say that my greatest reward is getting to see people interact with and learn about nature in real time,” said Jim Nero, Beech Creek board president and volunteer. “It’s why I continue dedicating my time to the mission.”
Learn more about Beech Creek’s upcoming events, camps and programming at www.beechcreekgardens.org.
Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10% of community foundations in the country, the foundation and its family of donors have granted nearly $300 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: ‘A happy, peaceful place.’ Beech Creek lines up summer filled with activities
Reporting by Stark Community Foundation, Special to the Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
