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DISCOVER FUN-FILLED WINTER EVENINGS IN FEBRUARY AT CLEVELAND METROPARKS

It's cold and snowy outside, but don't hibernate in your house! Instead, grab the entire family and head out to one of Cleveland Metroparks fun-filled February evening programs. There's something for everyone whether it's a nighttime hike under a full moon or enjoying an animal kingdom movie and popcorn.

The free February evening programs are:

Family Night: SQUIRE'S CASTLE

Friday, February 3

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Squire's Castle Picnic Area parking lot ·

North Chagrin Reservation

This fun-filled Friday night features a guided tour of Squire's Castle. Learn all about the castle's rich history and its former owner Feargus B. Squire. After the tour, take a 2-mile hike on nearby trails. Dress for the weather. Squire's Castle is located on Chagrin River Road in North Chagrin Reservation, off Chardon Road /Route 6 in Willoughby Hills.

For more information, call 440-473-3370.

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FEBRUARY FULL MOON

Tuesday, February

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Rocky River Nature Center

Rocky River Reservation

Naturalist Bethany Majeski leads a brisk, 1.5-mile woodland walk beneath a beautiful February full moon. Dress for the weather. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted.

For more information, call 440-734-6660.

FULL MOON HIKE

Wednesday, February 8

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

North Chagrin Nature Center

North Chagrin Reservation

Take a 1- to 1.5-mile hike on the trails of North Chagrin Reservation under the brilliant light of the full moon. Search for signs of wildlife activity and listen for calling owls. Dress for the weather. North Chagrin Nature Center is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in MayfieldVillage. For more information, call 440-473-3370.

Second Saturday Storytelling

Saturday, February 11

7:30 - 9 p.m.

CanalWay Center

Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation   

Put down the electronic gadgets from the modern world and step back in time to enjoy a taste of old-time entertainment. Listen to traditional and original tales from living storytellers. Following light refreshments, participants are invited to share a tale of their own. CanalWay Center is located on Whittlesey Way, off the East 49th Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights. For more information, call 216-206-1000.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT - "TRIALS OF LIFE"

Friday, February 17

7:30 - 8:45 p.m.

North Chagrin Nature Center

North Chagrin Reservation

Enjoy popcorn and a movie! "Trials of Life," narrated by naturalist David Attenborough, reveals how and why animals attract. From fantastic colorful displays of plumage to coordinated dance routines, the animal kingdom employs an array of behaviors that have but one goal: to attract a mate. This program is geared towards families with older children. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. North Chagrin Nature Center is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village.

For more information, call 440-473-3370.

Canalway CoffeeHouse

Friday, February 17

7:30 - 9 p.m.

CanalWay Center

Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

Relax and soak up the sounds of Mark Dvorak, a modern day troubadour. Dvorak has been called a folk singer's folk singer who has an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional songs. Come and enjoy some of his original songs, as well as traditional folk music. There is a $5 fee per person. CanalWay Center is located on Whittlesey Way, off the East 49th Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights.

For more information, call 216-206-1000.

Mammals of South Chagrin Reservation

Tuesday, February 21

7 - 8 p.m.

Look About Lodge

South Chagrin Reservation

Groundhogs, squirrels and deer, oh my! What other mammals call South Chagrin Reservation home and what are they up to this winter? Find out through pictures, furs, bones, and other hands-on activities.

Look About Lodge is located at 37374 Miles Road in South Chagrin Reservation, between SOM Center Road/Route 91 and Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville. For more information, call 440-734-6660.

THE CUNNING COYOTE

Thursday, February 23

7 - 8 p.m.

Brecksville Nature Center

Brecksville Reservation

Coyotes have been seen and heard all over Northeast Ohio. Learn all about coyotes and how these highly adaptable predators can survive just about anywhere. Brecksville Nature Center is located off Chippewa Creek Drive, off the Route 82 entrance of Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville. For more information, call 440-526-1012.  

FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT: WINTERING IN MEXICO

Friday, February 24

7 - 8:15 p.m.

North Chagrin Nature Center

North Chagrin Reservation

It's not all sunshine and warm weather for the monarch butterflies wintering in Mexico. View a short video about these transcontinental insect travelers, and then create a butterfly craft to take home as a reminder that winter is more than half over. Fun for the whole family. North Chagrin Nature Center is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village.

For more information, call 440-473-3370.

CINEMA SATURDAY NIGHT: "2010 WILLOW JUNIOR 100"

Saturday, February 25

7:30 - 9 p.m.

Rocky River Nature Center

Rocky River Reservation

"2010 Willow Junior 100" reveals what it takes to complete this two-day dog sled race specifically for teens. Before you can run the Iditarod, you must run mid-distance races. This film showcases teens testing their mushing and dog care skills. Enjoy the beautiful dogs and spectacular winter scenery of Alaska. Suitable for families with older children and adults. Doors open at 7 p.m.Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660. 

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