Beech Creek Botanical Gardens traces up summer season crammed with enjoyable

In partnership with The Repository, each Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights optimistic happenings in our neighborhood. Here’s to Good News Mondays!

At the intersection of nature, schooling and neighborhood, Beech Creek Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve is a Stark County hub for hands-on experiences, instructional programming and household actions.

With a number of trails, playgrounds, gardens and upcoming occasions, the nonprofit has deliberate a summer season season of nature-filled experiences for guests of all ages.

Located in Washington Township, Beech Creek was began in 1999 and has now become an 181-acre operation that also upholds its founders’ imaginative and prescient of being a spot that promotes psychological and bodily well-being, educates about nature and preserving inexperienced area and conjures up others to be good stewards of the atmosphere.

“Beech Creek is such a contented, peaceable place to be, surrounded by nature and smiling faces,” stated Tiffany Stephens, Beech Creek supervisor. “Seeing families enjoying things we have worked hard on makes it all worthwhile.”

In the approaching months, households may have a number of distinctive alternatives to discover Beech Creek by means of new and returning seasonal occasions:

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 take pleasure in most about working at Beech Creek within the Butterfly House is watching folks of all ages and walks of life be immersed in, and find out about, nature — typically for the primary time,” stated Rose Nero, Beech Creek’s Butterfly House supervisor. “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,” stated Jade Tomlinson, Beech Creek schooling 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 can be entertained with hearth dancers, stay music, themed meals and drinks, carnival video games, raffle baskets and extra.

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.