A unique opportunity to explore a piece of Cleveland’s lakefront - As part of an ongoing process to promote an appreciation and stewardship for Cleveland’s ecological systems and natural resources, the Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative will sponsor the:Cinco de Mayo Migration at Gordon State Park area of Cleveland Lakefront State Park (E. 72 St. and N. Marginal). Last hike begins at 11:00 AM and ends at noon.

Cinco de Mayo Migration is an opportunity for the surrounding community to learn about and celebrate this unique 88-acre former dredge disposal site that has become naturalized and a unique wildlife haven for a variety of plants and animals. Everyone is welcome to come and discover the past, present, and hopes for the future for this hidden treasure located in the heart of Cleveland’s lakefront on Lago Erie (Lake Erie).

You will have a chance to look for native Ohio plants, trees and animals and be guided by some of the most talented wildlife interpreters in our community. Stunning, unique views of the Cleveland skyline as well as a most unusual opportunity to access the lakefront, which is closed to the public at other times, will be yours.

• FREE family fun activities include: hour long guided hikes on the dike (leaving every half hour), an interpretive boat tour (tours from 9:00 am to 11:00 am - Free tickets for the boat at the Information Tent) plus, live animals and Dike 14 displays, and much more! Great Photo Opportunities. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled walk preferred, so you can sign your waiver and receive additional information.
• Guided Bird, Plant and Butterfly Walks with the region's top interpreters. Dike 14 has over 280 of Ohio's 431 identified bird species--this is your chance to explore. With the onset of spring migration take this as a great opportunity to learn about plants that thrive and support an abundance of wildlife like the Mariposa del Monarca (Monarch Butterfly) and the Colibri de Garganta Rubi (Ruby Throated Hummingbird).
• Help Clean Up the Dike 14 site by gathering trash and weeds along the fence to help improve the site.

The site's field guide, Getting Ready to Visit the Dike 14 Nature Preserve Field Guide, will be available FREE of charge to any teacher attending the event. This easy-to-use guide has been formatted with beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations, historical, habitat and natural history notes, ecology links and additional resources for you to explore. The guide is designed to supplement curriculum material and comes with a list of Indicators for Academic Content Standards in Social Studies and Science in Grades 4-6 that are addressed.

The Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative was formed by local organizations that recognize the unique opportunity for Dike 14 Nature Preserve-centered educational resources. The Dike 14 Environmental Education Collaborative is composed of Audubon Ohio, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Metroparks, Outdoor Education, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, Earth Day Coalition, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, and The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. The Collaborative is dedicated to providing exemplary environmental education for students, teachers, families and the greater community, and promoting environmental stewardship of Dike 14 as a unique place for nature and people on Cleveland's Lakefront.

This is a wonderful opportunity to provide your audience with historical information about the Dike, inform them about a FREE environmental community event, and provide them with eye-catching visuals of birds, plants and animals that exist right here in Cleveland’s front yard! May is prime migration month in our region. For more information, please contact Chris Trepal at 216-281-6468 x 227.

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