The Foundation for Geauga Parks is an independent, non-profit organization created to raise money to fund community engagement with nature through education, preservation, conservation and appreciation of the unique natural character of Geauga County.
We help to preserve and conserve green spaces.
We help enhance parks for passive recreation and enjoyment.
We help educate youth to care for and appreciate the environment.
We are the Foundation for all parks in Geauga County.
FEATURED PROJECT
Nature Scopes
The Foundation for Geauga Parks is pleased to support top-notch nature education programs including Geauga Park District's Nature Scopes, the first binocular-nature education program of its kind in the country. Nature Scopes was established in 2003, in response to research showing that close encounters with nature create a direct, personal involvement with the outdoors that cannot be matched by classroom discussion or photos in textbooks. This year-long program supplements school science instruction by providing hands-on lessons matched to the Ohio Content Standards for fifth-grade science education. Fifth-graders participate in a total of six interactive sessions involving outdoor exploration, concluding in May with a field day where students are awarded their own binoculars and field guides for participating in the program.
FEATURED PROJECT
Modroo Farms Preservation
The Foundation for Geauga Parks is proud to support Russell Township Park District in their creation of Geauga County’s newest park, Modroo Farm Preserve. The Foundation made a donation from its unrestricted funds raised in 2016 to support the purchase of this 53-acre historic property. As the Russell Township Park District is finalizing its detailed plans, the Foundation is committed to supporting the District in their efforts to transform this property into a park for everyone to enjoy.
FEATURED PROJECT
Chip Henry Institute
The Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure has been established as a memorial to Charles "Chip" Henry, Geauga County Probate & Juvenile Court Judge, whose life's work and passion was to make a lasting impact on young people, and who believed that adventures in Nature are critical to healthy development.
FEATURED PROJECT
Nassau Astronomical Observing Station
Nassau Astronomical Observing Station is a primary educational feature of Observatory Park. It was acquired as part of Geauga Park District's purchase of 281 acres from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in October 2008. The station's Warner-Swasey deep-sky 36-inch mirror research telescope was refurbished for educational and research use by the public. With funds raised by the Foundation for Geauga Parks, the Nassau Astronomical Observing Station was restored and reopened to the public in 2017.
