BRINGING NATURE HOME

BRINGING NATURE HOME is a series of programs presented by Friends of Heights Parks and the Cleveland Heights Parks & Recreation Department.

The free talks by local experts educate and inspire residents to create biodiverse native habitat in our public and private green spaces.

Bringing Nature Home 2025 records, including presenter slide decks, are here.

TALKS ARE IN-PERSON at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

REGISTRATION REQUIRED (limited seating) HERE for 4/11/26 (or below)

Questions? Email info@FriendsofHeightsParks.org

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Shrubs – The Missing Link

presented by John Barber

PDF of slides is here.

Handout is here.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Not All Butterflies Are Snowbirds

presented by Mary Lynn Delfino

PDF of slides is here

Overwintering Ohio Butterflies spreadsheet

Saturday, March 7, 10-noon

Free Local Resources

Three local resources talked about their free programs that help us garden more ecologically: The Heights Tree People, Nature in My Backyard, and the Heights Native Pollinator Path. A panel will answer your questions!

Saturday, April 11, 10-noon

Register HERE

Meadows of Northeast Ohio: Openings in the Forest presented by Dave Tomashefski of Meadow City Nursery

When European settlers first arrived in Ohio, they found a land that was 98% forested and rich in wetlands. Gardeners of today know, however, that a number of our native flowers and grasses prefer sunny, drier conditions. These include meadow species like little bluestem and nodding wild onion. What were the natural factors that allowed these plants to colonize our area and persist to the present day? This presentation will examine meadow communities of northeast Ohio, with an emphasis on their origin, characteristic plant species, and ecological significance.

Dave Tomashefski is the Education Specialist for Meadow City Native Plant Nursery. He has an MS in Natural Resources with a focus on Ecological Restoration from Ohio State University. Prior to joining Meadow City, Dave was a Research Associate in OSU’s Soil, Water, and Environmental Lab. He is an avid gardener and life-long nature lover.

There are no upcoming events at this time.