Have you always wanted to learn about canoeing, but didn't know where to begin? Does a weekend backpacking trip sound like fun, but you don't know how to get started? Have you watched someone cross-country ski, navigate with a compass or fish with a fly rod, and wished you knew how?

Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO) is the focal point of adult outdoor recreation activities in Cleveland Metroparks.   Through the Institute, you can take part in activities that help you develop outdoor skills.   And learning a skill is only one of IGO's features.   While you are having fun canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, or fishing, you will also learn about the environment and the need to be responsible stewards of the great outdoors.

The IGO Mission:

To provide a wide range of enjoyable outdoor experiences which enable participants of all abilities to develop or enhance outdoor skills, knowledge and environmental ethics.

Our goals:

• To provide learning opportunities which promote personal growth, ethical relationships with nature, and low-impact outdoor experiences.
• To offer skill-building and skill-enhancement programs which enable participants to build competency and enjoy safe outdoor experiences.
• To present programs in locations outside of Cleveland Metroparks lands which further participants' understanding of the ecology of North America, environmental problems and potential solutions.

Accessible Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

All IGO programs have been evaluated regarding accessibility and activity level. With our properly trained staff and ability to make equipment adaptations, most programs are accessible to anyone who would like to participate (and their families and friends too), depending on program location.

Each program listing indicates the activity level through the course number (POS-100):

Course number    Activity Level

100 level courses Easy

200 level courses Moderate

300 level courses Moderate to Advanced

400 level courses Advanced (due to length of trips)

If you are wondering if you are able to participate in a program due to a limitation, contact the IGO office and request the program's essential eligibility criteria. For further information regarding program accessibility, contact IGO Outdoor Adaptive Recreation Specialist, April Kosior CTRS at 216-341-1704.

PERSONAL OUTDOOR SKILLS

PERSONAL OUTDOOR SKILLS
American Canoe Association Canoe & Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop
This workshop follows standards established by the American Canoe Association and is designed for individuals and programmers interested in offering certified canoe and kayak instruction to all ages. The first day will be spent on the water practicing paddling strokes. On day two participants will start off in the classroom learning topics to teach as instructors and will then split into kayak and canoe instructor groups to spend the afternoon outside. On day three, experienced trainers will evaluate each candidate’s paddling skills, knowledge and teaching abilities. Candidates will present a minimum of two subjects both in the classroom as well as on the water and will receive a critique of their on- and off-water teaching and paddling skills. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants can receive instructor certification through the American Canoe Association. Please specify either the canoe or kayak instructor workshop when registering.
Pre-requisite: previous paddling experience is required. Completion of ACA Intro to Canoe/Kayak course preferred. Additionally, all participants must be members of the ACA & SEIC prior to the program. To become a member, visit www.americancanoe.org.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: moderate
May 16 - 18 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hinckley Reservation
Fee: $225 per person (includes instructor manual, text, materials and all necessary paddling equipment). Wetsuits will be available for an additional $13.
Minimum/Maximum: 8/12 per course

Knots You Should Know 
Trying to tie something down, but just can’t seem to get that knot just right? Here is a chance to learn basic knots that everyone can use. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an outdoor weekend warrior, having a few good knots in your repertoire can be invaluable. Learn knots like the bowline, half-hitch, trucker’s hitch and more.
Ages: 10 and up (with participating adult)
Activity Level: easy
April 9 • 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Fee: $25 (text and materials)
Maximum: 10
Instructor: Theodore

Safety in Bear Country
Of all the animals in the North American wilderness, few command as much respect, fear or interest as bears. Spend an evening getting a behind the scenes tour of the bear area at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and enjoy a light dinner and presentation on how to stay safe when visiting “bear country.” Participate in a distance learning session with one of the nation’s leading authorities on bear ecology and behavior, Stephen Herrero, professor of environmental science and biology at the University of Calgary. During the presentation, participants will be able to learn how to safely enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking or fishing in bear country. 
Activity Level: easy
Ages: all
April 28 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Auditorium
Fee: $25
Maximum:  20

Oil Creek State Park Shelter Backpacking
Oil Creek Valley in Pennsylvania is the site of the world’s first commercial oil well. In contrast to the petroleum industry of the 1860s, Oil Creek State Park now preserves scenic hillsides and wetlands along with clean trout streams. On this trip, hike approximately 24 miles of the Gerard Hiking trail and stay in three-sided rustic Adirondack shelters with outdoor fireplaces. On Friday morning begin the day exploring the visitor center before hiking to the Cow Run shelter. Saturday it’s back on the trail and off to Wolfkiel Run shelter. Enjoy scenic vistas, waterfalls and historic sites along the way. Some equipment provided.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: moderate (terrain is hilly)
Pre-Trips: April 30 & May 7 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip: May 16 - 18
Oil Creek State Park, PA
Fee: $85
Maximum: 10
Instructor: Rosenthal 

ESCAPES TO NATURE / EXTENDED TRIPS

Magee Marsh Birding Adventure
This popular bird migration stop-over is one of the hottest spots to watch birds in North America.  Whether you are just learning about birds or are a seasoned birder, this day of winged wonders is sure to delight. Bring your binoculars and birding spirit and we will take care of the transportation and lunch.  
Ages: adults
Activity level: easy
Trip A: May 2 • 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. OR
Trip B: May 9 • 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Trips leave from Garfield Park Nature Center - there will be a west side pickup location at Columbia Road RTA Park-N-Ride off I-90 at 6:15 a.m.
Fee: $45 (includes transportation, lunch, snacks and field guide)
Minimum/Maximum: 10/15
Registration begins March 31 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at 216-341-1704.

Eagle Creek Day Adventure
Join Naturalists Wendy Weirich and Stefanie Verish for an IGO day at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve. This small preserve is loaded with spring ephemeral flowers trying to get energy from the sun and get pollinated before the leaves come out on the trees. There are acres of trillium which you MUST see to believe.
Ages: adults
Activity level: easy
April 28 • 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Meet at Look About Lodge
Fee: $40 (includes transportation, lunch, snacks and field guide)
Minimum/Maximum: 8/15
Instructors: Weirich/Verish
Registration begins April 7 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) at 216-341-1704.

Spring In Algonquin - Hiking, Birding, and Wildflowers
Journey along the amazing Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. Algonquin, known for its dramatic rock cliffs, quiet spruce bogs, pristine lakes, scenic forests and spectacular vistas is a hiker’s paradise in spring. Enjoy exploring the fascinating world of the northern transitional forest as we hike to find spring wildflowers and migrating birds. Wildflowers like twinflower, oxalis and painted trillium abound while boreal chickadees, spruce grouse, broad-winged hawks and warblers fly above. Spend evenings relaxing in the deluxe cottages of the Blue Spruce Inn. Begin each day hiking on established trails in Algonquin Park, but be prepared for some challenging inclines. Good hiking boots, proper clothing, camera and binoculars are suggested.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: moderate
Pre-trip: April 15 • 7 - 9 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip Dates: May 4 - 8
Algonquin Provincial Park
Fee: $429 (includes four nights lodging in fully equipped shared cottages, on-site transportation, one dinner and instructional materials. Participants must provide meals and transportation to and from Canada. Passports required.)
Maximum: 12
Instructors: Hinkle and Hosko

Kayaking II: Fundamentals of Flat Water Kayaking
This is a comprehensive beginner program that covers the basic fundamentals of kayaking. Topics covered include equipment, apparel, basic paddle strokes, and rescues. Participants should prepare to get wet as they will be required to complete wet exits and rescues.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: moderate
April 19 • 5 - 8 p.m. and April 20 • 9 a.m. - noon OR
May 3 • 5 - 8 p.m. and May 4 • 9 a.m. - noon
Lakewood High School
Fee: $65
Maximum: 8
Instructor: Bothel

Beaver Creek Kayak Day Trip: State Park to Fredericktown
New location for 2008! Enjoy a naturalist led kayak trip exploring 7 miles of Little Beaver Creek, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near East Liverpool, Ohio. Upon arrival at Beaver Creek State Park Pioneer Village the group will paddle 2-3 miles to Gretchen’s Lock for lunch, then continue 3-4 miles on to Fredericktown. This national wild and scenic river offers one of the most exciting kayak trips in the state of Ohio. Breathtaking scenery is the highlight of the trip through Little Beaver Creek gorge. There are some small rapids to maneuver through and this trip is dependant on warmer weather and sufficient rainfall during the month.
Pre-requisite: Kayak II or equivalent experience recommended
Ages: adults
Activity Level: moderate
Pre-Trip: April 1 • 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Trip: April 12
Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool, Ohio
Fee: $45
Maximum: 10
Instructor: Rosenthal

Friday Night Float
Spend your Friday night in a kayak along LaDue Reservoir. This leisurely float will offer an opportunity to discover the vast array of migratory birds coming back to the area along with mating damselflies and other exciting wildlife. Bring waterproof binoculars and search for Eagles and Osprey while enjoying the serenity of being on the water. Equipment for kayaking included.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: easy
May 23 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
May 30 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
LaDue Reservoir, Geauga County
Fee: $20
Minimum/Maximum: 8/10

Women in the Outdoors (WEGO)
Programs designed specifically for women.

WEGO Beginner Backpacking
Join IGO and Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) staff on this rare opportunity to explore backpacking in the National Park. The trip will begin at Hunt Farm and proceed four miles to Saturday night’s campsite. Spend the evening learning hands-on backpacking skills such as Leave No Trace camp ethics, cooking, hanging food, knot tying and fire-starting. On Sunday, after a leisurely breakfast, pack out two miles to the starting point. Hike along streams, farm fields, and villages, and travel through succession and mature growth forests, exploring nature in a new way. This easy backpacking excursion is designed to introduce women to the sport of backpacking in a fun, low-impact way. Most camping equipment provided.
Ages: adults
Activity Level: easy (approximately 6 miles round trip with some hills but relatively flat terrain)
Pre-Trips: April 2 & April 16 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Brecksville Nature Center
Trip: April 19 - 20
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Fee: $75
Minimum/Maximum: 10/16
Instructors: Rosenthal/Jones/Gruszka

IGO Gift Certificates

Looking for a gift for the outdoors person who has it all? Why not send them on a trip. Cleveland Metroparks offers gift certificates of any denomination that can be used for Institute of the Great Outdoors programs. To order, call EarthWords ar 216-206-1003         

How to Register

By Mail/Fax: Register immediately for all programs. Complete the registration form including your credit card number or check payable to Cleveland Metroparks.

By Phone: Call 216-341-1704 weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with your Visa or MasterCard (some courses may already be filled).

In-Person: Stop by Garfield Park Nature Center in Garfield Heights weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(some courses may already be filled).

 IGO Registration form

Registration Information

• For programs with more than one session, note your choice when registering.
• A course reminder and map will be mailed prior to the first class.
• By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the refund policy. Participants must complete and sign a liability waiver and medical emergency form prior to participation in any program. Forms are available for review by calling 216-341-1704.

Registration Policy

• Some courses require a certain level of proficiency and knowledge.
• Prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. If you have not completed the prerequisite, call 216-341-1704 to discuss skills.
• Plan to attend all classes.

Fees

• Fees must be paid upon registration.
• A 50% deposit may be accepted for some programs (see program descriptions).
• Registration will not be confirmed without fee payment.
• Program fees recover the direct program costs.

Refund Policy

Program fees are not refundable unless Cleveland Metroparks cancels a program. Then a full refund of program fees will be processed.

General Information

IGO programs are listed in the January, March, May, July, September and November Emerald Necklace. For more information, call 216-341-1704.

For more information and to register for any IGO program, call (216) 341-1704.