Ten signs of spring in Cleveland Metroparks
Skunk cabbage - Most Reservations
Peeking through mud and even snow, this smelly wildflower can produce its own heat to attract pollinators that are drawn to rotting meat.
Spring beauty - Most Reservations
Only about 4 inches tall, this pink-tinged flower with pink pollen is among the first spring wildflowers.
Turkey vulture - Hinckley Reservation
Celebrated in March, turkey vultures are a symbol of return to spring in Hinckley Reservation.
Coltsfoot - All Reservations
One of the first flowers to peek through the ground in all reservations, called coltsfoot because of the shape of its leaf.
Frogs - All Reservations
Emerging from hibernation, frogs begin their mating calls and egg laying in vernal pools and ponds, migrating to vernal pools on rainy nights when the temperature rises above freezing after a long winter.
Spring peepers - Most Reservations
The sound of the spring peeper is a sure sign of spring. Can be heard across most reservations.
Bird sounds - All Reservations
Sounds of birds can be heard in every reservation. Spring is the time for bird communication. Whether a mating call, a territorial call or just for fun, listening for birds in spring is a joy.
Red winged blackbirds - All Reservations
The familiar sound of the "oka-ree!" of a red-winged blackbird is a sign of spring. Found at wetlands across Cleveland Metroparks.
Bluebirds - All Reservations
Soaring into citizen science, there are bluebird nesting boxes across Cleveland Metroparks. Dedicated volunteers monitor the eastern bluebird population in the spring and summer with nest boxes.
Spotted salamanders - North Chagrin & Brecksville Reservations
Ohio's state amphibian, the spotted salamander will make its way to ephemeral ponds from late-winter into spring.
Spotted salamanders