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Programs listed here are held at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina, 8365 Harbor Drive. Call the Marina office at (440) 205-DOCK or the Recreation Department at (440) 974-5720.

 

COASTWEEKS 2007
Ohio Coastweeks is a month long program of activities on the Lake Erie Coast, sponsored by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline is 262 miles long. 41% of Ohio’s citizens live within the Lake Erie basin. The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is dedicated to the preservation and protection of Lake Erie.
The Mentor Recreation Department, Mentor Headlands State Park, and the Carol M. Sweet Mentor Marsh Nature Center sponsor a series of programs September 5 – September 22 to commemorate Coastweeks. All events are free, but participants must pre-register before the preceding Friday at 4 p.m. by calling the Mentor Recreation Department, (440) 974-5720, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited in each program.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission publishes a Calendar of Events on their web site, listing Coastweeks 2007 events all along the Lake Erie coast. Check www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo. You can contact the Ohio Lake Erie Office by phone at (419) 245-2514.

Family Paddle Trip
Saturday, September 8 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Pack up the kids and join us for a night of exploring the Mentor Lagoons via the water. We provide everything you need. You can select between a single kayak, tandem kayak, or use one of our canoes (3 people maximum). We provide life jackets and paddles.
You will spend the first 20 minutes reviewing safety and paddling tips. Then, we will explore the Lagoons Water Trail, visit the “Bridge to Nowhere,” then return to home base for a campfire, complete with marshmallows and cold drinks. Bring a hat, sunscreen, dry clothes, a towel and a water bottle for all family members. Kids under age 11 must be with an adult in the kayak/canoe. Please register early. Registration is required at least 48 hours before the trip. Meet at the Mentor Lagoons Marina Office.
Resident: $12 per kayak or canoe
Nonresident: $16 per kayak or canoe

Stargazing At Mentor Lagoons
Saturday, September 8 8:30 p.m.
FREE! Summer skies are a great time to learn about the stars. Learn how to use sky charts to view the night sky and the moon from the west beach at the Mentor Lagoons. Meet at the Mentor Lagoons Marina office (8365 Harbor Dr., Mentor) and then we’ll hike to the west beach where a campfire will be waiting. Make sure to bring a small flashlight. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is requested. Call (440) 974-5720 before 4 p.m. September 7. Program is canceled if it is raining.

Coastweeks Beach Clean-Up
Saturday September 15 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Led by Bonnie Rice, Litter Lady, City of Mentor
FREE! Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve includes 1 1/2 miles of natural beach, so join us in this natural area to clean up the litter washed in from Lake Erie - a tradition for the last 8 years! We will supply the garbage bags and some gloves, but if you have your own gloves, please bring them. Wear comfortable shoes - sandals are not recommended. Even though light refreshments will be provided, it is recommended to bring your own water bottle. This is a great opportunity for groups to acquire service hours. Meet at the Lagoons Marina office (8365 Harbor Dr.); dress for the weather and sunscreen is recommended. Registration is requested; call the City of Mentor's Public Works division at (440) 974-5780 before 4 p.m. September 14 to register.

Bird Walk At Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve
Sunday September 16 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Led by Jim McConnor, Blackbrook Audubon Society
The Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve was recently named an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, making our area a globally recognized location for the preservation and protection of essential habitat for one or more species of bird for breeding, wintering, and/or migration. Early migrants are what we hope to see on our walk. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Meet at the Nature Preserve Trailhead, 8365 Harbor Drive to help us spot those birds traveling south for the winter.


Harnessing The Power Of Wind: How Turbines Might Affect Lake Erie
Wednesday, September 19 7 – 8 p.m.
Tom Denbow, Water Resource Specialist
FREE! Wind turbines harness the power of the wind and convert it to energy that can be used to light homes, pump water, even power automobiles. Wind turns the blades of these giant machines, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity. Wind gathers speed as air moves across Lake Erie, which has study groups and energy officials looking at whether wind turbines placed off the shores of our great lake can help us create renewable energy. You’ll learn more about all sides of this topic in this presentation. Please register with the Mentor Recreation Department no later than 4 p.m., Tuesday, September 16. Class will be held in the Front Room at Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Rd.

Introduction To Sailing
If sailing is something you have always wanted to try, this class is for you. This 3-hour class is designed for the person who has little or no experience in sailing. You will learn sailing basics in small, one - two person Sunfish sailboats. You will learn and master the components of a boat, how to handle the wind, proper boating etiquette, how to set up a boat and sailing a small craft. You will get wet, so bring a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat or visor, non-skid shoes, and a water bottle.
This course meets at the Marina office at the Mentor Lagoons. Minimum age is 12. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 2 minutes. Pre-registration and payment is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Sunday, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Mentor Lagoons Session: 1
September 16
Resident: $19
Nonresident: $24


Introduction To Kayaking
Learn how to navigate the water on a simple kayak. It’s easy, fun, and this basic class will help you learn to navigate a single or double kayak safely and easily. This course includes instruction on basic paddling skills, efficient rescue techniques, and a couple of hours of sun, water, and fun! You will get wet, so bring a change of dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat or visor, and a water bottle. With a few basic tips, you will gain a lifetime of enjoyment in this sport.
We provide the kayak, lifejacket, and paddles. Class meets within the protected channels of the Mentor Lagoons. Minimum age is 11. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards and tread water for 2 minutes. Pre-registration and payment is required at least 48 hours in advance. Call the Recreation Department at (440) 974-5720 to register.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Mentor Lagoons
Session: 1
September 15
Resident: $12
Nonresident: $16

Family Hayride
Saturday, October 13
12 noon
Gather the family and spend the afternoon at the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve enjoying the beauty of the fall season on an old-fashioned hayride through the preserve. You’ll be treated to a campfire with hotdogs and a drink along the way. The ride will feature scenic views and fun for the family time. The ride is approximately 45 minutes. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Marina Office.
Resident: $5 (ages 2 and up)
Nonresident: $7


Ohio Boating Education Course
Jim Zofchak
Taking an Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) will allow you to comply with the Ohio Boater Education law and will satisfy other states’ boater education requirements for Ohio boaters operating in and out-of-state. Topics covered are trailering, docking, navigation rules, operating a personal watercraft, personal flotation devices, and handling boating emergencies. All persons born after January 1, 1982 must have a certificate to operate watercraft over 10 horsepower. In addition, this course may make you eligible for a discount on your boat or PWC insurance! Participants must attend 8 hours to be eligible to take the test. Class is held in the 2nd floor Conference Room of the Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd.
Monday & Tuesday, 6-10 p.m.
Municipal Center
Sessions: 2
September 10 & 11
October 22 & 23
Wed & Thurs, 6-10 p.m.
Municipal Center
Sessions: 2
November 13 & 14
Resident: $12
Nonresident: $15