Friday May 16
Owl Prowl
8:00 to 9:00 PM
As dusk settles in, we’ll stroll the campground trails and streets to tune in to the sounds of nightfall. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for a resident pair of barred owls that have called this area home for years. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the campground after hours and learn about one of Ohio’s most vocal and captivating raptors. Whoo knows, we may have an owl of our own on the walk. (PLEASE NOTE: We will not be calling owls this owl prowl because of the nesting season.)
Location: Mosquito Lake State Park Amphitheater
Saturday May 17
Seed Bombs
4:00 to 5:00 PM
Come help us make seed bombs! You can use these to spread native wildflowers in our pollinator garden or take them home to spread in your own garden.
Location: Mosquito Lake State Park Amphitheater
Please be aware this activity could get messy.
Wildlife Show
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Join our local volunteers Kathy and Bob with our naturalist for a peek at some local wildlife. Don’t be late, you may miss our special guests!
Location: Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
Mosquito/tick repellent advised, you may want to bring a chair for the wildlife show portion, wear appropriate shoes for the hike, and bring a flashlight.
Sunday May 19
Weekend Walkers
9:00 to 10:30 AM
Lace up your shoes and start your weekend with a refreshing walk in the park! This casual, all-ages group walk is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and learn something new from the naturalist along the way. Families, friends, and solo walkers are all welcome.
Location: Campground Overflow Parking Lot
Tuesday May 20
Golden Buckeye Walkers
3:30 to 5:00 PM
Join the naturalist for our weekly Golden Buckeye Nature Walkers meet-up! This easy-paced, social walk is designed for adults 60+ who enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, and friendly conversation. We’ll explore different areas of the park each week while taking in the beauty of nature together.
Location: Campground Overflow Parking Lot
📍 Champion High School Auditorium
🕔 Doors Open: 5:15 PM
🎤 Opening Remarks: 5:45 PM – Naturalist Jason Lee
🎟️ Free Admission | Registration Encouraged
Join us for an exciting evening as we launch the 3rd Annual Big Birding Weekend! The kickoff will be indoors at the Champion High School Auditorium, the opening night festivities will set the stage for a weekend full of exploration, inspiration, and connection with fellow birders and nature lovers.
6:00 PM – Keynote Speaker: Greg Miller
Known as the “Real Life Birder” portrayed in the hit film The Big Year, Greg Miller has been birding for over 50 years. Inspired at a young age by his father, Greg has birded in all 50 states and across much of Canada. In 1998, while working full-time at a nuclear power plant, Greg chased an ambitious goal: to see over 700 bird species in one calendar year—a legendary feat in the birding world. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pure joy of birding.
7:00 PM – Becky Donaldson
Becky Donaldson, Mentor Marsh Naturalist with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, for an illustrated presentation on the transformation of Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Learn how large-scale restoration efforts have brought biodiversity back to life—plants, insects, birds, and more. Becky will also share insights into other protected lands stewarded by the Museum and why this work matters more than ever.
8:00 PM – Dr. Sean Williams, Ph.D.
Ecologist, ornithologist, and naturalist Dr. Sean Williams of Cuyahoga Community College brings a global perspective to the evening with research that spans from radar-based migration tracking to behavioral studies in the Peruvian Amazon. With a passion for uncovering the mechanisms behind large-scale biodiversity changes, Dr. Williams offers a compelling blend of science and fieldwork. His presentation, “Birding During Migration: Making Decisions Based on Science and Technology,” will delve into how understanding the biological and environmental drivers of bird migration can help birders strategically choose the right hotspots during peak seasons. Discover how science and technology can guide your birding decisions during spring and fall migrations.
Closing Remarks to Follow
Naturalist Jason Lee will return to the stage to conclude the evening with final thoughts and provide directions and highlights for Saturday and Sunday’s packed schedule of hikes, talks, and birding adventures.
📍 Beach Pavilion | Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ NO Registration...just swing in and enjoy food and friends!!!
The Beach Pavilion is the heart of the Big Birding Weekend—your go-to stop for information, community, and conversation. Whether you're planning your day, grabbing a bite, or just soaking in the excitement, this is the place to be.
🗺️ Stop by anytime between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to check in with our Information Table, browse displays from local vendors and conservation partners, and enjoy some of Trumbull County’s best eats from our on-site food trucks.
🎉 Don’t forget to enter the raffles sponsored by the Friends of Mosquito Lake—with fantastic prizes up for grabs! All proceeds go directly toward keeping this festival “Birding as it should be, absolutely free!” for years to come.
📍 Hoagland Blackstub Road Pull-Off
🕢 Begins at 7:30 AM
🎟️ Registration Encouraged
Pull up a chair and settle in for a Big Sit—a relaxed yet exciting way to bird! Join seasoned birder Larry Richardson along with birding duo Amanda and Matt Sloan as they set up at a prime spot along Hoagland Blackstub Road to see just how many bird species they can observe from a single stationary location.
Whether you stay for 10 minutes or a few hours, this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced birders, share sightings, and enjoy the richness of spring migration at your own pace.
🪶 Bring a chair, your binoculars, and your favorite birding stories!
🕖 Various Times Between 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Multiple Trail Locations Around Mosquito Lake State Park
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged See Below for Links
Start your Saturday with the heartbeat of the Big Birding Weekend—a morning filled with guided bird hikes led by some of Northeast Ohio’s most passionate and professional birders. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, these walks offer an incredible opportunity to spot migrants, learn from experts, and enjoy the natural beauty of Mosquito Lake’s diverse habitats.
Choose from several locations and time slots to fit your morning plans:
🦉 Lakeview Recreation Area Hikes
7:30–8:30 AM – Kari Warner & Jason Short Registration Encouraged
9:00–10:00 AM – Kari Warner & Cindy Woodward Registration Encouraged
10:30–11:30 AM – John Kolar & Mark Shaver Registration Encouraged
🌲 Turkey Run Trail Hikes
8:00–9:30 AM – John Kolar & Mark Shaver Registration Encouraged
10:00–11:30 AM – Mike Sustin & Nathan Tea Registration Encouraged
🌾 Hoagland Blackstub Road Hikes
7:30–9:00 AM – Mike Sustin & Nathan Tea Registration Encouraged
10:00–11:30 AM – Rick Nelson & Jason Short Registration Encouraged
With top birders from local organizations and Audubon chapters, you’ll not only see amazing birds—you’ll gain insights, techniques, and stories that will stay with you well beyond the trail.
🗺️ Exact meeting locations and trailhead maps will be sent to registered participants and available at the Info Tent near the Beach Pavilion.
📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center
🕙 9:00 – 9:45 AM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged
Turn your backyard into a birding hotspot! Join Amy Reeher, District Administrator for Trumbull County Soil and Water Conservation District, as she shares tips and tricks for attracting native birds right outside your door.
Learn which seeds and feeders work best for different species, how to create a bird-friendly habitat, and how you and your family can become citizen scientists without leaving your yard.
🌻 A fun and educational program perfect for families, beginners, and anyone ready to bring the joy of birding home!
📍 Storybook Trail (Imagination Station)
🕚 10:00 – 11:45 AM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged
Get ready to explore nature from A to Z! In this interactive family-friendly scavenger hunt, participants will search for items in the environment that represent each letter of the alphabet—bird-related or otherwise.
Work together, get creative, and discover the hidden wonders of the outdoors. Prizes will be awarded for completing the challenge, so bring your curiosity and a keen eye!
🔤 Perfect for kids and families looking to blend learning, adventure, and fun in the great outdoors!
📍 Beach Pavilion
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | No Registration Required
Take a break, grab your lunch, and connect with the birding community!
Join us under the Beach Pavilion for a relaxed midday social with fellow birders, hike leaders, and festival presenters. This is the perfect opportunity to swap birding stories, share morning sightings, ask questions, and build new friendships in a casual, welcoming setting.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned birder, this gathering offers a chance to recharge, network, and celebrate the morning's discoveries before heading into the afternoon’s exciting programs.
🥪 Bring your lunch, your binoculars, and your best birding stories!
📍 Mosquito Lake Beach Pavilion
🕛 12:00 PM
🎙️ Presented by Jamey Emmert, ODNR Division of Wildlife
🎟️ Free | No Registration Required
Join us for an exciting look at the future of one of Ohio’s premier birding resources—the Lake Erie Birding Trail!
Jamey Emmert, Avian Education Coordinator and Project Manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, will give a special presentation on the 2025 edition of the Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook. Learn about updates to the existing 88 sites and get a sneak peek at brand-new birding hot spots being added to the trail.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or just want to explore Ohio’s top birding destinations, this session is your chance to get ahead of the flock.
📘 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the best of Ohio birding—from shoreline to forest canopy!
📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center
🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Drop-In Style)
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning at our interactive birding stations! Whether you're just starting your birding journey or already a backyard expert, these activities offer something for everyone:
🧪 Create a Hummingbird Feeder – Help our tiniest flyers thrive
🌲 Craft a Pinecone Feeder – A classic and fun way to feed wild birds
🌳 Delightful Dendrology – Explore the connection between birds and trees
🦅 Bird Morphology – Learn how a bird’s shape helps it survive and thrive
🎨 Drop in anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 PM and try one or try them all—this is birding fun designed for the whole family!
Mosquito Lake’s Bluebirds: Conservation in Action
📍 Nature Center
🕐 Walk at 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Join Cathy Poponak and Theresa Craiger, two of Mosquito Lake’s dedicated Bluebird Cavity Nesting Program volunteers, for an informative walk through the bluebird box trail they help monitor and maintain.
You’ll learn about the nesting habits, habitat needs, and success stories of Eastern Bluebirds at the park—and get a firsthand look at how citizen science and conservation efforts are making a difference.
Whether you’re curious about bluebirds, interested in volunteering, or just want to enjoy a peaceful nature walk with purpose, this program offers a meaningful connection to the wildlife that call Mosquito Lake home.
💙 A beautiful blend of education, stewardship, and inspiration—perfect for birders of all ages!
📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕐 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Before you lace up your hiking boots and grab your binoculars, make sure you’re ready for whatever nature brings! This quick and practical session will show you how to build a simple, effective first aid kit tailored for birders and hikers.
Learn what essential items to pack, how to handle common outdoor injuries, and tips for staying safe and comfortable during your birding adventures—whether you're on a short trail or a longer backcountry hike.
🌿 *A perfect program for hikers, bird
📍 Turkey Run Trail (approx. 1-mile guided hike)
🕑 2:00 – 3:30 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Join us for a fun and adventurous guided hike as we introduce you to the basics of geocaching—a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS technology or smartphone apps!
During this 1-mile hike on Turkey Run Trail, you'll learn how to locate hidden containers called geocaches, sign the logbook with your code name, and return them just as you found them. You'll also discover how geocaching works, what to bring, and why it's become a global phenomenon with over 3 million caches hidden across every continent—even Antarctica and space!
The hike and instruction will be led by Jack and Robyn, they have been geocaching for 15 years and have almost 10,000 finds and own 100 of the geocaches hidden locally! Perfect for beginners, families, and curious explorers—this session will give you everything you need to get started with one of the world’s most exciting outdoor hobbies.
🗺️ In 2021 alone, over 1.8 million geocachers found at least one cache—come see what it’s all about!
🕐 2:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Required | Limited to 20 Participants
Build a home for birds and take home a deeper appreciation for conservation! Join a local scout group as they guide you through the process of building your very own bird house—a fun, hands-on experience perfect for families and nature lovers.
Heather Harris, a dedicated bluebird enthusiast and member of the Ohio Bluebird Society Board of Trustees, will also be on-site to discuss the responsibilities of maintaining a bird house and the critical role these shelters play in supporting native cavity-nesting species.
🛠️ Spots are limited to 20 participants per session. You’ll receive a confirmation email the week of the event if selected.
🌿 A great way to give back to nature and bring a bit of the birding world home with you!
📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕑 Shows at 2:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged
Get up close with some of Ohio’s most impressive feathered predators! Josh Kuszmaul from Raptor Hallow Sanctuary returns to Big Birding Weekend with his incredible live bird show featuring hawks, owls, and other raptors.
Learn about the unique adaptations, hunting strategies, and conservation stories of these powerful birds—and discover what makes them such vital players in our ecosystems.
Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this program is sure to leave you inspired to grab your binoculars and hit the trails in search of raptors in the wild.
🪶 A family favorite and festival must-see—don’t miss it!
📍 Campground Boat Launch Parking Lot
🕙 Session at 2:30 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Meet the brilliant yellow songbird that has become a symbol of conservation at Mosquito Lake! Join local experts Loyd Marshall and Steve Craiger, coordinators of the Prothonotary Warbler cavity nesting program, for an inspiring talk.
Learn about the fascinating behaviors, habitat needs, and migratory journeys of these stunning warblers, and discover how local efforts are helping their populations thrive.
This up-close look into the life of the Prothonotary Warbler will leave you with a newfound appreciation for one of Ohio’s most vibrant birds.
✨ A must-see for bird lovers, conservationists, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of wetlands wildlife!
📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center
🕑 3:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Not all birds belong. Join Caleb Wright for an eye-opening presentation on invasive bird species in Ohio—who they are, how they arrived, and the impact they're having on our ecosystems.
This session will explore:
-How invasive birds made their way to Ohio
-Their environmental effects on native habitats and species
-The role humans have played in their spread
-Practical steps we can take to reduce their impact going forward
🦜 A must-attend talk for anyone interested in conservation, ecology, and the complex relationship between birds and human activity.
📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕓 4:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Join us for an insightful and forward-thinking presentation by Tim Lenz, lifelong birder, software developer, and co-founder of the innovative new mobile platform BirdingApp.
In this talk, Tim offers a unique, insider’s perspective on the development and evolution of eBird, drawing on his 17 years as a lead developer at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Learn how eBird transformed global birding and data collection, explore powerful tools and features—some you may not know about—and gain practical tips tailored to spring birding in Northeast Ohio.
Tim will also introduce BirdingApp, a new mobile and social platform designed to extend the eBirding experience and better serve birders in the field.
📍 Location: Lakeview Recreation Area Trail
🕐 Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Join us for a closer look at one of North America's most fascinating and acrobatic songbirds—the Purple Martin! In this engaging program, you’ll learn about:
Their unique nesting behaviors and dependence on human-made housing
Their incredible migratory journey from South America to our own backyards
Tips on how to create a martin-friendly environment at home
The conservation efforts underway right here at Mosquito Lake State Park
Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just curious about these aerial acrobats, this is a great opportunity to appreciate and support these charismatic swallows. Don’t miss your chance to spot them in action!
📍 Champion Wetlands Nature Preserve
🕔 Early Evening | Time 5:30 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Required | Limited Space (You will receive email confirmation.)
Be among the very first to explore the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s brand-new Champion Wetlands Nature Preserve during this exclusive Big Birding Weekend program!
Led by Museum staff, this special hike offers a rare opportunity to bird in a pristine, newly acquired site that’s never been open to the public. In fact, this will be the first time many Museum staff have even set foot on the property!
Champion Wetlands is a stunning mix of shrub swamp, forested uplands, boggy wetlands, and vernal pools—prime habitat for everything from wood ducks and chorus frogs to red-headed woodpeckers and migrating warblers.
Expect adventure: there are no established trails, so come prepared with sturdy, waterproof footwear and binoculars for a truly off-the-beaten-path birding experience just minutes from Mosquito Lake.
🦆 This is more than a hike—it’s a sneak peek into a future conservation treasure.
📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕡 7:00 – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Owl lovers, this one’s for you! Bob and Kathy, beloved volunteers of our Owl Prowls and Wildlife Shows, return with some unforgettable guests—including the majestic a Eurasian Eagle Owl, Barn Owls and a Barred Owls—for a captivating live bird presentation.
After meeting these incredible raptors up close, stick around for a hands-on science activity! Cathy Poponak and Theresa Craiger will lead you through an owl pellet dissection, where you'll uncover the fascinating remains of an owl’s last meal. It’s a great way to learn about owl diets, prey species, and the ecosystem connections they represent.
🦉 An evening of awe and inquiry that combines live wildlife education with real scientific exploration!
📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕘 9:00 PM – Late Night Feature
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Wrap up an incredible day of birding with a movie night under the stars! Join us at the Mosquito Lake Amphitheater for a special outdoor screening of The Big Year, the birding comedy inspired by true events—including those of our very own special guest, Greg Miller.
Greg, whose legendary 1998 birding journey helped inspire the story behind the film, will be on hand to introduce the movie and share insights about its accuracy, behind-the-scenes stories, and what it was like to have his passion brought to life on the big screen.
🎬 Popcorn will be provided—bring a chair, blanket, and anything you’d like to roast over the campfire as we close out the day in true birder fashion.
🌌 A fun, relaxed night for birders and movie lovers alike—don’t miss it!
📍 Meet at Milligan Road Parking Area
🕗 8:00 AM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged
Start your Sunday immersed in one of Ohio’s most beautiful birding hotspots!
Join staff from the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and the Division of Wildlife for a morning of birding at the Shenango Wildlife Area, an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area surrounding the Pymatuning Creek Wild & Scenic River.
This special hike offers an incredible opportunity to observe and photograph a wide variety of migratory birds during their spring journey. You'll be walking through diverse habitats—so wear sturdy footwear for trails, wet areas, and light brush.
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. A few extra binoculars will be available for use if needed.
🌧️ The event will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
🦅 A perfect way to explore the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of one of Ohio’s treasured birding areas!
Monday May 26
Golden Buckeye Walkers
3:30 to 5:00 PM
Join the naturalist for our weekly Golden Buckeye Nature Walkers meet-up! This easy-paced, social walk is designed for adults 60+ who enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, and friendly conversation. We’ll explore different areas of the park each week while taking in the beauty of nature together.
Location: Campground Overflow Parking Lot
Thursday May 29
Wise Tales: An Educational Owl Story Hour
Bookmobile stop from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Owl Story starts at 4:30 PM)
This story time will be a ‘HOOT’ for anyone that has never had a chance to meet an owl in person. Join our naturalist for a story and then meet a Eurasian Eagle-Owl, a Barred Owl and a Barn Owl.
Meet at the entrance to the Storybook Trail.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult and a waiver must be signed by a legal guardian to participate. Waivers will be on available on site or brought with you.
Friday May 30
Owl Prowl
8:00 to 9:00 PM
As dusk settles in, we’ll stroll the campground trails and streets to tune in to the sounds of nightfall. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for a resident pair of barred owls that have called this area home for years. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the campground after hours and learn about one of Ohio’s most vocal and captivating raptors. Whoo knows, we may have an owl of our own on the walk. (PLEASE NOTE: We will not be calling owls this owl prowl because of the nesting season.)
Location: Mosquito Lake State Park Amphitheater
Saturday May 31
Saturday May 31
Kayak First Paddle Program
10:00 AM
Enjoy an introductory lesson in kayaking and then take a short ride in the bay by the boat launch in the campground or out to one of the islands.
Location: Campground Boat Launch
Space is limited to 10 people for each session, so please register by calling: 330-638-5700 or campground store before 6PM Friday. There are 6 singles and 2 tandems, when signing up, indicate which you are registering. Waivers need signed and the PFDs provided at the program must be worn properly for the entirety of the program. Parent/guardian need to be present to participate if under the age of 18. Children under the age of 12 need to be in a tandem kayak with a parent/guardian. Waivers will be available on site or can be brought with you. Please plan on arriving no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the program for fitting of PFDs and safety instruction.
Archery and BB Gun First Shot Program
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Join our amazing group of volunteers and naturalist as they teach archery and bb gun basics with an emphasis on safety. This program is for all ages, not just kids.
Location: Mosquito Lake Archery Range
No open-toed shoes and kids must be accompanied by an adult. Waivers will be available on site or can be brought with you.
Wildlife Show
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Join our local volunteers Kathy and Bob with our naturalist for a peek at some local wildlife. Don’t be late, you may miss our special guests!
Location: Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
Mosquito/tick repellent advised, you may want to bring a chair for the wildlife show portion, wear appropriate shoes for the hike, and bring a flashlight.
Join the Friends of Mosquito Lake. The Mosquito Lake Friends group are an awesome not-for-profit organization for the park. This group helps organize volunteers for programs and events as well as raise money for improvements for the park and supplies for the programs. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM in the meeting room of the park office. Come join us and start helping out at the lake today!!! Email FriendsMLSP@gmail.com or visit the Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park Facebook page for more information.