Great Escape: Monarch Magic at North Chagrin Reservation

There’s a breathtaking moment awaiting you on Saturday, a truly magical moment encapsulating the magnificence of nature. Head for Monarch Magic at the Cleveland Metroparks Nature Center between noon and 4 p.m.

The naturalists there have briefly interrupted the southern migration of some Monarch butterflies – resting here after the exhausting flight over Lake Erie – so you can experience the sublime pleasure of a butterfly or two lighting on you. They’re gathering some of the beautiful black-and-orange creatures in the Octagon Room, located within the nature center.

The Monarch event also includes fun educational activities for kids and two films, Saving the Monarchs, from 12:30-1 p.m.; and On the Wings of Monarchs, from 2:45-3:35 p.m. There will also be music and refreshments available for sale.

If you miss the event, look for Monarchs anywhere there’s nectar-bearing plants – in flowerbeds and open fields of golden rod and asters. And in the early evening, check out your trees. Clusters of migrating Monarchs roost at night for warmth and protection from predators, including mice, voles, and a few species of birds.

The nature center is located off SOM Center Road between Interstate 90 and Wilson Mills Road.