CORTLAND, Ohio – Big Birding Weekend, an annual free event that draws thousands to the Mahoning Valley, will take place May 15-17 at Mosquito Lake State Park.

The park, located off state Route 305, draws a wide variety of birds this time of year, as migration is in full swing.

The weekend will begin with opening night remarks by Jason Lee, naturalist at the park, and other programming, at 6 p.m. May 15 at the Lakeview High School auditorium.

The May 16 schedule includes a full day of activities, starting at 8 a.m., both on land and on the water. It will conclude with an owl session at Country Porch Winery.

The weekend will close May 17 with morning birding at Shenango Wildlife Area and a bird hike.

For the complete schedule, click HERE.

Big Birding Weekend is just one part of the 2026 lineup of outdoor programs at the state park. The list also includes wildlife encounters, fishing events and community beach nights. Many of these programs are free or low-cost and designed for all experience levels, including families, first-timers and longtime outdoor enthusiasts.

“Our goal is to create fun ways to help connect people to Mosquito Lake and to nature,” Lee said.

Here is the full calendar:

  • May 15-17: Big Birding Weekend, featuring a wide range of programs.
  • May 23 and June 6: Wildlife Show at the Amphitheater. A live program with Mosquito Lake’s naturalist team and volunteers, hosted at the park amphitheater.
  • June 13: Ohio BioBlitz 250. A full-day BioBlitz as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s America 250 programming, inviting the public to discover, identify and record species across the park using tools like iNaturalist.
  • June 13: Lake to Plate. A three-part, hands-on program where guests can learn to fish, then how to clean their catch and cook with local anglers, as well as taste a few classic recipes. Registration is encouraged.
  • June 20 and Aug. 15: Mosquito Lake Beach Bash. A community night at the lake, with live music, food trucks and a car show.
  • June 20: Kids Fishing Derby, at Lakeview Recreation Area, for ages 15 and under, with naturalist activities and prizes.
  • Other events: The park also offers ongoing seasonal programs including owl prowls, Golden Buckeye hikes, archery lessons and a wide range of free kids programs and family-friendly nature activities.

Pictured at top: Visitors might see some unusual migratory birds at Mosquito Lake State Park.