The Wilderness Center

Wildlife Wednesday 02/25/2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:05:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

Let’s talk about the largest waterfowl in North America, the Trumpeter Swan!

Reaching a body length of over 6 feet, weighing close to 30 pounds, and possessing an 8-foot wingspan, these enormous avians are the heaviest flying bird on the continent. In order to become airborne, they require at least 100 yards of “runway” on open water. They slap their large feet against the water’s surface as they gallop while vigorously flapping their wings to build enough speed and lift to become airborne.

The adult swan is entirely white, while immature birds are grayish brown. The legs and bill are black in color. They have an upright posture and when paddling around bodies of water hold their neck very straight.

Primarily herbivores, Trumpeter Swans feed on aquatic vegetation as well as berries and grasses. They also dig up tubers and roots in muddy banks to snack on. They occasionally eat small fish and fish eggs, as well as insects.

They are named for their loud sonorous call, which is compared to the brass musical instrument the trumpet. These calls can be heard from over a mile away and are used to communicate, maintain pair bonds, and defend territory.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, Trumpeter Swans were hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers, skin, and meat. By 1932, fewer than 70 individuals were known to exist in the wild in the contiguous U.S. Thanks to strict protections and dedicated reintroduction programs, populations have rebounded, though habitat loss, power lines, and lead poisoning still pose threats.

In April of 2024 Trumpeter Swans were removed from the list of endangered and threatened species in Ohio.

Total Lunar Eclipse- March 3rd, 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:22:00 GMT

In the early hours of Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, weather permitting, we will be treated to a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse begins early in the morning at 3:44AM EST when the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra or lighter shadow. The Moon doesn’t look very different during this phase of the eclipse though you might be able to see that it’s a slightly darker shade of gray. At 4:50AM the partial eclipse phase begins as the Moon enters the umbra or darker shadow. This leading edge of the Moon will begin to look red. The Total eclipse begins at 6:04AM when the entire. Moon is in the Earth’s umbra, and it’s predicted the Moon will have a deep red/rust to brick red color. 6:33AM is maximum eclipse. This is when the Moon is closest to the center of the shadow. The Moon is also close to the horizon by now. To see it you will need a clear view of the western horizon. The Moon will still be in total eclipse when it sets at 6:58AM. Unfortunately for us the combination of a very low Moon in total eclipse and the Sun rising will make the Moon very dim before it sets. The Moon might become difficult to see, disappearing from view sometime before it sets. The total eclipse ends at 7:02AM when the Moon is below the horizon. So, we don’t get to see the entire eclipse from start to finish, but we do get to see the most important part – almost all of totality!

Why does the Moon turn red during a total eclipse? For the same reason our sky is blue, and sunsets are red. It’s a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere, the different wavelengths of light are scattered in different directions, and not all wavelengths are scattered equally. Shorter wavelengths of light like blue and violet are scattered more strongly and are tossed out of the atmosphere. Longer wavelengths of light like red and orange pass through Earth’s atmosphere. These red-orange wavelengths of light are bent or refracted around the Earth and hit the surface of the Moon making it appear red. It’s because of this that total lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons.” The global transparency or clearness of Earth’s atmosphere affects the Moon’s brightness and color during totality. So, the more dust or clouds in earth’s atmosphere during an eclipse, the redder the Moon will be.

Lunar eclipses are easy and safe to observe with the unaided eye. Just go outside, look up and marvel at what you are watching. Binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view, but they aren’t needed. Get a comfortable chair, jacket or coat, maybe a blanket and a warm drink – it will probably be cold before the Sun comes up. Hope for clear skies and enjoy March’s Full Worm Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/18/2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:59:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Let’s learn about North America’s largest rodent, the American beaver!

Weighing in at an average of 60 pounds, this semiaquatic mammal is adapted to both life in the water and on land. Body features such as webbed feet, a waterproof fur coat, and flat rudderlike tail allow them to excel at swimming. Their eyes are also covered by a third clear eyelid called the nictitating membrane, which act as built-in goggles when they are underwater. And their nostrils and earholes can seal tightly when they are submerged.

Like all rodents, beavers have incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives. These huge chisel-like front teeth along with powerful chewing muscles enable them to gnaw through hardwood trees like oaks and maples.

Beavers are considered a keystone species, a species that has a large effect on the natural environment relative to its abundance. They are ecosystem engineers, and profoundly alter, create, and maintain aquatic habitats by building dams and lodges with branches, mud, and rocks. These actions and structures transform streams into ponds, wetlands, and meadows, which increases biodiversity, improves water quality, recharges groundwater, and impacts the severity of floods and droughts. The habitat they create is beneficial to many species of insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, and other semi-aquatic mammals.

Historically native to Ohio, beavers were extirpated (locally extinct) from the state during the 1800s due to intense overtrapping for their pelts during the fur trade, as well as habitat loss during human expansion and settlement. Now, with hunting and trapping regulations in place and population monitoring by biologists, beavers have made a comeback and their numbers are continuing to grow.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/11/2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:13:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Valentine’s Day is approaching and love is in the air, especially for coyotes! February is the peak of coyote mating season, which spans from late January until early March, and is one of the best times of year to hear their howls!

Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that make their homes in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open spaces, suburban parks and golf courses, agricultural land, and large cities. This clever canine is common in all 88 counties of Ohio.

The slender coyote has pointy ears and a long snout, and often resembles a domestic dog such as a German shepherd or collie. The tail is carried downward at a 45-degree angle as it moves and is bushy with a black tip. Its yellow eyes are a distinguishing feature. Adults weigh an average of 20-40 pounds. Their fluffy winter coats can make them appear larger during the winter.

Coyote pairs are monogamous and stay together throughout their lives, the strong bond breaking only upon the death of a mate.

The coyote is described as the most vocal of wild North American mammals and its scientific name Canis latrans means “barking dog.” They are particularly talkative at this time of year, showcasing their repertoire of barks, huffs, yelps, yaps, woofs, whines, growls, and howls. The iconic yip-howl song is thought to be part of an elaborate greeting ceremony.

Join us for a night hike “Howl Prowl” this Friday, February 13 as we explore the TWC trails listening for the sounds of the song dog. Awooooo!

Great Horned Owls

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:50:00 GMT

On any of your recent night hikes have you heard the “whooo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” of the great horned owl? Perhaps you know them as “hoot owls.” They were given this name because they are the only owls in Ohio whose call is the traditional “hoot” we think of when we think of owl calls. This call can carry long distances and on a still night can be heard up to a half mile or more away. Maybe you’ve heard them called by another name, Tigers of the Woods, as they are powerful and fierce nocturnal predators capable of catching prey larger than themselves. Once clenched this owl’s talons require a force of 28 pounds to open. Their name actually comes from their plumicorns – those tuffs of feathers on top their heads. These feathers aren’t horns or ears. They’re believed to be part of the bird’s camouflaging. Great horned owls are the most common owl in America, found across the continental U.S., Canada, Central and South America. They are the largest resident owl in Ohio measuring between 20-25 inches high with a wingspan of about five feet and the second most common owl after the Eastern screech owl.

Great horned owls are nesting right now. They’re the earliest nesting birds in the state. Mating begins with males hooting in mid to late fall. By late January the females have laid their eggs. They nest in old large stick nests built by red-tailed hawks, crows, bald eagles or great blue herons; or in large broken off tree snags or inside a large cavity in a tree. The female will sit on her nest protecting and keeping her eggs warm through the harshest winter weather. Her insulating down feathers allows her to keep the eggs at about 98 degrees Fahrenheit even when the temperature drops below zero. The chicks hatch in late February or March. At six to seven weeks old flight feathers emerge just as they start venturing outside the nest onto nearby tree limbs. And at nine or ten weeks old they are able to fly. During January and February these owls are very vocal as this is their peak courtship and mating season. These beautiful nocturnal birds aren’t easy to see, but if you listen quietly, you may hear them. You can often hear pairs calling to each other.

As an apex predator and a keystone species great horned owls play a vital role in the ecosystem. These birds thrive in diverse habitats, including forests, deserts and urban areas. They are opportunistic hunters and provide natural pest control as they consume large numbers of rodents such as mice and rats, rabbits and squirrels. This is a benefit to agriculture. They also prey on other small to medium sized mammals such as skunks and opossums, frogs, snakes, lizards, and insects and, in so doing, help control prey populations. They help in disease control by preying on sick, injured or weak animals. They are considered nutrient recyclers as their pellets add organic material to the soil. Their mere presence indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem with a high biodiversity. Their biggest threat comes from human activity, and this includes light pollution. Let’s turn off all unnecessary lights to help these birds thrive at night and continue to do their part in the ecosystem.

If you’re interested in following a nesting great horned owl, this is a link for the Eagle Country Great Horned Owl Nest Live Cam in Southwest Florida . Enjoy!

https://hdontap.com/stream/603901/eagle-country-great-horned-owl-nest-live-cam/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPVt45leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2VE1TZUdIVHV1Y3kxMDBVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHilN-lHaPnYIIC7DSNEpEvAoIvGbvchf_RZ7E922RdGIIxb26GTdCKJ8N7I__aem_QJBOG0H3TYBNxw55pI91ew

Wildlife Wednesday 02/04/2026

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:25:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The Sandhill Crane is a tall elegant bird with a heavy body, soaring 6-foot wingspan, red crown of feathers on its head, and a fluffy bustle of gray plumage at its back end.

This graceful long-necked avian has a loud rolling trumpet-like vocalization that can be heard for miles. Mated pairs will engage in unison calling, standing close to each other and bugling a duet.

They live in open habitats near water and can be easy to spot. Look for them in wet meadows, prairies, marshes, bogs, and moist fields with standing water. They are quite social and form enormous flocks, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands.

Omnivorous, the feed on land and in shallow marshes, using their long bills to probe. Their diet includes seeds and grains, berries, tubers, vegetation, snails, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and insects.

Sandhill Cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances. Displaying cranes stretch out their wings and necks, pump their heads, leap into the air, circle one another, and bend in a low bow. The dancing strengthens the pair bond, as they are monogamous and mate for life.

The State of Conservation at TWC Part 3: The Pulse of Our Waters– A Deep Dive into Stream Quality

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:38:00 GMT

Curious about the health of our local ecosystems and how The Wilderness Center (TWC) protects them? Join us for an insightful three-part series presented by TWC’s conservation experts. This series will provide a transparent look into our ongoing efforts, highlighting the critical work being done to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity, right here in Ohio.

Our rivers and streams are the lifeblood of the landscape, supporting an incredible array of aquatic biodiversity. This final session will focus on the intricacies of stream health. Learn about the various indicators we monitor to evaluate habitat structure. We’ll discuss common threats to stream quality and how TWC’s efforts are protecting these essential waterways.

Watch the presentation recording here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5u43l69myFMFXpHn57z0lxyEqahvLuJ/view?usp=sharing .

Wildlife Wednesday 01/28/2026

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:01:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

It’s almost the big day for everyone’s favorite prognosticating rodent, so let’s celebrate with some groundhog info!

The groundhog, Marmota monax , is also known as a woodchuck and a whistlepig.

They are members of the squirrel family, belonging to the group of large-bodied ground squirrels called marmots.

Groundhogs prefer open country habitat and woodland edges, and they rarely venture too far from an entrance to their underground burrows. Their burrows are elaborate, with chambers for resting, rearing young, hiding from predators, sheltering from bad weather, and hibernating. There is also a separate area used as a restroom.

Despite their thick stocky build, groundhogs are excellent swimmers and tree climbers..

Groundhogs are among the true hibernators, and retreat underground below the frost line during the winter, slowing their heart rate to ten beats per minute and taking only one breath every six minutes.

When alarmed or threatened, they let out a loud high-pitched whistle to warn others in the colony, which gives them the “whistle pig” nickname.

A popular tongue twister asks the question “how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” In a publication by a wildlife biologist who calculated the volume of dirt excavated in an average groundhog burrow, the answer was determined to be 700 pounds if that volume correlated to wood.

Groundhogs are primarily herbivorous, and their diet includes wild grasses, lettuces, fruits, berries, bark, flowers, and other vegetation. They may also snack on non-plant foods from time to time, such as insects, snails, and bird eggs. They can sometimes be found consuming garden foods and agricultural crops as well.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 02. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if the groundhog emerges from its den and sees its shadow, it will be frightened and return underground and there will be six more weeks of winter. Alternatively, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, that is an indication of an early spring. Studies have shown that there is actually no correlation between groundhogs seeing shadows and the arrival of spring weather, but it’s still a very popular holiday and a fun bit of folklore!

Wildlife Wednesday 01/21/2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:12:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! The Snowy Owl is the heaviest owl in North America and one of the largest owls in the world. It is native to the Arctic where it spends its time breeding and hunting on the tundra.

While most owls are primarily nocturnal, the Snowy Owl is diurnal, active during the day. And during the continuous light of the Arctic summer they will hunt at all hours.

The plumage of the Snowy Owl is mostly white. Males in particular are almost entirely pale white, while females are white with dark black and brown barring. The owls that played Hedwig in the Harry Potter movies were all males. Both sexes have striking bright yellow eyes.

Snowy Owls are a rare visitor to Ohio during the winter. They can be spotted along the Lake Erie shoreline or in areas of the state with wide open spaces, reminiscent of the tundra they are used to. They also may take up hunting grounds at airports. They typically sit on the ground, but will occasionally perch on fence post, telephone pole, or other structure. In the Arctic they rely on lemmings as a staple of their diet, but when they migrate they will switch their target food to other small mammals, waterfowl, and gulls.

Since Snowy Owls breed in such remote places, have enormous territories, and their migrations are unpredictable, it is difficult for scientists to estimate their global population. Like all raptors, they are protected from hunting and trapping, and they continue to be studied and monitored by ornithologists, particularly due to potential threats from climate change on their habitat.

These majestic owls are popular among birders and non-birders alike, and when one makes an appearance in Ohio people flock to catch a glimpse of the beautiful visitor from the north.

Coyotes

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:32:00 GMT

Love them or hate them, coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem. Originally coyotes were western desert and prairie animals. They are cunning and intelligent animals having strength and endurance. They have been a part of Native American folklore for centuries. In these stories, Coyote is either revered for his intelligence and ability to resolve conflict or a trickster known for being a cunning and deceptive manipulator. The common name, coyote, originated from a word used by Mexico’s Nahuati Indians, coyoti. Its scientific name, Canis latrans, means barking dog.

Being highly adaptable animals, they began expanding their range eastward in the 1900’s as forests were cleared to make farmland and larger apex predators- wolves and cougars- were removed. Coyotes moved into Ohio in the early 1900’s and by 1988 could be found in all 88 counties. The eastern coyote is commonly found in Northeastern Ohio. They are a hybrid having both coyote and wolf parentage. It’s believed the hybridization occurred in the Great Lakes region as western coyotes moved east.

The coyote is primarily nocturnal, and they are built for hunting at night. They have exceptional senses of hearing, smell and eyesight. The coyote’s night vision is far superior to his daytime vision. Coyotes want to avoid humans. The coyote’s greatest strength is its ability to adapt. It’s the reason they are such a successful species. They adjust the times when they are active depending on the availability of food, human presence, and the season. This is why we can see them active after sunset and before sunrise and it’s why during certain times of the year we may see them more often during the day.

Coyotes usually live in small family groups or packs and vocalize at night to reinforce their territorial boundaries, to communicate with each other and to coordinate pack movement. Their vocal activity peaks during mating season in late winter and again in early spring when pups are being raised. You may hear many voices during these time periods sounding like a chorus. Calling at night is more effective and safer because there’s less human-made noise and sound carries farther.

Coyotes are the largest mammal to function as a predator in Ohio. They are carnivorous opportunistic eaters that can survive on a variety of foods. They feed on small wild or domestic animals like mice, moles, rabbit, deer (normally roadkill), and plants, including berries, apples, grass, seeds, and nuts. In urban areas they’ll eat pet food, food they find in the trash, vegetables and fruits in gardens, and bird seed. Yes, these tricksters can cause trouble, but they also play an important ecological role. They keep populations of small mammals and pests under control and help in promoting bird diversity by keeping bird predators in check. They disperse seeds through their scat and act as an ecosystem cleanup crew by scavenging on carrion. So, love them or hate them, we need to provide them with an environment they can thrive in. Let’s turn off all unnecessary lights to help coyotes continue to thrive at night and play their part in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 01/14/2026

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:37:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! January is the best month to see Golden Eagles in Ohio. The enormous and regal raptor is quite rare in Ohio, with only a handful of sightings each year.

The Golden Eagle has a wingspan of over 7 feet and large specimens tip the scales at 14 pounds. Their body plumage is dark brown and their legs are covered in feathers all the way to the toes. Their name comes from the color of the head, with the nape of the neck and the crown a shimmering hue of gold.

They prefer open and semi-open country habitats and are exceptionally powerful and agile fliers for their size, reaching speeds of 200 mph. They hunt small mammals such as rabbits, hares, and marmots, but this fierce bird of prey also can take down large animals such as coyotes, bobcats, geese, cranes, and white-tailed deer.

With astonishingly maneuverability, these eagles engage in territorial and courtship displays called “sky dancing,” during which they perform a series of steep dives and upward swoops with wing flaps. They also exhibit “pendulum flight,” where a bird will implement undulating flight with an aerial backflip at the peak, creating a pendulum-like swing to impress a potential mate.

The Golden Eagle is a partial migrant. The birds we see here in Ohio in the winter have migrated south from Canada, spending some time in the comparably “mild” climate where more food is available. They tend to occupy areas away from human habitation, so locating and observing this raptor royalty is truly an experience to treasure!

Wildlife Wednesday 01/07/2026

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:32:00 GMT

Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!

Let’s jump into some fun facts about the most widespread and abundant rabbit in North America, the Eastern cottontail!

This medium-sized rabbit is known and named for its fluffy white tail that resembles a cotton ball.

Its range extends from southern Canada throughout most of the United States and into Mexico, Central America, and northern regions of South America.

The preferred habitats include fields, meadows, forest edges, and brushy areas where it can quickly find cover. It has also adapted to human landscapes such as agricultural fields, cities, and suburban yards.

Primarily an herbivore, the cottontail feeds on grasses, herbs, tender vegetation (such as clover and dandelion), buds, twigs, and bark. It also practices coprophagy, eating its own soft fecal pellets to absorb more nutrients.

Predators of this rabbit include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, minks, hawks, owls, and domestic cats and dogs. Nestling rabbits are vulnerable to snakes, raccoons, and opossums.

When evading predators, the Eastern cottontail must rely on its speed and agility. While being pursued, it will run and hop in a zigzag pattern, reaching speeds close to 20mph.

Its long ears and huge hind feet are body adaptations that help it detect and escape predators. The large brown eyes are located on the side of its head to enable a wide panoramic view.

While the technical term for a baby rabbit is “kit,” they are more commonly and affectionately referred to as bunnies.

January 2026 Full Wolf Moon

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:31:00 GMT

The first full Moon of 2026, the Wolf Moon, occurs on January 3, at exactly 5:03AM EST. At this moment the Sun will be at its fullest and brightest. You’ll have about three hours to enjoy this full Moon before sunrise. If you’re not a morning person, the Moon will look very full and bright when it rises later that night. In fact, it will look full and bright the evening before on the 2 ^nd and the evening after on the 4 ^th . January’s full Moon is the first of three full supermoons in 2026.

There are differing opinions on the origins of the name Wolf Moon. Some sources state that the name is Native American in origin and others say it is Anglo-Saxon in origin. Wolves inhabit every continent except South America and Antarctica. Their howling during the cold month of January would have been familiar to not only Native Americans but to all in the northern hemisphere. And for millennia, Native Americans and people across Europe named the months, and in turn the full Moons in those months, after characteristics they observed during the month. So, we will probably never know the true origin of the name Wolf Moon.

It was once thought that wolves howled during January because they were hungry. Turns out that’s not the reason at all they’re just very communicative. They howl to coordinate hunts, tell other members of the pack where they are or that the pack needs to meet up. A howl may warn about a predator, give the location of prey, or warn outsiders they’re straying too close to the pack’s territory. The pack will even have howling sing-alongs. Howling increases during the evening and early dawn hours when wolves are hunting and even more often during the winter breeding season when they are looking for mates.

Do wolves howl at the Moon? No, but they do point their muzzles up toward the sky when they howl. It’s all about acoustics – projecting their howl upwards carries the sound farther. Researchers have found no connection between the phases of the Moon and wolf howling. They howl more at night because they are nocturnal. Folklore connecting wolves and the Moon has been around since ancient times. As far back as the Neolithic Age we find wolves and the Moon together in images and later in literature. It’s this long history of connection that has evolved into today’s popular folklore belief that wolves howl at the Moon.

Although Wolf Moon is the name traditionally given to the January full Moon, there are others. The Assiniboine call this the Center Moon because it roughly marks the middle of the cold winter season. The Cree call it the “Cold Moon” because of the bone chilling, deep cold that January can bring. Other weather-related names include the Algonquin name Freeze Up Moon and the Dakota Severe Moon. There are also animal related names such as the Sioux name The Time When Wolves Run Together, and the Haida name Bear Hunting Moon.

Put on a warm coat and hat and take some time to enjoy the Wolf Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 12/31/2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:09:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday, party animals! On New Year’s Eve, a date known for elaborate gatherings and celebrations, let’s learn about one of the most social and playful animals in Ohio, the North American river otter.

Widely appreciated for their adorableness thanks to their fluffy fur and cute facial features, otters are also renowned for their lively and entertaining behavior. They are so playful in fact, that a group of otters is collectively called a “romp.”

Some otter recreation activities include:

*Wrestling with each other, both on land and in the water

*Chasing each other, especially targeting the long furry tails of their companions

*Collecting rocks and ice chunks and other objects to toss and carry around

*Rolling, both on land and submerged underwater

*Burrowing and tunneling through large snow drifts

*And, most famously, sliding long distances on their bellies, over ice and snow and down muddy hillsides and river banks

Playtime strengthens otters’ social bonds, allows them to practice maneuverability, fine tunes their hunting techniques, and is also just plain fun.

Have a safe and happy new year as we channel our inner river otter and romp into 2026!

The State of Conservation at TWC Part 2: Beneath the Canopy– A Peek into Forest Quality

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:45:00 GMT

Curious about the health of our local ecosystems and how The Wilderness Center (TWC) protects them? This 3-part series will provide a transparent look into our ongoing efforts, highlighting the critical work being done to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity, right here in Ohio.

From towering oaks to delicate wildflowers, our forests are complex and vital ecosystems. This session will delve deeper into the specific metrics we use to evaluate forest quality. We’ll explore topics such as forest composition, tree health, the impact of invasive species, and regeneration dynamics. Understand the challenges our forests face and TWC’s proactive management strategies to ensure their resilience and biodiversity.

Watch the presentation recording here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1btJ7rDgWSnvAXGQU-nkEMOK22kU7nRD8/view

Wildlife Wednesday 12/24/2025

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:12:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Mrooowwwr. Purr. Hiss. Growl. These are the sounds one could hear from Ohio’s resident wildcat, the bobcat. These small native cats are part of the “purring cat” family (which also includes lynxes, ocelots, and house cats) and cannot roar.

Quiet, secretive, and avoidant of humans, bobcats are crepuscular and active mainly at dusk and dawn. They are fairly small, weighing between about 10 and 40 pounds, with males being larger than females. Their name comes from the stubby short tail, which appears “bobbed.” Their faces look wide due to the bushy ruffs of fur below their ears and fluffy tufts around their cheeks. The ears are pointy with black tips and the eyes are yellow with black pupils. The spotted pattern of their body coat is great camouflage, especially during the spring and fall.

As ambush predators, bobcats stealthily stalk or hide, waiting for prey to come near, then pounce. They are also excellent tree-climbers. Diet includes cottontail rabbits, small rodents (such as squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and voles), birds, fish, amphibians, eggs, and small white-tailed deer, particularly fawns.

At this time of year, bobcats are active and do not hibernate. They grow a very dense winter coat for extra insulation against the cold. When not hunting, they spend much of their time under cover in shelters such as hollow logs, rock crevices, dens, and thick vegetation and shrubbery.

Bobcats are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, though in Ohio they prefer forested areas. They are mostly solitary, establishing independent home ranges and interacting with other bobcats only for the breeding and kitten-rearing season. Common prior to human settlement, these felines were extirpated (completely absent) from the state by 1850 due to habitat loss and overhunting. They have since made a comeback and have an established population in the eastern and southern parts of Ohio and are continuing to expand. Meow!

Winter Solstice 2025

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:42:00 GMT

Winter solstice, the official astronomical beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere, is almost here. It will happen on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at exactly 10:03AM EST. Regardless of where you live in the northern hemisphere the winter solstice happens at the exact same time for all of us! It occurs when the Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted its farthest from the Sun placing the Sun directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary circle of latitude about 23.5 degrees south of Earth’s equator. It’s the southernmost latitude where the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon and this only happens on the winter solstice. Winter solstice gives us the shortest day and longest night of the year and even though it marks the start of winter it also marks the start of our days growing longer.

Our ancient ancestors observed and studied the sky. These first astronomers knew the Sun’s path across the sky, the changing sunrise and sunset locations and the changes in daylight. They observed that these changes happened in a regular and predictable pattern throughout the year. At winter solstice the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky and its position above the horizon at noon seems to stay the same for several days before and after the solstice. It was this observation that gave us the word solstice, which comes from the Latin word solstitium meaning “sun stands still.”

We’ve been very much aware that our daylight hours have been growing shorter the closer to winter solstice we get. We also know that after the solstice they will begin to grow longer. However, not having our scientific understanding of the winter solstice, to our ancestors the dwindling daylight and threat of starvation with the coming winter months was very real and scary. They dealt with their fear that the Sun would be gone forever by holding various celebrations and rites to light up the darkness encouraging the Sun to return and bring new life. Some of our most cherished Christmas traditions grew out of these early solstice celebrations – lighting of the yule log, decorating with evergreens, Christmas lights, kissing under the mistletoe, giving of gifts and many more.

Watch the sunrise and take a morning walk on the 21 ^st or an evening walk on the 20 ^th or 21 ^st . Take time to enjoy all that nature has to offer on this day, from its quiet beauty to all the critters scampering about and flying overhead. Who knows what all you will be treated to. On the 19 ^th The Wilderness Center is celebrating this event with a Winter Solstice Night Hike, followed by a favorite seasonal planetarium show “Season of Light” and if the sky is clear, observing in TWC’s observatory with our Astronomy Club. Registration for this event is required and is limited to 25 people.

Wildlife Wednesday 12/17/2025

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:49:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

‘Tis the season for the longest running citizen science project in the world, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

Up through the 19th century, many people in North America participated in a tradition of competitive hunting on Christmas Day, seeing who could kill the most birds. But in December 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed counting birds instead, and thus the idea of the CBC was hatched.

The Christmas Bird Count has been held every year since. Participation in the count is free and open to all. Each count is assigned a 15 mile diameter circle, and participants spend the day recording every bird they see. Counts can be held any day between and including December 14 – January 05.

The count has grown from its initial year of 27 observers to today’s tens of thousands of volunteers who participate. Data collected from this wildlife census over more than the past century has been recorded and used by scientists to track bird populations and inform conservation-related decisions.

The Wilmot CBC will take place this Friday, December 19. Join TWC staff and volunteers as we hit the trails and the wildlife observation viewing window to count birds!

Wildlife Wednesday 12/10/2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:49:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! As harsh winter weather approaches, we are featuring an animal that uses hibernation as a survival strategy, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.

Also known as the striped gopher and leopard ground squirrel, this rodent is related to prairie dogs and is found in grasslands and open areas in Ohio. They may also use man-made habitats such as cemeteries and golf courses as their homes. They typically maintain a range that is 2-3 acres in size.

Brown in coloration, the name comes from the thirteen longitudinal lines (which are sometimes broken up into spots) on the back and sides of the body. They are strictly diurnal, and are particularly active on warm sunny days.

Omnivorous, during the months they are awake they eat grasses, seeds, vegetables, fruits, caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, and other various invertebrates.

Building extensive systems of burrows, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel has a particularly long duration of hibernation. It will curl up into a ball in its nest by October or November, slowing its respiration from over one hundred breaths per minute to only one breath every 5 minutes. It will sleep this way until April or May, requiring no food or water. During the bitter freezing temperatures of deep winter, a 6-month nap has its appeal!

Geminid Meteor Shower 2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:58:00 GMT

The Geminid meteor shower is a perennial favorite and is well known for being the best meteor shower of the year. Earth’s orbit passes through the Geminid meteor stream every year from about November 19 to December 24. 2025’s expected peak, when the most meteors can be seen, is from Saturday night, December 13 into the early morning of Sunday, December 14. Typically, meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris field left behind by a comet. The Geminids are unique in that they are the only meteor shower that originates from an asteroid, named 3200 Phaethon. However, while 3200 Phaethon is classified as an asteroid now, it appears this asteroid was once a comet and is now considered an example of either a dormant or extinct comet.

Meteor showers get their names from the constellation they appear to radiate from. The radiant point for the Geminids is the constellation of Gemini, the Twins, near the bright star Castor. On December 13 Castor will be above the horizon by 8:00PM. The peak will occur around 2:00AM Sunday morning when Gemini is at its highest point in the sky. This year the waning crescent Moon won’t rise until 2:39AM, so it won’t interfere with meteor watching. The Geminids are known for bright meteors. They tend to be white, bright, and fast. You might see a fireball or an earth-grazer, a meteor that skims the top of Earth’s atmosphere like a stone skipping across the surface of a pond. Earth-grazers are more likely to be seen in the evening when the shower’s radiant point is low on the eastern horizon. How many meteors could you see? It depends on your observing location. In Ohio if you can find a dark location you might see upwards of 40 to 50 meteors per hour during the 2:00AM peak. The more light polluted your observing location the fewer meteors you will see. For those fortunate enough to be observing under a dark sky with perfect sky conditions, no clouds and absolutely no light pollution, 120 or more meteors per hour might be seen. There is one more treat in this night sky. Jupiter will be shining brightly on the eastern side of Gemini. You can’t miss it – it is the brightest object in that part of the sky.

You don’t need any special equipment to see meteors – just your eyes. The best way to observe the Geminids is to find a dark location with open sky. Stand, sit or lay with your back or the top of your head toward the east, the direction of Gemini at 8:00PM. This allows you to observe as much sky as possible directly above and around you. Also, let your eyes become adjusted to the dark – it takes about 20-30 minutes – you’ll see more meteors if you do. The longer you’re outside and the higher the radiant point is in the sky, the more meteors you will see. Know that Geminids often come in spurts, interspersed with lulls. So, grab your lawn chair, warm coat, blanket, and hot beverage of your choice and enjoy the Geminids!

Wildlife Wednesday 12/03/2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:45:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday. Visitors to The Wilderness Center often ask if bears live in our woods and the answer is… not right now. But they have in the past, and could again in the future.

Historically, American black bears were abundant throughout Ohio, prior to major human settlement. But by the 1850s bears were considered officially extirpated from the state, due to extensive deforestation and unregulated hunting.

In the past several years, however, sightings of black bears have become more common in the Buckeye state. They have a large home range (~100 miles) and prefer forested habitat with thick vegetation and are most frequently spotted in the northeastern and southeastern parts of state, likely moving in from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

An adult black bear can weigh 150-700 pounds, with males averaging about 300 and females 175. When walking on all four legs, their height is about 3 feet at the shoulder, but when standing upright males are 5-6 feet tall and females 4-5 feet.

Fur color has high variation, and their soft coats can be chocolate brown, cinnamon brown, cream, white, and of course black.

American black bears are omnivores, primarily foraging for fruits, berries, shoots, grasses, and nuts, though they will also eat insects, fish, eggs, carrion, and other animal protein. And they do love honey! They have an excellent sense of smell and in addition to their ability to climb trees to forage they are strong swimmers.

While generally shy and avoidant of humans, they are attracted to bird feeders, garbage cans with scraps of food, and outdoor pet bowls, which can be problematic if the bear loses its fear of people. Being bear aware is important as more and more of these charismatic creatures establish themselves as residents of Ohio.

Wildlife Wednesday 11/26/2025

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:49:00 GMT

Gobble gobble! It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are celebrating the Wild Turkey!

Preferring woodland habitat interspersed with open spaces such as fields, pastures, and orchards, these large heavy-bodied game birds with long necks and small heads feed on the ground, strutting and striding through forests and grasslands.

Adult males, or toms, weigh in at 12-25 pounds and have a huge colorful fan-shaped tail they spread out for display. Their featherless heads and necks change color based on their mood, varying between red, blue, and white. During courtship rituals they drum, boom, gobble, and spit to establish social dominance. When excited the wattles on their necks and throats become deep scarlet with blood flow, and a fleshy flap on their beak called the snood expands.

The females, or hens, are quite a bit smaller, weighing in at 9 pounds on average. The hens provide all parental care for the chicks, feeding them until they are able to find food on their own. They forage in groups, scouring and scratching the ground for acorns, nuts, seeds, berries, buds, insects, and occasionally small reptiles and amphibians. Hens and their broods often form enormous groups, with winter flocks exceeding 200 individuals.

Toms form their own all-male flocks. When threatened, turkeys tend to run away, but males can sometimes become aggressive, defending themselves by chasing and kicking and using their spurs as weapons.

Though they spend much time on the ground and have relatively small wings, Wild Turkeys are accomplished and agile fliers, reaching speeds near 50 mph over short distances. They fly to high tree branches at dusk, where they will roost for the night in groups.

In the early 20th century the population of the Wild Turkey had plummeted due to overhunting and habitat loss, and in 1904 turkeys were completely extirpated from Ohio. Thanks to management, conservation efforts, and reintroduction via trap and transfer, the charismatic fowl has made a comeback and can be found in all 88 counties, which is certainly something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The State of Conservation at TWC: Part 1: Implementing Our Vision- Overview of TWC’s New Monitoring Program

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:57:00 GMT

Curious about the health of our local ecosystems and how The Wilderness Center (TWC) protects them? This series will provide a transparent look into our ongoing efforts, highlighting the critical work being done to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity, right here in Ohio.

This kickoff session introduces TWC’s comprehensive ecological monitoring program, newly implemented this year. Discover the cutting-edge methods and technologies we are using to collect vital baseline data on our lands and waters. Learn how this foundational program allows us to track environmental changes, assess ecosystem health, and make informed decisions that guide our conservation strategies for years to come.

Watch the presentation recording here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bNVeq9-S8D4R6Snzc8WozjzIcwEGvxki/view?usp=drive_link

Northern Saw-Whet Owls

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:02:00 GMT

“I shall never forget the thrill I experienced when I first met this lovely little owl. … I had never seen so small an owl, or one so beautiful.” Arthur Cleveland Bent, Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey, Part 2, August 8, 1938.

Mr. Bent was writing about the northern saw-whet owl. Of the eight Ohio owl species the saw-whet is the smallest. These little owls are nocturnal and elusive. There may be a few of these owls that call Ohio home year-round, but the vast majority spend their summers in northern forests across Canada and from Alaska to the New England states. They are winter migrants to Ohio flying south from their northern breeding grounds to find shelter and food. Their fall migration occurs from October through mid-December. They find shelter in dense evergreen and conifer trees such as fir, pine and spruce trees. And often these trees are near freshwater sources such as lakes, creeks and bogs. Saw-whets are not easy to see; first, they’re nocturnal and second, they survive during the day by disappearing into their surroundings. They will roost motionless, camouflaged by their colors and markings and hidden by the branches of their chosen hiding spot. While saw-whets are seldom seen during winter they are probably the most common owl calling Ohio home.

This little owl is built for the night! Their bright yellow eyes are huge. If human eyes were as large proportionally as a saw-whet’s, they would be the size of a grapefruit. Their retinas are packed with far more rods than cones. Rods work in the dimmest light levels allowing the eye to see only in shades of gray, called scotopic vision. Not as necessary for this owl, cones work in bright light allowing the eye to perceive color. Compared to the size of their skull, saw-whets might have the largest ears of any animal. All owls have asymmetrical ears but saw-whet’s have the most asymmetrical ears of any owl species. Not only is one ear a little higher than the other but the left ear, located low on the head, faces downward and the right ear that is higher faces upward. In addition, each ear is also shaped slightly differently than the other. This owl will tilt its head until sounds reach both ear openings at the same time allowing them to instantly pinpoint and target their prey with incredible accuracy. Their flight feathers are fringed with soft comblike extensions that muffle the sound of flight. Their feet are strong, and the sharpness of their talons have been compared to a hypodermic needle. Their prey, consisting mostly of rodents, don’t have a chance. Saw-whets will cache extra food in various locations. During winter the cached food may freeze. They thaw the frozen carcasses by laying on them just like they are incubating eggs.

Saw-whets play a vital role in keeping ecosystem balance by controlling prey animal populations. They are also considered an indicator species for forest health as they depend on mature forest habitats with cavity nesting sites. The northern saw-whet is one very impressive little owl. It hunts at night, mates at night and migrates at night. It needs the dark of night to thrive. Owls, because of their scotopic vision, are particularly vulnerable to light pollution and the impacts of short wavelength blue light. Long term exposure to light at night can cause permanent damage to an owl’s eyes. Let’s turn off all unnecessary lights to help these owls continue to thrive at night and continue to play their part in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 11/19/2025

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:58:00 GMT

Whooooo’s ready for our upcoming owl prowl? It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we will highlight the 3 owl species we are most likely to encounter on our grounds this time of year.

The Eastern Screech-owl is Ohio’s smallest and most common owl, occurring in all 88 counties. This little owl is about the size of an American Robin, though double the weight. It has wide yellow eyes and can be seen in two color morphs, red or gray. It has small “ear tufts,” which are skin formations covered in feathers found in some species of birds. Resembling mammalian ears but unrelated to the owl’s ability to hear, these tufts help with camouflage, are used to look bigger and more threatening to predators, and may also help in courting a mate. The Eastern screech-owl’s vocalization is not actually a screech, but instead a combination of whistles, trills, and whinnies. It is very adaptable and can occupy a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, suburbs, urban areas, and woodlots. It is even common in backyards. Its diet is more varied than any other North American owl, preying upon rodents, birds, insects, and worms.

The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Ohio and with its enormous yellow eyes and deep hooting call, it is the classic owl that jumps to mind from storybooks and drawings. It has ear tufts which are so large they resemble horns, giving the species its name. Its preferred habitat includes woods interspersed with fields and open areas, as well as swamps, wetlands, meadows, orchards, and agricultural land, making The Wilderness Center and its surrounding area an ideal location for it to call home. The Great Horned Owl is almost strictly nocturnal, with peak activity occurring after dusk and before dawn. This massive powerful owl is at the top of the bird of prey food chain and has no predators.

Finally, we have the Barred Owl, a sizable owl with length measurements comparable to those of the Great Horned, but with only half the weight. The Barred Owl has dark black eyes, prominent facial discs, and lacks ear tufts. An extremely vocal owl, its call is described by the mnemonic “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” Pairs will often perform duets with this song, vocalizing loudly for extended periods of time. The Barred Owl has a delicate and graceful flight style as it swoops through forests and prefers wooded areas over open spaces. While most active at night, the Barred Owl can sometimes be seen during the day roosting on tree branches and inside cavities.

Join us this Friday from 7-8 PM as we hike our trails on an Owl Prowl night hike. Whoooo knows which owls and other nocturnal creatures we might find?

Wildlife Wednesday 11/12/2025

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:19:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we will learn about a nocturnal animal that wants to be seen, smelled, recognized, and remembered…the striped skunk!

While many animals use camouflage, burrows, and fleeing to hide from predators, the skunk does not rely on any of these. Instead its strategy is to stand out, showing off the bright white stripes along its black back and bushy tail, a sight that animals who have encountered skunks before learn to avoid.

Because upon encountering a skunk, an elaborate warning display of foot stamping and stomping will begin. The tail will rise, the back will arch, a little more stomping will occur with some hissing thrown in for good measure, and if the predator does not take the hint to continue on its way, it will be time for the main defense: the spray.

The notoriously smelly oil that spurts from glands under a skunk tail is described generously as musky but more often likened to sulfur, rotten eggs, and sewer gas. The substance can cause serious harm to animals if it gets in their eyes, stinging them and even causing temporary blindness. The stench does not wash off easily, and can cling to an animal’s fur for weeks. And skunks are a very good shot and rarely miss. Their lives depend on it.

Most animals avoid skunks once they learn the powerful lesson. Great Horned Owls are an exception however, because these large birds of prey lack a sense of smell and generally attack from above.

November 2025 Full Beaver Moon

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:22:00 GMT

November’s full Beaver Moon occurs on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:19AM EST. Unfortunately, the Moon has set and is well below the horizon by this time. Not to worry! The Moon will still look round and bright when it rises later that evening at 5:04PM. Native Americans were very in tune with nature and the changes that came with each season. For them the full Moon was a marker of time and of the seasons. They gave each full Moon a unique descriptive name based on what they observed taking place in the changing environment surrounding them.

The traditional full Moon names we use today, including Beaver Moon, originated with the Algonquin tribes that lived from New England to Lake Superior. During this time of year beavers are quite active. They’re preparing for winter – building up their lodges, storing food and growing thick warm winter coats. This was also the time of year, before the water froze, when hunters trapped beaver for food and for their thick, warm, waterproof fur. The beaver was important to the Algonquin and many other tribes as it provided food and warm clothing for the coming winter. It’s no wonder why they called this the Beaver Moon. Although Beaver Moon is the traditional and best-known name for the November Moon other Native American tribes had different names. The Tlingit named it Digging Moon for animals digging and scratching at the ground for nuts and other food. The Dakota and Lakota call this Moon the Deer Rutting Moon because deer are looking for mates. And the Kiowa call this Moon the Geese Going Moon as geese migrate this time of year. Other names describe the changing temperature. The Cree, Choctaw, and Assiniboine call it the Frost Moon. The Ojibwe people call it the Freezing Moon. The Abenaki call it the Freezing River Maker Moon. And the Wishram call it the Snowy Mountains in the Morning Moon.

This Moon is the second of three consecutive supermoons this year and it will be the closest full Moon of the year – 221,817 miles from Earth at perigee. “Supermoon” has become a trendy internet term for what astronomers call a perigee-syzygy full Moon. Supermoons occur because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle – the orbit is elliptical or oval shaped. So as the Moon orbits Earth its distance from Earth is constantly changing. One more thing to understand is Earth isn’t centered in the middle of the Moon’s elliptical orbit instead its slightly closer to one end of the oval. This is why the Moon has points in its orbit where its closest, called perigee, and farthest, called apogee, from Earth. One more fun astronomical word – syzygy. Syzygy is the term used when three or more celestial bodies line up. We have syzygy when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon giving us a full Moon. When this happens at perigee it’s called perigee-syzygy or a supermoon! To be considered a supermoon the Moon has to be very near – within 90% of reaching perigee or at perigee at full Moon. Supermoons are a bit larger, about 7% larger, and a bit brighter, but these differences are so small the eye can’t see them. Like all full Moons, they appear larger on the horizon because of the Moon illusion.

Take the time to enjoy a walk under the full Beaver Supermoon and enjoy all the natural world has to offer this time of year.

Wildlife Wednesday 11/05/2025

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:02:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It’s that time of the year! That time of year when Ohio gets a chill in the air and enjoys the arrival of large flocks of the “snowbird,” also known as the Dark-eyed Junco.

These cute sparrows with pink bills and long tails with flashy white outer-tail feathers are an abundant winter visitor to our area. While they breed in coniferous forests in Canada, the Appalachians, and the western USA, during the winter they prefer open woodlands, fields, and backyards throughout the eastern states.

A favorite among birdwatchers, Dark-eyed Juncos are not particularly shy and will bounce around bird feeders looking for seeds. They feed primarily on the ground, hopping and scratching at leaf litter and kicking through snow to find food. They are extremely cold-tolerant little balls of fluff, with densely packed down feathers. They form large groups, often with other sparrows and songbirds. The more the merrier, and a flock of juncos is sometimes referred to as a blizzard!

The wildlife observation area inside TWC’s Nature Center is the perfect place to see juncos and other birds. Our feeders are stocked daily with various seeds, nuts, and suet and can be easily observed from a comfy chair next to the large viewing windows. Join us Thursday and Friday mornings beginning tomorrow and continuing throughout the winter months as we participate in the Cornel Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch, a citizen science bird survey. A quick and easy orientation will be offered on the data collection process and a naturalist will be available for birding id questions!

Wildlife Wednesday 10/29/2025

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:41:00 GMT

Happy WildlifeWednesday!

The Wood Duck is a colorful and ornate species of waterfowl found in North America, considered by many to be among the most beautiful birds. The male is particularly spectacular, with a glossy emerald head, chestnut breast, striking red eyes and bill, and other bold markings. Its stunning plumage includes intricate patterns and details on nearly every feather.

Wood Ducks are a type of perching duck and can often be spotted high in treetops. Their feet have long claws that are designed for gripping bark and branches. Their preferred habitat is wooded swamps and marshes, where they will nest in tree cavities. They also readily use manmade nest boxes placed near water. They are quite comfortable flying through woodlands, and their short broad wings help them with maneuverability as they navigate among the trees.

Wood Ducks are the only North American duck that regularly produce two broods each year. When the ducklings hatch, they jump down from the nest in the tree in response to a call from their mother. They jump from heights as high as 50 feet and land without injury, usually touching down on soft material such as leaf litter or in the water.

As dabbling ducks, they feed from the surface of the water rather than diving underwater completely. They also graze and forage on land, eating berries, acorns, insects, seeds and plant matter.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/22/2025

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:44:00 GMT

Slow down for wildlife!

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and the time of year when our state mammal, the white-tailed deer, is most active. As a result it is also the time of year when vehicle collisions with the large hoofstock most frequently occur.

The breeding season, or rut, takes place in Ohio from mid-October through December, with the peak occurring in early November. During this time both bucks and does have increased hormone levels, are very active, and are less cautious than usual, often running blindly across roadways. Oh, deer.

Some driving tips during this season include:

-Avoid going over the speed limit and always wear a seatbelt

-Stay alert and aware of the conditions alongside the road

-Use extra caution near deer crossing signs as these notices are intentionally placed in areas of high deer density

-If you spot a deer on the road ahead, slow down as there likely are more following

-If a deer runs in front of your vehicle, brake but do not swerve, as swerving can result in loss of control and increased chances of damage and injury

-Travel with extra care during dusk and dawn, when deer tend to be at their most active

-Use the vehicle’s high beam bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic to make spotting deer in the dark easier

These practices can keep you safe to enjoy observing interesting deer behavior such as antler rubbing, scraping, sparring, and chasing during the rut season. Give wildlife a brake!

Regal Moth

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:16:00 GMT

The regal moth, also known as the royal walnut moth, is truly stunning in both size and beauty. This nocturnal giant becomes active at dusk and flies all night. Found throughout Ohio, the moth’s distribution is closely tied to its larval host trees. They are found in deciduous forests in the eastern U.S. from New Jersey to Missouri and south to eastern Texas and central Florida. These forests contain their preferred host tree species – walnut and hickory. But other trees such sweetgum, sumac, and persimmon, are also commonly used. Although they prefer moist bottomland forests and mature upland woodlands they might be seen in suburban areas with mature trees.

This nocturnal beauty is enormous with a wingspan of 4 to 6 inches. Females are larger than males. Their forewings are usually a deep olive-brown or black with prominent orange veins and yellow spots. The hindwings are more uniformly orange with yellow and dark spots. Their body is stout and covered in orange and yellow hairs giving it a fuzzy appearance. These very vivid and contrasting colors are a warning to predators that the moth may be toxic or poisonous or just distasteful. Of course, this is just a smokescreen as the moth is none of these things. Adults have no functioning mouth parts or digestive systems. They have only the energy they stored during their caterpillar stage. Their adult lifespan is very short – only a week or two. They have only one purpose, find a mate and reproduce.

As impressive as the regal moth is, their caterpillar called the hickory horned devil is equally impressive. After hatching the caterpillar spends about 37 to 42 days eating and growing, molting several times as it increases in size. Early-stage caterpillars look like bird droppings – an effective camouflage as they munch on leaves. By the time these caterpillars mature they are huge. Mature caterpillars are enormous, 5-to 6 inches long and about ¾ inch in diameter. They’ve been compared in size to a hotdog and described as a scary dragon. Their body color ranges from deep blue-green to tan with up to 5 pairs of long, curving, orange, hornlike structures over the back of its thorax with the rest of the body covered with shorter black spikes. It looks ferocious, but it’s not. Mature caterpillars leave their host trees to burrow into the soil to pupate in the ground. This is when most people will see these amazing creatures as they are looking for a place to dig into the soil. They overwinter as pupae.

Regal moths and their caterpillars are an important part of the food chain. They’re threatened by habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, herbicides, and light pollution. They mate and lay their eggs in the dark of night. Their caterpillars feed at night. All moths are drawn to bright lights at night, and the regal moth is no different. Moths drawn to light are not mating. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Unfortunately, under a bright light is the only place many people see a regal moth. Let’s help these amazing moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/15/2025

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:11:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! You may have noticed Eastern chipmunks are particularly active right now. The cheeky rodents are busy with their winter preparations, which means gathering as much food as possible to stockpile in their dens. They use their cheek pouches to hold and transport the food items and look pretty cute while doing it.

Their dens are located underground, with extensive tunnel systems and multiple entrances. They conceal the entryways by covering them with leaf litter, twigs, and small rocks. Chipmunks dig crevices in the walls of their burrows to store nuts, seeds, and bulbs. They can gather over one hundred acorns in a day, and tend to stash more food than they actually need.

Eastern chipmunks are active during the daylight hours and spend most of their time foraging. They live mostly solitary lives and are very territorial and will defend their burrows, where they will spend the winter. They do not enter true hibernation but instead go into a state of reduced physical activity and metabolism called torpor, relying on the cache of food they collected to get them through the cold weather months.

At this time of year, early fall, their calls are more noticeable than usual, a rhythmic and hollow-sounding cluck, almost like the steady beat of a drum. This vocalization is an alarm to other chipmunks that a hawk or other raptor is in the area overhead. The call is more frequent in the fall because the chipmunks are more actively out and about as they gather food and can get distracted with their efforts. The alert from others will cause them to join in, resulting in a chorus of clucks throughout the forest.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/08/2025

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:03:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

Features including a bushy ringed tail plus dark facial mask plus dexterous paws plus a reputation for mischief add up to one of North America’s most recognizable nocturnal creatures, the raccoon!

Smart and adaptable, the raccoon can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from forests and coasts to big cities and suburbs. As long as a water source is nearby, they can make their home just about anywhere.

They are omnivorous and opportunistic eaters, with a diet that includes insects, fruits, berries, vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, amphibians, fish, small mammals, birds, and even human and pet food scraps.

Their high intelligence and curiosity combined with agile paws enable raccoons to get into almost anything, including trash cans, boxes, jars, and other containers, and they can even grip and turn doorknobs and open latches and lids. In urban areas in particular they have earned the nickname “trash pandas” due to their tendency to raid garbage bins and dumpsters looking for snacks.

The face mask around the eyes is thought to reduce glare and enhance night vision, but also gives them a bandit-like appearance, which contributes to their reputation as mischief-makers.

The most important sense for raccoons is the sense of touch. Their front paws in particular are hyper sensitive, especially when wet and underwater. The “dousing” of their food and other objects has been noted and found to be how they perceive and interpret their environment, and is not as was once thought a cleaning or washing behavior.

Learn more about this intelligent and curious creature at our Enchanted Forest event, where the raccoon will be one of the many characters to meet on the trail!

October 2025 Full Harvest Moon

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:19:00 GMT

On Monday, October 6, 2025, we will be treated to a full Harvest Moon. The Moon will look full and round when it rises at 6:38PM EDT. However, it won’t be an official full Moon until 11:47PM – the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. Wait, isn’t October’s full Moon the Hunter’s Moon? Usually, but about every three years it’s the Harvest Moon. The name Harvest Moon isn’t tied to a particular month, instead it’s defined as the full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, so the full Harvest Moon can be either the September full Moon or the October full Moon. This year’s October full Moon is one day closer to the September 22 autumnal equinox date than the September full Moon. When this happens the September full Moon becomes the Corn Moon and October’s full Moon becomes the Harvest Moon. When a full moon occurs close to the autumnal equinox its orbital path is making a shallow angle with the horizon causing the Moon to rise relatively soon after sunset for a few days in a row. This means that the Moon will look full and bright all night long from October 5th to 7th.

October’s full Moon is also a supermoon. “Supermoon” is a trendy internet term for what astronomers call a perigean full Moon which is when the full Moon happens at, or very near, the exact time the Moon is closest to Earth during its orbit. The Moon reaches perigee at 8:27AM EDT the morning of October 8. And although a supermoon can be a bit larger and brighter these differences are so small the eye can’t see them. Like all full Moons, they appear larger on the horizon because of the Moon illusion. This is the first of three consecutive supermoons this year.

The name Harvest Moon seems to have originated in Europe. Just when the days were growing shorter the full Harvest Moon arrived and for several days the moonlight let the farmers have a few more hours to harvest their crops. Early Native Americans didn’t change the name of the September or October full Moons based on their closeness to the autumnal equinox. The name most often associated with this Moon is the Hunter’s Moon. Using the light of this Moon, hunters could hunt late into the evening allowing them more time to prepare for winter. However, Native Americans had many names for October’s full Moon based on the natural changes occurring this time of year and their preparations for the coming winter. Some of these include the Travel Moon, perhaps because birds and other animals were migrating or perhaps because northern Native American tribes would move down from the mountains for the winter. The Dakota peoples called it the Drying Rice Moon as this was the time to dry rice for storage, the Cree called this Moon the Migrating Moon as birds were migrating south, the Anishinaabe called it the Falling Leaves Moon, and the Ojibwe called it the Freezing Moon as temperatures become increasingly cold.

For us this extra moonlight gives us more time to enjoy this awesome Moon!

Wildlife Wednesday 10/01/2025

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:24:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

Ohio is home to over 620 species of spiders.

While spiders are sometimes feared and misunderstood, they play a very important part in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. In this way they are also helpful in protecting crops and agricultural resources.

Not insects themselves, spiders are arachnids, related to ticks, scorpions, and mites. Arachnids have two body segments and eight legs.

Spiders have high diversity, with a vast range of sizes, colors, shapes, habitats, and behaviors.

All spiders can produce silk, but not all spiders spin webs. Silk can be used to cocoon eggs, make shelters, and travel through the air on long strands. Spider silk is extremely strong and is even tougher than steel of the same dimension.

Spiders have fangs and are able to inject venom into their prey. Very few spiders are a threat to humans and they typically only bite in self defense.

Spider legs and bodies are covered in thousands of tiny hairs which detect vibrations. Many spiders do not have particularly good eyesight, and instead perceive their world through vibration and sound.

Spiders have appeared in cultural stories and mythology for centuries. They are often depicted as symbols of patience due to their hunting strategy of setting webs and traps and waiting for prey, as well as mischief and malice due to their venom and speed. Learn more about these incredible creatures at our Enchanted Forest, where Spider will be one of the storytelling characters to encounter on the trail!

Wildlife Wednesday 09/24/2025

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:34:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The Northern red salamander is a stout amphibian with bright gold eyes and a striking crimson body coloration with irregular black spots.

In Ohio this species is found primarily in the eastern half of the state, making homes under rocks and logs. Its preferred habitats include deciduous and mixed hardwood forests, fields and meadows, ponds and bogs, and areas with clean springs and streams.

Prey items to dine upon include insects, snails, earthworms, crustaceans, and spiders. The salamander has a projectile tongue that can extend and retract in about 11 milliseconds, which it uses to capture the desired meal target and pull it into its mouth.

Common predators of the Northern red salamander are birds, skunks, racoons and snakes. When threatened the salamander will curl up and try to protect its head with its tail and limbs. It also can release toxic secretions through its skin, giving it an unpalatable taste, discouraging animals from eating it.

The Northern red salamander is an excellent indicator of stream health and water quality as it is very sensitive to pollution, erosion, and other contamination.

Learn more about the salamander at our Enchanted Forest event, where this brilliant red creature will be one of the nocturnal woodland characters to encounter!

Long-Eared Owls

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:35:00 GMT

The long-eared owl is a beautiful nocturnal bird of prey built for hunting at night and being well camouflaged during the day. This owl spends most of its time in the boreal forests of Canada and northern parts of the U.S. Northern Ohio is on the very southern edge of this owls breeding range. However, this very secretive owl does migrate and winters in Ohio. They migrate at night and in November will begin showing up in Ohio. Their spring migration occurs during March and April. Most long-eared owls found in Ohio are winter migrants. Long-eareds are social owls and are often found in winter roosts of between 2 and 20 or more owls. While social they do like their space so they will often be perched within a few feet of each other.

These owls are strictly nocturnal. They do not hunt during the day, in fact, it will be almost completely dark before they become active. These birds have large ear tufts and prominent orange facial discs and like other owls they have a body made for silent flight. Their flight feathers have fringed edges and downy surfaces that mute the sound of the owl moving through air. They have the most incredible hearing due to their asymmetrically placed ear openings and large sound catching facial disks. Tests have shown that they can catch mice in complete darkness. This suggests that their ability to triangulate on a specific target using a strongly developed sense of hearing is quite advanced – better than most owls. Their ear tufts are not their ears. Their ears are located behind their eyes and covered by feathers. Their ear tufts are long feathers and actually part of their camouflage. When threatened long-eared owls compress their bodies to incredible thin proportions and raise their ear tufts, making them look like a broken tree limb.

Long-eareds hunt over open fields and meadows and tend to concentrate in areas with plenty of meadow voles, mice and other small mammals. They like their daytime roosts to be near their hunting grounds. They like stands of conifers and pines and will use grapevine tangles and even pin oaks as these also offer dense branching and retain their leaves well into winter giving them a hiding place. Long-eared owls earn their keep in the ecosystem by helping to control rodent populations, contributing to a healthier and more stable food web. They are also an indicator species as they are dependent on a variety of ecosystems. Owl sightings denote healthy systems. Unfortunately, loss and fragmentation of their woodland and grassland habitats due to agriculture and human development and the light pollution that comes with these activities is linked to decreasing long-eared owl populations.

These beautiful owls can’t hunt in light polluted areas. They may only be winter visitors, but we need to give them the dark night they need to thrive. Let’s help these owls and all nighttime owls by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can continue to do their part in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 09/17/2025

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:47:00 GMT

The striking luna moth, also known as the American moon moth, spends about a month of its life cycle as a handsome and hungry caterpillar.

Found in deciduous woodlands in North America where their larval foods occur, the hardy caterpillars spend most of their time eating. They munch upon the leaves of walnut, hickory, birch, and sweet gum trees.

Their lime green bodies have yellow lines and red spots, and are equipped with small spines which are thought to act as protection from predators such as lizards and birds. They also make warning clicking noises with their mandibles and vomit to deter predators, the expelled regurgitated food having a foul smell and taste.

After 3-4 weeks spent eating and eating, the caterpillar constructs a simple silk cocoon on the forest floor. The pupal stage lasts approximately two weeks in warm climates, and in cold climates the pupae may overwinter covered in leaf litter.

The large translucent creature that emerges from the cocoon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and interesting moth species.

Its adult life stage is brief, lasting only 7-10 days. The moth does not have a functional mouth or digestive system, so it must rely on the energy stored from all the food it consumed as a caterpillar. Proof that it is important to eat your greens!

Meet the luna moth caterpillar at the Enchanted Forest! Between bites of leaves this character will share more fun facts and potentially even burst into song!

Wildlife Wednesday 09/10/2025

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:12:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The Virginia opossum is the only species of opossum found in Ohio and is also the northernmost marsupial (animal that carries its young in a pouch) in the world!

It is an omnivore and has 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal, and is able to eat a wide variety of food such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, carrion, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and other mammals.

Most young are born in the spring, between March and June. Newborns are the size of a honeybee and they climb into the mother’s pouch, where they will stay for about 2 and half months to grow and develop. They will then stay with their mother and siblings for another several months, riding around on their mother’s back while they learn survival skills.

One of its defense mechanisms is feigning death, or “playing possum.” This fear response to a predator or other threat is involuntary. The unconscious opossum will lay motionless and secrete a vile smelling fluid, deterring animals that eat live prey and convincing them it is dead or diseased or otherwise unappetizing.

Virginia opossums rarely contract rabies. Their body temperature is lower than that of other mammals and cannot host the virus. They also have a natural immunity to snake venom.

Compared to other mammals, the Virginia opossum has a notably short lifespan. The maximum life expectancy in the wild is only 2 years, and most survive only half that long. Even in captivity with veterinary care and a safe environment an opossum is not expected to live past the age of 4.

Opossums are excellent climbers, using the opposable thumbs on their hind legs and their hairless prehensile tail to aid with gripping branches and objects.

Be sure to attend our Enchanted Forest event to meet and learn more about the Virginia opossum!

September 2025 Full Corn Moon

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:34:00 GMT

September’s full Corn Moon occurs at exactly 2:09PM EDT on Sunday, September 7, 2025. This is the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. At this moment in time the Moon will be below the horizon, but it will still look full and round when it rises later that evening at 7:51PM. In the northern part of the U.S. late summer to early fall is the time of year for harvesting corn. This is why many Native American tribes call September’s full Moon the Corn Moon.

Wait a minute, isn’t September’s full Moon called the Harvest Moon? Some years it is, but not this year. The Harvest Moon is the full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox. This year the full Harvest Moon occurs on October 6. When a full moon occurs close to the autumnal equinox its orbital path is making a shallow angle with the horizon causing the Moon to rise relatively soon after sunset for a few days in a row. This means that September’s Moon will also look full and bright on the 6 ^th and 8 ^th .

Although Corn Moon is the traditional name used for September’s full Moon there are others. There are more harvest related names such as the Western Abenaki name Corn Maker Moon and the Dakota peoples called it Moon When Rice is Laid Up to Dry. There are names relating to leaves turning color and falling from the trees such as the Ojibwe name Falling Leaves Moon the Anishinaabe name Leaves Turning Moon and the Assiniboine name Yellow Leaf Moon. And there are names relating to what animals are doing this time of year such as the Tlingit name Child Moon as this is the time of year young animals are weaned, and the Cree Moon names Mating Moon and Rutting Moon as some animals mate this time of year.

On September 7 there will be a total lunar eclipse of the full Corn Moon that will be seen in Antarctica, Australia, Asia, the western Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, Europe, the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Africa . Unfortunately, the eclipse path does not include the Americas as the Moon will be well below our horizon when the eclipse occurs. However, The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the eclipse from Italy, starting just after moonrise. You can find the livestream at the Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube channel . The Start time for this live stream is 17:45 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). For those of us in the Eastern Time Zone 17:45 is 5:45PM and because we are using daylight savings time, we have to subtract 4 hours from this time making the livestream start time 1:45PM. If you are reading this post in a different time zone adjust your time as needed, e.g. in the Central Time Zone the start time will be 12:45PM,

etc.

We have an added celestial bonus on September 7. The planet Saturn is a little below and to the east of the Moon. Enjoy the Corn Moon and Saturn!

Wildlife Wednesday 09/03/2025

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:37:00 GMT

Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!

The gray tree frog is an arboreal frog common throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

Found in woodlands, this nocturnal creature hunts in the understory of the forest and in shrubs. Prey consists of insects, slugs, snails, spiders, and occasionally smaller frogs.

This amazing amphibian is able to change its color in response to its environment and activities and can vary from shades of gray to green to brown. The upper portion of its body has a blotchy pattern that resembles lichen and its skin is bumpy in texture, adding to its ability to camouflage itself in trees.

While they are able to hop and leap, the gray tree frog is especially known for its acrobatic climbing skills. The tips of their toes have special pads, adapted to function as suction cups. The structure of the pads along with the mucus secreted from them allows for strong adhesion, and the frogs are able to cling to a variety of surfaces, even vertically and upside down.

The gray tree frog is extremely cold tolerant, and can survive freezing temperatures by producing a natural antifreeze of glycerol in their bodies, preventing cell damage. Their bodies essentially freeze solid during the winter, and then thaw in the spring.

Males emit loud musical calls after dusk, typically to establish territory and attract a mate.

Don’t miss our Enchanted Forest event, where this terrific tree frog will be one of the many colorful characters to encounter on the trail!

Wildlife Wednesday 08/27/2025

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:51:00 GMT

Bzzzzzzzzz. Happy #WildlifeWednesday.

The dog-day cicada, also referred to as a harvestfly, is an annual cicada found in North America whose peak singing occurs when the star Sirius is prominent in the night sky. This hot and humid time of year is often referred to as the “dog days of summer.”

Its song is reminiscent of a buzz saw, the high-pitched whining drone starting softly then growing louder to about 7kHz, then tapering off. The singing is produced by exoskeletal structures called tymbals, which vibrate rapidly to make the sound. This is different from crickets and grasshoppers, whose sound is a result of stridulation, or the rubbing together of body parts. Only the male cicadas sing, to attract a female, and the buzz can be heard up to a half mile away.

Coloration of the dog-day cicada is variable but tends towards mostly dark brown or black with green markings on the body. Its membranous wings also have green coloration in the veins, particularly near their base.

The preferred habitat is mixed or deciduous woods, and they are frequently found in pine forests. Freshly emerged adults can be found near the ground and in low vegetation, while mature adults may be high in the treetops.

Wildlife Wednesday 08/20/2025

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:31:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Known for its striking yellow and pink coloration, thick wooly body, and fuzzy antennae, the rosy maple moth is a favorite among moth enthusiasts.

A small member of the silk moth family, the rosy maple moth is found in the eastern United States and Canada. It makes its home in deciduous forests and surrounding suburban and urban areas.

As its common name suggests, this moth is attracted to maple trees. Females lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves, which are then eaten by the emerging caterpillars (known as the greenstriped mapleworm).

To hide from predators such as birds, the coloration of the moth surprisingly allows for perfect camouflage. When roosting during the day by hanging from clusters of maple fruit and seed casings, the moth is nearly impossible to spot.

Learn more about moths this Saturday at our Moths of the Night event!

Moths

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:06:00 GMT

Moths are amazing insects. These creatures have existed for around 190 million years – longer than butterflies. And they are an incredibly diverse group with around 170,000 different species worldwide. North America alone is home to more than 12,000 moth species. Scientists believe there are more moth species out there yet to be discovered. There seems to be a common misconception that moths are only active at night. Most moths are active at night but there are many species that are diurnal or active during the day.

Moths play a vital role in the ecosystem. Insects are at the heart of every food web and moths play an important role in this web. Adult moths and their caterpillars are food for a wide variety of wildlife, including other insects, mammals and songbirds. Ohio’s songbirds are dependent upon moth caterpillars as a food source, especially for feeding their nestlings. These caterpillars are so important to songbirds that many species would vanish without them, and our forests would largely fall silent. Many caterpillars emerge just in time to be bird snacks during the fall migration.

Moths are also important pollinators, particularly those species active at night. Moths have a diverse taste in flowers, making them a crucial ecological backup to daytime pollinators. They will also pollinate species that honeybees skip. Nocturnal moths pollinate not only wild plants but also many of our food crops, such as apples, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, peas and buckwheat. While many moths will pollinate a variety of plants there are moths that pollinate only one plant such as the yucca moth. This moth only pollinates flowers on the yucca plant. Plant and moth co-evolved and have a symbiotic relationship such that they are dependent on each other for survival.

Nocturnal moths have evolved several ways to aid them in their pollination duties. Moths have an incredible sense of smell that can detect a flower’s fragrance over very long distances. Some moths have specialized photoreceptors in their eyes adapted to low-light conditions allowing them to see better in the darkness. Some moths and plants have co-evolved, allowing the moth to use a combination of visual cues, such as flower shape, and strong scents to locate flowers. And some plants have adapted by producing pale or white colored flowers that reflect ambient light and pale Moon light making them more visible to the moths.

Moth populations and insects in general continue to decline worldwide. There is habitat loss and fragmentation, and widespread use of pesticides and herbicides. But there is also climate change with its warmer temperatures affecting when plants flower throwing them out of sync with the life cycle of their moth pollinators. Drought and fire, heavy rain events and flooding can change their overwintering conditions. Increasing numbers of non-native and invasive plant species crowd out critical native host plants that moths need to survive. Research is showing that artificial light at night, or light pollution, is an important contributor to declining moth populations across the globe. Artificial lights disorient moths, and this can impair their ability to find mates, evade predators, and pollinate plants. A recent study showed moth visits to plants were reduced by 62% in areas with artificial lighting as compared to dark areas. Daytime pollinators, while usually more numerous, are unable to make up the difference in this lost pollination. Per another study it is estimated that up to a third of the moths and other flying insects we see under streetlights die before morning due to increased predation or exhaustion.

Nighttime moth pollinators are amazing! And there are actions we can take to help them continue as important members of the ecosystem. If you would like to learn more about moths in general, moth gardening or how to make your yard more dark-sky and moth friendly join us at our Moths of the Night program Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00AM-2:00PM.

Wildlife Wednesday 08/13/2025

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:34:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday from the Isabella tiger moth!

Perhaps more well-known in its larval form of the woolly bear, as an adult this moth is yellowish orange with black spotting on the wings and three bold dots on each abdominal segment.

Its range is throughout the United States and Canada and it can often be found in very cold locations including the Arctic. Thus there is much folklore surrounding woolly bears and their ability to predict the weather.

Woolly bear bodies have 13 segments that are covered with black and brown hair, the brown color in the middle and black at the ends. Legend has it that if the brown band is wide, the winter will be mild. If the brown band is narrow, winter will be severe with cold temperatures and plenty of snow.

Additional folklore states that the direction the woolly bear is crawling is indicative of the coming winter. Caterpillars that are heading south are said to be trying to escape a harsh winter.

While woolly bears are not actually prognosticators of winter weather, they do have an amazing way to survive the freezing conditions. They emerge from their eggs in the fall, then will overwinter in their caterpillar form in tree cavities or under bark or leaf piles. Their bodies freeze completely solid for the winter. The heart stops beating and their blood freezes. They are able to survive this by producing a cryoprotectant in its tissues, which prevents damage. Many other insects and amphibians have this capability as well. In the spring the woolly bear thaws and gets on with its business!

Learn all about moths at our upcoming Moths of the Night event on Saturday, August 23!

Wildlife Wednesday 08/06/2025

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:03:00 GMT

The striking luna moth, also known as the American moon moth, spends about a month of its life cycle as a hungry caterpillar.

Found in deciduous woodlands in North America where their larval foods occur, the hardy caterpillars spend all of their time eating. Constantly. They munch upon the leaves of walnut, hickory, birch, and sweet gum trees.

Their bright green bodies have yellow lines and red spots and are equipped with small spines which are thought to act as protection from predators such as lizards and birds.

The translucent creature that emerges from the cocoon is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful moth species. Part of the giant silk moth group, its body is white and the large wings are lime green in color.

Learn all about moths at our upcoming Moths of the Night event on Saturday, August 23!

Perseid Meteor Shower, August 2025

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:49:00 GMT

The shooting stars of August, the Perseid meteor shower, is the brightest and most popular meteor shower of the year. And the best part is you don’t need any special equipment to see it – just your eyes. The Perseid meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris stream left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, a periodic comet which returns to the inner Solar System every 133 years. You may have already seen one of these shooting stars and not realized it! We start seeing a few of these meteors around Mid-July. We see a few more every night until the peak or maximum is reached. This year the maximum will occur on the morning of Tuesday, August 12, and maybe into the morning of Wednesday, August 13. Perseid meteors tend to increase in number as the night goes on. The shower is often best just before dawn. Unfortunately, the Perseids this year won’t be as spectacular as they were last year due to the waning gibbous Moon lighting up the sky all night. The moonlight will allow only the brightest meteors to be seen. Perseids will be visible each night through late August after which Earth is clear of the comet debris field. Just know that the number of Perseids streaking through the night sky tend to fall off rapidly after their peak.

Darkness and patience are the keys to seeing shooting stars. This year find a dark place with as little light pollution as possible – the darker the better – so that the Moon is your only light source. Meteor showers seem to fly away or radiate from a common point in the sky called a radiant. The Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus giving them their name. The best way to observe the Perseids is to sit or lay with your back or the top of your head towards the northeast, the direction of Perseus at 11:00pm. This allows you to observe as much sky as possible directly above you. This shower is known to produce rich, bright streaks and more fireballs than any other annual meteor shower. So even with the moonlight you may see a few Perseids. Dress for the weather, bring a comfortable chair or blanket and your choice beverage.

While watching for meteors the morning of August 12 look for the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. Venus, the brightest planet in the solar system, and Jupiter, the second brightest planet, will appear very close to each other in the morning sky. This pairing is very bright and will be easy to spot. The two will be rising in the northeast before 4:00AM EDT.

Happy watching!

August 2025 Full Sturgeon Moon

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:48:00 GMT

On August 9, 2025, we will be treated to the full Sturgeon Moon. If you are up early you can see this Moon at its fullest and brightest at the exact moment it’s full at 3:55A.M. EDT – the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. The Moon will set at 6:34A.M. If you’re not a morning person, the Moon will still look full and round when it rises Saturday night at 9:01PM. Native American names for full Moons are rooted in their knowledge of the natural world and their observed changes to this world from month to month. August’s Moon gets its name from the giant lake sturgeon, the largest freshwater fish in North America. In late summer, and particularly in August, these fish were easy to catch and were an important food source for many Native American tribes who lived in what are now the St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, Mississippi River and Coosa River watersheds. The importance of this fish made it the perfect inspiration for the name of the August Moon.

Although Sturgeon Moon is the most common name for August’s full Moon there are so many others. There are names associated with plants and harvesting such as the Lakota name Moon of the Ripening. The southern plains Ponca tribe call this the Corn is in the Silk Moon and the Assiniboine people call it the Black Cherries Moon. There are August Moon names associated with animals. For instance, the Arapaho call this Geese Shedding Their Feathers Moon and the Cree call it the Young Ducks Begin to Fly Moon. Summer heat and drought conditions have given rise to names such as the Catawba name Dry Moon and the Shoshone name Hot Moon. The Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest call it the Mountain Shadows Moon.

If you have the opportunity, take time to enjoy the full Sturgeon Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/30/2025

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:14:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! We are currently in the midst of the hottest part of the season in the Northern Hemisphere, often referred to as the “dog days of summer.” To celebrate we are highlighting one of the canines found in Ohio, the coyote!

The coyote is a medium-sized member of the dog family that is found throughout the state, occurring in all 88 counties. The slender canine has pointy ears and snout and often resembles a domestic dog such as a German shepherd or collie. The tail is carried downward at a 45 degree angle as it moves and is bushy with a black tip. Its yellow eyes are a distinguishing feature. Adults weigh an average of 20-40 pounds.

The coyote is a highly adaptable and clever animal and can make its home in a variety of habitats, including open spaces, woodlands, agricultural land, suburban parks and golf courses, and large cities. Its ability to use any habitat to its advantage is one reason it is so successful. It is omnivorous, eating mostly rodents, rabbits, birds, deer (typically fawns), fruit, berries, and vegetation.

The coyote is described as the most vocal of wild North American mammals, and its scientific name Canis latrans means “barking dog.” The assortment of barks, woofs, huffs, whines, yelps, growls, and howls is used for communication and the iconic group yip-howl song is thought to be part of an elaborate greeting ceremony.

Coyote pairs are monogamous and stay together throughout their lives, the bond breaking only upon the death of a mate.

To keep cool in the heat of the summer, coyotes will seek shady areas and dig shallow burrows. They will not stray far from water sources and may even increase consumption of fruits and berries and other foods with moisture. They also pant like domestic dogs, releasing excess body heat through their mouths and tongues.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/23/2025

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:02:00 GMT

Woof-woof, it’s #WildlifeWednesday!

The hot and humid time period between July 03 and August 11 is referred to as the “Dog Days of Summer” and today we will talk about two of the wild canines that make their home here in Ohio, the red fox and the gray fox!

The red fox is the larger and taller of the two species and is traditionally known for its bright red fur and black “socks” on its legs, though its coat can have color variations of black, silver, and brown. The enormous bushy tail of the red fox ends in a white tip.

The gray fox is smaller and has a grizzled silvery gray coat with reddish patches on the chest and sides and white marking on the face. A black stripe runs along the top of the tail. The gray fox’s snout is shorter and more catlike than that of other foxes.The gray fox also has specialized claws that allow it to climb trees!

To stay cool in the heat both species of fox will seek shade and even dig or use holes in the ground. Since their fur coats prevent them from being able to sweat through their skin, they pant just like our pet domestic dogs to release excess heat. Their coats are also much thinner during the hot months, as they begin shedding their thick winter fur in the spring, giving them a sleek summer look.

Both foxes are omnivores and eat a wide range of foods, including rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, eggs, fruits, and plant material. In the heat of summer they especially will target berries as they provide hydration in addition to being a tasty treat.

You might not be digging holes but we hope you find ways to stay cool like the fox today!

Northern Ring-Necked Snakes

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:00 GMT

The northern ring-necked snake is native to Ohio. Found throughout Ohio except for the west-central and extreme northwestern counties they are quite common in southern and eastern Ohio. They live in damp areas of forest habitats, along rocky streams, damp forested slopes and regenerating clear cuts. They are one of the few snake species that will live in houses. Houses with stone foundations and damp dirt-floor basements or crawl spaces are their favorites.

Although found throughout Ohio these snakes are rarely seen. This is because they are mostly nocturnal. They rarely leave their hiding places during the day – hiding under boulders, rocks, fallen trees, logs, branches, leaves and other vegetative litter. If found in their hiding spot they usually seek immediate cover under the nearest object. Although rarely seen during the day they can be seen crossing paths, roads, and sidewalks at night.

These small, slender, smooth-scaled, nonvenomous snakes are quite lovely. Their coloring is slate gray to bluish black with a yellow to orange colored belly and a yellow to orange colored ring behind their head. They can roll their tails into a tight coil and elevate showing you their orange or yellow colored belly. Adults will reach 10 to 20 inches in length. These little snakes are usually mild tempered when caught but will discharge a pungent substance from their musk glands and wiggle violently to escape.

Ring-necked snakes eat worms, slugs, insects, small salamanders, small lizards and juvenile snakes of other species. Though they are not true constrictors, they will wrap a coil around their prey. Another interesting fact, they have a pair of elongated teeth toward the back of their upper jaws. It’s believed these teeth evolved to allow them to better hold their prey. Ring-necked snakes are prey for larger animals – bigger snakes, owls, skunks, raccoons, and bullfrogs, to name a few. Northern ring-necked snakes are an important member of the ecosystem. The dark of night allows this little snake to hide from predators, forage for food and mate. Let’s help the ring-necked snakes by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive and continue as an important member of their ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/16/2025

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:54:00 GMT

It’ssssssss #WildlifeWednesday and #WorldSnakeDay and we are celebrating our prettiest and slitheriest resident animal ambassador, Zea the corn snake!

The corn snake is a type of rat snake found in North America, mostly in the central and southeastern United States. It is not venomous, and kills its prey instead by constriction (squeezing). It is a beneficial animal to humans as it keeps populations of wild rodents in check, particularly near agricultural land and crops.

There are two origins of the name “corn snake.” One says the name comes from the tendency of the snake to live near stores of grain and maize, where it hunts rats and mice. The other suggests that the name comes from the distinctive checkered scales on the belly, which resemble variegated kernels of corn.

The lifespan for wild corn snakes is 6-8 years, but in captivity they can live to well over 20. Zea is 12 years old.

Zea’s tank at the Wilderness Center has a climbing wall she frequently uses for exercise. Her tank also has proper lighting, heat bulbs, soaking tubs, and hiding areas to keep her healthy. Corn snakes are popular to keep in captivity for educational purposes and as pets due to the ease of their care, calm temperament, and tolerance for being handled.

Zea is a curious snake and enjoys supervised time exploring outdoors, going to outreach events and programs, and eating her meals of thawed mice.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/09/2025

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:52:00 GMT

Psssssst. It’s #WildlifeWednesday. World Snake Day is coming up next week so let’s learn about a creature frequently seen on the trails at TWC, the gray ratsnake.

Native to North America and primarily a forest-dwelling, this snake is widespread throughout Ohio.

They are agile climbers and are as comfortable slithering along the ground in the woods as they are among branches in the tree canopy. With this ability to live at various heights of the forest, their diet includes small rodents as well as birds and bird eggs, which they can eat directly out of the nest. The occasional frog or toad completes the menu.

Dark gray to black in coloration with some patterning, they reach an average adult size of 4 to 6 feet in length, making them the largest snake in Ohio.

They hunt by sense of smell and are powerful constrictors, subduing their prey by squeezing it.

When living in the forest they will often occupy woodpecker holes and other tree cavities. They will also shelter in manmade structures such as barns, sheds, and bridges. They are considered a beneficial reptile asset, as they play a crucial role in keeping rodent populations in check.

Learn even more about Ohio’s snakes next week during our free World Snake Day program and celebration at 1:30 PM in the Cardinal Room of the Interpretive Building. Ssssssssseee you there!

31st Annual Foto Fest Winners

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:46:00 GMT

Thank you to all who participated in the 31st Annual Foto Fest at The Wilderness Center! The winners are…

Best of Show: Michelle Whittensolder, Owl Eyes

Experienced Division:

Animals :

People’s Choice- Mary Douglas, Red Fox Kit

Judge’s First Place- Mark D. Stotzer, Sliding Into Spring

Judge’s Second Place- Kathy DeHass, Have a Happy Day

Judge’s Third Place- Dan Lux, Lone Bull

Birds:

People’s Choice- Michelle Whittensolder, Owl Eyes

Judge’s First Place- Michelle Whittensolder, Owl Eyes

Judge’s Second Place- Anita Hammond, Hummingbird Closeup

Judge’s Third Place- Mark W. Archibald, Backlit Egret

Flowers:

People’s Choice- Suzanne Lux, Dahlia

Judge’s First Place- Scott Moore, Cone Flower

Judge’s Second Place- Jennifer Case, Autumn Flowers in Canada

Judge’s Third Place- Suzanne Lux, Dahlia

General Nature:

People’s Choice- Bill Roloff, Season of Reflection

Judge’s First Place- Alyssa Davis, The Leaf

Judge’s Second Place- Ella Rose Salvino, Sunset Silhouette

Judge’s Third Place- Kathy DeHass, Flyagaric Mushroom

Insects:

People’s Choice- Jeff Seifert, Bee Gathering Pollen

Judge’s First Place- Mark W. Archibald, I Only Have Eyes For You

Judge’s Second Place- Dan Lux, Red Milkweed Beetles on Milkweed

Judge’s Third Place- Bill Roloff, Ready to Pounce

Landscapes:

People’s Choice- Shirley Weyrauch, Light Breaks Through

Judge’s First Place- Shirley Weyrauch, Light Breaks Through

Judge’s Second Place- Sarah O’Donnell, Garden of the Gods

Judge’s Third Place- Jack Perry, Night Time Reflections

Open:

People’s Choice- Shirley Weyrauch, Out of Service

Judge’s First Place- Shirley Weyrauch, Out of Service

Judge’s Second Place- Suzanne Lux, Stetson Journal and Bible

Judge’s Third Place- Jack Perry, American Landscape

People:

People’s Choice- Michelle Whittensolder, Train Crew

Judge’s First Place- Michelle Whittensolder, Train Crew

Judge’s Second Place- Norman Kutz, Shared Stare

Judge’s Third Place- Ted Allison, Iceland Gentleman

Youth Division:

People’s Choice- Keira Gregorich, Wood Duck Portrait

Judge’s First Place- Keira Gregorich, Wood Duck Portrait

Judge’s Second Place- Keira Gregorich, Heron Reflections

Judge’s Third Place- Keira Gregorich, Riverside Bloom

July 2025 Full Buck Moon

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:19:00 GMT

July’s full Buck Moon will rise on Thursday, July 10, 2025, being its fullest and brightest at 4:37PM EDT. The Moon will be below the horizon when this exact moment of full moon happens. Be outside looking to the southeast at 9:24PM to watch this beautiful Moon rise. Native Americans named Moons after what they were observing in the natural world around them. July’s Moon has a fitting name. Bucks (male deer) shed and regrow their antlers each year. Beginning in late March a buck’s antlers begin to grow. Deer, like all other animals, depend on Earth’s cycle of light and dark. The increasing daylight hours trigger the hormones that start the new antler growth each spring. And antlers grow fast – one and a half inches per week, making them the fastest growing bones in the world! It’s this time of year when a buck’s antlers are in full growth mode. By early August the buck has a new set of antlers bigger and more impressive than his last set. Native Americans observed this incredible transformation and it’s no wonder why they named July’s full Moon the Buck Moon.

Although Buck Moon is the most common name for July’s full Moon there are others. Western Abenaki call this Moon the Thunder Moon because of the large number of thunderstorms that happen at this time of year. There are other animal related names for this Moon such as the Cree name Feather Molting Moon and the Tlingit name Salmon Moon which refers to the return of this fish. And there are some plant related names such as the Anishinaabe’s Berry Moon, the Dakota’s When the Chokecherries are Ripe Moon, Zuni’s Limbs Are Broken by Fruit Moon, and the Cherokee’s Month of the Ripe Corn Moon.

Enjoy the full Buck Moon!

Wildlife Wednesday 07/02/25

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:36:00 GMT

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are celebrating the upcoming Independence Day holiday with our national bird, the Bald Eagle!

The Bald Eagle is found throughout Ohio, with the largest concentration of birds located in the marsh regions along Lake Erie. They prefer areas with large old growth trees for nesting near open bodies of water. Primarily a fish-eating bird of prey, they will also consume ducks, rodents, reptiles, and carrion.

The Bald Eagle is a sturdy raptor, weighing between 7 and 14 pounds with a wingspan ranging from 5’11” – 7’7”. Females are about 25 percent larger than the males. The plumage of immature eagles is brown, the white feathers of the head and tail developing at around 5-6 years of age. They live for an average of 20 years in the wild and can have an even longer lifespan in captivity.

Bald Eagles mate for life, often returning to the same nest for several years. The courtship rituals are elaborate, with the males performing astonishing aerial flight displays. The pair will lock talons and cartwheel, spin, and freefall, separating their hold on each other just before hitting the ground. The nest is the largest built by any bird in North America, and typically can be 8 feet wide and 13 feet deep. A record-setting nest in Florida weighed nearly 3 metric tons! Another famous nest located in Vermillion, Ohio was used for 34 years and was shaped like a wine glass, weighing over 2 tons before the tree that held it blew down.

The Bald Eagle was classified as an endangered species in the mid-20th century due to severe population decline caused by the pesticide DDT. The chemical affected calcium levels in adult birds, and as a result their eggs were too thin and would break when sat upon. Illegal shooting and lead poisoning from shotgun pellets left in animal carcasses killed by hunters also contributed to their decline.

With the ban of DDT and development of wildlife protection and environmental regulations, our national bird made a comeback and remarkable population recovery. The Bald Eagle species status was changed from endangered to threatened, then de-listed altogether, and now holds a risk level of least concern, which is indeed something to celebrate!

Wildlife Wednesday 06/25/25

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:07:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

If you’ve hiked to our pond lately, you may have noticed rows and piles of painted turtles covering the logs and banks.

The most widespread native turtle in North America, they are abundant in Ohio and can be easily found in freshwater aquatic habitats including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.

They can be identified by their dark smooth shells with bright red and black patterns on the underside. They grow to be 5-10 inches in length as adults, with males being slightly smaller than females. Both sexes have webbed feet to help with swimming, and males have long claws which they use to tickle the face and neck of females during courtship.

At this time of year, painted turtles spend much of their day basking. They will typically spend several hours in the morning laying on logs and rocks in the sun. Once warmed up, they actively begin hunting and foraging. Omnivorous, they eat a variety of vegetation including algae and aquatic plants, as well as organisms such as insects, crustaceans, and fish. After feeding, they will bask for the rest of the day, until nightfall when they drop to the bottom of the body of water for sleep. Be sure to hike our Pond Trail to observe the painted turtles this summer! The observation blind has a scope for viewing them as well as other wildlife at the pond.

Summer Solstice 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:11:00 GMT

Summer solstice, the astronomical beginning of summer, occurs after the Sun sets on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10:42PM EDT. Solstice is Latin for “Sun Stand Still.” This came from the observation that the Sun’s position appears to stop or stand still in the days surrounding the solstice. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. This apparent change in the position of the sun is due to the 23.5-degree axial tilt of the Earth and our orbital movement around the sun. This is the reason we have seasons. The solstice occurs at the specific moment the Earth’s north polar axis is at its maximum tilt toward the Sun. At this moment, the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer. And regardless of where you live the solstice happens at the exact same moment for everyone on the planet.

Ancient cultures watched and studied the Sun’s path across the sky. They understood that the Sun’s position along the horizon at sunrise and sunset moved in a regular and predictable way during the year. They also knew that the amount of daylight also changed in a predictable way through the year. Many of these cultures built monuments to align with the solstices. We are familiar with Stonehenge built around 3000B.C. by the early neolithic people in England. On the Summer solstice the Sun rises directly over the Heel Stone. Ancient Native Americans also used rock to mark the solstice. On Fajada Butte behind three stone slabs Ancestral Puebloan people in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, carved two spiral petroglyphs into the rock – a large one and a small one. Late morning on the summer solstice the sun shines on the three stone slabs creating a spot of light directly above the large spiral. During the next 15 minutes this spot of light stretches into a shaft of light called a “sun dagger” that goes through the middle of the spiral and gradually moves down the spiral and disappears. Knowing when the summer solstice occurred was important to ancient cultures because it marked the longest day of the year, it marked the transition from planting season to the growing season for crops and with more sunlight and warmth it promised the abundance of nature.

Celebrate the summer solstice! Join us on June 20, 2025, from 9:00PM-11:00PM for our summer solstice night hike. After the hike, weather permitting, join the Astronomy Club in TWC’s observatory to enjoy the solstice night sky through our telescopes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate there will be a Tonight’s Sky program in the planetarium.

Fireflies

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:34:00 GMT

Fireflies come out at dusk and mesmerize and delight us with their flashing lights. These beetles have been around for 100 million years. More than 2,200 species are found on every continent except Antarctica. In North America alone there are nearly 170 different species of flashing fireflies.

Despite all their success as a species, in recent decades fireflies have been disappearing from many of the places they once called home. Like other insects they are threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use. However, they are also uniquely vulnerable to the harmful effects of light pollution, and it may be one of the main causes of their decline. Research shows that artificial light at night makes it harder for fireflies to see each other, interfering with their reproduction. Light at night causes female fireflies to stop flashing and when the males don’t see any response flashes they start flashing less. When fireflies don’t flash at each other, the courtship process is broken, and they don’t mate. Research is also showing that light at night may cause temporal disorientation which interferes with the firefly’s circadian rhythm tricking male fireflies into thinking that the time isn’t right for courtship. Light at night also makes fireflies more vulnerable to predators that would normally be repelled by their light.

You can help the fireflies in your backyard. Fireflies typically won’t fly on nights with a full Moon or in brightly lit neighborhoods or backyards. We can’t do anything about the Moon, but we can turn off all the lights around our houses, in our gardens and in our yards. We can choose to protect the fireflies and do our part to stop their decline. We can help make sure that future generations continue to enjoy fireflies dancing in the night. If you would like to learn more about fireflies join us at our Firefly Festival on June 28, 2025, from 7:00PM-10:30PM.

Wildlife Wednesday 06/18/2025

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:39:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! We are so excited for our Firefly Festival next weekend, so let’s enjoy some fun facts about fireflies!

Fireflies are soft-bodied beetles commonly referred to as lightning bugs.

There are more than 2,000 species in the firefly (Lampyridae) family. Many but not all of the species produce light as adults.

There are about 2 dozen species of fireflies found in Ohio.

Fireflies produce light through bioluminescence, light emitted due to a chemical reaction in a living organism.

Bioluminescence in fireflies is nearly 100 percent efficient and little energy is wasted to produce their light.

Firefly larvae eat snails, slugs, and worms.

All fireflies glow as larvae. They use this glow to warn predators that they do not taste good.

Adult fireflies use their flashes to attract mates.

Firefly light can be yellow, green, or orange.

Habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution are contributing to the decline of firefly populations.

Join us next week on Saturday to learn even more about fireflies!

Wildlife Wednesday 06/11/2025

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:53:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we are featuring an animal frequently associated with happiness, the Eastern Bluebird!

A bluebird sighting is always a treat, the males in particular with their stunning brilliant shade of royal blue on the back and head and brick-red on the chest.

Eastern Bluebirds can frequently be spotted in open country, perched on low branches, posts, and fences. They prefer a meadow habitat near woods, as they will use holes in trees to make their nests. They are attracted to farmlands, orchards, and pastures, so the land around TWC is perfect habitat.

Their summer diet consists primarily of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers. In the fall and winter when insects are sparse they will feed on fruits and berries.

The species is social and will often gather in flocks of over 100. During the breeding season however they become territorial and vigorously defend their nests from rival bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. Eastern Bluebirds often have more than one successful brood each year, with young from nests early in the season leaving the parents during the summer and young from later nests staying with their parents over the winter.

Bluebirds will readily use man-made nest boxes. Their population had declined in the early 20th century when competition from introduced species such as the House Sparrow and European Starling made defending tree cavities and nest holes difficult. Thanks to nest-box campaigns and establishment of bluebird trails, their numbers have recovered, which is certainly a cause for happiness!

June 2025 Full Strawberry Moon

Fri, 30 May 2025 17:11:00 GMT

June’s full Strawberry Moon is the last full Moon of spring. This full Moon happens on Wednesday June 11, at exactly 3:44AM EDT. But it will not be strawberry red in color. The Moon then sets a short time later at 5:36AM. All of this happens before most of us are up for the day. However, even though a full Moon is a specific moment in time the Moon looks fully illuminated for a few days before and after the actual full Moon alignment. So, to our eye the Moon will look large, round, and golden when it rises at 9:55PM later that night.

Since ancient times Native Americans used the Moon to track the changing months and seasons. Names were based on what they observed happening in the natural world around them. During June wild strawberries, which are found throughout America, are one of the first berries to ripen. This made the strawberry an important spring food for many Native Americans. The importance of this fruit is why the Algonquin, Chippewa, Dakota, Lakota, Sioux, and Ojibwe named this Moon the Strawberry Moon. Although Strawberry Moon is the most common name for June’s full Moon there are other berry names for this Moon including the Creek Blackberry Moon, the Shawnee Raspberry Moon and the Haida Berries Ripen Moon. Berry picking time is limited and many animals also enjoy berry season, so the light of the full Moon would be used to harvest these fruits while they could. There are also other names for this Moon. Tribes sometimes had more than one name for a Moon. For instance, the Ojibwe not only call this Moon the Strawberry Moon, but also call it the Flowering Moon or Garden Moon. Several tribes had Moon names that honored things growing and the need to care for young crops including the Cherokee Plants in Garden are Sprouting Moon and Green Corn Moon, the Anishinaabe Blooming Moon, and the Western Abenaki call it the Hoer Moon. The Tlingit Moon of Birthing and the Cree Egg Laying Moon and Hatching Moon recognize the abundance of new animals being born. The Arapaho call this the Moon When the Buffalo Bellows. There are even some new names. In 2024 to honor the first white buffalo calf born in Yellowstone National Park the Farmer’s Almanac named June’s full Moon the White Buffalo Moon. White buffalo are rare and have significant cultural and spiritual meaning for many Native American tribes including the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Sioux. The Lakota revere the white buffalo as a messenger of hope and renewal. What an appropriate and wonderful name for this Moon!

Wildlife Wednesday 06/04/2025

Fri, 30 May 2025 16:53:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

A stunning bird that can be seen in Ohio right now is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. They can be found in woodlands and along forest edges, and also are very frequent visitors to bird feeders. Several of these gorgeous songbirds have been regular visitors to the TWC Interpretive Building’s wildlife observation area.

Grosbeaks are in the cardinal family and are fairly stocky in build with chunky triangular bills. Males are black and white in coloration with a bright splash of rose on the chest. Females look very different and are brown with heavy white streaking. The name “grosbeak” comes from the French “gros bec,” which translates to “large beak.” They use their big bills to feed on insects, seeds, and fruit.

The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is widely thought to be one of the most beautiful of the avians. Modern naturalists have been quoted as saying the singing is “so entrancingly beautiful that words cannot describe it,” and “it has been compared with the finest efforts of the robin and the Scarlet Tanager, but it is far superior to either,” and present-day bird watchers have suggested it “sings like a robin that has had opera training.” The sweet whistled tune is composed of notes that rise and fall, and both the males and females will sing even when sitting on the nest.

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks love eating sunflower seeds from feeders, so keeping a supply in stock is a good way to attract these melodic beauties to your yard.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/28/2025

Fri, 23 May 2025 17:41:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

Recently spotted on our Wilderness Walk trail is this large communal nest of the Eastern tent caterpillar. These caterpillars, which will eventually become moths, are among the most social of larvae.

An adult female moth lays her eggs in late spring or early summer. She lays just one batch each year, containing about 300 eggs. Within 3 weeks fully formed caterpillars are inside the eggs. They remain dormant until the following spring, when they then chew their way out of the egg mass to eat the buds of the host tree. Preferred host trees are cherry and apple.

The freshly hatched caterpillars build their silk tent shortly after emerging. The tents of this species are the largest constructed by any of the tent caterpillar family. Its placement is with the largest wall facing southeast to take advantage of the morning sun. The caterpillars add silk to the tent as part of their daily routine, creating many layers and openings for entrance and exit.

The tent is multifunctional, providing protection from predators and acting as a mini-greenhouse, keeping the larvae warm. Inside the tent the humidity levels increase and assist in the caterpillars staying hydrated and with molting.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/21/2025

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:11:00 GMT

Happy #WidlifeWednesday! With Memorial Day weekend and summer months approaching, Ohioans are looking forward to spending more time in the great outdoors. This is the perfect time for some tips about ticks, as this is the most active season for the tiny parasites.

There are three primary tick species of concern in our area. These are the American dog tick, the blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick), and the lone star tick. These ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans and pets.

Practicing tick safety will allow for an enjoyable time outside doing activities such as hiking, camping, and gardening. Ideal tick habitat consists of forests and woods as well as open areas with tall grasses and brush. To protect yourself, avoid these areas when possible and stay on trails when hiking.

Wearing light-colored clothing can be helpful as ticks will be easier to spot. Pants tucked into socks and boots and long-sleeved shirts will minimize skin exposure and tick contact. Gear can also be treated with insect repellents.

Be sure to keep your pets safe too. Ticks can be common even in neighborhoods, along road sides, and near leaf litter and high grass. Monthly flea and tick prevention products are recommended, and there is even a Lyme disease vaccine available for dogs from your veterinarian.

Upon completion of outdoor activities, checking yourself and your pets for ticks will minimize risk. Taking a shower and washing clothing right away also reduces chances of tick bites.

While it is important to be aware of ticks and related health threats, their existence should not discourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature.

Gray Fox

Fri, 09 May 2025 17:52:00 GMT

Gray foxes are nocturnal and elusive, making them hard to spot. This fox is considered a paraphyletic fox, meaning it’s not a true fox because it doesn’t belong to the genus Vulpes but rather the genus Urocyon. Belonging to the family Canidae, the gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus , and one other fox, the island fox, are the only two living members of the genus Urocyon. Urocyon comes from Greek and means dog tail and cinereoargenteus means ashen silver referring to this fox’s tail color. Gray foxes are an ancient species with fossil evidence placing it in North America some 3.6 million years ago. And it is the only canid native to Ohio.

The gray fox is a small animal weighing in at only 7 to 14 pounds. It has coarse salt and pepper grey hair with stunning black and reddish-brown makings including a black stripe running down the top of its long bushy tail ending in a black tip. Gray foxes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they don’t rely on a single food source. Their diet varies with the season and the prey and plant materials available. They’ll prey on any small mammal they can catch such as mice, squirrels, and rabbits. But they also eat birds, eggs, insects, fruits, and nuts. This fox is also called the tree fox as they are one of only two canid species in the world that can climb trees. They have sharp, partially retractable claws, like a cat’s, and rotating wrists which allow them to rotate their foreleg more than other canids, giving them a better grip when climbing. They climb trees to escape predators, to rest and to feed. Although nocturnal a grey fox may hunt during the day when needed. But usually during the day, they will be resting in a tree or well hidden under some dense vegetation sleeping.

Gray foxes play an important role in the ecosystem. They help with population control of small mammals, and they are valuable seed disbursers for fruits and berries. Once the most common fox species in Ohio, the number of gray foxes has been declining for some time due to habitat loss, competition from coyotes, and disease. In Ohio they are considered a “species of concern.” Gray foxes thrive under the cover of dense forested areas. For the gray fox to succeed they need these remaining forests to be dark at night. Light pollution or skyglow can reach hundreds of miles from the urban area creating the pollution. It reaches into the dark areas where the gray fox lives and interferes with their hunting, foraging and safety. Light pollution is the one challenge to the gray foxes’ success that everyone can do something about.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/14/2025

Fri, 09 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The Common snapping turtle is the largest species of turtle in Ohio, with some full-grown individuals weighing well over 35 pounds. While they achieve massive size as adults, when first hatched they measure only 2-3 centimeters, or about the size of a quarter!

Peak egg-laying season in Ohio is during the months of May and June and females are often spotted crossing roads and venturing into neighborhoods and yards in search of suitable nest sites. Even though they spend most of their time in the water, they build their nests and lay their eggs on land.

A female will dig a hole about 5-7 inches deep in which to lay, depositing up to 80 eggs. She then uses her back legs to bury the eggs for protection and incubation. She leaves the nest on its own and returns to her home habitat. Hatchlings emerge in September. Many eggs and young turtles are eaten by predators but since so many eggs are laid in each nest, some are bound to survive. The sex of the turtles is determined by the temperature of the environment. Cooler temperatures result in male hatchlings while warmer temperatures cause females to hatch.

Baby turtles venture into the world and fend for themselves upon hatching. If you notice a turtle needing assistance crossing a busy street or sidewalk, whether a youngster or an adult, it is important to move it in the direction it was heading and not change its course. Mature snapping turtles can be feisty when out of water so take care to keep the head away from your body and hold the turtle by the shell behind its back legs. Do not pick up a turtle by its tail as this can cause spinal injury to the animal.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/07/2025

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:19:00 GMT

Whooooo’s ready for our owl prowl? It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are highlighting the 3 species of owls we are most likely to encounter on our grounds this time of year.

The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Ohio and with its enormous yellow eyes, long ear tufts, and deep hooting call, it is the classic owl that jumps to mind from storybooks and drawings. Its preferred habitat includes woods interspersed with fields and open areas, as well as swamps, wetlands, meadows, orchards, and agricultural land, making The Wilderness Center and its surrounding area an ideal location for it to call home. The Great Horned Owl is almost strictly nocturnal, with peak activity occurring after dusk and before dawn. This massive powerful owl is at the top of the bird of prey food chain and has no predators.

The Barred Owl is a sizable owl with length measurements comparable to those of the Great Horned, but with only half the weight. The Barred Owl has dark black eyes, prominent facial discs, and lacks ear tufts. An extremely vocal owl, its call is described by the mnemonic “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” Pairs will often perform duets with this song, vocalizing loudly for extended periods of time. The Barred Owl has a delicate and graceful flight style as it swoops through forests and prefers wooded areas over open spaces. While most active at night, the Barred Owl can sometimes be seen during the day roosting on tree branches and inside cavities.

The Eastern Screech-owl is Ohio’s smallest and most common owl, occurring in all 88 counties. This small owl is about the size of an American Robin, though double the weight. It has wide yellow eyes, ear tufts, and can come in two color morphs, red or gray. Its vocalization is not actually a screech, but instead a combination of whistles, trills, and whinnies. The Eastern screech-owl is very adaptable and can occupy a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, suburbs, urban areas, and woodlots. Its diet is more varied than any other North American owl, preying upon rodents, birds, insects, and worms.

Join us Friday for our Owl Prowl night hike as we keep our eyes and ears open for owls!

May 2025 Full Flower Moon

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:56:00 GMT

Our next full Moon, the Flower Moon, occurs at 12:56PM EDT on May 12, 2025. This exact moment when the Moon is officially full occurs after the Moon has set for us. Remember being able to see a full Moon at the exact moment it’s 100% illuminated depends on your location. The full Moon alignment happens at one specific moment in time, regardless of the observer’s time of day or location on Earth. The Flower Moon will still appear full and round to our eye when it rises at 9:02PM on the evening of May 12. In fact, weather permitting, the Moon will look full on May 11 and May 13 as well.

The Algonquin people have been given credit for the Flower Moon name honoring all the beautiful and colorful wildflowers. While Flower Moon is the most common name for May’s full Moon there are other nature-inspired spring names – as this Moon is not only the harbinger of all the beautiful wildflowers to come, but also of trees and bushes leafing out, migrating birds returning, butterflies and moths appearing, and baby animals of all kinds being born. The Creek and Choctaw call this Moon the Mulberry Moon. The red mulberry tree was important to these people – the fruit was a food source, the fruit, leaves and twigs could be used to make dyes and the plant’s branches could be used to make bows. Other names honored the return of leaves and green trees. The Apache call May’s Moon the Season When leaves are Green Moon, and the Lakota call it the Moon of Green Leaves. In some regions the threat of frost has passed by this time and farmers could plant seeds. The Abenaki call this Moon the Field Maker Moon, and the Winnebago call it the Corn Moon. Let’s not forget the animals. If you’ve been at the Wilderness Center, you’ve heard the beautiful call of the spring peepers. The Cree heard the frogs too and called this the Frog Moon. And one of my favorite names is from the Oglala who call it the Moon of the Shedding Ponies. Perhaps, if the weather is good, take a night hike and enjoy nature under the full Flower Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 04/30/25

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:01:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

It’s that time of year when white-tailed deer babies begin to be seen curled up in yards and on lawns. Fawns are born in Ohio between May and July and although they are able to walk at birth, they need to spend several weeks with their mother for food and protection.

Mother deer purposely leave their young unattended, hidden in shrubs or tall grass while they forage for food throughout the day. This behavior keeps them safe from predators. The fawns quietly sit still and their spotted fur coats and lack of odor help them blend in with their surroundings.

Humans often notice the young deer and assume they have been abandoned. This is rarely the case. You can monitor the fawn from a distance to see if the mother checks in to nurse or move the youngster. Do not offer the fawn food or water as it requires specific nourishment from its mother and consuming inappropriate items can harm it. Only in the cases of the fawn being injured or sick, or if you are certain the mother is dead, is it acceptable to intervene. In these rare instances one should contact a local wildlife rehabilitation expert.

Enjoy the cuteness and keep wildlife wild!

Wildlife Wednesday 04/23/2025

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:22:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It is almost the delightful time of year known as “baby bird season” and geese and ducks can be spotted swimming and waddling around with their numerous adorable offspring in tow.

Canada Geese and Mallards are the most common waterfowl that make their homes at TWC’s Wilderness Lake and it can be tempting for our visitors to feed them.

Popular culture has historically depicted tossing bread, crackers, and popcorn to the endearing goslings and ducklings as appropriate, but human food is very harmful to wild animals. These products are filling but do not have many nutrients, so feeding them to waterfowl prevents the birds from finding the healthy food in nature they need to grow and survive. Improper diets can also lead to serious health problems, such as metabolic bone disease and angel wing syndrome.

Allowing waterfowl to forage for natural provisions on their own is best, but if you do choose to feed them do so in moderation and take care to offer a nutritious selection. Instead of processed junk food, feed them chopped leafy greens, shredded vegetables (carrots are a good choice), sliced fruits (grapes and berries), grains, oats, and bird seed. Healthy food for our wild waterfowl residents is also available in our Interpretive Building.

Dekay’s Brownsnake

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:31:00 GMT

Dekay’s brownsnake is common, small, secretive, nocturnal and seldom found out in the open. Their Latin name is Storeria dekayi. The species name dekayi honors James Ellsworth Dekay, a naturalist/zoologist who collected the first specimen of this snake on Long Island, New York and Storeria honors David Humphreys Storer, an American physician/naturalist/ zoologist. This is the only North American snake with a Latin name honoring two people. These snakes are found east of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. and in a variety of habitats. They can be found in dense woods to open prairies and marshes, preferring moist soil, but tolerant of dry areas. They can be found in agricultural, suburban and urban areas.

This snake is between 9 and 15 inches long though occasionally longer. They can be brown, tan or gray in color and have two rows of spots along the length of their body. Their color between the spots is lighter than the rest of their body. Their heads are small and dark with a dark band along the jawline. This coloring provides them with excellent camouflage. Being shy and secretive they spend most of their lives underground or hiding in loose stones, under rocks, logs, old boards, and other such spots. They will hibernate in the burrows of other animals, in abandoned anthills, in rock crevices, under logs or in buildings. They are mainly solitary animals, but they will share hibernation spots with other snake species, and they return to the same hibernation spot every year. These are harmless, nonvenomous snakes. They won’t try to bite if you pick one up, but they will try to get away and they will smear your hand with bad smelling musk.

These snakes mostly eat snails, slugs, and earthworms, but they will also eat small salamanders, and soft-bodied insects. This little snake has specialized teeth and jaws that allow them to pull snails out of their shells so that they can eat them. They are prey animals for larger snakes, large frogs and toads, hawks, weasels, and domestic cats. Dekay’s brownsnake is an important member of the ecosystem. They help to control snail, slug and earthworm populations and they are a valuable food source for their predators. The dark of night allows this little snake to hide from predators, forage for food and mate. Let’s help Dekay’s brownsnake by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive and continue as an important member of their ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 04/16/2025

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!

Let’s leap in and learn some fun facts about the impressive American bullfrog!

The American bullfrog is the largest frog in North America, with adults weighing more than a pound.

The name “bullfrog” comes from the noise males make during the breeding season, which sounds like a bull bellowing.

Their croaking call is often described as “jug-o-rum” and can be heard from a mile away.

American bullfrogs are voracious ambush predators, and will eat any animal they can overpower and stuff into their mouths. This can include anything from fish, snails, and insects to rodents, birds, and even bats. They are able to accomplish this through the quickness of their tongue strike and the powerful grip of their jaws.

On the flip side, bullfrogs are an important prey item for many animals, such as river otters, raccoons, herons, snapping turtles, and fish. Humans also hunt them for consumption and their legs are an ingredient in many cuisines.

Preferred bullfrog habitat is warm still water such as ponds and small lakes. They are fiercely territorial.

They are primarily nocturnal.

Join us for our night hike and frog monitoring program this Friday from 8:00-10:30 PM as we look for frogs and other amphibians and wildlife!

Wildlife Wednesday 04/09/2025

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:20:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

You may have noticed more than the usual number of large dark birds circling and soaring in the sky overhead lately. Welcome back, Turkey Vultures!

While some Turkey Vultures stay in Ohio all year, most migrate for the winter, traveling to the southern USA and even as far as South America. Often associated with death and decay, the Turkey Vulture is a harbinger of spring!

A valuable member of nature’s cleanup crew, vultures eat carrion, which they locate using their sense of smell. Their stomachs are extremely acidic, which allows them to digest carasses tainted with rabies, anthrax, and tuberculosis. Without vultures, much more disease would spread from rotting dead animals.

The head is featherless to prevent buildup of guts, entrails, maggots, and other distasteful things that might accumulate while feeding face-first in carcasses. Lacking the ability to sweat, when a vulture gets too hot, it defecates on its own legs, using evaporation of the water in the feces and urates as a cooling down strategy. Its primary means of defense is to projectile vomit foul-smelling, semi-digested rancid meat, an effective deterrent to pretty much all predators.

While the previous paragraph may sound a bit gross, Turkey Vultures are relatively clean, gentle, and social creatures. They can often be seen standing nobly in the horaltic pose, perched high with their enormous wings spread wide, glowing in the sunshine. Not only does this stance look regal, in addition the vulture is using the heat of the sun to bake off ectoparasites and bacteria in its feathers.

Turkey Vultures are very social. They migrate in flocks that can number into the thousands and roost together at night in large communal groups, sometimes sharing a roosting space with Black Vultures as well. A group of perched vultures is referred to as a “committee” and while flying a “kettle.” When they are feeding together at a carcass the collective is called a “wake.”

April 2025 Full Pink Moon

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 17:34:00 GMT

April’s full Moon is called the Pink Moon, and it occurs on Saturday, April 12. The Moon will look full when it rises at 8:01PM EST, but it won’t be a true full Moon until 8:22PM EST when the Moon has moved in its orbit so that Earth is directly between the Moon and Sun. April’s full Moon has long been associated with flowers that begin to bloom this time of year, particularly the flower moss pink also called creeping ground phlox. Moss pink is one of the earliest and most widespread spring flowers and it’s most often pink in color. This Moon is also called the Paschal Moon as it is the first full Moon after the spring equinox. In the Christian world this Moon is used to set the date for Easter. In Jewish tradition this Moon is called the Passover Moon and marks their freedom from Egypt.

Although Pink Moon is the most common name for April’s Moon, Native Americans also have other names that are associated with the rebirth and new growth that was occurring around them. For example, the Oglala tribe called this Moon the Moon of the Red Grass Appearing, the Choctaw call it the Moon of Blackberry, and the Cherokee call it the Flower Moon. Some of the names come from farming such as the Winnebago Planting Corn Moon. Other names are associated with animals like the Cheyenne name When Geese Lay Eggs. Many tribes in the Pacific Northwest call this moon the Fish Moon probably referring to the salmon or shad returning to spawn. For many northern tribes it hasn’t warmed enough yet to see the rebirth and new growth signs of spring. Their Moon names reflect the end of winter such as the Arapaho name Ice Breaking in the River and the Dakota name Moon When the Streams are Navigable Again. The Lakota name, When Wives Crack Bones for Marrow Fat, refers to the scarcity of food as the winter ends.

The Pink Moon has many names but no matter what we call it, for most of us it’s a hopeful sign of spring and good things to come.

Wildlife Wednesday 04/02/2025

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:50:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! They’re on their way! A truly delightful harbinger of spring is the dazzling appearance of hummingbirds as they return from their wintering grounds in Central America.

The most common species of hummingbird in Ohio is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern part of the United States. With their brilliant iridescent red throats and sparkling emerald backs and crowns, the males are the first to arrive, usually 1-2 weeks ahead of the females, who lack the ruby throat and are more muted in plumage color.

The males arrive earlier in order to scout for food and set up territories. Their diet consists primarily of nectar and insects. They prefer to drink from red and orange tubular flowers, using their long bills and tongues to access the center of the bloom while hovering in the air, and they will also frequent backyard feeders. Insects may be caught while on the wing, or plucked from foliage and spider webs.

Ruby-throats are precision flyers and able to hover and fly backwards and upside-down. Between the males aggressively defending their favorite feeding locales with swift aerodynamic chases and dramatically diving while performing elaborate courtship displays, this species is very captivating and entertaining for human observers.

To attract these charismatic birds to your yard, plant flowers such as bee balm, cardinal flower, fire pink, royal catchfly, and yellow and spotted jewelweed. You can also provide food in the way of a hummingbird feeder. The liquid mixture in the feeder should be ¼ cup of sugar to 1 cup of water and there is no need to add red food coloring or dyes. To keep your avian visitors healthy, thoroughly clean the feeder the recommended every 2-3 days or when the water gets cloudy, as harmful bacteria and mold can accumulate and sugar can ferment and become toxic. And while the native Ruby-throat is by far the most numerous hummingbird species in Ohio, you might be lucky enough to glimpse a rarity!

Wildlife Wednesday 03/26/2025

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:19:00 GMT

Hoppy #WildlifeWednesday!

Wood frogs have recently been treating vernal pool habitats to their loud quacking chorus of song, so let’s learn some fun facts about these fascinating amphibians!

Wood frogs are forest-dwelling and spend most of their time during warm months on the ground near freshwater wetlands. They have extreme cold tolerance, and in the winter they are able to withstand their tissues and blood freezing.

They are one of the first amphibians to emerge from hibernation for breeding, as soon as the snow melts. They breed in ephemeral ponds rather than in permanent bodies of water such as ponds and lakes, as the lack of fish predators in the temporary pools provides a better chance of survival to the eggs and tadpoles.

Wood frogs are explosive breeders, using a reproductive strategy that condenses their mating into a very short window of time, gathering in huge numbers and forming dense aggregations.

Tadpoles are omnivorous, feeding on plants, algae, and other organisms. Adult wood frogs are primarily insectivores, lunging as they hunt and grabbing the prey with their long tongues.

Male wood frogs have a distinctive call, which they emit as they swim around in search of females. It is often compared to the sound of a chicken clucking or duck quacking, and is a sure sign that spring is on the way!

Snowshoe Hares

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:46:00 GMT

Snowshoe hares are found throughout Canada and in the northernmost part of the U.S. They were native to the northeast corner of Ohio but disappeared in the early 1900s due to the clearing of forests to create farmland. Early attempts to reintroduce these hares to Ohio were unsuccessful; however, in 2000 the ODNR Division of Wildlife began successfully re-establishing the snowshoe hare in northeast Ohio. They are protected in Ohio, meaning they can’t be hunted.

These hares are fascinating creatures. They are active at dusk and dawn and at night making them crepuscular and nocturnal. Hares are bigger than rabbits and have longer legs and ears. During the winter snowshoe hares have a thick white coat that allows them to blend in with the snow. Come spring they shed their white fur and grow a thin brown fur that camouflages them in the greens and browns of the forest floor. This molt can take about 72 days and seems to be regulated by the changing length of daylight. And they have two different sets of hair follicles, one set for white hair, and one set for brown hair. The snowshoe hare doesn’t get its name from its white furry coat but from its back feet. These hind feet can be up to seven inches long and they have webbing between the toes like snowshoes. These feet allow the hare to stay on top of the snow while running and jumping. When running they can reach speeds up to 30 mph. Newborn hares are born with a full coat of fur and open eyes. They can hop around a few hours after birth. Baby hares hide in separate locations during the day, getting together only for five to ten minutes at a time to nurse. Mom hare takes care of her babies for about four weeks then they’re on their own. One last fun hare fact. These hares are skilled swimmers and have been seen swimming across small lakes and rivers. They have even been seen getting into water to avoid predators.

Snowshoe hares play an important role in the ecosystem, not for what they eat – they’re herbivores, but as prey animals. Their predators include gray/red foxes, coyotes, bobcats and minks. These hares are dependent on the seasonal lengthening and shortening of daylight to prepare themselves for winter and summer. They use the dark to feed and protect themselves from predators. Let’s help the snowshoe hare by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive and continue as an important member of their ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/19/2025

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:42:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! We are celebrating today with some interesting facts about the Virginia opossum!

The Virginia opossum is the only species of opossum found in Ohio and is also the northernmost marsupial (animal that carries its young in a pouch) in the world!

Opossums rarely contract rabies. Their body temperature is lower than that of other mammals and cannot host the virus. They also have a natural immunity to snake venom.

Opossums are excellent climbers, using the opposable thumbs on their hind legs and their hairless prehensile tail to aid with gripping branches and objects.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/12/2025

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:45:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It is the time of year when we observe, appreciate, and celebrate Ohio’s state amphibian (and a TWC mascot), the spotted salamander!

A type of mole salamander, this cute creature with bright yellow spots and a perpetual smile lives most of its life underground.

After a long winter of brumation (similar to hibernation), spotted salamanders emerge from their burrows and venture above-ground for their mass migration. They need very specific conditions to undergo this journey. The temperature must be warm (around 50 degrees F or above), the snowpack must be melted, and the weather must be damp throughout the night.

Typically the first steady gentle overnight rain as spring approaches will trigger the nocturnal parade. They travel in numbers of hundreds and even thousands to their breeding grounds, vernal pools in mature forests.

Vernal pools are ephemeral basins of water, which due to their temporary nature do not provide habitat for fish. This is ideal for amphibians who mate and lay their egg masses in water, as they do not have to worry about fish predation. The salamander mating ritual consists of elaborate circling and spiraling in the water, the males nudging the snouts and cheeks of the females.

To view this remarkable display, watch the weather forecast for the first warm night rain of the year, then head to the site about an hour or two after sunset. Hundreds of the salamanders can be moving in herds underfoot so it is important to watch your step. And while driving be mindful of the charismatic amphibians crossing the road.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/05/2025

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:36:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It’s that time of year! The days are getting longer, temperatures are getting warmer, and birds are starting to migrate!

Spring migration is the seasonal movement of birds from their wintering grounds to the areas where they will breed and spend months nesting, taking advantage of the warm weather and plentiful food sources.

Some of the first species to move through Ohio are waterfowl, raptors, blackbirds, and shorebirds. They arrive in enormous numbers and can be quite a spectacle to observe and enjoy.

One of the best places in the state to experience spring migration is near the village of Shreve. Here lies the largest inland marsh in Ohio, the Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area. Its 5,703 acres hosts wetland, pond, stream, brushy, and wooded habitats, ideal for migrating and nesting birds. The nearby Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area has an additional 1,536 acres of habitat, including seasonally flooded meadows and bottomland hardwoods.

In this area more than twenty species of waterfowl, including Tundra Swans, and nearly thirty species of shorebirds can be observed migrating. Nesting of the state-endangered Sandhill Crane has also been confirmed.

Join TWC staff and other birders and nature enthusiasts this Saturday at the Shreve Migration Sensation! This free day of celebration includes activities, speakers, crafts, and of course…BIRDING!

More information can be found here: https://www.shreveohio.com/migration-sensation

March 2025 Full Worm Moon

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:22:00 GMT

The full Worm Moon occurs at 2:55AM EDT on March 14, 2025. For Southern Native American tribes, the name Worm Moon came from the observation that earthworms begin to appear as the soil warms in spring. However, early northern Native American tribes did not see earthworms in March because glaciers had wiped out all soil dwelling worms. They used the name Worm Moon to recognize beetle larvae, a different sort of worm, that starts to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other such places this time of year.

This full Moon is special as it treats us, weather permitting, to a total lunar eclipse that we’ll be able to watch from beginning to end! However, there is a catch, this is a late night – early morning eclipse. The eclipse begins at 11:57PM EDT on March 13 when the Moon begins to move into the Earth’s penumbra or lighter shadow. While in the penumbra the Moon will look a dimmer gray, this change in color can be quite subtle. At 1:09AM EDT the Moon begins to move into the umbra or darker shadow. As it does, the surface of the Moon turns coppery red. Totality, when the Moon is completely in the umbra, begins at 2:26AM EDT and will last 65 minutes to 3:31AM EDT when the Moon begins to move out of the umbra and into the penumbra. The eclipse ends at 6:00AM EDT when the penumbral eclipse ends.

As the Moon moves into the umbra part of the Earth’s shadow it becomes coppery red in color due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere the different wavelengths of light are scattered in different directions and not all wavelengths are scattered equally. Shorter wavelengths of light like blue and violet are scattered more strongly and are tossed out of the atmosphere. Longer wavelengths of light like red and orange pass through Earth’s atmosphere. During a lunar eclipse sunlight that’s not blocked by our planet is bent or refracted around the Earth and hits the surface of the Moon making it appear coppery red in color. It’s because of this that total lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons.” You may hear or see this eclipse referred to as the Blood Worm Moon. The global transparency or clearness of Earth’s atmosphere affects the Moon’s brightness and color during totality. So, the more dust or clouds in earth’s atmosphere during an eclipse, the redder the Moon will be.

Lunar eclipses are easy to observe. Just go outside, look up and marvel at what you are watching. Get a comfortable chair, a warm drink, and a coat – it will probably be cold before the Sun comes up. One more thing, during totality watch for meteors hitting the Moon. A meteor hit will appear as a brief, pinpoint flash of light against the dark Moon. Enjoy the eclipse!

Wildlife Wednesday 02/26/2025

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:03:00 GMT

Happy #Wildlife Wednesday!

The fisher is a forest-dwelling carnivorous mammal in the mustelid family. Mustelids include animals such as otters, weasels, badgers, ferrets, wolverines, and minks.

Fishers have long thin bodies with glossy fur coats and weigh around 5 to 15 pounds, with males being larger than the females. Despite their common name, fishers do not eat fish very often, consuming instead animals like rabbits and hares, birds, insects, and other small mammals. They are also one of the only predators able to successfully hunt porcupines.

Native to North America, they prefer thick forests with closed canopies and are competent tree climbers, though they spend most of their time low on the ground. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they were eliminated from parts of their range due to trapping by humans for their pelts and the logging industry eliminating their habitat. Fishers were completely extirpated from Ohio in the mid-1800s.

Generally solitary, fishers interact with each other for mating during the spring. Implantation is delayed for 10 months, until February of the following year, at which time the female will then become pregnant. After a 50-day gestation, a litter of 1-4 kits is born.

In 2023 a roadkill fisher was collected by biologists in Ohio. Laboratory testing revealed that the animal was a female and excitingly was also pregnant, providing hope for natural reproduction by fishers in our state again. Since 2013 there have been approximately 40 confirmed observations of fishers in Ohio, the first modern-day sightings since their disappearance. The bulk of these have occurred in the last 4 years in Northeast counties, indicating that fishers are moving in from Pennsylvania and naturally colonizing Ohio once again!

Reports of fishers, including trail camera footage, photos, road kill sightings, and so on, should be shared with the Ohio Division of Wildlife so that the population of fishers can be effectively monitored.

What’s the Conservation Team Been Up To This Winter?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:51:00 GMT

For our Land Steward, Zac, winter is anything but a time to slow down! With the help of dedicated volunteers, he’s been hard at work improving our native habitats. Winter offers unique advantages for land management, and we’ve been making the most of them.

One of our winter projects is the Winter Brush Blitz , where we’ve already removed thousands of invasive shrubs. These aggressive plants threaten native species, disrupt natural hydrology, and interfere with ecological succession. Tackling them in winter prevents regrowth and minimizes impact on the surrounding landscape.

We also made a huge impact on habitat health by removing over 4,000 pounds of trash from an old dumpsite along the edge of a marsh. Thanks to frozen ground, we could safely access the area without disturbing sensitive wetland plants or compacting the soil. Had we attempted this in summer, the damage to the ecosystem would have been significant.

At our Murray Preserve , we kicked off a prairie restoration project by removing non-native Scotch pine encroaching on the area and establishing fire breaks. Doing this work while native grasses and forbs are dormant ensures minimal disturbance and sets the stage for a healthier, more resilient prairie.

Winter also provides the perfect opportunity for frost seeding , a natural method of restoring native plant populations. Using seeds we’ve collected throughout the year, we allow nature to take the lead, with the freeze-thaw cycle helping to establish strong, diverse plant communities in the seasons to come.

From invasive species removal to habitat restoration, winter is a season of progress—and we’re grateful for the volunteers and members who help make it happen!

Gray Tree Frogs

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:34:00 GMT

The gray tree frog is one of two native species of tree frogs. The other is Cope’s tree frog which happens to look exactly like the gray tree frog though a bit smaller in size. They can be distinguished by their calls – the gray tree frog has a slower, more musical call. The gray tree frog is small, about two inches in length, and found throughout the eastern half of the U.S. They’re arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are found in a variety of wooded habitats near water – forests, swamps, farmland, and our backyards.

The gray tree frog’s color ranges from green to gray to brown and it can change its color based on the time of day, surrounding temperature and activities. And it can do this color change in seconds! The ability to change its color allows the frog to camouflage itself whether it clinging to a leaf or tree bark. Their scientific name, Hyla versicolor which is Latin for variable color, comes from this ability to change their skin color. Gray tree frogs are nocturnal. During the day they hide and sleep in tree holes, under leaves, under tree roots, and in and under rotten logs. They come out at night to feed on a variety insects, snails, slugs and even smaller frogs. Males call at night, a loud musical call from late April to early August, to establish their breeding territory and find a mate.

Gray tree frogs play a critical role in Ohio ecosystems as both pest control and prey to larger animals such as birds, small mammals, snakes and other frogs. And, like all amphibians, they are important indicators of the health of their ecosystem as they are among the first to be affected by any negative changes to their habitat. Frogs and other amphibians are dying off at an alarming rate around the world with an estimated 200 species of frogs having gone extinct since the 1970’s. Artificial light at night is harming frog populations. Gray tree frogs evolved to become nocturnal and arboreal to avoid predators. Artificial light may prevent them from feeding and makes them more visible to predators. These lights disrupt their nighttime croaking, interfering with their reproduction and leading to reductions in their populations. These frogs provide a lovely springtime chorus that we would be poorer for if lost. Let’s help the gray tree frogs by turning off all unnecessary lights.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/19/2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:40:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! While bird migration during spring and fall can be thrilling with colorful warblers, rarities for your life list, and huge flock numbers, winter birding in Ohio is exciting too, even if simply through a window of your warm and cozy home or local nature center.

With leaves having fallen from the deciduous trees and lack of other vegetation, birds can be much easier to spot and observe than when the foliage is thick.

Offering the right food options can attract all sorts of interesting birds to your yard! And having a water source and shelter/cover can ensure the area is a place birds will visit regularly. This could be a birdhouse, evergreen bush, or even a pile of brush and sticks.

Appropriate foods for your feeders include:

*Black-oil sunflower seeds, which are a favorite of cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers

*Peanuts (raw and unsalted are safest) provide a great source of protein and are preferred by Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, woodpeckers, and crows

*Nyjer seed (also called thistle) will bring pops of bright yellow in the form of American Goldfinches, in addition to siskins, sparrows, juncos, and doves

*Suet is frequently enjoyed by woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches, and chickadees

Inappropriate food items such as popcorn and bread can cause serious health problems and even death, so be sure to stock up on healthy options for your feathered visitors.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/12/2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:21:00 GMT

Coyote pairs are monogamous and stay together throughout their lives, the strong bond breaking only upon the death of a mate.

The coyote is described as the most vocal of wild North American mammals and its scientific name Canis latrans means “barking dog.” They are particularly talkative this time of year, showcasing their repertoire of barks, huffs, yelps, yaps, woofs, whines, growls, and howls. The iconic yip-howl song is thought to be part of an elaborate greeting ceremony.

Join us for a night hike “Howl Prowl” next Friday, February 21 as we explore the TWC trails listening for the sounds of the song dog. Awooooo!

February 2025 Full Snow Moon

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:43:00 GMT

“… A silvered pine, spattered stardust
against an inky sky — I wonder
who the owl calls for

on this Snow Moon Night. … ” From Hunger Moon by Erika Burkhalter

February’s full Moon is called the Snow Moon, and it occurs on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:53AM EST. For us the Moon sets at 7:40AM EST so it will be below the horizon at the exact moment it is full. But we won’t miss it – the Moon will look full and bright to our eyes on the evenings of the 11 ^th , 12 ^th and 13 ^th .

An interesting fact – February is the only Month that may not have a full Moon. The lunar phase cycle is 29.5 days, so if we have a full Moon at the very end of January, we won’t have a full Moon in February. This no full Moon is often called the Black Moon of February. No full Moon Februarys happen about every 19 years. The last time this happened was 2018 and the next time we have a no full Moon February will be in 2037.

It’s easy to see why February’s full Moon is called the Snow Moon as February can be one of the snowiest months of the year. Although traditionally called the Snow Moon, February’s full Moon has many other Native American names. Several of these names refer to the cold and snow of February such as the Lakota name When Trees Crack Because of Cold Moon, the Abenaki name Makes Branches Fall in Pieces Moon and the Mahican name Deep Snow Moon. By this time food supplies are running low, plant foods can’t be replaced and there are few animals to hunt. There are several Moons that reflect the hunger and scarcity of this time such as the Cherokee name Hungry Moon and the Choctaw name Moon of Big Famine. Many full Moons have animal names like January’s Wolf Moon, however in February many animals are hibernating or otherwise hard to find, but even so there are tribes that have given animal names to this Moon such as the Haida who call this the Goose Moon and the Ojibwe who call this the When Bear Cubs are Born Moon.

Today if you were naming February’s full Moon what would you call it? Maybe the Sipping Hot Chocolate Moon or Sitting in Front of Fire Moon or maybe the Super Bowl Moon or the Valentine Moon. Whatever name you choose enjoy February’s full Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/05/2025

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:13:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

It was just the big day for everyone’s favorite prognosticating rodent, so let’s celebrate with some groundhog info!

The groundhog, Marmota monax , is also known as a woodchuck and a whistlepig.

Despite their thick stocky build, groundhogs are excellent swimmers and tree climbers..

When alarmed or threatened, they let out a loud high-pitched whistle to warn others in the colony, which gives them the “whistle pig” nickname.

A popular tongue twister asks the question “how much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” In a publication by a wildlife biologist who calculated the volume of dirt excavated in an average groundhog burrow, the answer was determined to be 700 pounds if that volume correlated to wood.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 02. It comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if the groundhog emerges from its den and sees its shadow, it will be frightened and return underground and there will be six more weeks of winter. Alternatively, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, that is an indication of an early spring. Studies have shown that there is actually no correlation between groundhogs seeing shadows and the arrival of spring weather, but it’s still a very popular holiday and a fun bit of folklore!

Wildlife Wednesday 01/29/2025

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:01:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday from the woolly bear caterpillar!

Woolly bears are the larval form of the Isabella tiger moth, a yellowish orange moth with black spots that occurs in the United States and Canada.

Being found in very cold locations including the Arctic, there is much folklore surrounding woolly bears and their ability to predict the weather.

Additional folklore states that the direction the woolly bear is crawling is indicative of the coming winter. Caterpillars that are heading south are said to be trying to escape a harsh winter. While woolly bears are not actually prognosticators of winter weather, they do have an amazing way to survive the freezing conditions. They emerge from their eggs in the fall, then will overwinter in their caterpillar form in tree cavities or under bark or leaf piles. Their bodies freeze completely solid for the winter. The heart stops beating and their blood freezes. They are able to survive this by producing a cryoprotectant in its tissues, which prevents damage. Many other insects and amphibians have this capability as well. In the spring the woolly bear thaws and gets on with its business!

Wildlife Wednesday 01/22/2025

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:15:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! January is perhaps the best month to see Golden Eagles in Ohio. The enormous and regal raptor is quite rare in Ohio, with only a handful of sightings each year.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbits

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:49:00 GMT

Eastern cottontail rabbits are everywhere in Ohio. Their ancient ancestors appeared at least 33 million years ago during the late Eocene Epoch. Adaptable creatures, they evolved into the eastern cottontail rabbits we have today. They’re the most common rabbit species in North America – ranging throughout North America, Latin America and Northern South America. While native to Ohio it wasn’t until European settlers arrived and cleared woodlands for open farmland creating open areas bordered by woods – the perfect habitat for these rabbits – that the cottontail rabbit became widespread throughout the state.

The eastern cottontail is both crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning it’s active from dusk to dawn. Although this rabbit may occasionally be out during the day they’re normally hiding under thick cover or in underground burrows created by other animals. Eastern cottontails have excellent vision, hearing and sense of smell. Their noses have nearly 100 million scent receptors. And they’re able to twitch their noses between 20 and 120 times a minute! During the summer these rabbits have short brownish-red or brownish-gray fur. Cottontails don’t hibernate, during the winter their fur is longer and grayer. Their winter fur is warmer and provides camouflage, allowing them to blend in better with their environment. Cottontails use the cover of darkness and travel lanes to evade predators. A travel lane may follow a bushy fence row or a hedge or a covered stream bank – a safe way to move from place to place. When they do have to escape from a predator they usually run in a zigzag pattern. And they’re fast- they can run up to 18 miles per hour. Eastern cottontails feed their young only at night. Mother rabbits don’t go near their nests during the day. This leads people to believe that the mother has abandoned her little ones. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Eastern cottontails are herbivores. During Summer foods they eat include clover, dandelions, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, grasses, and just about anything that grows in a garden. During the winter they will eat twigs, dry hay, field corn and bark of tree saplings, blackberry, and multiflora rose. It’s estimated these rabbits eat from 70 to 145 different plant species. Although some of their eating habits do get them in trouble with gardeners and farmers in the summer and foresters, landscapers and orchardists in the winter they are an important part of the ecosystem.

They’re prey to animals such as hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, weasels, racoons, minks, bobcats, cats, dogs, and snakes. Young rabbits can be prey to skunks, badgers and possums. Let’s help the eastern cottontail by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive and continue as an important member of their ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 01/15/2025

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:42:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

To some people one of the best parts of a cold Ohio winter is the lack of irritating bugs and biting creepy crawlies. However, one small critter that is cold tolerant and makes a noticeable appearance in the winter is the snow flea! Native to North America, these tiny dark blue and black creatures can be seen hopping around in the snow and ice, especially near the base of trees.

Snow fleas are not actually fleas and technically are not classified as insects, but rather as hexapods, a type of arthropod. These wingless beings are often referred to as springtails, due to their ability to jump (relatively) long distances, covering several inches in a single bound. They use a tail-like appendage called a furcula to propel themselves through the air, zooming a distance hundreds of times the lengths of their bodies.

During the warm summer months snow fleas are abundant but mostly go unnoticed, blending in with the ground and leaf litter. They are decomposers and stay busy munching, breaking down plant and animal matter to make healthy soil. During the winter they stand out against the white backdrop, especially when jumping around in snow banks. Their bodies are able to produce a type of antifreeze that allows them to stay active, even in extreme cold.

Snow fleas do not bite or sting and are not parasitic, so if you see them outside it is no cause for alarm, and is in fact a good sign that the ecosystem is healthy with plenty of organic material for them to consume. And their leaping acrobatics are fun to watch!

Wildlife Wednesday 01/08/2025

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:54:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The Sandhill Crane is a tall elegant bird with a heavy body, soaring 6-foot wingspan, red crown of feathers on its head, and a fluffy bustle of gray plumage at its back end.

This graceful long-necked avian has a loud rolling trumpet-like vocalization that can be heard for miles. Mated pairs will engage in unison calling, standing close to each other and bugling a duet.

January 2025 Full Wolf Moon

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:48:00 GMT

The first full Moon of 2025, January’s Wolf Moon, rises on January 13 at 5:27PM EST. There are differing opinions on the origins of this name. Some say it’s Native American in origin and others believe it has Celtic and Old English origins. When early European settlers came to America gray wolves were widespread throughout the northern hemisphere. The wolf’s ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats and prey animals allowed it to be a very successful apex predator. Such an animal was bound to find its way into the stories told on cold winter nights.

Folklore connecting wolves and the Moon has been around since ancient times. As far back as the Neolithic Age we find wolves and the Moon together in images and later in literature. Wolves do not howl at the Moon. But they do point their muzzles up toward the sky when they howl. It’s all about acoustics – projecting their howl upwards carries the sound farther. They howl more at night because they are nocturnal. It’s this long history of connection that has evolved into today’s popular folklore belief that wolves howl at the Moon. However, there is no doubt that the howling of a lone wolf or pack of wolves in the dark of night could send a chill down the spine of anyone hearing it.

Although Wolf Moon is the name traditionally given to the January full Moon there are others. January has long cold nights and several names reflect this time in nature including the Arapaho name When Snow Blows Like Spirits in the Wind Moon and the Omaha name Moon When Snow Drifts Into Tipis. Other names include the Sioux name The Time When Wolves Run Together, the Potawatomi name Bear Moon and the Haida name Bear Hunting Moon.

Put on a warm coat and enjoy the Wolf Moon of January.

Wildlife Wednesday 01/01/2025

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:38:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! We are sliding into the new year like a North American river otter!

Very social and undisputedly adorable, otters are renowned for their playful nature. A group of otters is even called a “romp.” Some ways that river otters play include:

*Wrestling with each other, both on land and in the water.

*Chasing each other, especially targeting the long furry tails of their companions.

*Collecting rocks and other objects to toss and carry around.

*Rolling, both on land and submerged underwater.

*Burrowing and tunneling through large snow drifts.

*And, most famously, sliding long distances on their bellies, over ice and snow and down muddy hillsides and river banks.

Playtime strengthens otters’ social bonds, allows them to practice maneuverability, fine tunes their hunting techniques, and is also just plain fun.

So channel your inner river otter and dive into 2025 with a sense of wonder and playfulness!

Wildlife Wednesday 12/25/2024

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:34:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

‘Tis the season for the longest running citizen science project in the world, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC).

The Christmas Bird Count has been held every year since. Participation in the count is free and open to all. Each count area is assigned a 15 mile diameter circle, and participants spend the day recording every bird they see. Counts can be held any day between and including December 14 – January 05.

The CBC has grown from its initial year of 27 observers to today’s tens of thousands of volunteers who participate. Data collected from this wildlife census over more than the past century has been recorded and used by scientists to track bird populations and inform conservation-related decisions.

TWC staff and bird club members assisted with the Wilmot count, observing species throughout our grounds that included Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, Northern Harrier, and Sandhill Crane.

Winter Solstice 2024

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:17:00 GMT

Winter solstice, which occurs on Saturday, December 21 at exactly 4:21AM EST, is the astronomical beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere. Regardless of where you live in the northern hemisphere the winter solstice happens at the exact same moment for all of us. It occurs when the Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted its farthest from the Sun placing the Sun directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year and no matter what the weather is outside, warm and sunny in Florida or snowing in Ohio, this moment marks the official start of winter.

Our ancient ancestors observed and studied the sky. They knew the Sun’s path across the sky, the changing sunrise and sunset locations and the changes in daylight. They observed that these changes happened in a regular and predictable pattern throughout the year. At winter solstice the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky and its position above the horizon at noon seems to stay the same for several days before and after the solstice. It was this observation that gave us the word solstice, which comes from the Latin word solstitium meaning “sun stands still.”

As the winter solstice has approached, we’ve been very much aware that our daylight hours have been growing shorter. We also know that after the solstice they will begin to grow longer. However, not having our scientific understanding of the winter solstice, to our ancestors the dwindling daylight and threat of starvation with the coming winter months was very real and scary. Since ancient times they dealt with their fear that the Sun would be gone forever by holding various celebrations and rites to light up the darkness encouraging the Sun to return and bring new life. Some of our most cherished Christmas traditions grew out of these early solstice celebrations – lighting of the yule log, decorating with evergreens, Christmas lights, kissing under the mistletoe, giving of gifts and many more.

Take time to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature on this day. Take a morning walk on the 21 ^st or an evening walk on the 20 ^th or 21 ^st . On the 20 ^th The Wilderness Center is celebrating this event with a Winter Solstice Night Hike, followed by a favorite seasonal planetarium show Season of Light and if the sky is clear, observing in TWC’s observatory with our Astronomy Club. Registration for this event is required and is limited to 25 people.

Wildlife Wednesday 12/18/2024

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:11:00 GMT

While most owls are primarily nocturnal, the Snowy Owl is diurnal, active during the day. During the continuous light of the Arctic summer they will hunt at all hours.

The plumage of the Snowy Owl is mostly white. Males in particular are almost entirely pale white, while females are white with dark black and brown barring. Both sexes have striking bright yellow eyes.

Snowy Owls are occasional visitors to Ohio during the winter, igniting much excitement upon arrival. They are often spotted along the Lake Erie shoreline or in areas of the state with wide open spaces, reminiscent of the tundra they are used to. They also may take up hunting grounds at airports. In the Arctic they rely on lemmings as a staple of their diet, but when they migrate they will switch their target food to other small mammals, waterfowl, and gulls.

These majestic owls are popular among birders and non-birders alike, and when one makes an appearance in Ohio people flock to catch a glimpse of the beautiful visitor from the north. When observing owls of any species, be sure to practice responsible viewing:

*Maintain a respectful distance from the owl so as not to cause it undue stress. If the owl reacts to you, you are too close for its comfort.

*Refrain from trying to lure or bait the owl with food or calls.

*Do not approach the owl or try to get it to move or fly for a photograph.

*Do not use flash photography, especially at night.

*Stay as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the owl or interfere with its auditory hunting and defenses.

*Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to get the best view, and enjoy watching the owl!

Wildlife Wednesday 12/11/2024

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:52:00 GMT

Quiet, secretive, and avoidant of humans, bobcats are crepuscular and active mainly at dusk and dawn. They are fairly small, weighing between 8 and 40 pounds, with males being larger than females. Their name comes from the stubby short tail, which appears “bobbed.” Their faces look wide due to the bushy ruffs of fur below their ears and fluffy tufts around their cheeks. The ears are pointy with black tips and the eyes are yellow with black pupils. The spotted pattern of their body coat is great camouflage.

As ambush predators, bobcats stealthily stalk or hide, waiting for prey to come near, then pounce. They are also good tree-climbers. Diet includes cottontail rabbits, small rodents (such as squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and voles), birds, fish, amphibians, eggs, and small white-tailed deer, particularly fawns.

Geminid Meteor Shower

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:43:00 GMT

The Geminid meteor shower is a favorite among northern hemisphere observers and is well known for being the best meteor shower of the year. Geminids occur every year from about November 19 to December 24. This year they peak, when the most meteors can be seen, from Friday night, December 13, into the early morning of Saturday, December 14. Typically, meteor showers occur when Earth passes through the debris field left behind by a comet. The Geminids are unique in that they are the only meteor shower that originates from an asteroid, named 3200 Phaethon. However, it appears this asteroid was once a comet and is now considered an example of either a dormant or extinct comet.

You don’t need any special equipment to see meteors – just your eyes. The Moon will be up but the best way to observe the Geminids is to find a dark location, if not for the Moon, with open sky. Stand, sit or lay with your back or the top of your head toward the east, the direction of Gemini at 8:00PM. This allows you to observe as much sky as possible directly above and around you. Also, let your eyes become adjusted to the dark – it takes about 20-30 minutes – you’ll see more meteors if you do. The longer you’re outside and the higher the radiant point is in the sky, the more meteors you will see. Know that Geminids often come in spurts, interspersed with lulls. So, grab your lawn chair, warm coat, blanket, and hot beverage of your choice and enjoy the Geminids!

Wildlife Wednesday 12/04/2024

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:07:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Let’s meet Mikey!

If you’ve visited The Wilderness Center, you’ve probably met our hard-working animal ambassadors, Zea the corn snake and Barnaby and Gus the Eastern box turtles.

Occasionally things happen that prevent wild animals from living in their native habitats, which is the preferred ideal home for wildlife. For example, an animal may be injured or orphaned and unable to survive without human aid. Sometimes animals are bred or kept in captivity for too long to be responsibly released into a wild setting. That’s the story of Michelangelo, the newest member of the TWC Animal Ambassador Team.

While TWC is not a wildlife rehabilitation center or zoo and typically does not take in animals, Michelangelo’s search for a new home fortunately coincided with our search for another turtle to help with our popular education programs. His suitability for the role was evaluated, and he was discovered to be up to the task!

Michelangelo is settling into his new surroundings and already has a few programs under his belt! To keep our animals mentally and physically healthy, they receive veterinary care, enrichment, exercise, balanced diets, sunlight and time outdoors, and the opportunity to do educational programs. Michelangelo, affectionately nicknamed Mikey by TWC staff, is 9 inches long from head to tail (including the dome of his shell), weighs 313 grams, and is estimated to be 10 years old. He enjoys dining on eggs and leafy greens, along with various vegetables, fruits, and invertebrates. Although box turtles are not strong swimmers and are primarily terrestrial, Mikey enjoys soaking in his shallow water tub. He also likes meeting interesting people at TWC’s programs and visitors to the Interpretive Building, so stop by soon for a visit!

Wildlife Wednesday 11/27/2024

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:50:00 GMT

Gobble gobble! It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are celebrating the Wild Turkey!

Preferring woodland habitat interspersed with open spaces such as fields, pastures, and orchards, these large heavy-bodied birds with long necks and small heads feed on the ground, strutting and striding through forests and grasslands like small prehistoric dinosaurs.

In the early 20th century the population of the Wild Turkey had plummeted due to hunting and habitat loss and in 1904 turkeys were completely extirpated from Ohio. Thanks to management, conservation efforts, and reintroduction via trap and transfer, the charismatic fowl has made a comeback and can be found in all 88 counties, which is certainly something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

TWC Conservation Easement

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:33:00 GMT

Do you want to protect your land forever but don’t know how? Conservation easements might be for you!

What is a conservation easement? Conservation easements are legally binding protections put in place that stay with the land forever. Even if the property is transferred, sold, or divided, conservation easements remain in place to protect the land exactly how you want it. The best part is you still own your land.

How does it work? You define and survey the exact boundary you want to in the easement. TWC has easement templates that can guide you on the restrictions or allowances to be put in place. Owners often consult with an attorney to make sure it is exactly what you want. The easement is then recorded with the county as a permanent document connected with the land. If you’ve ever had a title search done when purchasing a property, easements are one of the items that are checked for.

What does TWC do? Once the easement is set up, TWC performs annual inspections on the property to ensure it remains exactly the way it was intended during the initial setup of the easement. We can also provide recommendations while inspecting the property with you. We are currently finishing up our annual inspections this month. We are proud to share that TWC has protected over 1,000 acres through conservation easements!

If you would like to set up a conservation easement on your property or have questions on the process, contact TWC’s Director of Conservation and Land Management.

Wildlife Wednesday 11/20/24

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 19:29:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! As the freezing autumn and winter weather approaches, an animal that uses hibernation as a survival strategy is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.

Also known as the striped gopher and leopard ground squirrel, this rodent is related to prairie dogs and is found in grasslands and open areas of Ohio. They may also use man-made habitats such as cemeteries and golf courses as their homes. They typically maintain a range that is 2-3 acres in size.

Brown in coloration, their name comes from the thirteen longitudinal lines (which are sometimes broken up into spots) on the back and sides of the body. They are strictly diurnal, and are particularly active on warm sunny days.

Omnivorous, during the months they are awake they eat grasses, seeds, vegetables, fruits, caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, and other various invertebrates.

Building extensive systems of burrows, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel has a particularly long duration of hibernation. It will curl up into a ball in its nest by October or November, slowing its respiration from over one hundred breaths per minute to only one breath every 5 minutes. It will sleep this way until April or May, requiring no food or water. During the bitter cold temperatures of deep winter, a 6-month nap has its appeal!

November 2024 Full Beaver Moon

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:02:00 GMT

November’s full Beaver Moon rises at 4:23PM EST on Friday, November 15. Full Moons rise as the Sun is setting. The Sun sets at 5:06PM on this day – another indicator that nights are growing longer. The traditional full Moon names we use today originated with the Algonquin tribes that lived from New England to Lake Superior. The full Moon was a marker of time and of the seasons. Native Americans were very in tune with nature and the changes that came with each season. They gave each full Moon a unique descriptive name based on what they observed taking place in the changing environment surrounding them. The Beaver Moon is the fourth and last supermoon of 2024. Although supermoons are a bit larger and a bit brighter because they are closer to Earth the differences are so small the eye can’t see them.

Beavers are quite active this time of year. They’re preparing for winter – building up their lodges, storing food and growing thick warm winter coats. This was also the time of year, before the water froze, when hunters trapped beaver for food and for their thick, warm, waterproof fur, used to make clothing and hats. Although Beaver Moon is the traditional and best-known name for the November Moon other Native American tribes had different names for this Moon. The Tlingit named it Digging Moon for animals digging and scratching at the ground for nuts and other food. The Dakota and Lakota call this Moon the Deer Rutting Moon because this is the time of year deer are looking for mates. And the Kiowa call this Moon the Geese Going Moon as geese migrate this time of year. Other names describe the changing temperature. The Cree, Choctaw, and Assiniboine call it the Frost Moon. The Ojibwe people call it the Freezing Moon. The Abenaki call it the Freezing River Maker Moon. And the Wishram call it the Snowy Mountains in the Morning Moon.

Take the time to enjoy a walk under the full Beaver Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 11/13/2024

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:56:00 GMT

Whooooo’s ready for our upcoming owl prowl? It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we will highlight the 3 species of owls we are most likely to encounter on our grounds this time of year.

The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl in Ohio and with its enormous yellow eyes, long ear tufts, and deep hooting call, it is the classic owl that jumps to mind from storybooks. Its preferred habitat includes woods interspersed with fields and open areas, as well as swamps, wetlands, meadows, orchards, and agricultural land, making The Wilderness Center and its surrounding area an ideal location for it to call home. The Great Horned Owl is almost strictly nocturnal, with peak activity occurring after dusk and before dawn. This massive powerful owl is at the top of the bird of prey food chain and has no predators.

Join us Friday for our Owl Prowl night hike from 7-8 pm as we keep our eyes and ears open for owls!

Wildlife Wednesday 11/06/2024

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:40:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It’s that time of the year! That time of year when the cold weather begins to set in and Ohio enjoys the arrival of large flocks of the “snowbird,” also known as the Dark-eyed Junco.

Five-spotted Hawk Moth

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:11:00 GMT

Known for their rapid flight and ability to hover over a flower while feeding, the five-spotted hawk moth is another important nighttime pollinator. Although found throughout the U.S. it is more often found in northern states including Ohio. They’re found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, woodlands, and even urban areas if they provide the right kind of plants for both the moth and its caterpillar. Being nocturnal these moths begin flying at dusk and spend the night feeding on large, fragrant, white or light-colored night-blooming flowers with long funnel-shaped tubes containing pools of nectar. They will feast on flowers such as moonflowers, evening primrose, petunias, honeysuckle, and four o’clocks.

Five-spotted hawk moths are big with wingspans over five inches. Their wings are brown and gray with large mottled front wings and smaller hindwings with light and dark zigzag patterned bands. Their abdomens are brown and white with a row of five yellow spots down each side which is how they got their name. These nighttime beauties are built for speed. Their body is a streamlined tapered shape containing powerful flight muscles and the wings are long and narrow giving them the ability to be fast and agile. Hawk moths can fly 12mph at top speed, faster than many birds. To reach down into the flowers they feed on they have a long flexible straw-like proboscis which is a tubular mouthpart used for feeding. This proboscis is about four inches long.

The five-spotted hawk moth plays an important role in pollinating many wildflowers and commercially valuable plants in the nightshade family, an invaluable service contributing to the delicate balance of our ecosystem and to the rich biodiversity of Ohio. Their caterpillars, called tomato hornworms, help regulate plant populations in natural ecosystems. But it must be noted that these caterpillars are voracious eaters and can be considered pests in gardens and on farms. The moth and its caterpillars are a food source for many animals including bats, birds and other insects. This moth depends on the night to feed, to mate, and to protect their caterpillars as they feed. These moths are drawn to light sources at night. This is the only time many people will ever see them. Moths drawn to light are not mating and they are not pollinating plants. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Let’s help these beautiful moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their critical role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/30/2024

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:07:00 GMT

Eastern chipmunks are active during the daylight hours, and spend most of their time foraging. They live mostly solitary lives, interacting with others only during the mating season and while raising their young. They are very territorial and will defend their burrows, where they will spend the winter. They do not enter true hibernation, but instead go into a state of reduced physical activity and metabolism called torpor, relying on the cache of food they collected to get them through the cold weather months.

They use their cheek pouches to gather and transport food and look pretty cute while doing it. The Wilderness Center and its fans like them so much, the Eastern chipmunk was voted to be our official daytime program mascot!

Wildlife Wednesday 10/23/2024

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 17:01:00 GMT

Slow down for wildlife!

Some driving tips during this season include:

-Avoid going over the speed limit and always wear a seatbelt

-Stay alert and aware of the conditions alongside the road

-Use extra caution near deer crossing signs as these notices are intentionally placed in areas of high deer density

-If you spot a deer on the road ahead, slow down as there likely are more following

-If a deer runs in front of your vehicle, brake but do not swerve, as swerving can result in loss of control and increased chances of damage and injury

-Travel with extra care during dusk and dawn, when deer tend to be at their most active

-Use the vehicle’s high beam bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic to make spotting deer in the dark easier

These practices can keep you safe to enjoy observing interesting deer behavior such as antler rubbing, scraping, sparring, and chasing during the rut season. Give wildlife a brake!

October 2024 Full Hunter’s Moon

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:46:00 GMT

Did you see the full Hunter’s Moon on the evening of October 17? If not, it will still look full and bright when it rises on October 18. This is the third of four consecutive supermoons this year and it will be the closest full Moon of the year – 222,055 miles from Earth at perigee. “Supermoon” is a trendy internet term for what astronomers call a perigean full Moon which is when the full Moon happens at, or very near, the exact time the Moon is closest to Earth during its orbit. Supermoons are a bit larger and brighter, but these differences are so small the eye can’t see them. Like all full Moons, they appear larger on the horizon because of the Moon illusion.

The name Hunter’s Moon came from an important activity this time of year. After the harvest was complete farmers would hunt deer and other animals to feed their families during the long winter. The full moon would allow them to continue hunting after sunset. The full Moon names we’re familiar with have been used for generations. They originated from Native American, Colonial American, and other sources such as European names for the Moon. Many full Moon names are English interpretations of Native American full Moon names. Native Americans didn’t have calendars to keep track of time. Instead, they tracked time by observing the seasons and the lunar cycle. Being keen observers of their environment, their full Moon names described what was going on in nature around them. Since names depended on the tribe and where they lived, a full Moon may have several names. So, although Hunter’s Moon is the most common name for October’s Moon there are others. These names include the Dakota Drying Rice Moon, Anishinaabe Falling Leaves Moon, the Ojibwe Freezing Moon, the Haida Ice Moon, and the Cree Migrating Moon. Traditionally full Moon names apply to the entire lunar month – through all phases of the Moon.

The Harvest and Hunter’s full moons are unique in that they don’t follow tradition, instead of being tied to a specific month they’re tied to an astronomical event – the autumnal equinox. The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox date September 21 or 22. This means that September or October’s full Moon could be the Harvest Moon. The Hunter’s Moon is the first full Moon after the Harvest Moon which means it can occur in October or November. The days are getting shorter and the nights chilly – perfect for watching the full Hunter’s Moon rise.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/16/2024

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:14:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! The recent warm sunny weather thas made reptiles extra active and many snakes have been spotted sunning themselves on the trails!

They need to catch some rays while they can, as the approaching weeks will lead to temperatures that are too cold for them. Have you ever seen a snake in the winter in Ohio, slithering through the snow? Probably not. So where do they go?

Snakes like this garter snake will enter a state of dormancy called “brumation.” Brumation is similar to hibernation in mammals, but with a few differences.

Reptiles do not build up fat stores the way mammals do for hibernation. Instead they increase the amount of glycogen (sugar) in their system, which keeps their muscles in good condition so that they are ready to move when spring comes.

Their brumation site needs to be close to water, as they will periodically get up during the winter to drink. While they do need to keep hydrated, their metabolic activity is greatly decreased causing them to move sluggishly, and they do not need to eat. In fact, if they consume too much before winter it can be dangerous because they cannot digest the food quickly in the cold and their stomach contents could rot. Some snakes brumate alone in their dens, while others such as the garter will engage in communal brumation, spending the winter in a hibernaculum with a large number of other snakes. Garter snakes are enormously social and will den together both for warmth and for the pleasant company.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/09/2024

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:05:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we will learn about a nocturnal animal that wants to be seen, smelled, and recognized…the striped skunk!

Most animals avoid skunks once they learn the powerful lesson. Great Horned Owls are an exception however, because these large birds of prey lack a sense of smell and generally attack from above.

Visitors can sniff out the Striped Skunk character on the trail at the Enchanted Forest this weekend! Smell you later!

Star-Nosed Mole

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:30:00 GMT

The star-nosed mole is an amazing little creature. Its most noticeable feature is the 22 fleshy tentacle-like appendages, forming a little star, at the end of its nose. Your first thought might be that these tentacles help the mole to smell, but you’d be wrong. They function more like an eye than a nose. The tentacles or rays are covered with more than 25,000 incredibly sensitive touch receptors called Eimer’s organs. These organs contain over 100,000 nerve fibers making these rays the most sensitive touch organ of any mammal. This little mole has poor eyesight; instead it uses its tactile rays to “see” its world and find food.

The preferred habitat of the star-nosed mole is wetlands near streams, lakes and swamps. The soil in these locations is soft making it easier to dig tunnels for moving around and foraging, and deeper chambers for sleeping and nesting. These guys are built for digging with their short necks, strong shoulders and big feet and claws. They’re also built for swimming and diving. The star-nosed mole is the only semi-aquatic mole in the world. They have a dense waterproof coat, their big feet act like paddles, their long tail acts like a rudder, and they have twice the lung capacity of other moles. They spend more time foraging in water than on land. In fact, many of their tunnels open under the surface of a stream or lake. They’ve even been seen swimming under the ice in winter. If this isn’t amazing enough, these moles can even smell underwater. They blow bubbles out their noses then inhale the same bubbles which have now captured surrounding odors allowing the mole to follow scent trails.

Star-nosed moles are voracious eaters – consuming 50% or more of their body weight every day. It actually holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest easting mammal. It can identify food as edible, capture it, eat it and begin searching for the next pieces of food in 230 milliseconds – that’s a little more than one-fifth of a second. That’s fast !

Star-nosed moles are crepuscular/nocturnal, meaning they’re most active during twilight and at night, although you might catch a glimpse of one during the day. The star-nosed mole is an important part of wetland ecosystems. It is food for a number of prey animals including big and small owls, red-tailed hawks (during the day), skunks, weasels, fishers, minks, bullfrogs and largemouth bass. It’s a predator, above ground or underground the star-nosed mole will eat such things as worms, grubs, beetles and other invertebrates and in the water, he likes aquatic insects, mollusks, amphibians and small fish. By tunneling through moist ground these moles provide oxygen to the roots of plants that might otherwise be trapped in compacted soil with no oxygen. Let’s help these amazing little moles by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive and continue as an important member of their ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 10/02/2024

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:05:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Sometimes referred to as crawfish, crawdads, river lobsters, or mudbugs, today we are talking about crayfish.

Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans and Ohio is home to over 20 species. Meaning “shelled one” in Latin, a crustacean is an invertebrate animal with an exoskeleton. Crayfish have 10 appendages that are considered legs, with one pair possessing a set of pincers.

Breathing through feather-like gills, crayfish make their homes in brooks, streams, swamps, ponds, and other bodies of water. They are able to filter mud as they feed on plants, animals, and detritus. Crayfish are very intolerant of pollution, so if you find a healthy crayfish it is an indicator that the water is clean in that habitat.

Crayfish are able to swim backwards to evade predators by using their fan-shaped tails as paddles. Predators include raccoons, turtles, wading birds, and large fish. Humans also consume crayfish and they are used in culinary dishes worldwide.

Learn more at our Enchanted Forest event, where Crayfish will be a character on the trail!

Wildlife Wednesday 09/25/2024

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 17:56:00 GMT

The striking luna moth, also known as the American moon moth, spends about a month of its life cycle as a hungry caterpillar.

Their bright green bodies have yellow lines and red spots, and are equipped with small spines which are thought to act as protection from predators such as lizards and birds.

Meet the nocturnal luna moth at the Enchanted Forest!

Comet C/2023 A3

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:44:00 GMT

“Comets are like cats: they have tails, and they do precisely what they want.” Davis H. Levy, Comets: Creators and Destroyers

A visitor from afar is in the neighborhood. Comet C/2023 A3 ( Tsuchinshan-Atlas ), A3 for short, will be visible by the end of September in the morning sky. Comet names tell us much about the comet. The letter C means the comet is non-periodic. Non-periodic comets originate in the Oort cloud. They visit the inner solar system only once or they have an orbit that takes from 200 to many thousands of years to orbit the Sun. The orbit of A3 around the Sun has been calculated to be 80,660 Years. 2023 is the year the comet was discovered and A3 means it was discovered in the first half of January and it was the third such object discovered in this same period. Following tradition, comets are named for the person(s) and/or instruments/observatories that discovered them – Tsuchinshan is for the Purple Mountain Observatory (Zijinshan Astronomical Observatory) and ATLAS is the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, at the Sutherland Observatory in South Africa.

From September 27 to October 2 A3 will be very low on the horizon just before sunrise. You should be able to see it with binoculars or a telescope if you have a clear horizon and a very dark sky. After this it’s too close to the Sun for us to see. October will be the best month for seeing A3 in the evening sky. October 12 ^th is the comet’s closest approach to Earth so it will be at its brightest and it will be well placed above the western horizon for viewing, however the Sun will still be up. It may be naked eye at this time, but for sure visible in binoculars or a small telescope but be extremely careful if using these instruments not to look directly at the sun. This comet is moving fast, by October 14 ^th it will be above the horizon after sunset and will appear higher in the sky each following night. Predictions are it will be a naked eye comet. As A3 races away from Earth it will quickly fade in brightness. By the end of October a telescope will be needed to see A3.

Comets are HARD to predict and more often than not don’t live up to predictions. There has been much written about A3 since its discovery, will it survive its trip around the Sun, will it be a brilliant naked eye comet with an incredible tail or will it be a dud. We’re about to find out.

Wildlife Wednesday 09/18/2024

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:25:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! How much do you know about slugs? Let’s learn some interesting facts about them!

Slug bodies are mostly made up of water. Since they lack a protective shell, they must produce mucus to prevent drying out.

Slugs are most active at night and after a rain. This is also related to helping them stay moist.

Slugs communicate and find mates by leaving a “slime trail” of mucus behind them when they travel.

Slugs have two pairs of “feeler” tentacles on their heads. The upper set senses light and has eyespots at the end, while the lower set has receptors providing their sense of smell.

Most slugs eat a variety of organic material, ranging from plants, fruits, flowers, mushrooms, lichens, and detritus. Some slugs are predatory and consume earthworms, snails, and other slugs.

Slugs are preyed upon by a number of animals, including snakes, lizards, birds, foxes, raccoons, frogs, toads, and fish. Slimy yet satisfying!

The most common slugs found in Ohio are the leopard slug, the gray garden slug, and the dusky slug.

To learn even more, be sure to come to our Enchanted Forest event where Slug will be one of the characters on the trail! You might even get to see its slime trail!

September 2024 Full Harvest Moon

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:32:00 GMT

This year’s full Harvest Moon on September 17, 2024, has a lot going on. The Moon will look full when it rises at 7:28PM EDT. However, it won’t be an official full Moon until 10:34PM. This is the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. When a full moon occurs close to the autumnal equinox its orbital path is making a shallow angle with the horizon causing the Moon to rise relatively soon after sunset for a few days in a row. This means that the Moon will look full and bright all night long from September 16 ^th to 18 ^th .

There are a couple of other things that make this Moon special. First, it’s a supermoon. “Supermoon” is a trendy internet term for what astronomers call a perigean full Moon which is when the full Moon happens at, or very near, the exact time the Moon is closest to Earth during its orbit. The Moon reaches perigee at 9:30AM EDT the morning of September 18 ^th . A supermoon can be a bit larger and brighter but these differences are so small that the eye can’t notice them. Like all full Moons, they appear larger on the horizon because of the Moon illusion. This is the second of four consecutive supermoons this year and the Harvest Moon will be the second closest full Moon of the year.

The second reason this Moon is special is we will be treated to a partial lunar eclipse. This is the first and only time this year the Moon enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow called the Umbra. Only a tiny portion along the northern part of the Moon will be eclipsed. Most of the time the Moon is moving through the penumbra. The penumbra is the lighter part of Earth’s shadow – the part where the Sun’s light is not entirely blocked. As the eclipse begins you probably won’t notice any color change to the Moon, but as time goes on you should be able to see a subtle shading. As the partial eclipse begins you will be able to see a dark bite being taken out of the Moon. The graphic accompanying this post gives all the important times for the eclipse and shows you what to expect as the eclipse progresses. You can enjoy the eclipse using just your eyes or with binoculars or a telescope if you have them.

Wildlife Wednesday 09/11/2024

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:11:00 GMT

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are talking about bears (oh my!). More specifically, the American black bear. Visitors to The Wilderness Center often ask if bears live in our woods and the answer is…not right now. But they have in the past, and could again in the future.

Historically, black bears were abundant throughout Ohio, prior to major human settlement. But by the 1850s bears were considered officially extirpated from the state, due to extensive deforestation and unregulated hunting.

In the past several years, however, sightings of black bears have become more common in the Buckeye state. They have a large home range (~100 miles) and prefer forested habitat with thick vegetation, and are most frequently spotted in the northeastern and southeastern parts of state, likely moving in from Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

While black bears aren’t calling TWC home just yet, visitors to the Enchanted Forest will get to see Bear this year as one of the characters! Be sure not to miss this chance to encounter a bear in our woods!

Pandorus Sphinx Moth

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:04:00 GMT

Some of the most beautiful, interesting and hard-working pollinators are rarely seen. Why? Because they work at night. One of the members of this night crew is the pandorus sphinx moth. Found throughout Ohio, this is a large moth with a wingspan of 3 to 4.5 inches. They have streamlined bodies and wings, their outline looks like a military jet, built for speed and agility. Their wings are colored in velvety browns and olive greens which are accented with thin streaks of pink. This coloring allows them to disappear among living and dead leaves. Although nocturnal, pandorus sphinx may be found resting on walls, walkways and other surfaces during the day.

Preferring night blooming, light colored, nectar-filled tube-shaped flowers, these moths feed on honeysuckle, petunia, bouncing bet, white campion, and phlox. Like butterflies, the pandorus feeds using its proboscis, a long-coiled tube on the front of its head. While hovering, they uncoil this tube and use it to reach deep into a flower to feed on its nectar. In the process, pollen sticks to their proboscises and they then carry it to other flowers they feed on. Even though this method of pollination isn’t as efficient as that performed by bees, the moth doesn’t intentionally collect the pollen and they never land on the flower, the moth is pollinating plants that other insects can’t reach. The pandorus sphinx is one of three confirmed sphinx moths that pollinate the eastern prairie fringed orchid. This orchid is currently found in only eight states, with Ohio being one of them, and it is protected under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. The pandorus sphinx is helping to save this species of orchid.

This moth’s pollination services are contributing to the delicate balance of our ecosystem and to the rich biodiversity of Ohio. They also contribute by being prey to other animals. Adult moths are prey to birds and bats and their caterpillars are prey to birds and other insects. These moths depend on the night to feed, to mate, and to protect their caterpillars as they feed. Pandorus sphinx moths are drawn to light sources at night. This is the only time many people will ever see them. Moths drawn to light are not mating and they are not pollinating plants. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Let’s help these beautiful moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their critical role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 09/04/2024

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:02:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Monarch migration is underway!

Eastern monarch butterflies are currently flying through Ohio on their way from their summer breeding grounds in Canada to their overwintering areas in Mexico. The monarchs will migrate thousands of miles, traveling up to 100 miles each day during the months of September and October, reaching their roosting sites in November.

The migrating butterflies rely on steady food sources along their journey, including native milkweed and flowers. Loss of grassland and prairie habitats have contributed to the decline of these charismatic butterflies as well as other pollinating insects such as bees, wasps, and moths.

Late summer and early fall (right now!) is the perfect time to gather seeds from milkweed pods for planting. Providing more habitat and monarch “waystations” along their flyways contributes to their conservation. Native milkweed species to plant in Ohio include common, swamp, butterfly, and poke milkweed. Milkweed is the sole host plant to the iconic monarch caterpillar, which feeds exclusively on the leaves.

Monarchs migrate both individually and in groups, sometimes congregating together in spectacularly enormous numbers to rest and re-fuel, a dazzling sight to nature lovers and photographers. Monarchs can be seen any time of day, though morning is better viewing when the temperatures are very hot. They can be seen flying in the air overhead, but the bright orange beauties can also be spotted in trees, bushes, grasses, and gardens.

The Wilderness Center is a great place to look for monarchs. Pictured is one on a milkweed plant along the walkway to our Interpretive Building.

Wildlife Wednesday 08/28/2024

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:52:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Today we are showcasing an animal frequently associated with happiness, the Eastern Bluebird!

Fairly common and easy to see from the grounds of The Wilderness Center, a bluebird sighting is always a treat, the males in particular a stunning brilliant shade of royal blue on the back and head and brick-red on the chest.

Their summer diet consists primarily of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers. In the fall and winter when insects are sparse they will feed on fruits and berries.

Wildlife Wednesday 08/21/2024

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:42:00 GMT

Woof-woof, it’s #WildlifeWednesday! Let’s learn about two of the canines/dogs that make their home here in Ohio, the red fox and the gray fox!

You might not be digging holes but we hope you find ways to stay cool like the fox today!

August 2024 Full Sturgeon Moon

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:09:00 GMT

On August 19, 2024, we will be treated to the full Sturgeon Moon. This full Moon occurs at exactly 2:26PM EDT – the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. Of course, we won’t be able to see it at this exact moment, but it will look full and round when it rises later that evening at 8:37PM. The Moon gets its name from the lake sturgeon, the largest freshwater fish in North America. In late summer, and particularly in August, these fish were easy to catch and were an important food source for many Native American tribes who lived in what are now the St. Lawrence, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, Mississippi River and Coosa River watersheds.

Although Sturgeon Moon is the most common name for August’s full Moon there are so many others. There are names associated with plants and harvesting such as the Lakota name Moon of the Ripening. The southern plains Ponca tribe call this the Corn is in the Silk Moon and the Shawnee call it the Plum Moon. There are August Moon names associated with animals. For instance, the Arapaho call this Geese Shedding Their Feathers Moon and the Cree call it the Young Ducks Begin to Fly Moon. Summer heat and drought conditions have given rise to names such as the Catawba name Dry Moon and the Shoshone name Hot Moon.

This Moon is being called a Blue Moon. A Blue Moon is defined as the second full moon that occurs during a calendar month. The August 19 full Moon is the only full Moon in August, so what gives? We have to go back to the 1937 edition of the Maine Farmers’ Almanac. This old Almanac gave a seasonal definition of Blue Moon. It stated that occasionally one of the four seasons would contain four moons instead of the usual three. And because it was very difficult to calculate when these extra Moons would occur the uncertainty led to the expression Once in a Blue Moon. Using this original Maine Almanac rule our August 19 full Moon is indeed a Blue Moon. Summer began on the summer solstice, June 20, and will end on the Autumnal Equinox, September 22. During this time there will be four full Moons – June 21 Early Summer Moon, July 21 Midsummer Moon, August 19 Blue Moon and September 17 Late Summer Moon. Moon history is fascinating!

Wildlife Wednesday 08/14/2024

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:50:00 GMT

Today’s #WildlifeWednesday is also a summer #WildflowerWednesday as we highlight wingstem, a member of the aster family which is currently in full bloom at The Wilderness Center.

Wingstem, also referred to as yellow ironweed, grows in moist areas near woodland areas and bodies of water. Damp prairies, meadows, and roadside ditches are also ideal habitats for supporting expansive stands of the tall showy plant.

The name wingstem comes from petioles of its leaves forming ridges or “wings” along the stem. The yellow flower heads which bloom from late summer through early fall are visited by bees, butterflies, skippers, and wasps and the seeds provide food for a number of species of songbirds. The plant is also a host for butterfly and moth larvae.

This stunning plant is easily seen on TWC grounds on the trails, in the prairie, as well as along the roadside leading to the interpretive building. The Pioneer Path trail in particular is a great spot to see expanses of it. Come visit and enjoy the blooms and observe the pollinator visitors!

Wildlife Wednesday 08/07/2024

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:22:00 GMT

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are showcasing an intriguing ephemeral plant that is coming up in the area, ghost pipe!

Monotropa uniflora , also called ghost plant and Indian pipe, is a herbaceous plant that is usually completely white in color, though sometimes will have hints of a pink hue. It flowers from early summer through early Autumn, usually after rainfall. The plants are 4-8 inches in height and covered with translucent scale-like leaves.

The plant is parasitic and does not contain chlorophyll. Its hosts are fungi that have relationships with photosynthetic trees, so in essence it absorbs its energy from roots of other organisms. Since it does not require any sunlight to grow, it can pop up and thrive in dark environments in the understory of the forest.

The complexity of the ghost pipe’s requirements to grow make it very difficult to propagate so this fascinating plant is best appreciated in the forest!

Pictured is ghost pipe currently blooming on our Pond Trail at TWC Headquarters.

Bats & Dark Skies

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:13:00 GMT

Bats are amazing! They have lived on Earth for more than 50 million years. There are over 1,400 different species of bats, making them the second largest order of mammals. Bats are extremely adaptable and can be found in forests, wetlands, deserts, prairies, urban areas, and even cold places like Alaska and Siberia, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Bats are nocturnal. They do vitally important ecosystem work when no one is watching. Bats provide pest control. It’s estimated that insect-eating bats may save U.S. farmers $23 billion each year by reducing crop damage and the need for pesticides. On average, many of these bats are eating up to half their body weight each night. Pregnant and nursing mothers will eat even more, up to 100% of their body weight. All bat species found in Ohio are insectivores. Bats pollinate over 500 plant species. Nectar-feeding bats range from tropical rainforests to deserts. The plants they pollinate often have pale nocturnal flowers that are large and bell-shaped. As they feed their body picks up pollen which they carry to the next flower. Some bats like the Ecuador tube-lipped nectar bat and the Mexican banana bat evolved incredibly long tongues so that they can reach the nectar at the bottom of the flowers they feed on. You can thank a bat the next time you eat a banana or sip on tequila. Bats play a critical role in seed dispersal for plants and trees. In areas where rainforests are cleared for logging and ranching, fruit bats are helping in their restoration. These bats are used to flying large distances and across open areas. And, because they poop in flight, they spread more seeds during flight than birds do. In fact, seeds dropped by bats make up 95% of the first new growth for these forests.

Bat populations are declining worldwide. The primary causes include habitat destruction, hunting and persecution for sport and meat, growing use of wind turbines, proliferation of harmful myths and use of artificial light at night. Bats adapted to a life of darkness partly to avoid predators. Artificial light interferes with feeding, can cause roosts to be abandoned and can make bats more visible to predators. To help our hard-working bats we need to preserve the dark of night by making dark sky-friendly lighting choices and turning out lights when they’re not needed.

Want to learn more about bats? Register to attend our August 9 Bat Program and Survey with telescope observing after and our Bats of the Night program on August 24.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/31/2024

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:12:00 GMT

Woof-woof! It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are talking about trail etiquette with our canine companions!

The Wilderness Center welcomes dogs on four of its trails (Sugar Creek, Fox Creek, Sigrist Woods, and Foxfield Preserve). When hiking with a pooch it is important to keep wildlife in mind for the safety of the plants and animals you may encounter as well as for the security of you and your dog. A few useful tips:

Keep your dog on a leash and in your control. This will prevent your pup from chasing after an animal or tracking a scent and getting lost.

Stay on the path to prevent your furry friend from trampling wildflowers, eating plants, and encountering ticks and other parasites.

Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations in case of encounters with wild animals or other dogs.

Properly dispose of pet waste. Waste can have supplements that are unnatural to the environment and should be cleaned up so it does not disrupt animals, waterways, or plant life. On a related note, make sure pet food and treats do not get left outdoors where wild animals could find and eat them.

Be aware of seasonal wildlife happenings. For example, while hiking in the springtime be aware that native animals with dens, nests, and young may be extra protective and territorial.

With all that in mind, a canine hiking buddy can enhance your experience, keeping you in tune with nature and on alert for wildlife sightings and your dog will greatly benefit from sensory enrichment and exercise. Happy trails and tails!

Wildlife Wednesday 07/24/2024

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:38:00 GMT

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and the prairie is popping! Today we are highlighting a quintessential member of the aster (daisy) family, purple coneflower.

Purple coneflower blooms during the summer in prairie and open woodland habitats. It is one of the species of echinacea, the name of which comes from the Greek word for “spiny one,” due to the heads of the flowers resembling spiny sea urchins or hedgehogs.

The plant grows to 3-4 feet in height and the individual flowers in the cone have both male and female reproductive parts. The plant is easily pollinated by numerous species of butterflies and bees, and many birds eat and disperse the seeds.

Purple coneflower is native to eastern North America. It is a popular plant to have in yards and gardens due to its colorful blooms, tolerance of drought, and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Additionally, it is often used in floral arrangements and bouquets and the flowers are frequently used in herbal teas.

Purple coneflower blooms during middle and late summer and into the fall.

July 2024 Full Buck Moon

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:41:00 GMT

July’s full Moon, called the full Buck Moon, will occur at 6:17A.M. EDT on July 21, 2024. By this time the Moon will have slipped below our southwestern horizon. Not to worry though, if you want to see the Buck Moon it will look full and round to our eyes on the nights of July 20, 21 and 22, weather permitting of course. Moon phases are not determined by the Moon’s visibility from a particular location on Earth. Phases are determined by the Moon’s position in its orbit around Earth. A full Moon occurs at the exact moment the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth – the three bodies form a straight line. Likewise, a new Moon occurs at the exact moment the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun – again all three bodies form a straight line. This alignment is called a syzygy of the Sun-Earth-Moon system. The word syzygy comes from the Greek word syzygos meaning paired or yoked together. Since half of the Earth always faces the Sun, a full Moon will occur during the day somewhere.

Native Americans gave full Moons names that described what was going on in the natural world around them. Many called this the Buck Moon from their observations of bucks (male deer) this time of year. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year. Antler growth is triggered by the amount of daylight. As days get longer in the spring, a buck’s antlers begin to grow. By July their antlers are in full growth mode. Although full Buck Moon is the most common name for July’s Moon there are others. The Haida and Tlingit Tribes in Alaska call this Moon the Salmon Moon. The Wishram of the Pacific Northwest call it the Salmon Go Up Rivers in a Group Moon. Both names refer to the return of the Salmon to their local rivers. There are many names that relate to plant growth and harvesting such as the Mohawk name Time of Much Ripening Moon, the Shawnee Blackberry Moon, the Lakota Moon When the Chokecherries are Black, the Zunie Limbs are Broken by Fruit Moon, the Ojibwe Blueberry Moon and the Potawatomi Moon of the Young Corn, to name just a few. This Moon was also called the Thunder Moon by the Western Abenaki because of the large number of thunderstorms that happen this time of year. July is rich with the sights, sounds and smells of nature; take the time to experience them for yourself.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/17/2024

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:39:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Let’s enjoy some fun facts about fireflies.

Fireflies are soft-bodied beetles commonly referred to as lightning bugs.

There are more than 2,000 species in the firefly (Lampyridae) family. Many but not all of the species produce light as adults.

There are about 2 dozen species of fireflies found in Ohio.

All fireflies glow as larvae. They use this glow to warn predators that they do not taste good.

Firefly larvae eat snails, slugs, and worms.

Fireflies produce light through bioluminescence, light emitted due to a chemical reaction in a living organism.

Bioluminescence in fireflies is nearly 100 percent efficient and little energy is wasted to produce their light.

Fireflies use their flashes to attract mates.

Firefly light can be yellow, green, or orange.

Habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution are contributing to the decline of firefly populations.

Join us this Saturday evening for our new family-friendly Firefly Festival!

Wildlife Wednesday 07/10/2024

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:38:00 GMT

It’ssssssss #WildlifeWednesday and we are highlighting one of our resident animal ambassadors, Zea the corn snake!

The lifespan for wild corn snakes is 6-8 years, but in captivity they can live to well over 20. Zea is 11 years old.

Zea is a curious snake and enjoys supervised time exploring outdoors, going to outreach events and programs, and eating her meals of thawed mice.

Join us next week on July 16, World Snake Day, for a special free presentation featuring Zea!

White-lined Sphinx Moth

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:25:00 GMT

The white-lined sphinx moth is a fascinating creature. It’s a member of the moth family Sphingidae which has over 1400 species worldwide and 115 in North America. The white-lined sphinx moth is widespread and abundant. It can be found throughout Central America, the United States, and into southern Canada. It’s a large moth having a 2-to-3-inch wingspan. It has a furry brown body with forewings that have a thick tan line that extends to the tip of the wing with thin white lines crossing the thicker line. It has vertical white strips on its thorax and pink bands on its back wings which are visible only when it’s flying. All members of the Sphingidae family are called sphinx moths for the resting pose of its caterpillar. They are called hawk moths in reference to how fast they fly around. And they are called hummingbird moths for their size and ability to hover while they feed. They move their wings really fast – 41 times per second – to hover making a fluttering buzzing sound as they move.

This moth is both nocturnal and diurnal. White-lined sphinx moths have a keen sense of smell and excellent vision. They have three spectral receptors that are sensitive to blue light, green light and ultraviolet light that enhance their visual acuity. They feed on different flowers depending on the time of day. During the day they choose brightly colored flowers to feed on while at night they choose white or pale-colored flowers which are easier to see in the dark. They pollinate a large variety of wildflowers and garden plants, but they aren’t as efficient at moving pollen around as bees. This is because they don’t land on the flowers as they drink nectar. They aren’t collecting the flower’s pollen on their body, instead they pick up and carry pollen on their long proboscises or tongues from flower to flower. As night pollinators they visit and pollinate flowers that daytime pollinators never visit – filling an important ecosystem role.

They do more for the ecosystem than pollinate plants. The moths are food for birds, bats, frogs, other insects, and many other critters. Their caterpillars have a high nutritional value and are a prized food source. Birds feed them to their young. Even bears will hunt for and feed on these caterpillars. The caterpillars have been, and in some places, still are gathered and roasted for eating by Native Americans with leftovers stored whole or ground up after being dried.

Unfortunately, these moths are drawn to bright lights at night. Moths drawn to light are not pollinating plants. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Let’s help these amazing moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their important role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 07/03/2024

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:57:00 GMT

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are celebrating the upcoming Independence Day holiday with our national symbol, the Bald Eagle!

With the ban of DDT and development of wildlife protection and environmental regulations, our national birdl has made a comeback and remarkable population recovery. The Bald Eagle species status was changed from endangered to threatened, then de-listed altogether, and now holds a risk level of least concern, which is indeed something to celebrate!

30th Annual Foto Fest Winners

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:25:00 GMT

Thank you to all who participated in the 30th Annual Foto Fest at The Wilderness Center! The winners are…

Best of Show: Shirley Weyrauch, Milky Way in the Tetons

Novice Division:

Animals :

Judge’s First Place- Kathy DeHass, Hey You… Just Checking In

People’s Choice- Mary Douglas, Groundhog Snack

Birds :

Judge’s First Place- Mary Douglas, Egret Wading

People’s Choice- Kathy DeHass, Door Dash

Flowers :

Judge’s First Place- Mary Douglas, Woodland Crocus

People’s Choice- Mary Douglas, Woodland Crocus

General Nature :

Judge’s First Place- Mary Douglas, Against the Sunset

People’s Choice- Kathy DeHass, Yellow Brick Road

Insects :

Judge’s First Place- Kathy DeHass, Painted Lady

People’s Choice- Mary Douglas, Swallowtail on Zinnia

Landscapes :

Judge’s First Place- Roberta Kettler, Lakeside in Autumn

People’s Choice: Roberta Kettler, Lakeside in Autumn

Open :

Judge’s First Place- Charlene Gillam, Swiss Air

People’s Choice- Charlene Gillam, Steam

People :

Judge’s First Place- Kathy DeHass, Building My Immune System

People’s Choice- Kathy DeHass, Building My Immune System

Experienced Division:

Animals :

Judge’s First Place- John S. Murray, Cheetah Mother & Cubs

People’s Choice- Michelle Wittensoldner, Jumping Fox

Birds :

Judge’s First Place- Dan Lux, Shorty with Corn Stalks

People’s Choice- Levi Keim, Hummingbird and Canada Lilies

Flowers :

Judge’s First Place- Suzie Lux, Bloodroot

People’s Choice- Levi Keim, Bee Balm

General Nature :

Judge’s First Place- Dan Lux, Frost Morning

People’s Choice- Dan Lux, Frost Morning

Insects :

Judge’s First Place- Bill Roloff, Sun Dragon

People’s Choice- Levi Keim, Spider in Ice

Landscapes :

Judge’s First Place- Shirley Weyrauch, Milky Way in the Tetons

People’s Choice- Shirley Weyrauch, Milky Way in the Tetons

Open :

Judge’s First Place- John S. Murray, Love Bite

People’s Choice- Jack Perry, Ghostly Abandonment

People :

Judge’s First Place- Michelle Wittensoldner, Cowboys

People’s Choice- Michelle Wittensoldner, Cowboys

Youth Division:

Judge’s First Place: John O’Donnell, Yellow Ladyslippers

People’s Choice: Keira Gregorich, Orange Brilliance

Wildlife Wednesday 06/26/2024

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:36:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! The Wilderness Center’s high quality habitats are home to many species of salamanders. One of the terrestrial salamanders that can be found is the Northern slimy salamander.

Its common name comes from the sticky slime it produces in glands on its tail and lower back, which it uses to defend itself from predators. The glue-like slime is very adhesive and binds to the attacker, inhibiting its ability to move and bite.

An amphibian and member of the plethodontid family, this lungless salamander conducts respiration through its skin and tissues lining the mouth. Its preferred habitat is woodlands and ravines, where it spends its time under cover in moist soil and damp leaf litter beneath large stones and rotting logs.

This black salamander with silvery spots along its back is active at night, feeding on earthworms, slugs, spiders, ants, beetles, and other invertebrates. Fiercely territorial, it will defend its territory from rival slimies and other salamander species with tail whipping, slime secretion, vocalizations, and biting. In fact, its genus name “Plethodon” means “great number of teeth.”

June 2024 Full Strawberry Moon

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:16:00 GMT

As the Sun is setting on June 21, 2024, the first full Moon of summer, the Strawberry Moon, will be rising. The rising strawberry Moon won’t be pink, but it will appear large and golden in color. And because this full Moon follows on the heels of the summer solstice which occurred on June 20 at 4:51PM EDT, this Moon will be the lowest full Moon in the sky we’ve seen in several years. This happens because summer solstice is when the Sun is at its highest in the sky, so the geometry required for a full Moon puts this one at its very lowest in the sky.

Wild strawberries, found throughout America and an important spring food for many Native American tribes, ripen and are ready for picking in June. The importance of this fruit is why the Algonquin, Chippewa, Dakota, Lakota, Sioux, and Ojibwe named this Moon the Strawberry Moon. There are other berry names for this Moon including the Creek Blackberry Moon, the Shawnee Raspberry Moon and the Haida Berries Ripen Moon. Tribes sometimes had more than one name for a Moon. For instance, the Ojibwe not only call this Moon the Strawberry Moon, but also call it the Flowering Moon or Garden Moon. Several tribes had Moon names that honored things growing and the need to care for young crops including the Cherokee Plants in Garden are Sprouting Moon and Green Corn Moon, the Anishinaabe Blooming Moon, and the Western Abenaki called it the Hoer Moon. The Tlingit Moon of Birthing and the Cree Egg Laying Moon and Hatching Moon recognize the abundance of new animals being born. Since ancient times Native Americans used the Moon to track the changing months and seasons. All these names were based on what they observed happening in the natural world around them.

Wildlife Wednesday 06/19/2024

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:53:00 GMT

Peak egg-laying season in Ohio is during the months of May and June and females are often spotted crossing roads and venturing into neighborhoods and yards in search of suitable nest sites. Even though they spend most of their time in the water and are seldom even seen basking, they build their nests and lay their eggs on land.

Pictured is a recent snapping turtle visitor in the parking lot of our interpretive building!

Wildlife Wednesday 06/12/2024

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 17:09:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Known for its striking yellow and pink coloration, thick wooly body, and fuzzy antennae, the rosy maple moth is a favorite among moth enthusiasts.

A small member of the silk moth family, the rosy maple moth is found in the eastern United States and Canada. It makes its home in deciduous forests and surrounding suburban and urban areas.

Join us Friday evening as we look for these and other scaly nocturnal creatures during our new Night Wings Mothing Survey program!

Snapping Turtle

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:53:00 GMT

The common snapping turtle is a nocturnal reptile found in southern Canada from Alberta to Nova Scotia and throughout the eastern two-thirds of America from the Atlantic coast to the edge of the Rocky Mountains and south to the Gulf Coast and into Central America. They are an ancient turtle that evolved in North America where they have lived unchanged for nearly 90 million years. The turtle’s ancestors did find their way to Eurasia about 40 million years ago but then disappeared from that continent about two million years ago. The common snapping turtle is the second largest freshwater turtle in America (only the alligator snapping turtle is larger) and it’s the largest turtle in Ohio. Found in most counties they live in permanent bodies of water, as well as ephemeral wetlands and ditches, and brackish environments such as estuaries.

Snapping turtles are nocturnal meaning they are most active at night. They have evolved excellent night vision which allows them to navigate, hunt and forage for food and to lay their eggs. However, don’t be surprised if you see a snapping turtle moving around during the day, perhaps hunting for food. Snappers are crucial to their ecosystems as both predators and scavengers. They are the top predators controlling populations of various mammals, amphibians, mollusks, reptiles, and insects that they prey on. They are also important aquatic scavengers providing natural recycling. They are an important food source. Snapper eggs and hatchlings are a sought-after meal by many predators including raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, bullfrogs, large birds, and largemouth bass. Adult turtles have very few predators, but river otters and coyotes have been known to attack them.

Snapping turtles are threatened by habitat destruction and degradation, pollution/pesticide use, roads (run over by cars), collection for the pet trade and harvested for their shells and meat. Light pollution is also a threat. Research has shown that common snapper hatchlings will move towards illuminated horizons rather than towards wetland areas. Adult snappers need the dark to thrive and continue their role in the ecosystem. Let’s help this ancient animal by turning off all unnecessary lights at night so they can have the dark nighttime environment they need to thrive.

Wildlife Wednesday 06/05/2024

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:38:00 GMT

Leaves of three, let it be. It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are talking about poison ivy.

Poison ivy is a common perennial vine or small shrub found in woodlands, fields, pastures, home landscapes, and a variety of other habitats throughout Ohio. The plant has compound leaves with three leaflets (hence the adage), the stalk of the middle leaflet much longer than the stalks of the side leaflets.

Young plants start in the spring with orange or red-tinged leaves. As the plants mature into the summer, their leaves turn green and they will produce small white flowers. In late summer they produce toxic green berries that turn white in the fall as they ripen. The plant’s fall coloration is shades of bright yellow, orange, and red. And finally in the winter the vine appears “hairy” after the leaves have fallen off. The “hairs” are the rootlets of the plant, which allow it to climb and spread. The plant is poisonous year-round and should not be touched with bare skin during any of these phases.

Since the plant lacks thorns or woody protective tissue it uses a chemical deterrent to protect itself from predators like beetles, slugs, and caterpillars. Urushiol is the oily component that causes an allergic skin reaction in about 90 percent of humans who come in contact with it. Symptoms including itchiness, swelling, a painful rash, and fluid-filled blisters can appear from a few hours to days after exposure and last for an average of two weeks.

If you come into contact with poison ivy, rinse your skin with cool water as soon as possible. Wash all clothing and other items that may have come into contact with it as well, such as gardening tools, camping gear, and pets. While pets generally will not be affected the oil can remain in their fur and cause exposure. Antihistamines, anti-itch creams, and cold compresses can be used for relief. A doctor should be contacted in extreme cases where the individual has severe infection, fever, and/or difficulty breathing.

While humans do their best to avoid poison ivy at all costs, the plant is a valuable food source for many wild animals. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, muskrats, and rabbits eat the leaves and stems while a wide array of birds including woodpeckers and songbirds eat the berries.

Slow Mow Summer

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:08:00 GMT

The balanced way: Slow Mow Summer

Slow Mow Summer is a great way for communities to explore new lawn care habits that can last for the rest of the year. Consider adopting one or more of these strategies this summer.

Mow higher: Maintain a mowing height of 3-4 inches to retain soil moisture, sediment and nutrients, crowd out weeds, and buffer drought all summer. This is referred to as the “Slow Mow Summer” approach and can greatly reduce the need for inputs like watering and fertilizing as moisture and nutrients are better sustained on-site. Be sure to check City or Township ordinances to be aware of the maximum standing turf height allowed in your community.

Go bee lawn: Consider an intentional bee lawn/pollinator lawn with low-growing flowering plants. Unlike a conventional lawn that’s suddenly set free to grow, a bee lawn focuses on certain desirable species that stay relatively low to the ground. For example, Creeping Charlie and dandelion are not included in bee lawn seed mixes. Bee lawns can be established passively over time or through an intentional conversion effort, or more actively and quickly with physical removal of the existing turf. Dandelions in a bee lawn can be either preserved, moderately controlled, or manually removed depending on aesthetic preference. Check out this bee lawn guide for more info.

Go intentional lo-mow: If the pollinator focus isn’t your thing, an intentional lo-mow or no-mow lawn can still provide valuable soil health benefits and change up the yard care routine. The difference between lo-mow and no-mow is essentially how they’re treated – mowing 1-2 times per year or allowing it to grow and fold over. Common lo-mow turf varieties include fine, tall, and other types of fescues depending on the sun/shade, moisture, and foot traffic conditions. Unlike conventional turf, intentional no-mow and low-mow lawns fold and lean over when the grass gets long, providing great groundcover and lower maintenance with the ability to accommodate for municipal lawn ordinances. Check out this guide to low-mow turf for more info.

Explore the world of groundcovers: Check out sedge or other types of groundcovers as a yard alternative, or find an example of a sedge groundcover here . Alternative groundcovers can also work well as a portion of a yard blended with a conventional turf, and maintain a manicured appearance.

Take a trial run: Test out a new slow-to-mow routine and observe how it goes. Try mowing just a few times and when you do, mow at 3-4 inches to preserve some flowering weeds and make it easier for them to recover. This will help your lawn have an easy transition to a more regular mowing routine. Many low flowering plants will adapt to the routine by flowering lower to the ground. Keep the effort going until October to fine-tune your strategy, “train” the lawn, and help your yard be an asset soil, water, and pollinators!

Wildlife Wednesday 05/29/2024

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:02:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! This week we are talking about waterfowl! It is the delightful time of year known as “baby bird season” and geese and ducks can be spotted swimming and waddling around with their numerous adorable offspring in tow.

Improper diets can lead to serious health problems, such as metabolic bone disease and angel wing syndrome. Birds with MBD have soft weak bones as a result of deficiencies of minerals such as calcium. They often cannot fly or defend themselves as a result. Birds with angel wing grow at an abnormally quick rate due to high protein and high calorie diets, and in the process their wing joints become twisted and their primary flight feathers are deformed. These birds usually are unable to fly and may be rejected from their flocks.

Excess food at a body of water where waterfowl live can result in overcrowding. The high concentration of animals leads to increased territoriality as well as risk of spreading disease. The birds can also become habituated to humans if they get fed frequently by people. Predators may also be attracted to the area due to the surplus of food and prey animals.

Allowing waterfowl to forage for natural provisions on their own is best, but if you do choose to feed them do so in moderation, and take care to offer a healthy selection. Instead of processed junk food, feed them chopped leafy greens, shredded vegetables (carrots are a good choice), sliced fruits (grapes and berries), grains, oats, and bird seed.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/22/2024

Fri, 17 May 2024 18:08:00 GMT

Whooooo’s ready for our upcoming owl prowl? It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we will highlight the 3 species of owls we are most likely to encounter on our grounds this time of year.

Join us tomorrow for our Owl Prowl night hike from 8:30-9:30 pm as we keep our eyes and ears open for owls!

May 2024 Full Flower Moon

Fri, 10 May 2024 16:08:00 GMT

May’s full Flower Moon occurs in the morning on May 23, 2024, at exactly 9:53AM EDT. This is the moment the Sun and Moon are on exact opposite sides of the Earth. For us the Moon will be below the horizon by this time. Being able to see a full Moon at the exact moment it is 100% illuminated depends on your location. The full Moon alignment happens at one specific moment in time, regardless of the time of day of any particular location. Since half of Earth is always facing the Sun, a full Moon will always occur during the day in some locations, while it is night in others. For those of us who really want to see the full Flower Moon there are no worries. The Moon looks fully illuminated for a few days before and after the actual alignment. So, weather permitting we’ll be able to see a full Flower Moon rising the evenings of May 22 and 23.

The Flower Moon heralds the coming of warmer weather – wildflowers are blooming, trees and bushes are leafing out, migrating birds are returning, butterflies and moths appear, and baby animals of all kinds are being born. Surrounded by the beauty of spring it is the Algonquin people who have been given credit for the Flower Moon name – a name which honors all the beautiful and colorful wildflowers. Although Flower Moon is the most common name for May’s full Moon there are other spring inspired names. The Cree call this Moon the Budding Moon and the Leaf Budding Moon. The Dakota and Lakota people call this Moon the Planting Moon as May is when seeds are planted. Pacific Northwest tribes call it Camas Blooming Time. The camas is a flowering plant and a traditional food harvested from April through June. The Choctaw people call it the Mulberry Moon. There are also animal inspired names for the May Moon like the Oglala name Moon of the Shedding Ponies. All these names reflect the changes warmer weather brings. Enjoy the Full Flower Moon, perhaps take a night hike and experience nature at night under a full Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/15/2024

Fri, 10 May 2024 16:05:00 GMT

For today’s #WildlifeWednesday we discuss an invasive plant that is widespread throughout Ohio: garlic mustard.

Introduced to North America from Europe in the mid-1800s for its herbal and medicinal characteristics, garlic mustard is now present in nearly every county in the state. It spreads easily in pastures, lawns, floodplains, along roadsides, and in woods and forests.

Garlic mustard is considered a major pest due to its threat to the biodiversity of ecosystems. It emerges much earlier in the spring than the native wildflowers, outcompeting the plants that are supposed to be there for sunshine, nutrients, moisture, and space. It can take over the understory of the forest, weakening the habitat as a whole. Chemicals in garlic mustard have also been found to be toxic to the larvae of some native butterfly species.

To control garlic mustard, manually pulling it before it goes to seed is effective. It is important to pull the whole plant, including the root system. If the plant is pulled before flowering it can be left to decompose. Otherwise, the entire plant should be bagged and removed from the site.

On the plus side, garlic mustard is edible for humans and carries flavors of both garlic and mustard. In modern cuisine the leaves are chopped up and used in sauces and salads. All parts of the plant are edible and the stems can add a pop of flavor to pasta and rice dishes, or be eaten on their own.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/08/2024

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:59:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! April showers bring May flowers, and one of the most iconic is the mayapple.

These woodland plants are widespread throughout the eastern USA and emerge early in the spring, typically growing in large colonies from a single root. They prefer rich moist soil with plenty of organic matter and thrive in full or partial shade. Look for them in open deciduous forests, on shady hillsides, and along riverbanks.

All parts of the plant are toxic, with the exception of the ripe fruit. These “apples” are a favorite food of wild Eastern box turtles.

The plant has large umbrella-like leaves and one flower, which grows in the axil of the leaves. The nodding white flower blooms in May, and is fragrant and showy.

The grounds of TWC are covered in mayapples, and visitors can be treated to beautiful expanses of them along the Wilderness Walk, Pioneer Path, and Sigrist Woods in particular. Come visit soon as the flowers do not last for very long.

Rosy Maple Moths

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:59:00 GMT

Rosy maple moths can be found from May to August in Ohio. Although classified as a “great silk moth” this moth is the smallest of these great moths. Rosy maple moths depend on maple trees for survival – hence their name. Their preferred host trees include red, sugar, silver, and box elder maples. They aren’t particular – the maples can be in forests, urban or suburban areas. This small moth has been found in most of Ohio’s counties.

The bright pink and yellow wing color of this moth is striking. Their woolly-looking bodies are bright yellow while their belly, legs and antennae are pink. Their coloring is camouflage and a defense mechanism to trick predators into thinking they are poisonous and not edible. Rosy maple moths are unable to hear. But evolution has equipped this moth’s entire body to interact and interpret its surroundings, including their antennae, legs, palps – prongs coming out of the area where their mouth would be, and setae – tiny hairs which are their sense of touch. Adult moths don’t have mouths or digestive systems. At this life stage eating is not important as they don’t have long to live, and all their focus and energy go into producing the next generation of moths. Like most moths, the rosy maple moth is nocturnal. They mate at night and the female lays her eggs the next evening before sunset. Two weeks later the eggs hatch into larvae. During the next month these nocturnal herbivores eat, growing into mature caterpillars about two inches long. These full-grown caterpillars crawl to the bottom of the host tree and pupate underground. About two weeks later a moth emerges. Triggering the pupae to overwinter is a mixture of genetic and seasonal cues of shorter days and longer nights.

Rosy maple moths are important to the ecosystem as prey. The moths and their caterpillars are a food source for birds including blue jays, black-capped chickadees, and tufted titmice. They are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, herbicides, and light pollution. All moths are drawn to bright lights at night and the rosy maple moth is no different. Moths drawn to light are not mating. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Unfortunately, under a bright light is the only place many people will see this moth. Let’s help these amazing moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 05/01/2024

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:48:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

It’s that time of year when white-tailed deer babies start showing up in yards and on lawns. Fawns are born in Ohio between May and July and although they are able to walk at birth, they need to spend several weeks with their mother for food and protection.

Humans often notice the young deer and assume they have been abandoned. This is rarely the case. You can monitor the fawn from a distance to see if the mother checks in to nurse or move the youngster. Do not offer the fawn food as it requires specific nourishment from its mother and consuming inappropriate items can harm it. Only in the cases of the fawn being injured or sick, or if you are certain the mother is dead, is it acceptable to intervene. In these rare instances one should contact a local wildlife rehabilitation expert.

Keep wildlife wild!

Wildlife Wednesday 04/24/2024

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:02:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Grasshoppers are quite common throughout Ohio and can be seen or heard in a variety of habitats, but it’s not every day that you see one with dashing shades of pink. Meet this stunning, green-striped grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata, found at The Wilderness Center last week. Is there something wrong with this colorful critter? No, just a rare genetic variation, characterized by an unusual reddish or pinkish hue called erythrism. The only issue this may cause is making the task of avoiding predators a little bit more complicated for this critter.

So, what are the chances of stumbling across one of these pink marvels? It’s around 1%, but given that some grasshopper species lay hundreds of eggs a year, your chances are much better than if you were trying to find a raccoon or a rabbit with this same condition.

Green-striped grasshoppers prefer relatively moist areas with a short to medium grass height, such as roadsides and meadows. This species is normally green or brown and around one inch in length. Finding one of these grasshoppers can be tough, but the more you look the better your chances are at finding one.

April is citizen science month and can be a great way to track a cool find like this grasshopper. Check out The Wilderness Center’s iNaturalist project and help contribute to interesting finds right here at TWC. https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/the-wilderness-center

April 2024 Pink Full Moon

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:35:00 GMT

The Pink full Moon of April occurs on April 23 at exactly 7:49PM EDT. No, the Moon itself will not be pink in color. The Pink Moon symbolizes springtime and new growth. It was given the name “pink” after the herb moss pink, also called creeping phlox, a plant native to the eastern U.S. that spreads and begins to bloom in early spring. When the Moon rises just above the horizon 24 minutes later at 8:14PM it will appear to be large, due to the Moon illusion, and golden in color. Full Moon is an exact moment in time. Before this moment in time the Moon is a waxing gibbous phase and after this moment it is a waning gibbous phase. Near full Moon these phase changes are too small for eyes to see. To our eyes the Moon will look full for three days from April 22 to 24.

Native American names for full Moons are rooted in their knowledge of the natural world and their observed changes to this world from month to month. And while there are variations in Moon names from tribe to tribe there is a sense of consistency in describing the changing world around them. While April’s moon is widely known as the Pink Moon it has been given many springtime inspired names. Some names referenced the melting ice such as the Dakota name When the Streams are Again Navigable and the Arapaho name Moon Where Ice Breaks in the River. Other names like the Oglala name Moon of the Red Grass Appearing and the Sioux name Budding Moon refer to the new plant growth occurring all around them. The Abenaki name Sugar Maker Moon and the Ojibwe name Sugarbush Moon refer to the maple sap that begins flowing this time of year. And there are names that refer to animals that return this time of year such as the Lakota name Moon When the Ducks Come Back and the Cree Frog Moon. The Anishinaabe call this Moon the Sucker Moon to honor the sucker fish that returns this time of year to streams and lakes to spawn. Their legend is these fish come back from the spirit world to purify the bodies of water and all the creatures living in them. This is just a small sample of the many names for this springtime Moon.

Wildlife Wednesday 04/17/2024

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:31:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! They’re on their way! A truly delightful harbinger of spring is the dazzling appearance of hummingbirds as they return from their wintering grounds in Central America.

Ruby-throats are precision flyers and able to hover and fly backwards and upside-down. Between the males aggressively defending their favorite feeding locales with swift aerodynamic chases and dramatically swooping and diving while performing elaborate courtship displays, this species is very captivating and entertaining for human observers.

Wildlife Wednesday 04/10

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 18:52:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! One of the first spring wildflowers to appear at TWC this spring is cut-leaved toothwort. Also known as pepper root and crow’s toes, this woodland wildflower is part of the family of flowering plants known as mustards.

Cut-leaved toothwort is widespread in the eastern United States and also found in Quebec and Ontario in Canada. It grows in rich forest habitats and wooded slopes with leaf litter and high-quality soil full of organic material.

The plant is fairly easy to identify by its dissected and toothed leaves that form in whorls of three. The plant has delicate white and pink flowers that grow in clusters at the terminus of each stem. The flowers have four petals and appear bell-shaped because they never fully open.

The plant is an important early source of nectar for many native species of bees and other pollinators. It is also a host plant for caterpillars of the imperiled West Virginia white butterfly.

Cut-leaved toothwort is currently very easy to find at The Wilderness Center, appearing in large numbers in particular along the Wilderness Walk and Sigrist Woods trails. Truly ephemeral in nature, it does not bloom for very long so come visit soon for a stroll and to admire this beautiful plant!

Total Solar Eclipse (April 8, 2024)

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:17:00 GMT

The long awaited total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, is almost here. The path of totality, where the Sun’s light is totally blocked by the Moon, through Ohio is 200 miles long and 115 miles wide. If you’re anywhere within this path, you will see the total eclipse. Those outside this path will see only a partial eclipse. How long totality lasts depends on where you’re located within the path. For those near the edge of the path totality will be shorter than for those near the center of the path. The eclipse, from the start of the partial phase to totality and to the end of the partial phase after totality, lasts 2 ½ hours.

NEVER EVER look directly at the Sun with unprotected eyes. Looking at the Sun with unprotected eyes can and will damage your eyesight! Wear solar eclipse glasses and place solar filters on binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and cell phones, if using your cell phone to take pictures of the Sun, during the partial phases of the eclipse. Make sure the glasses have printed on them “Meets the Requirement for ISO12312-2:2015” and have the manufacturer’s name and address printed on them. An easy and inexpensive way to view the eclipse is using a pinhole projector. The ONLY time you can look directly at the Sun during a total eclipse is when the Moon is totally covering the Sun. ONLY during totality can you take the glasses and filters off. With the first glimmer of sunlight the protective glasses and filters must be put back on.

When the Moon has almost completely covered the Sun look for Bailey’s beads, an arc of brilliantly shining points of light shining through valleys between mountains on the edge of the Moon. Next comes the diamond ring effect as the last bit of sunlight vanishes behind the Moon. Be watching – both last mere seconds before they’re gone. Now take off your glasses and filters and behold the corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere visible only during a total eclipse. Look around the edge of the Moon and you will see red areas, these are solar prominences, loops of hot gas that shoot thousands of miles into space. You will be able to see stars and the five naked eye planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible. There will be an eerie dark around you. The temperature will noticeably drop. Birds will stop singing, insects will become quiet. Experience totality – it will be over very quickly. Put your glasses and filters back on. As the Moon moves away, you’ll see the diamond ring and Bailey’s beads and partial eclipse again.

On the day of the eclipse, if traveling, be at your destination early and stay late. Ohio is expecting nearly a million visitors to view the eclipse. Pack your patience and make sure to have plenty of water and snacks in the car and a full gas tank. The next total solar eclipse to cross the US won’t occur until 2044. The next total solar eclipse to cross Ohio won’t occur until 2099. This is truly a once in a lifetime event for so many people. Enjoy the eclipse!

Wildlife Wednesday 04/03/2024

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:13:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Peent! It’s the time of year for American Woodcocks to display! The courtship flights and rituals can be observed in fields, pastures, forest openings, and other clearings at dawn and dusk during the spring.

Affectionately nicknamed the “timberdoodle,” the American Woodcock is a plump round shorebird that lives in forest thickets, probing moist soil with its long prehensile beak for earthworms and other invertebrates.

Its mottled plumage with a pattern that allows for excellent camouflage and its secretive nature make this bird hard to notice, with the exception of the dazzling mating performance. After letting out the signature buzzy, nasal “peent” call, a male will fly upward in a spiral. At the peak height of the trajectory, the wings make a twittering sound as air rushes through the primary feathers. He then chirps and sings as he descends in a zigzag.

On the ground, the male bobs and bows with his wings stretched vertically, still singing and peent-ing. The female hens will approach if interested, and the remarkable display can happen over and over.

Woodcocks are famous for this elaborate sky dance, which is a true sign of spring and an amazing spectacle to observe. Peent!

American Bullfrogs

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:12:00 GMT

The American Bullfrog is native to every state east of the Mississippi River. They are nocturnal and the largest true frog found in North America. They can be up to 8 inches long and weigh over a pound. Even their tadpoles are large, some reaching up to almost 7 inches long. The croaking of a bullfrog is a familiar sound of spring and summer. Only the males croak producing a low rumbling “jug-o-rum” call which can be heard a mile away. They croak to attract mates and to establish territory.

Bullfrogs need permanent sources of fresh water like lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They need permanent water because unlike many frogs their tadpoles take 2 to 3 years to grow before metamorphosing into an adult. Their color, ranging from brown to different shades of green with random mottling of darker gray, provides camouflage allowing them to blend with the plants in their environment. Their back feet are webbed. They have good vision with large bulging eyes that sit at the top of their head giving them a wide view. This is important since they can’t move their heads from side to side. Their ear, called the tympanum, is a round circle on the side of their head near the eye. They have a spring-loaded tongue and powerful jaws. Bullfrogs are carnivorous opportunistic ambush predators that sit quietly waiting for prey to come close. They eat just about anything that fits in their mouth including mice, salamanders, crayfish, toads and other frogs, insects, tadpoles, snails, and small fish, birds, lizards, and snakes. If their meal doesn’t completely fit in their mouth, they use their hands to finish stuffing it in.

Bullfrogs are an important member of Ohio’s ecosystem. A variety of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, including great blue herons, great egrets, belted kingfishers, snapping turtles, racoons, and river otters, feed on bullfrog adults, juveniles, tadpoles, and eggs. They provide insect pest control. And they provide some economic benefits when used as research specimens and as a food source for humans. Artificial light disrupts the nighttime croaking of these frogs, which is a part of their breeding ritual, interfering with their reproduction and leading to reductions in their populations. Let’s help the bullfrog by turning off all unnecessary lights.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/27/24

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:08:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! Our trails at TWC are currently bursting with Virginia springbeauties! These small pink and white flowers are native to the eastern United States and Canada, and can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, meadows, ravines, parks, and lawns.

The perennial plants grow from underground tubers, giving them the nickname “fairy spuds.” The potato-like roots are edible with a flavor described as chestnut-like. The flowers are also frequently eaten by foragers and wild food enthusiasts.

Flowering occurs between March and May, and in large patches the low-growing spring beauties are particularly stunning, covering the ground in a blanket of delicate blooms. The blossoms are an attractive favorite of many species of bees and other pollinators.

The best place to see these early spring wildflowers at TWC is along the Wilderness Walk path.

March 2024 Full Worm Moon

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:24:00 GMT

March’s full Worm Moon, the first full Moon of spring, occurs at 3:00AM EDT on March 25, 2024. To our eyes the Moon will look full and round the nights of March 24, 25 and 26. Traditionally it’s called the Worm Moon because March is when the ground begins to thaw, and earthworms begin to wiggle up from their underground burrows. It was thought only southern Native American tribes called it by this name. Early northern Native American tribes didn’t see earthworms in March as all soil dwelling worms were wiped out during the last ice age by glaciers coving most of the northeast and upper Midwest. However, it’s now believed that the Dakota and other northern tribes used this name in recognition of another sign of spring, the emergence of beetle larvae, a different type of worm that begins emerging from under thawing tree bark and other places this time of year.

Native Americans have several other names for this Moon that describe the transition from winter to spring. The Shawnee call this Moon the Sap or Sugar Moon. The Shoshone call it the Warming Moon. The Pueblo people call it the Wind Strong Moon. The Algonquin call it the Eagle Moon. Northern Ojibwe call this Moon the Crow Comes Back Moon. For Christians this full Moon is called the Paschal Full Moon. A Paschal Moon is the first full Moon after the spring equinox which this year is March 19. Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon.

We have all heard about the total solar eclipse on April 8. A solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse. The Worm Moon coincides with a penumbral lunar eclipse which will be visible to us from start to finish. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the Moon is in the lighter part of Earth’s shadow, not the dark umbra part of the shadow. At no time will the umbra take a bite out of the Moon. Darkening of the Moon’s disk during a penumbral eclipse is very subtle and usually difficult to observe. Most folks won’t even realize the eclipse is happening. The eclipse begins at 12:53AM on March 25 ^th , the maximum or middle of the eclipse occurs at about 3:12AM and the eclipse is over at about 5:32AM. The entire eclipse lasts over four hours.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/20/24

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:17:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The first native spring wildflower to bloom in Ohio is skunk cabbage. Its flower structures are thermogenic (able to produce heat) and will emerge even through snow and ice!

The spathe, or hood, is the first part of the flower to appear from the ground and has a distinctive color combination of purple, brown, and green. The spathe provides protection to the fleshy spadix inside, which is covered in tiny tightly-packed flowers.

The plant gets its name from its stinky skunk-like odor. The stench attracts its primary pollinators, gnats and flies, but the warm temperature emitted from the flowers and contained by the spathe also lures in beetles, bees, and other insects.

Eventually the leaves emerge from the mud and expand into enormous cabbage-like foliage. The root structure is contractile and pulls the stems deep into the soil. After years of continually contacting, the root system becomes enormous and embedded and the plant is nearly impossible to dig up.

Skunk cabbage habitat is soggy and wet. Look for it in damp wooded wetlands, bogs, swamps, near springs, and alongside streams.

Yucca Moth

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:09:00 GMT

While many may think of moths as the butterfly’s ugly cousin, a small boring insect flying around their porch lights at night, they are anything but. Ohio has over 3,000 species of moth. Most of them are nocturnal, many are colorful, some are large, and all are important members of their ecosystem. One of these moths is the yucca moth, a hardworking nighttime pollinator. Many plants are pollinated by only one species of moth. The yucca plant is one such plant. Through 40 million years of evolution, the plant and moth have forged a symbiotic relationship depending on each other for their very existence.

This small white moth’s entire life happens in, on or under a yucca plant. During late June yucca plants flower at night. Their creamy white flowers seem to float above the ground in the moonlight. New moths emerge just as the yucca plant is blooming. Their only purpose is to mate. Unlike most moths the yucca moth doesn’t have a long tongue – yucca flowers don’t produce nectar. Instead, the females have evolved tentacles around their mouths for scraping pollen off the anthers of a yucca flower. After gathering pollen and storing it in a ball under her chin she flies to another flower on a different plant. After making sure another moth hasn’t laid eggs in the flower – her antennae can pick up the scent of another female – she lays a few of her eggs in this new flower. This information is important to both the plant and the moth – if too many eggs are laid in a flower the plant drops the flower off. This is a mechanism developed by the plant to ensure their arrangement with the moth isn’t abused. Now she moves to the stigma which has been specifically shaped to accept some of her pollen ball. The flower is now fertilized, and a fruit will grow. She repeats this activity on more flowers. Several weeks later caterpillars are eating some of the developing fruit seeds, but not all, leaving plenty to make new plants. Eventually the caterpillars chew their way out of the fruit and burrow, up to a foot deep, underground where they make a cocoon and wait for the yucca plant to bloom. This carefully orchestrated cooperation allows both plant and moth to produce a new generation.

All nocturnal moths are facing many challenges including pesticides/insecticides, loss of habitat, climate change and artificial light at night. Yucca moths are drawn to light sources at night.

Moths drawn to light are not mating and they are not pollinating plants. Under the light they will die due to increased predation or exhaustion before daylight. Let’s help these unique moths thrive by protecting dark skies so that they can continue to play their role in the ecosystem.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/13/24

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:04:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

You may have noticed more large dark birds circling and soaring in the sky overhead lately. While some Turkey Vultures stay in Ohio all year, most migrate for the winter, traveling to the southern USA and even as far as South America. While often associated with death and decay, the Turkey Vulture is a harbinger of spring!

Their red bald heads resembling that of a male Wild Turkey gave them the first part of their common name, while the word “vulture” comes from Latin, meaning to tear, referring to the bird’s scavenging feeding method. Their scientific name, Cathartes aura, translates to “golden purifier” or “golden breeze.” That’s a bit more appealing.

While all of the previous paragraph may sound disgusting, Turkey Vultures are relatively clean, gentle, and social creatures. They can often be seen standing nobly in the horaltic pose, perched high with their enormous wings spread wide, glowing in the sunshine. Not only does this stance look really cool, the vulture is using the heat of the sun to bake off ectoparasites and bacteria in its feathers.

Turkey Vultures are traditionally said to return to Ohio (specifically Hinckley, Ohio) on Buzzard Day, which falls on March 15 each year. While we know that some never leave the state and some arrive earlier or later, the date still serves as an annual celebration of the Turkey Vulture and arrival of spring!

Leo the Lion

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:38:00 GMT

Leo, the Lion, is one of the 12 zodiacal constellations that mark the apparent path of the Sun and planets through the sky and it’s one of the first constellations of spring. In fact, when you see his head poking above the eastern horizon in early February you know spring isn’t far off. Leo is one of the easiest constellations to see – he actually looks like a lion. To find Leo look for the pattern of stars shaped like a backward question mark. This is the head and the big mane of the lion. The period at the end of the question mark is the bright star Regulus, the brightest star in Leo and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Regulus is the heart of the lion and is Latin for prince or little king. Look to the left of the question mark and there is a right triangle of stars. These stars represent the lion’s hindquarters and tail. The bright star at the tip of the triangle is called Denebola, an Arabic word meaning the Lion’s Tail. The Big Dipper can be used to help find Leo. Using the two stars on the front of the bowl, called the Pointer Stars, draw a straight line that lands on the back of the lion.

Leo is an ancient constellation known to the Mesopotamians as long ago as 4000BCE. The Babylonians called Leo UR.GU.LA – the great lion. In Greek mythology Leo was the Nemean lion defeated by Hercules as one of his 12 labors. Many cultures saw a lion in these stars, but not all. For instance, the Native American Ojibwe culture saw the backwards question mark as the curly tail of a mountain lion with its head found in the stars of the constellation Hydra, calling this constellation Gaadidnaway or Curly Tail. They knew when Curly Tail was overhead the ice would be thawing and that it was time to move from winter camp to sugar bush camp. To the Dakota/Lakota people the backwards question mark was Oceti/Peta meaning Fireplace/Fire. It is the sacred fire built to heat the sacred stones for the sweat lodge ceremony. As the nights go by enjoy watching this ancient constellation.

Wildlife Wednesday 03/06/24

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:13:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!

The Sandhill Crane is a tall elegant bird with a heavy body, soaring 6-foot wingspan, red crown of feathers on its head, and a fluffy bustle of gray plumage at its back end.

This graceful long-necked avian has a loud rolling trumpet-like vocalization that can be heard for miles. Mated pairs will engage in unison calling, standing close to each other and bugling a duet.

While in general numerous throughout North America, the Sandhill Crane is an endangered species in Ohio. One location where they nest in our state is the Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area.

Join TWC education team members this Saturday at the Shreve Migration Sensation event! We will be looking for cranes and other birds from the Funk Bottoms observation deck.

https://www.shreveohio.com/migration-sensation

Coyotes

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:24:00 GMT

The coyote is a fascinating creature. Not native to Ohio, coyotes originally called the open deserts and prairies of the West home. However, being intelligent, adaptable animals, coyotes can make a home anywhere there is food, water, and shelter. They began moving eastward as settlers cleared the forest for fields and pastures. At the same time the gray wolf, the coyote’s main predator, and other large carnivores were hunted and pushed out of the area. In 1919 the first coyote was spotted in Ohio and since then they have spread throughout the state inhabiting rural and urban areas. To many native American tribes, the coyote is a good omen and a helpful spirit animal revered by for its intelligence, cleverness, cunning, and adaptability. To some of today’s urban dwellers and livestock farmers they are a nuisance.

Coyotes are elusive, nocturnal animals. They can be most active at dusk and dawn and are occasionally seen during the day. The fur color of the coyote tends to vary by region. In Ohio they are typically gray with a blackish or grizzled tint, however, reddish, black, and blond- or cream-colored coyotes have also been seen. Coyotes have been called “song dogs” for their many different vocalizations used to communicate with each other and to warn others away from their territory. Coyotes are opportunistic eaters and will eat a wide variety of food. They’ll eat rodents, squirrels, rabbits, insects, lizards, vegetables, and fruits. They’ll also prey on deer, however in Ohio they rarely do because there are easier sources of food. In urban areas they’ll take advantage of pet food left outdoors, garbage cans, gardens, fruit trees and bird feeders. They will also feast on roadkill. Coyotes have few natural predators and none of them live in Ohio.

Love them or hate them, coyotes have their role to play in our ecosystem. Studies show coyotes help to control animals such as racoons, skunks, foxes, and feral cats. This in turn affects ground nesting birds and songbirds increasing bird diversity and abundance. They help keep rodent and rabbit populations under control. As scavengers they help to keep the environment clean. And they assist in spreading plant seeds. Coyotes need the night, reducing or eliminating light pollution is something we can all do to help them.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/28

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 18:20:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It is the time of year when we observe, appreciate, and celebrate Ohio’s state amphibian (and a TWC mascot), the spotted salamander!

A type of mole salamander, this cute creature with bright yellow spots and a perpetual smile lives most of its life underground.

After a long winter of brumation (similar to hibernation), spotted salamanders emerge from their burrows and venture above-ground for their mass migration. They need specific conditions to undergo this journey. The temperature must be warm (around 50 degrees F or above), the snowpack must be melted, and the weather must be damp throughout the night.

2024 February Full Moon

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:37:00 GMT

“The full snow moon will rise to see what once were fields of hay, She’ll gaze upon the barren rows, snowed in from yesterday. She’ll share here night with stars ablaze, yet spreading little heat …” From “The Full Snow Moon …” by Joy A Burki-Watson

February’s full Snow Moon occurs on the 24 ^th at 7:30A.M. EST. By this time the Moon has set and is below the horizon. But we won’t miss it because it’ll look full and bright on the evenings of the 23 ^rd , 24 ^th , and 25 ^th . This Snow Moon is a micromoon. Like the term supermoon, micromoon is a trendy internet term for what astronomers call an apogee full Moon which is when the full Moon happens when the Moon is farthest from Earth during its orbit. Micromoons, and supermoons, occur because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical making the Moon sometimes closer to Earth and sometimes farther away. A micromoon appears slightly smaller and less bright than a typical full Moon. However, these differences are so small the eye doesn’t notice them. This Moon is also the Lenten Moon – the first full Moon before the spring equinox and the last full Moon of Winter.

Traditionally February’s Full Moon is called the Snow Moon because February can be a very snowy month. There are many other cold names for this Moon including the Mahican people’s Deep Snow Moon and the Abenaki people’s Makes Branches Fall in Pieces Moon. Farther south where the temperature is starting to warm the Comanche call it the Sleet Moon. Moon names also reflect February as a time of scarcity and hunger. The Choctaw call this the Moon of Big Famine. The Pacific Northwest Kalapuya people call it Out of Food Moon and the Cherokee call it the Hungry Moon. Animal names are also given to the February Moon. The Tlingit people call this Moon the Black Bear Moon, and the Ojibwe call it the When Bear Cubs are Born Moon. The Haida call it the Goose Moon and the Omaha call it the Moon When Geese Come Home.

Strap your snowshoes on and go out to enjoy this year’s Snow Moon!

Wildlife Wednesday 02/21

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:30:00 GMT

Being in nature can be very magical to many people. There has even been a history of different mythical beings that live in and are even connected to nature. One of the most popular being the discussion of fairies.

One of the most common fairy sightings that people often see are “fairy rings” that pop up in their yard or open spaces they found. These circular rings of mushrooms are thought to be little realms where fairies dance and play. However, humans must never interrupt this fun or else the fairies may punish the humans. It is believed that if a human were to enter a fairy ring then they will be forced to dance with the creatures where they are unable to stop until they either go mad or perish from exhaustion.

Scientifically, “fairy rings” are not created by fairies. Instead it is just seen as a ring or arc of mushrooms. They are caused by an individual fungus that grows underground with several small fungus sprouts that pop up above ground called mycelium. The fungus underground will keep growing which will allow for the ring to get larger as the fungus gets older.

Whether you believe in the science or the magic of how these mushroom rings form on earth both are interesting ways this natural phenomenon occurs. To learn more about fairies and other mythical beings, make sure to join us tomorrow at Troutman’s Vineyard & Winery for our second Night Out With Nature: Magic Myths in the Forest.

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:19:00 GMT

The dancing ribbons of light called aurora borealis or northern lights have mesmerized people for millennia. Galileo named these dancing lights “aurora borealis” in 1619, after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. The earliest depiction of the auroras may be a cave painting in France dating to 30,000 years ago. The oldest written record was made by the Chinese in 2600BC. People around the world had stories to explain the dancing lights they saw in the sky. In Finland it was believed that the aurora was created by the mythical fire fox racing across the snow so fast that sparks fly up setting the sky on fire. In Viking myth, the aurora is light reflected off the battle armor of the Valkyries. Native American Cree peoples believed the aurora to be the spirits of their departed loved ones trying to communicate with them and the Algonquin believed the aurora was a fire built by their creator as a reminder that he was watching over them.

Auroras occur 365 days a year, 24 hours a day in the aurora zone – the area around the North (and South) Poles where auroras are almost always seen. The Sun is constantly ejecting charged particles from its corona, or outermost atmosphere, creating the solar wind which slams into the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These particles are carried by Earth’s magnetic field to the poles where their energy causes the atmosphere to fluoresce, and we see aurora. The brightness and frequency of aurora are tied to the solar cycle. Every 11 years the Sun’s magnetic field flips –its north and south poles switch places. Eleven years later the poles flip back. The beginning of this solar cycle is a solar minimum during which the surface of the sun is least active. Over time solar activity increases. The middle of the solar cycle is called solar maximum. This is when the Sun is most active, sunspot activity increases, and the number of solar flares and coronal mass ejections increase. The Sun is approaching solar maximum, predicted to peak between early 2024 and late 2025. There will be brighter and more frequent auroras. How far south auroras will be seen depends on how energetic the Sun’s particles are.

If you want to see the aurora here in northern Ohio or have thought about planning an aurora hunting trip farther north, the next 4 or 5 years will be the most favorable for auroral sightings.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/14

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:09:00 GMT

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! It is Valentine’s Day and love is in the air, especially for coyotes! Today marks the peak of coyote mating season, which spans from late January until early March.

Pairs are monogamous and stay together throughout their lives, the strong bond breaking only upon the death of a mate.

Join us for a night hike Howl Prowl this Friday as we explore the TWC trails listening for the sounds of the song dog. Awooooo!

Little Brown Bats 02/09

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:24:00 GMT

The nocturnal little brown bat is one of Ohio’s 13 native bat species. It is found in North America from the Alaskan and Canadian boreal forest south through most of the U.S. and into central Mexico. Once the most common bat species in Ohio, it is now listed as endangered in the state and is being considered for listing as endangered Federally.

This small bat is about 3.5 inches long with a wingspan of 9 to 11 inches and weighs less than half an ounce. It has long dark brown fur, a dark brown or black face and dark brown wing membranes. It has sharp teeth and prominent canines to grasp hard-bodied insects while flying. The bones in the lower part of this bat are smaller in size and thickness, reducing its weight during flight. This adaptation is part of the reason they hang upside down when roosting; their skeletal structure is incapable of supporting an upright roosting position. Little brown bats consume a variety of night flying insect pests. Using echolocation, they feed while flying. One little brown bat can eat up to half its weight in insects every night and nursing females will eat up to 110% of their body weight. It’s estimated that they capture and eat one insect every seven seconds. Their predators include owls, snakes, racoons, fishers, weasels, and domestic cats.

Little brown bats have been in decline throughout eastern North America due to a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome. In Ohio the population has fallen by about 95%. They are also threatened by habitat loss, collisions with wind turbine blades and light pollution. Bats adapted to a life of darkness partly to avoid predators. Artificial light falling on or near a bat roost can prevent or delay bats from leaving the roost, resulting in reduced foraging time, and missing the peak time for feeding on insects. Long-used commuting and foraging routes will be avoided if artificial light spills into these areas. Researchers are working hard to find a cure for white-nose syndrome before this bat becomes extinct. Reducing or eliminating light pollution is something we can all do to help this bat. We can start in our own backyards by installing dark-sky friendly light fixtures and lamps. Let’s do our part to save this bat.

Wildlife Wednesday 02/07

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:19:00 GMT

With leaves having fallen from the deciduous trees and lack of other vegetation, birds can be much easier to spot and observe than when the foliage is thick.

Appropriate foods for your feeders include:

*Black-oil sunflower seeds, which are a favorite of cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers

*Peanuts (raw and unsalted are safest) provide a great source of protein and are preferred by Blue Jays, Tufted Titmice, woodpeckers, and crows

*Nyjer seed (also called thistle) will bring pops of bright yellow in the form of American Goldfinches, in addition to siskins, sparrows, juncos, and doves

*Suet is frequently enjoyed by woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches, and chickadees

Inappropriate food items such as popcorn and bread can cause serious health problems and even death.

Join us this Friday, February 09 at 8 AM for Early Birds! We will observe birds at the feeders from the TWC interpretive building, then take to the trails for a birding walk about the grounds, exploring various habitats.

Conservation Update

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 17:35:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center’s Conservation team has been busy with changes in personnel, projects, and places. Our new Associate Director of Conservation and Land Management began in April (Daniel Volk), a new Land Steward is starting in June 2023 (Zachary Justus), and we are hiring a Building and Grounds Manager to round out our Conservation team. We are also saying goodbye to our current Senior Biologist/Conservation Manager, Gary Popotnik, who worked tirelessly at TWC for the last 15 years. Because of Gary’s dedication and hard work, TWC is in a phenomenal position to continue advancing our conservation efforts.

To follow up from a 2016-17 restoration on Fox Creek (see post from August 25, 2022), we began a second restoration project this year on 14 acres upstream of the original site. This second site includes restoration of 1,332 linear feet of stream, rehabilitation and creation of over 6 acres of wetland, and hundreds of plants and trees installed. Construction was finished in Spring 2023. Two other restorations are scheduled to begin Summer 2023 at our Falcon Flats and Lash’s Bog properties near Brewster. Between the two sites, over 28 acres of already high-quality wetlands will be enhanced and intensively cleared of invasive plants for the next five years.

Figure 1 . Completed restoration of Fox Creek 2.0 wetlands at The Wilderness Center.

TWC was recently awarded an H2Ohio grant for $322,534 to acquire and restore farmland in Wayne County that is directly adjacent to ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Funk Bottoms (1,536 acres). The 27-acre property is undergoing a restoration to remove crops, improve habitat quality, and expand the floodplain to allow for natural, riparian water retention. Construction will be complete in June and once the full restoration is complete, we expect to launch educational and recreational programs at the site. Stay tuned!

You may also notice the new entrance driveway that was installed in June 2023. These permeable pavers are filled with gravel which allows rainwater to naturally filter through the ground as opposed to running off impermeable surfaces like asphalt or cement. The new driveway prevents stormwater and nutrient runoff into waterways while also being more durable than traditional pavements. Innovative projects like these allow us to continue advancing our sustainability efforts and set examples for how to better take care of our land.

Figure 2 . Permeable pavers filled with gravel were newly installed in June 2023 at our entrance driveway to allow water infiltration and prevent nutrient runoff.

Fall Greetings…

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:52:00 GMT

From the Director of Development

Hello! I am the new Director of development here at The Wilderness Center. I joined the team in May and have been busy ever since! Our goal in the Development Team Is to allow TWC to continue fulfilling its mission to educate and engage our community on the importance of conservation for the betterment of us all. For over 60 years, TWC has focused on serving our community through environmental education and conserving important habitats and preserves. With the loyal and unwavering support from you – our donors, we have been successful with this goal! The dedicated support has been astonishing since day one and incredibly appreciated. Without our donors, we could not continue to fulfill our mission.

Major construction is finished at our Nature Playscape! Just another example of your donations being put into action to create important aspects of TWC. We are still taking donations to support the update and increase of accessibility of our Nature Playscape. Go to WildenressCenter.org/donate. Keep your eyes peeled for an exciting invitation to our grand opening!

We jut hosted our annual Enchanted Forest event on Oct 7th and 8th. Visitors met costumed volunteers such as Mouse, Spider, Tree Frog, and Possum as they were escorted along our pumpkin-lit trails. The educational focus of the evening was on the interconnectedness and importance of nocturnal species. It was a huge success, we hosted over 1,000 visitors over the weekend. A huge THANK YOU to our many volunteers!! Without their help, it wouldn’t have been nearly as successful.

Keep an eye out on your email and our social media for additional information about our fun upcoming events. These fun activities occur regularly, and you don’t want to miss out!

We are nearing the beginning of our Annual Campaign, and we ask that you, our community of supporters keep our work in mind. We need support in continuing our mission to connect our community with nature, educate people of all ages, conserve natural resources, and practice environmental stewardship. We, as always, appreciate your help in completing this mission.

All of these activities would not be possible without support from our community of members and donors. We greatly thank you for your generosity and support of our mission. Come and visit us soon!

Maureen Kampman

Director of Development

Bottle Caps to Benches Program is a Great Success!

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:53:00 GMT

We received a total of 5257 pounds in caps and lids through our Bottle Caps to Benches Program. These will be recycled into benches by Plastics R Unique in Wadsworth. So far, we have purchased 11 benches and have enough caps to get another 40. We are overwhelmed with the great success of this program. Since we have enough caps to recycle into so many benches, we will not be collecting the caps any longer.

Two groups were the winners of our competition and each collected 200 lbs of caps: the TWC Geocaching Club and American Greetings (Westlake Branch). They will receive handmade bottlecap magnets for their team members and their name on a bench.

We received caps from all over: Alaska, Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, and more.

Since we have enough caps to recycle into so many benches, we will not be collecting the caps any longer. If you are interested in places to recycle your bottle caps, contact:

Plastics R Unique

Green Tree Plastics

If you would like to dedicate a bench in memory of a loved one, to honor a special occasion, or to showcase your group, please see details about our Bench and Brick Dedication program. Leave a lasting memorial at The Wilderness Center!

New Project: Fox Creek 2.0

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:36:00 GMT

For the past 150 plus years, humans have made changes across the landscape. One of the changes has been in the channelization (straightening) of streams. Humans would take what was once a small stream meandering through a woodland or meadow, and reroute it to become simply a deep ditch.

Why channelize? Channelizing a stream allows rainwater and snow melt to drain off of a field more quickly, allowing farmers to till the soil earlier in the spring. But it also adds to an increase in soils being washed away downstream (erosion), and the loss of fertile lands.

Conservation is a key pillar in The Wilderness Center’s mission. Over the past 60 years, we have obtained new properties and expanded our main site in Wilmot, including purchasing land that was once agricultural and included some of these channelized streams. One of these projects, which we’ve named Fox Creek 2.0, is a collaboration between TWC and the Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) mitigation program. By restoring natural stream sinuosity, we will also be restoring the associated wetlands and riparian buffers that disappeared with channelization.

The final design for the project has been approved, and when completed, the project will have restored more than 1,000 feet of stream and nearly 14 acres of wetlands and riparian buffers. The new stream channel will meander across the historic floodplain with a series of riffles, runs and pools that provide important habitat for a number of species of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Features such as boulders, cobbles and gravel, rootwads, streambed log debris and undercut banks add to a rich diversity of habitat types.

Restored wetlands allow for the deposit of sediments during flooding events as well as important habitat for a number of bird and amphibian species. In these areas, native plant species that naturally occur in wetlands will be planted.

TWC is very excited about this project and the end results will add to the natural diversity of our lands.

Sigrist Woods inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:06:00 GMT

On April 12, our very own Sigrist Woods at The Wilderness Center was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network. Somewhat of a celebrity in the conservation world, Dr. Joan Maloof, Executive Director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, travelled to our area and presented a plaque to TWC’s Executive Director, Jeanne Gural, Board President Roger Baker, and Senior Biologist Gary Popotnik. The dedication celebrates the addition of the 19th forest to join the Old-Growth Forest Network in the state of Ohio.

Sigrist Woods are located on the lands of the Kaskaskia peoples, who inhabited this region before European settlement. The 21-acre old-growth area has been a dedicated State Natural Landmark since 1983. A number of trees in this old-growth area date to nearly 175 years old, as determined by field studies from the Wooster Tree Ring Lab at the College of Wooster. These are largely white oak (Quercus alba). In addition, there are burr oak (Q. macrocarpa) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum), in this old-growth forest.

The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests. OGFN intends to preserve at least one forest in every county in the U.S. that can sustain a forest. OGFN works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, the network currently has over 150 forests in the Network across 28 states. Sigrist Woods joined nineteen other Ohio forests already in the Network.

Dr. Maloof noted, “We look forward to adding more forests to the Network in the future. We depend on a volunteer in each county to help us identify candidate forests. Karen Koch, County Coordinator for the Old-Growth Forest Network has been an invaluable volunteer supporter. In addition to creating a network of forests, we are also creating a network of people who care about forests.” Interested volunteers are welcome to contact OGFN through the website: www.oldgrowthforest.net .

The Wilderness Center helps to Pass “National Native Plant Month”

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:45:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center has signed on as a supporter of a resolution to make April National Native Plant Month. U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH ) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced the bipartisan resolution which has since received unanimous Senate passage. This resolution recognizes the importance of native plants to environmental conservation and restoration, as well as in supporting a diversity of wildlife.

TWC Executive Director, Jeanne Gural states, “The foundation of healthy ecosystems starts with native s pecies of plants grown in the right soil. From that all things grow: clean, drinkable water; healthy, breathable air; and an abundance of wildlife from the smallest of bees to the majestic bear. All are dependent on our native species of plants.”

During the month of April, people and organizations across the country can celebrate native plants by planting native trees, shrubs, perennials, vines and grasses, planning educational events with schools and community organizations, hosting hands-on workshops, removing non-native invasive plants so native plants can thrive, and restoring areas with native habitats to allow birds, bees, butterflies and all wildlife to flourish.

“I am pleased that the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution designating April 2022 as National Native Plant Month,” said Senator Portman . “From stabilizing soil and filtering air and water to providing shelter and food for wildlife, native plants play an indispensable role in supporting resilient ecosystems as well as in our everyday lives. This bipartisan resolution highlights the importance of native plants and celebrates our rich ecological heritage here in Ohio and across the nation.”

“Native plants are an important piece of Hawaii’s history, culture, and environment. As home to 44 percent of our country’s threatened and endangered plant species, in Hawaii, we understand the importance of protecting and preserving our native biodiversity. I’m pleased that the Senate passed our bipartisan resolution to recognize April as National Native Plant Month and I look forward to celebrating native plants in Hawaii throughout the month,” said Senator Hirono.

Prior to its passage, this resolution gained widespread support across Ohio and the country. Supporters include: Ohio Native Plant Month , Arizona Native Plant Society, Aullwood Audubon, Cincinnati Nature Center, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Colorado Native Plant Society, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, Davey Resource Group, Inc, Dawes Arboretum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Florida Native Plant Society, The Garden Club of America, Great Healthy Yard Project, Keep America Beautiful, Klyn Nurseries, Inc., Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership, Lani-Kailua Branch of the Outdoor Circle, Longwood Gardens, Medina County Park District, National Audubon Society, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio, Native Plant Society of Oregon, Nature Conservancy, Nature Scoop, New York Botanical Garden, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Ohio Environmental Council, Pollinator Partnership, Great Lakes Region, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, University of Delaware, Utah Native Plant Society, Virginia Native Plant Society, Weed Wrangle®, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Wild Ones: Native Plants, Audubon Society of Ohio, Civic Garden Center, California Native Plant Society, Keep Ohio Beautiful, Montana Native Plant Society, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, The Wilderness Center, Washington Native Plant Society, Save Ohio Bees, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Coventry Township (Summit County, OH).

Watch The Wilderness Center’s Instagram and Facebook for interesting facts on native plants during the month of April. You can also attend upcoming programs that focus on native species:

Native Plant Sale

Nature Study Series

Wine and Wilderness: Spring Wildflowers

Earth Day Spring Flowers Walk

The Wilderness Center Awarded Visit Canton Recovery and Destination Development Grant For Nature Playscape

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 19:55:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center is pleased to announce that we’ve been awarded a Visit Canton Recovery and Destination Development Grant for the redesign and update to their Nature Playscape. Visit Canton, the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau (CVB), has awarded $296,368 in Recovery and Destination Development Grants, and we are honored to be one of the recipients.

A “playscape” is a natural landscape that supports children’s self-directed play and offers natural and created features designed to encourage children to explore and learn from the natural world while in a safe environment. Making natural environments available to children allows them the time and opportunity to explore, ask questions, and develop their innate sense of wonder. The original Nature Playscape at TWC was
created over 10 years ago.

“The Nature Playscape has been a wonderful feature at TWC, but we want to update and redesign it with new features based on the best available research on the science of outdoor play,” says Executive Director, Jeanne Gural. It is the intent of TWC to create a new playscape that will include play activities accessible to all children and their families, regardless of their physical capabilities or limitations.

Engineer Scott Ervin, who was a key designer of the original playscape, and Herb Broda, outdoor education expert, have worked closely to design new features including a water feature which will be used to educate children on how water flows through the environment, upgraded safety features, and equipment to develop large motor skills like balance beams and climbing equipment.

In addition, a significant improvement to the project will be to upgrade the parking and trail leading up to the Nature Playscape. “A focal reason for the proposed enhancements is to make the Nature Playscape more accessible so children (and adults) can more easily enjoy the spaces,” says Ervin, “Three handicapped parking spaces are proposed with a new ADA compliant asphalt path connecting the parking lot to the playscape.”

This update will benefit the parents and other caregivers in attendance, by providing access to natural areas, which may be limited for residents of suburban or urban areas, and provide physiological, social, and mental benefits. A recent study found that adults that utilize parks self-rated their health as being higher than those who did not utilize parks.

Nearby businesses, Amish Door Village and Lehman’s provided letters of support for the project. “Our staff at the Amish Door is frequently asked ‘What is there to do in the area?’” says Katy Gill, Marketing Coordinator for Amish Door Village. “There are many times that we have families or groups with us that want to try something new in our area, but they have someone with them that is physically limited. With the upgrade of the Nature Playscape, The Wilderness Center will be a great outdoor option for us to
share with families and groups of all shapes and sizes, limitations or no limitations.”

Construction of the project is set to begin in mid-February 2022. The Wilderness Center is still seeking partners to fully fund the project. In addition to donations of supplies, TWC is seeking financial support, part of which will be set aside in an account for upkeep, maintenance, and continued renovation of the Nature Playscape. Gural stresses, “Science has shown and is continuing to find how beneficial outdoor play and exposure to nature is for children. The Wilderness Center is proud to be a resource for that in our community and is dedicated to continuing that well into the future.”

If you are interested in supporting the Nature Playscape’s upgrade, please email Tiffany@WildernessCenter.org.

Big Cheers for Volunteers!

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 19:57:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center could not function without the work of volunteers. In 2021, 171 volunteers donated 3,445 hours to Education, Conservation and Community!

Other events and volunteer opportunities included:

Native Plant Sale: 37 volunteers worked 413 hours.
The Astronomy Club conducts public Star Watches, Dark Sky work and night hikes. Fifteen volunteers gave 398 hours.
Twenty-seven Wayne County Career Center students volunteered 60 hours in November on our grounds in our office.
Board Members are invited to serve as advisers and oversight of TWC. Twenty-one volunteers logged 336 hours.

Volunteers who gave over 100 hours of their time: Ron Barickman, David Gill, Tim Palaski, Steve Upperman, Tom Yoder.

Volunteers who gave over 30 hours of their time: Herb Broda, John Clevenger, Paul and Linda Davis, Judy Geiser, Barbara Gerken, Dave Herbster, Bill Kirchner, Nate Klaiber, Brenda Kohler, Tim and Paula Lavey, Brenda Linnick, Meredith Morgan, Tim Moriarty, Kathy Pang, Linda Peshoff, Bob Rossiter, Kent Rothermel, Lara Schmidt, Becky Soehnlen, Kathy Smith, Ron Wallick, James Wild, Wynn Yoder.

Are you interested in volunteering? Click Here to see what opportunities are available or email lynda@wildernesscenter.org.

Bringing Back a Wetland

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:55:00 GMT

Located along the eastern edge of Sigrist Woods, is a tract of land that was at one time farmland. This parcel of land extends down to the Fox Creek restoration area and was purchased by TWC several decades ago and was entered into the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program for early successional habitat in the early 2000’s. The bottomland of this property was drained by the use of subsurface drain tile. Through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, prior to our work on Fox Creek, we determined that this area was originally a wetland due to the soil type that was present. As part of the Fox Creek project, we interrupted the drain tile in order to restore the groundwater hydrology to the area. The following spring, water began to form pools.

By the second spring, spotted salamanders and wood frogs began using this site as breeding pools. However, with the reintroduction of historic hydrology to the site we also ended up having to contend a monoculture of a highly invasive wetland plant species known as reed canarygrass across the southern two-thirds of the wetland. Through the use of a careful herbicide application, we are seeing a number of sedge, and rush species returning to the site. The northern one-third of the wetlands is providing good wildlife cover, nesting and foraging habitat with a mix of dogwood, willows as well as a number of herbaceous plant species.

In the upland areas, invasive plant removal has also provided some very nice results in several habitat types. A grove of walnut trees with an herbaceous layer of primarily wingstem that is providing cover and nectaring resources for a number of native bee species. Early successional fields are also providing nesting, foraging and cover habitat. The Natural Resources Conservation Service reported that “the improvement to the wildlife habitat is amazing, they are getting secondary growth in the pine plantation area, increased native vegetation throughout the property, and greatly improved early successional wildlife habitat.”

Although the majority of the work our conservation staff goes un-noticed by most, we will continue to apply the best and most current science to all our projects in order to restore, enhance and protect Ohio’s native landscapes.

Popular Fall Events Returning to The Wilderness Center

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:06:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center (TWC) is pleased to announce the return of two annual events this fall and much of its regular programming. After a hiatus in 2020, TWC has reformulated the way some of its events are held to make them safer while still being fun for the community.

Nature Fest : First, on Sunday, September 12, 11am-4pm , TWC is bringing back its Nature Fest Art Show into the outdoor Nature Fest Artists’ Market featuring local artists selling their work, educational programs and activities, and a fun, outdoor festival to celebrate the beauty of our wilderness. “TWC has a long history of supporting and promoting local artists, craftspeople, and photographers. The art show was always about offering them an opportunity to support their passions,” says Development Coordinator, Tiffany Leeper. This event used to be held indoors in November but was moved outdoors and rescheduled for September. Local musicians will play throughout the event, food vendors will be on site, and visitors can shop from over 20 local artists and craftspeople. The event is free and open to the public.

Enchanted Forest : For two nights each October, the trails surrounding The Wilderness Center are filled with the laughter and excitement of families discovering the nocturnal creatures of the Enchanted Forest, and TWC is pleased to bring that excitement back in 2021.

This year at the Enchanted Forest, Slug, Bat, Salamander, Opossum, Spider, and Coyote will display their animal super powers. As guests are escorted along the pumpkin-lit trails by volunteer ‘fireflies,’ these friendly animals will sing songs, tell jokes and share stories of their impressive animal adaptations. Following this 45-minute walk, families can enjoy refreshments.

Children and adults are welcome to wear non-scary costumes. This year, TWC will offer evening times on Friday, October 8 and evening and afternoon times on Saturday, October 9 . Tickets will be available for purchase online to TWC members starting September 8 ^th and to the general public on September 15 ^th .

Bee Helpful! Conserve Pollinators!

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 15:48:00 GMT

The conservation effort for pollinators has been in the spotlight or some time now. They are a critical, keystone species for the natural habitats that support the food chain. Native bees have co-evolved with native plants in an intricate exchange of food for pollination services. Plants have showy flowers to attract insects, birds and bats for seed production. Pollinators are extremely important for the food we eat and agriculture crops. Wind pollinated plants like grass and evergreen trees can accomplish seed production without bees.

The workhorse of the pollinator world for agriculture is the well-known honeybee. Honeybees, imported during European settlement, are naturalized which means they live in hollow trees as well as managed hives. Their honey is harvested for us to enjoy! They are responsible for the pollination of most agricultural food crops. They are the bees we notice in our backyards.

We may also notice bumblebees. Those large, hairy, slow and low-flying bees of flower beds and the “weeds” of our lawn. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees are native. Like honeybees, bumblebees live a social life. The queen begins a colony each spring by making a pollen ball and honeypot. She lays an egg on the pollen ball and, since it is March and still cold, she sits on the egg and vibrates her body in order to generate heat for the egg. She drinks from the honeypot for energy. The new bumblebees are now the ones who build the nest, gather pollen for eggs while the queen stays in the hive. Bumblebee hives are smaller than honeybee hives. Bumblebees are not aggressive; they sting
only when stepped on or if the hive is disturbed.

Now if you have encountered an “aggressive” bumblebee, one that flies in your face or buzzes towards you, what you are seeing is likely the similar-looking carpenter bee. Large carpenter bees are big, but their abdomen (the section on the other end of the head), is not hairy like a Bumblebees. The ones that buzz you are the males. They cannot sting, but they are doing their best to defend territory. The females lay eggs in wood tunnels so males defend territory around wood that is not painted. I provide natural wood fencing and standing dead tree snags for their habitat.

Less noticed are the many different varieties of small native bees, all with interesting and remarkable life histories. The Small Carpenter Bee is about the size of an ant and slightly metallic. Females lay their eggs inside hollow, dead plant stems and are some of the early pollinators of our native plants. Mining bees lay their eggs in soil and line each cell with a waterproof substance. Allow standing dead stems in the early spring and plant bunch grasses for ground nesting bees to help bees complete their life cycle and important work.

The importance of pollinators is matched only in the incredible variety of ways they survive, reproduce and gather pollen. You can help increase pollinator populations in your landscape. Here’s how:
• Provide flowering plants that provide nectar from spring to fall.
• Allow clover to grow in your lawn and mow at 2-3 inches.
• Place dead plant stems in the compost pile, don’t burn them in the spring.
• Provide shallow water dishes with sloping sides especially during dry weather.
• Learn more about the amazing life cycles of bees or identify the ones visiting your flowers.
• Tell a friend how important bees are and spread the word for pollinator conservation!

Join us for the Perseid Meteor Shower

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 19:43:00 GMT

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and join The Wilderness
Center Astronomy Club for our annual Perseid meteor shower
watch on August 13. No special equipment is needed — just
your eyes. The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower of
the year. You should plan on staying for a while. The number
of Perseids visible will increase from about 10 p.m. all the
way through dawn when the radiant point will be nearly
overhead. Although there will be fewer meteors earlier in the
night, the ones that do appear will have longer tails as they
will be traveling through more atmosphere. The Perseids are
also known to be rich in fireballs which originate from larger
particles of comet debris and are larger explosions of light that
can last longer than the average meteor streak.

This year the Perseids will be active from July 17 to August 26
with the maximum occurring on the night of August 11 and
morning of August 12. Ideal conditions for observing meteor
showers are very dark skies free of moonlight or light pollution
with the radiant nearly overhead. This year the maximum
occurs three days after New Moon and the Moon will set just as
the meteors start to appear. For those with clear, dark skies and
no light pollution around 50 to 75 meteors per hour could be
seen. Being a few days after the peak we expect to see a few less
meteors, and who knows, maybe we will be richly rewarded for
our patience and see a fireball.

For those interested in seeing other wonders of the night sky,
Astronomy Club members will have their telescopes set up in
the parking lot to observe the Moon and other objects with you.
The Perseid meteor shower watch and all other observing are
cancelled if cloudy.

TWC Strategic Visioning: Designing Your Positive Experience With Wilderness

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:28:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center has been providing positive impacts to nature, the community, and education for almost 60 years. Our natural lands, wildlife, and rivers are facing more threats than ever. In order to adapt and stay relevant in this changing environment, TWC is listening to our community’s needs, wants, and priorities. We’ve partnered with local consultants from Enviroscience and Sustainable Economies Consulting for an in-depth look at how TWC can make positive impacts for our wilderness and our community.

It is important for us to create a plan moving forward with clear goals, strategic priorities, and actionable steps. This process will:

Fox Creek Restoration 2.0

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:14:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center is working with The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) stream mitigation team on a second restoration project on Fox Creek here in Wilmot. The project will restore more than 2,300 feet of Fox Creek, and more than six acres of wetlands and floodplain. Projects like this take longer than most people would expect, and involve the efforts of many different agencies and community partners.

We began in January with site visits from a half-dozen environmental consulting firms that developed proposals for the project. The proposals were reviewed by TNC team. TNC then submitted what they felt was the strongest proposal to TWC for our review. With the approval of the project design the work begins.

A full site assessment will now be completed to gain precise data on the current condition of the stream and surrounding wetlands. Wetland delineation will examine the soils and establish the boundaries of the wetland. The Ohio Rapid Assessment Methodology for wetlands (ORAM) will determine the physical qualities of the existing wetland and the surrounding landscape, and a Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) will evaluate the physical habitat of the stream. A highly precise onsite topographic survey will also be completed.

When the data collection and mapping is completed, engineers and hydogeomorphologists will prepare an intricate set of drawings and plans. Precise placement of stream features like riffles, runs and pools, as well as substrates within the stream channel, are known well before construction begins. Size, shape and depth of the wetland complex will also be determined.

Numerous federal and state agencies will be involved in the oversight and permitting. Approval for the project’s permits include the US Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE), Ohio EPA stream water general permit, and a FEMA floodplain permit. Consultation with the Ohio DNR, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Historic Preservation office is also completed. The Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District will inspect the project as it gets underway to insure that proper techniques are being used to alleviate stream sedimentation during the construction portion.

Once all permitting is completed, invasive plant species management will begin. Earth moving then begins to construct a stream channel that meanders within the floodplain, as well as the restoration of the wetlands complex. This is highly detailed work in which the elevations of the stream bed and wetlands are precisely known (+ 0.253 ft. for the streambed and + 0.10 ft. for the wetlands).

Plantings within the area will include more than 20 native species of trees, shrubs, sedges and rushes. Other areas like this that have been converted from wetlands to farmland and then restored back to wetlands have shown that a number of seeds from wetland plant species that were originally there, the seedbank, can and do germinate when conditions are right! It will be interesting to see what might come back following the completion of the project.

Another exciting part of the project is a fish passage at the culvert that allows the stream to flow under Alabama Ave. This will allow for various fish species from Sugar Creek to move back upstream to the restoration area.

If all goes according to plan, the project should be completed in the late fall of 2022, and we look forward to sharing the progress with you along the way.

College of Wooster students discover TWC’s Fox Creek restoration

Thu, 27 May 2021 21:04:00 GMT

Congratulations to students from the College of Wooster who created the following video describing our Fox Creek restoration! We enjoyed working with you.

Discover Black Holes

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:06:00 GMT

Join us Saturday, May 15, 2021, on The Wilderness Center’s YouTube channel for this year’s Astronomy Day, where we will host a live event to learn about the most mysterious objects in the universe – black holes. A stellar lineup of speakers will explain what we know about black holes and the on-going research by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration and the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration to further our understanding.

LIGO Observatories

Our first speaker is Dr. Patrick Durrell, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University. Dr. Durrell’s presentation is titled “Black Holes Both Big and Small.” Dr. Durrell will highlight some of what we know about these strange objects, including stellar-mass black holes that come from stellar evolution, and the much larger supermassive black holes that reside in the centers of most galaxies. He will also focus on how we find these different kinds of black holes.

Frame from merging black hole simulation

Our second speaker is Dr. Keith Riles, H. Richard Crane Professor of Physics, at the University of Michigan. Dr. Riles leads the Michigan Gravitational Wave Group and is a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration that made the September 2015 discovery of merging black holes. The Michigan Group is an integral part of the LIGO Scientific collaboration. The era of gravitational wave astronomy began with a bang on September 14, 2015 via the discovery of a massive binary black hole merger by the two LIGO detectors. Since that first detection, many more black hole mergers have been observed by LIGO and by its partner the VIRGO detector in Italy. Dr. Riles’ presentation is titled, “Detecting Invisible Black Holes with Gravitational Waves.” Dr. Riles will present groundbreaking discoveries learned from these detections and the prospects for future detections.

First ever recorded image of a black hole

Our third speaker is Dr. Angelo Ricarte, post-doctoral fellow at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the Black Hole Initiative. As a member of the EHT collaboration, he is an expert in making polarized images of plasma swirling around black holes. Dr. Ricarte’s presentation is titled, “Imaging Black Holes with the Event Horizon Telescope.” The EHT collaboration produced the first resolved image of the black hole at the center of galaxy M87. Dr. Ricarte will discuss these EHT observations and what has been learned about the black hole’s accretion flow. As there is more science yet to be done, he will discuss future steps – including ambitious ideas to extend the EHT by going into space.

Event Horizon Telescope Global Network

Astronomy Day black hole kits will be available for kids. The kits will include black hole information, materials to build a model black hole and a Pringle can planetarium, pages to make your own black hole book and black hole coloring pages. The kits are suggested for kids in grades 2 through 5, but younger and older kids may enjoy the activities too. Kits are free, but limited. Call The Wilderness Center to reserve your kit. Kits will be available for pick up beginning on May 8.

Mark your calendars for May 15 and enjoy our speakers and activity kits with the whole family.

Farewell, friend

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:08:00 GMT

The Wilderness Center was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of TWC board member Tim Fritz. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as the many community members whose lives he touched.

The Fritz family legacy stretches back to before the founding of The Wilderness Center in 1964, when Arnold Fritz, Tim’s father, and his Malone College colleague Dr. Charles King dreamt about creating a nature center in northeast Ohio. Arnold served the Center for many years in many capacities. During our first 10 years in operation, Arnold served as the President of the Board, guiding the Center’s growth and development. Arnold and Charlie started the education program the Center is best-known for today, leading many classes and hikes themselves.

Reflecting on the early days of his 32 years as executive director of TWC (1981- 2013), Gordon Maupin recalls sitting in the office reviewing mounting bills with TWC’s President, when Arnold tilted his head back and wistfully wished it was possible for the Center to run on solar power. It was that moment which inspired the dedication of the Arnold Fritz Solar Array in 2011, which Maupin considers a monument to the whole family.

“The Wilderness Center and everything it has become is really a testament Arnold’s passion and the support of the entire Fritz family, including Tim,” said Maupin.

As Arnold Fritz worked tirelessly to establish our fledgling nature center, his wife Jean, and sons Tim and Brian were frequently by his side. Tim quite literally grew up at TWC, coming along with his parents to participate in everything from maintenance projects, to programs, to fundraisers.

“Tim once told me that the one thing he really remembered about those early days was that his father had such a heart for The Wilderness Center.” Ken Schlegel, retired maintenance supervisor of 42 years, recalled.

Tim found that heart, too, stepping forward to take up his father’s mantle by joining the Board of Trustees of The Wilderness Center in 2018. Sadly he was able to serve only one term, as Tim suffered a heart attack and passed away suddenly on February 23, ^, 2021.

“The staff and board are deeply saddened by this loss and express our deepest condolences to Tim’s family,” said Executive Director Jeanne Gural. “We will forever remember the legacy of the Fritz family, and will work hard to make sure their dream will endure.”

Tim will be laid to rest beneath an oak tree in the Foxfield Preserve, forever remaining at the special place that meant so much to his family, and showing a love for our natural world even in his final act. Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to TWC on Saturday, March 20, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The family will be in our Lakeview Shelter and visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles for a safe, drive-through open house.