Posts by Sarah Watson
Wildlife Wednesday 01/21/2026
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…
Read MoreCoyotes
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 01/14/2026
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 01/07/2026
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,…
Read MoreJanuary 2026 Full Wolf Moon
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 12/31/2025
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…
Read MoreThe State of Conservation at TWC Part 2: Beneath the Canopy– A Peek into Forest Quality
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 12/24/2025
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…
Read MoreWinter Solstice 2025
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 12/17/2025
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…
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