Education
White-lined Sphinx Moth
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 07/03/2024
It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are celebrating the upcoming Independence Day holiday with our national symbol, 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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 06/26/2024
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.…
Read MoreJune 2024 Full Strawberry Moon
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 06/19/2024
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 06/12/2024
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…
Read MoreSnapping Turtle
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 06/05/2024
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…
Read MoreSlow Mow Summer
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.
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 05/29/2024
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. Popular culture has historically depicted tossing bread, crackers, and popcorn to the endearing goslings and ducklings…
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