August 2025 Full Sturgeon Moon

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 07/30/2025

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 07/23/2025

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…

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Northern Ring-Necked Snakes

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 07/16/2025

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 07/09/2025

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…

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31st Annual Foto Fest Winners

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…

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July 2025 Full Buck Moon

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 07/02/25

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…

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Wildlife Wednesday 06/25/25

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…

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