Wildlife Wednesday 09/11/2024
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…
Read MorePandorus Sphinx Moth
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 09/04/2024
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 08/28/2024
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 08/21/2024
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! 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…
Read MoreAugust 2024 Full Sturgeon Moon
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 08/14/2024
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 08/07/2024
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…
Read MoreBats & Dark Skies
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…
Read MoreWildlife Wednesday 07/31/2024
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…
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