In 2003, the state of Ohio had an estimated 3.8 billion ash trees existing in our forests, woodlots and in our own backyards. Today, that is not the case. The emerald ash borer (EAB) has swept across our state at record pace and is wiping out ash trees where they stand. EAB was first detected near Toledo […]

The milkweed is blooming, the milkweed is blooming! Why all of the excitement? Common milkweed is a favorite plant for more than 450 species of aphids, bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths and more. Whether these insects are using it as a nursery for their larvae to munch on once hatched or sipping nectar from the […]

The fourth Great Parks’ Bass Series tournament of 2017, presented by Bass Pro Shops, was held at Winton Woods Lake on Sunday, July 9. The father and son team of Mike and Brent Jones set the bar, and 30 other teams tried to keep up, but in the end no one could not catch them! […]

If I asked you to draw a picture of a ladybug, could you do it? The ladybug is easily one of the most recognizable insects in the world. In many cultures across the globe, it is also seen as a symbol of luck and good fortune. Unfortunately, over the past 20 years native ladybugs that […]

The raccoon is a very unique animal. Its behavior and look are so interesting, that people took raccoons from their native home in North America and released them in Europe where they can now be quite a nuisance. Because of its immigrant status, each of the raccoon’s new-found countries gives it a local name. Almost […]

Each Great Park has its own maintenance crew to handle day-to-day tasks, such as cutting the grass, cleaning picnic areas and getting rid of trash in our parks. What most people don’t know is that we also have a specialized crew that travels to every park. This crew focuses on specific projects that fall outside […]

As a Great Parks’ naturalist for the past 18 years, one thing I have noticed lately is how difficult it can be to pull children and adults away from electronic devices long enough to enjoy the great outdoors. Rather than fighting the challenge, I have found a way to embrace it. Great Parks is jumping […]

Steve and Matt Wheeler of Cincinnati, Ohio, were the winners of the Great Parks’ Bass Series Tournament sponsored by Bass Pro Shop on Saturday, May 20, 2017. The 2016 Bass Anglers of The Year once again proved their fishing skill against a strong field of 56 other anglers. They only managed four keepers, but they […]