A Stick That Walks?
While out on a hike recently, I came across a neat discovery of a moving stick. What could it be? A northern walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata)! Not just one, but about six of them gathered together on…
Monarchs Reign Again
For the last 33 years, Great Parks has conducted a butterfly count in the western Hamilton County parks headed by former Great Parks Ranger and current VIP Bob Nuhn, in collaboration with the North American Butterfly…
There’s Gold in The Hills!
Around the same time every year — late summer through early fall — our fields, meadows, prairies and wetlands take on a golden-yellow hue. This color change is primarily caused by a priceless pollinator plant,…
Saying Farewell to a Great Parks Legend
Earlier in the summer, we at Great Parks said goodbye to our old friend and co-worker, Missy. Missy was responsible for training nature interpreters to work with birds of prey and teaching children the importance…
Pawpaws: America’s Hidden Fruit
Native to Ohio and found along shady hillsides, the pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) will soon begin producing its highly sought-after fruit. The pawpaw fruit is unique, as it’s one of the only large…
Tomatoes and Cucumbers and Zucchini, Oh My!
As August ends and the warm weather persits, home gardens are still going full throttle. The cute, little tomato, cucumber and zucchini plants I optimistically tucked into the ground in the spring have exceeded all…
Great Parks Great Reading Recommendations
It may not be an official holiday, but September 6 is a holiday for bibliophiles: National Read a Book Day. Of course, every day is a great day to read a book! But, in honor of this…