During the fall and winter seasons, we often witness waterfowl in southern Ohio without taking into consideration the migration that is going on around us. Many birds use this area as a temporary home during their migration. Throughout this migration period, Southern Ohio becomes home to numerous species, which come from northern states and Canadian […]

As the self-proclaimed authority on everything, the Internet has a day for just about any occasion. It’s only logical that November 17 was deemed National Take a Hike Day. Of course, with 78 miles of nature, paved, fitness, horse and mountain bike trails at Great Parks, this is the perfect day to get outside and explore […]

With autumn here at last, the weather is growing colder, and the days shorter. Fall isn’t just the season of pumpkin spice-flavored everything, however. It’s also one of the best times to look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. Falling leaves make it easier to spot roosting birds, especially when the now-bare branches are backlit by […]

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 a small sapling. I rarely find this insect, and was surprised to see multiples in one spot. They are a […]

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, goldenrod. Goldenrods are members of one of the largest plant families in the world, Asteraceae. There are about 60 different […]

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 of a healthy ecosystem. She interacted with well over 50,000 people in her 32-year tenure with Great Parks. Missy wasn’t […]

    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 native fruits in the Midwest, and can often be found in great abundance ­– if one knows where to search. […]

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 my expectations, and are beginning to overwhelm my kitchen and pantry. (Despite years of gardening for a family of three, […]