More often heard than seen, coyotes have established quite a population in Ohio. Interestingly enough, these intelligent, adaptable animals were not found in our state originally. However, since the 1960s, coyotes have become more and more “urbanized.” They’ve even been known to live – and thrive – in downtown Chicago! Coyotes have found a way […]

Woodland Mound is home to a few vernal pools, which began teeming with life in March. Vernal pools are temporary ponds, typically forming in the spring, that serve as a habitat and incubator for certain insects and amphibians. Frogs and toads were singing relentlessly near the vernal ponds around Seasongood Nature Center and piquing the […]

“So you’re a naturalist?  What exactly do you do?” Every time someone asks me this question, my initial response is “That depends upon the day!” Like many people, a day on the job for me might include answering telephone calls and emails. However, the ones I get are usually about a baby bird found in […]

Welcome back, fellow cachers! In April, you learned about the game of geocaching. In May, you picked up some pointers about finding your first geocache. I hope you’ve had a chance to try this fun hobby and have checked out some of the 150+ caches hidden in the Great Parks. Now, it’s time for some […]

Whether walking along its banks or paddling in its waters, spending some time around the Ohio River affords an excellent opportunity to see wildlife. River corridors attract a wide variety of animals that may be seeking relief from the summer heat, looking for a bite to eat or trying to fulfill other habitat needs. Although […]

“Tess! Tess!” my four year-old nephew shouted.“The mud, it’s changed, it’s changed to dirt!” Over the past month, my four nephews and I have been exploring my parents’ backyard.  Every day we discover new life, with my twin nephews usually leading the expedition. Together, we discovered that the spring thaw revealed very hungry goldfish in […]

Hello Friend! How are you today? Have you been outside? Oh yes, I know the weather can be unpredictable in Cincinnati, but you should try to be outside. Why you ask? Because nature is calling. No, no – not in the way that you’re thinking. It calls you in a completely different way. The trees […]

Sometimes it’s nice to take a moment from our busy lives and just appreciate nature. Take a walk in the woods, listen to the quiet and smell spring. This time of year reminds me of a poem by Everett E. Eckstein. Born in Shelby, Ohio, Everett attended Wittenberg University in Springfield and lived and worked […]