OCVN Toledo Area February 2014

Calendar of Volunteer and Educational Events

Registration for State OCVN conference: http://ocvn.osu.edu/state-conference https://www.facebook.com/Ocvn2014StateConference

Feb. 1 Public Stewardship Day at Oak Openings Preserve, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Meet at Beuhner Center. Metroparks Land Steward, Steve Leffel, will be leading a seasonally appropriate outdoor work project.

Dressed for the weather, and prepared with long pants, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Feb. 1, 15 Eagle Tour, Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon & 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Back roads bus tour of ONWR. Reservations required. Call 419-898-0014 to save your spot. Tours are offered on selected Saturdays and Wednesdays. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

Saturdays: Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar. 29; Wednesdays: Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19

Feb. 2 Monthly Bird Survey, Sunday, 8:00 a.m., Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, meet at trailhead parking lot http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

Feb. 4 Greenhouse Help, Tues., 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Reuthinger Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg Come help us transplant native plants in the Greenhouse. No experience is needed! Repeated on Feb. 18 http://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/

Feb. 5, 19 Eagle Tour, Wed., 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon & 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Back roads bus tour of ONWR. Reservations required. Call 419-898-0014 to save your spot. Tours are offered on selected Wednesdays and Saturdays. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

Wednesdays: Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19; Saturdays: Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Mar. 29

Feb. 5 Bird Study: Waterfowl, Wed., 7:00 p.m., Wildwood, Metroparks Hall Divers and dabblers, migrants and winter visitors—get a closer look at our water loving birds.

The Bird Study group meets the first Wednesday of the month for an in-depth look at bird structures, behaviors, and species. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Feb. 5 PBS Nature: An Original Duckumentary, Wed. 8:00 p.m., WGTE; See how much you know about ducks.

Feb. 7, 14 Birds of Woodlawn, Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Woodlawn Cemetery, 1502 W. Central Ave., Toledo

21, 28 Walks led by Patty Toneff and Sherry Plessner. The cemetery is part of the Lake Erie Birding Trail. 419-472-2186, patty.toneff@historic-woodlawn.com http://www.historic-woodlawn.com/calendar.html

Feb. 8 Birders of a Feather, Saturday, 8:00 a.m., Fransworth Metropark, enclosed Picnic Shelter

This birding group meeting monthly at different Metroparks. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Feb. 8 Raptor Research Project, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Wildwood Preserve, Ward Pavilion Attend the 2014 season "kickoff" meeting to learn about ways to help with the long-term efforts of monitoring breeding raptors in the Oak Openings Region of northwest Ohio. Volunteer Naturalist, Steve Lauer, highlights research findings, as well as species information and identification techniques. This meeting is strongly recommended for new volunteers interested in taking part in the study, as well as current volunteers that would like a review of the information. New volunteers who wish to participate are asked to attend this meeting and/or the field training session in March, submit or have on file a current Metroparks Volunteer application, and sign up for at least three raptor bio-blitz days in March, April and/or May. Current volunteers are not required to attend a training, but will be asked to sign up for at least three raptor bio-blitz days. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Feb. 8 Trees in Winter, Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Stranahan Arboretum, Tantara Rd., Toledo OH Join Denise Gehring for a winter walk to appreciate the beauty of trees in winter. Look closer at their silhouettes, buds, and bark to identify several tree and shrub species even without leaves. Bring a magnifying glass if you have one. Register at programs@olanderpark.com

Feb. 9 Blue Goose Bus Tour, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Join a ranger for a behind the scenes access to closed areas of the refuge. Must register: 419-898-0014 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

Feb. 11 WildOnes: Black Swamp Conservancy, Tues., 7:00 p.m., Olander Park, Nederhouser Hall, Sylvania Rob Krain and Sara Brokamp from the Black Swamp Conservancy will explain the role of this organization in

protecting over 13,000 acres of farm and natural areas, private and public, in Northwest Ohio. Wild Ones Oak Openings chapter monthly meeting. Open to the public. http://oakopenings.wildones.org/events/

Feb. 12 PBS Nature: Animal House, Wed. 8:00 p.m., WGTE; Peek inside animal homes around the world.

Feb. 15 & 16 Self guided auto tour, Sat. & Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Maps available in the Visitors Center. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa/

Feb. 15 Owls Return, Sat. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., National Center for Nature Photography, Secor Metropark Nature's Nursery will return to the NCNP on the final weekend of "The Owl & The Woodpecker" exhibit by

bringing native owls from their educational program to the gallery. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Feb. 15 Impact of mass littering on wildlife populations, Sat., 7:30 p.m., Andersons Activity Center, 1833 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Toledo. Monthly Toledo Naturalist Association meeting; Free and open to the public. This presentation will be given by Delaney Hayes, Ohio Young Birders Association member and Kate Zimmerman, Education Director, Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Feb. 18 Greenhouse Help, Tues., 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Reuthinger Preserve, 30730 Oregon Road, Perrysburg Come help us transplant native plants in the Greenhouse. No experience is needed! http://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/

Feb. 18 Monthly Bird Count at Magee Marsh, Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.; meet at Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center Typically scheduled the third Tuesday of the month. For more info: 419-898-0960 http://www.friendsofmageemarsh.org/calendar.php

Feb. 19 Purple Martins, Wed., 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. webinar, Presenter: Paula Ziebarth A true native bird to the North American continent, Purple Martins lived here at least twelve thousand years ago, before the first people arrived in the New World. Today, east of the Rockies, Purple Martins are totally dependent on humans to supply them with nesting sites. Learn why and how you may be able to attract your own colony of these highly coveted birds to nest on your property. Learn some myths and facts about North America’s largest swallow. Webinars are held on the third Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm. All webinars are free. Sponsored by Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative. Register: http://obcinet.org/lunchwiththebirds/

Feb. 20 Lake Erie Center Lecture, Thurs. 7:00 p.m. Donald Schloesser, USGS Great Lakes Science Center. "Restoration of burrowing mayflies in western Lake Erie: Have we jumped the gun?"

UT Lake Erie Center, room 155, 6200 Bayshore Rd., Oregon, OH 43616, 419.530.8360 lakeeriecenter@utoledo.edu

Feb. 21, 22 Volunteer Naturalist Training, Fri. 1:00 – 3:30 p.m., Swan Creek, Yager Center Repeated on Saturday, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Register http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/ Monthly nature walk with Kim High: OCVN, Walk Leaders, Volunteer Trail Patrol, & all Metroparks volunteers.

Feb. 22 Toledo GROWs Annual Seed Swap, Sat. 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m., Woodward High School, 701 E. Central Ave. Toledo http://www.toledogarden.org/?page_id=494

Feb. 22 Woody Plant Removal, Sat., 10:00 a.m., Beaver Creek Preserve, parking area, Come help us remove unwanted Woody plant material from the park. We will provide all the tools, and no experience needed! Beaver Creek Preserve, 23028 Long Judson Road, Grand Rapids

http://reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org/programs/

Feb. 23 Volunteer Adventures/Workdays, Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon, Olander Park, Maintenance Bldg, Sylvania Join us to restore wildlife habitat in Sylvania. Wear long pants and bring gloves if you have them. All necessary tools provided by TOPS. Volunteers will need transportation to the worksite. For more info: Erika.Buri, 419-882-8313 eburi@olanderpark.com http://olanderpark.com/

Feb. 28 Winter Identification of Summer Wildflowers, Fri. 4:00 p.m., Swan Creek, Yager Center Monthly Field Studies for Adults http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Raptor Research Project

Feb. 8, 2014 9:00 a.m.

Wildwood Preserve, Ward Pavilion

Raptors are very important indicators of ecosystem health. Attend this 2014 season "kickoff" meeting to learn about ways to help with the long-term efforts of monitoring breeding raptors in the Oak Openings Region of northwest Ohio. Volunteer Naturalist, Steve Lauer, highlights research findings, as well as species information and identification techniques. This meeting is strongly recommended for new volunteers interested in taking part in the study, as well as current volunteers that would like a review of the information. New volunteers who wish to participate are asked to attend this meeting and/or the field training session in March, submit or have on file a current Metroparks Volunteer application, and sign up for at least three raptor bio-blitz days in March, April and/or May. Current volunteers are not required to attend a training,

but will be asked to sign up for at least three raptor bio-blitz days. http://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/

Butterfly Exhibit at Toledo Zoo

January 17 to March 2, 2014 Great Hall in the Museum of Science

This free-flight exhibit is free with regular Zoo admission.

Gulf Fritillary Julia Queen (related to Monarch)

Photo: Angie Benner Photo: Jim Schulz Photo: Angie Benner

White Peacock Zebra longwing Great Southern White Photo: Angie Benner Photo: Jay Hemdal Photo: Robina Weills

There are more than 17,000 butterflies world-wide; approximately 725 in the U.S. and about 135 in Ohio. There are 23 endangered butterfly species in the U.S. and 7 endangered species in Ohio. Most are endangered due to habitat loss.

The Toledo Zoo is a leader in butterfly conservation. The Toledo Zoo’s conservation efforts support the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly and Mitchell’s Satyr butterfly, plus the State endangered Purplish Copper butterfly and Swamp Metalmark butterfly.

National Center for Nature Photography Secor Metropark

Open Saturdays & Sundays Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibits end Sunday, Feb. 16 The Owl & The Woodpecker by Paul Bannick

Trees: A Photographic Celebration by Ian Adams A View From the Light: Nature Photography by Maggi Dandar

NCNP will close for renovations beginning Saturday, Feb. 22

Neotropical Songbird Migration & How to Birdscape Your Yard

Saturday, March 8, 2014 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Simpson Garden Park, 1291 Conneaut Avenue, Bowling Green, OH

Speakers: Tom Kemp, Toledo Naturalist Association & David Sheidler, North Branch Nursery

Free & Open to the Public

Presented by the Bowling Green Tree Commission Questions - Please Call: David S. Bienemann, Arborist, City of Bowling Green, 419-353-4101

Upcoming State and Regional Events

https://www.facebook.com/Ocvn2014StateConference

Ohio Natural History Conference Promoting the Science of Natural History

Saturday, February 15, 2014 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Ohio History Center, Ohio Historical Society

800 E. 17th Ave.

Columbus, Ohio 43211

Sponsored by the Ohio Biological Survey

Register on-line: http://www.ohiobiologicalsurvey.org/

2014 Ohio Bluebird Society Annual Education Conference

Finding Your Happiness in Nature – the Domino Effect of Bluebirding

Saturday February 22 For more info visit: http://www.ohiobluebirdsociety.org/

3rd Ohio Reptile Research & Conservation Conference Sponsored by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Saturday, March 8, 2014 Ohio Historical Society Center, Columbus, Ohio

Featuring keynote speaker: Dr. Whit Gibbons, author of Their Blood Runs Cold.

REGISTER NOW (Registration closes February 28) http://www.ohioreptiles.org/

Speakers from around the State will present findings of recent research and conservation projects involving Ohio’s snakes, lizards, and turtles. The Ohio Reptile Research & Conservation Conference is held every four years, alternating with an amphibian-themed conference. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Ohio’s reptiles and network with others in the field. The target audience includes amateur and professional biologists and naturalists, as well as students and others interested in Ohio’s natural heritage.

The registration cost ($35; $20 for students) includes admission to the conference, lunch, a 2014 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, and all conference materials.

If you have questions, you can contact Jan Caron (OCVN 2011), janmikeohio@aol.com Or email toledoherps@gmail.com, http://toledoherps.org/

Wildlife Diversity Conference March 12, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Aladdin Shrine Complex, Columbus, Ohio

To Register: http://ohiodnr.gov/Wildlife/DiversityRegistration/

Environmental Education Council of Ohio Annual Conference

March 27-29, 2014 Deer Creek State Park Lodge

For more information: https://eeco.wildapricot.org/ https://eeco.wildapricot.org/events?eventId=727526&EventViewMode=EventDetails

17th Annual Butterfly Identification and Monitoring Workshop

Saturday, March 29, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton, OH 45414

Fee: $15

Registration Deadline: March 21 http://www.ohiolepidopterists.org/bflymonitoring/

Sponsored by Ohio Lepidopterists, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Ohio Biological Survey

Vernal Pool Workshop

Saturday, April 5, 2014 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center

Sponsored by the Ohio Environmental Council

Each participant will receive:

OEC’s field guide “Ohio Hidden Wonders: A Guide to the Animals & Plants of Vernal Pools” - a $25

value!

Frog and toad call CD

Monitoring forms

Vernal pool fact cards

$25 for OEC members and Ohio Wetlands Association members

$30 for non members, includes 1-year membership to both OEC and OWA

Deadline to register is March 29

Register on-line: http://www.theoec.org/events/vernal-pool-workshop-northwest-ohio

http://nairegion4.weebly.com/

The 2014 Regional workshop for the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) will be April 14th – 18th. You do not have to be a member to come to the workshop. All the workshops are just fabulous, and this one is close by! If you go to just one workshop this year, make it the NAI one! This always counts for continuing education hours. Registration should be available sometime soon.

Check http://nairegion4.weebly.com/ for more information. If you have any questions about what one of these conferences are like, please contact Eileen at ottertrk95@gmail.com

Record Your Volunteer Hours

Certification Requirements: 40 hours of approved volunteer service projects (Lucas County: at least 30 hrs of the 40 hrs must be with Metroparks of the Toledo Area)

Recertification Requirements: 20 hours of volunteer time annually, at any approved site 8 hours of continuing education

Record All your hours at http://ocvn.osu.edu/volunteer-hours-0

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program Mission

To promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources through science-based education and community service.

Volunteer at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteers provide their skills and energy to habitat restoration, clean-up projects, school programs, operations

of facilities, trail construction and maintenance, office work, and wildlife monitoring. Contact the Refuge office

for volunteer opportunities: 419-898-0014 or ottawa@fws.gov.

Volunteer at Magee Marsh

If you are interested in volunteering at Magee Marsh, contact ODNR Specialist Mary Warren at 419-898-0960, ext. 31 or email mary.warren@dnr.state.oh.us For more info visit http://www.friendsofmageemarsh.org/

Volunteer at Nature’s Nursery

Assist with the feeding and care of the animals (4 hours a week). We provide all your training so you will feel

comfortable and qualified to do your job. http://www.natures-nursery.org/Volunteer.html

Download a volunteer application at http://www.natures-nursery.org/uploads/Volunteer_Application_Form.pdf

Volunteer at Metroparks of the Toledo Area

Visit the Metroparks of the Toledo Area website for a complete list of volunteer opportunities: http://www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/getconnected/index.asp?page_id=523

The Olander Park System Seeks Trail Volunteers

The Olander Park System is looking for volunteers to patrol park trails and serve as informational guides

in Olander Park, Fossil Park, and Sylvan Prairie Park in Sylvania.

For more information contact Park Assistant Manager Robin Parker at 567-218-6239, rparker@olanderpark.com