April 2023 Newsletter
Happy Spring wishes from all of us at Ohio Nature Education. We hope you are taking time out to enjoy the woodcocks peenting and the chorus frogs and spring peepers calling. Waterfowl migration is underway, and our feeders are filled with the calls of returning Red-winged blackbirds and grackles. Speaking of grackles please enjoy one of my favorite poems written by our longtime volunteer and founding member, Phyllis Gubanc.
Ode to a Grackle
I think that I shall never tackle
A bird as feisty as a grackle.
They strut like sailors home on leave.
The gentler birds are clearly peeved.
And yet, with eyes so sharply bright
And plumage like the velvet night,
They wring from me a grudging grin.
And though I think it's quite a sin
To watch them shovel up my seed
I cater to their every need
As if they were the noblest lords
Instead of mere marauding hordes.
Changing Birds at Deer Haven Park
We hope that you’ve been enjoying our Barred and Great horned owls at Deer Haven Park this winter. However, they’ll be heading back to Johnstown around April 4th. In exchange, we will transfer the Red-tailed hawks, Red-shouldered hawks and Turkey vultures for your viewing enjoyment. This project is part of our continuing partnership with Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
Save the Date
May 26-28 at Crowne Plaza North located at 6500 Doubletree Ave.
We are honored and excited to be the non-profit charity for this year’s AnthrOhio convention. AnthrOhio is an annual furry convention located in Columbus, Ohio, sporting a relaxed atmosphere, tons of free food out of hospitality, and an attendance of over 1,000. The 2023 theme is “To the Fur-Flung Regions of Space”!
Ohio Nature Education will be in attendance all three days offering various panels (programs), photo opportunities with some of our education ambassadors, sale and auction items, including animal-themed baskets, stickers, pins, and more! This is a family event, so bring the kids and support our mission and have fun!
For more information about this convention and to register, please visit http://anthrohio.org
SEE YOU THERE!
Additional Speakers Headed Your Way
We knew the time would come that we’d get more requests for formal programs than Mrs. Van could handle. That time has come and because we want to continue to bring you fun, entertaining and informative programs we are proud to welcome Suzan Jervey & Kim Banks to the fold. Below are their bios.
Meet Kim
I am a proud lifelong nature nerd! I live in Clintonville with my dog, cat, tarantula and a husband where we attempt, despite the herd of deer living in our yard, to maintain a native garden. I like to keep busy and am usually working 2-3 jobs to pay the bills! I volunteer at Ohio House Rabbit rescue doing adoptions and taking care of bunnies. When possible, I escape to our cabin outside Athens to bird, botanize and watch moths. A professional naturalist in the past, I have missed sharing the wonders of nature with the public and look forward to doing presentations for Ohio Nature Education!
Meet Suzan
Suzan grew up in Columbus and graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in natural resources and a MS in agricultural education. Her career included working at ODNR, Miami SWCD, public schools, and she retired as senior naturalist with Columbus Metro Parks. Suzan lives with her dog and 2 cats and she spent lots of her time in Licking County at her family’s cabin.
Welcome our Summer Interns
In addition, we will be welcoming two New Albany High School students this summer as they complete their graduation requirements.
Meet Danny
My name is Danny Schubach and I use he/him pronouns. I’m 17 years old, but will be 18 in August. I’m autistic and I have a strong passion for birds. I have many pets, including: 3 birds, 3 dogs, 2 hermit crabs, and a fish tank. I want to be an exotic veterinarian when I’m done with school, which is why I’m fulfilling my school volunteering requirement here.
Meet Madeline
Madeline is a current junior at New Albany High School, and is very excited to have the opportunity to intern with Ohio Nature Education this summer! When not busy with her schoolwork, Madeline enjoys participating in her school's theatre program, writing for a local community magazine, being involved with her church, and spending time with her family and dogs. She hopes to become either a biologist/zoologist or a physical therapist, while continuing to foster her love of writing and pursue her faith.
If you know anyone that is looking for an internship please have them contact Mrs. Van at mvs@ohionature.org
It’s going to be a busy spring and summer. Check us out on social media to see where we’ll be next.